Best 21 Breweries in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
Illinois is home to some of the best breweries in the country, with a rich history and diverse economy that make it a microcosm of the United States. The state boasts a collection of award-winning breweries that offer a variety of craft beers, from old-world brewing traditions to rotating beers that showcase the latest trends in the craft movement.
Craft beer enthusiasts will find plenty of options to choose from in Illinois, with over 200 breweries scattered throughout the state. From small microbreweries to large craft breweries, Illinois has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a classic Midwest lager or an innovative American micro style, there’s a brewery in Illinois that can satisfy your taste buds.
With a focus on quality beer-making and a commitment to the craft, the best breweries in Illinois are leading the way in the craft beer industry. Offering a wide range of craft beers, from traditional styles to experimental brews, these breweries are at the forefront of the craft beer movement. So, if you’re looking for the best breweries in Illinois, look no further than the ones that are dedicated to producing the highest quality craft beers in the state.
Chicago’s Breweries
Illinois is known for its great breweries, and Chicago is no exception. Here are some of the best breweries in Chicago that are worth visiting.
Goose Island Brewery
Goose Island Brewery is one of the most iconic breweries in Chicago. It was founded in 1988 and has since become a household name in the beer industry. The brewery is known for its award-winning beers, including the popular Goose IPA and the Bourbon County Stout. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and sample some of their delicious beers.
Website: http://www.gooseisland.com/
Address: 1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Half Acre Beer Company
Half Acre Beer Company is a popular brewery located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. The brewery was founded in 2006 and has since become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Their flagship beer, Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, is a must-try for anyone visiting the brewery. Half Acre also offers tours of their brewery and taproom.
Website: https://halfacrebeer.com/
Address: 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing is another popular brewery located in Logan Square. The brewery was founded in 2010 and has quickly become one of the most recognized breweries in the city. Their flagship beer, Anti-Hero IPA, is a favorite among beer enthusiasts. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and enjoy some of their delicious beers in the taproom.
Website: https://revbrew.com/
Address: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States
Mikerphone Brewing
Mikerphone Brewing is a relatively new brewery located in Elk Grove Village, just outside of Chicago. The brewery was founded in 2015 and has quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and flavorful beers. Their flagship beer, Smells Like Bean Spirit, is a coffee-infused stout that is a must-try for any beer lover.
Website: http://www.mikerphonebrewing.com/
Address: 121 Garlisch Dr, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007, USA
Metropolitan Brewing
Metropolitan Brewing is a German-inspired brewery located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago. The brewery was founded in 2009 and is known for its traditional lagers and ales. Visitors can take a tour of the brewery and enjoy some of their delicious beers in the taproom.
Chicago is home to some of the best breweries in the country, and these are just a few of the many great options. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, be sure to check out these breweries and sample some of their delicious beers.
Website: https://metrobrewing.com/
Address: 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Craft Breweries Across Illinois
Triptych Brewing
Triptych Brewing is located in Savoy, Illinois, and is known for its experimental and unique brews. They have a rotating selection of beers on tap, including several limited edition and seasonal options. Some of their popular brews include the Dank Meme IPA, the Flanders Red Ale, and the Belgian Tripel.
Website: https://triptychbrewing.com/
Address: 1703 Woodfield Dr, Savoy, IL 61874, USA
Bent River Brewing Company
Bent River Brewing Company has locations in both Moline and Rock Island, Illinois. They offer a variety of beers, including several award-winning options. Some of their most popular brews include the Mississippi Blonde Ale, the Uncommon Stout, and the Jalapeno Pepper Ale.
Website: https://www.bentriverbrewing.com/
Address: 1413 5th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States
Big Muddy Brewing
Big Muddy Brewing is located in Murphysboro, Illinois, and is known for its bold and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Saluki Dunkelweizen, the Blueberry Blonde Ale, and the Pumpkin Smasher Imperial Stout.
Website: http://bigmuddybrewing.com/
Address: 1430 N 7th St, Murphysboro, IL 62966, USA
White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery
White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery is located in Sparta, Illinois, and specializes in Belgian-style beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Saison, the Dubbel, and the Tripel.
Website: https://www.whiteroosterfarmhousebrewery.com/
Address: 113 W Jackson St, Sparta, IL 62286, USA
Decatur Brew Works
Decatur Brew Works is located in Decatur, Illinois, and is known for its handcrafted and locally sourced beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Pecan Brown Ale, the Citra IPA, and the Hefeweizen.
Website: http://www.decaturbrewworks.com/
Address: 102 E William St, Decatur, IL 62523, USA
Blind Pig Brewery
Blind Pig Brewery is located in Champaign, Illinois, and is known for its small-batch and experimental brews. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Citra Saison, the Vanilla Porter, and the Blood Orange Wheat.
Website: https://www.blindpigco.com/
Address: 120 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
Temperance Beer Company
Temperance Beer Company is located in Evanston, Illinois, and is known for its classic and approachable beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Gatecrasher IPA, the Greenwood Beach Blonde Ale, and the Smithtown ESB.
Website: https://temperance.beer/
Address: 2000 Dempster St. Evanston, IL 60202
Crystal Lake Brewing
Crystal Lake Brewing is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois, and is known for its crisp and refreshing beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Beach Blonde Ale, the Fox Rocker IPA, and the Wake Maker Pale Ale.
Website: http://crystallakebrew.com/
Address: 150 N Main St, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, USA
Pig Minds Brewing Co
Pig Minds Brewing Co is located in Machesney Park, Illinois, and is known for its creative and unique brews. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Sweaty Betty Blonde Ale, the Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter, and the Black Forest Cake Stout.
Website: https://pigmindsbrewing.com/
Address: 4080 Steele Dr., Machesney Park, IL 61115, USA
Scratch Brewing Company
Scratch Brewing Company is located in Ava, Illinois, and specializes in beers made with foraged ingredients. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Elderflower Sour Ale, the Hickory Saison, and the Spruce Tip IPA.
Website: https://www.scratchbeer.com/
Address: 264 Thompson Rd, Ava, IL 62907, USA
Destihl Brewery
Destihl Brewery is located in Normal, Illinois, and is known for its sour and barrel-aged beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Wild Sour Series, the Dosvidanya Russian Imperial Stout, and the Saint Dekkera Reserve Sour Ale.
Website: https://destihl.com/
Address: 1200 Greenbriar Dr, Normal, IL 61761, USA
More Brewing Co
More Brewing Co is located in Villa Park, Illinois, and is known for its bold and flavorful beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Henna Imperial Stout, the Haze Wizard IPA, and the Mango Milkshake IPA.
Website: https://www.morebrewing.com/
Address: 126 S Villa Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181, United States
Solemn Oath Brewery
Solemn Oath Brewery is located in Naperville, Illinois, and is known for its complex and layered beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Snaggletooth Bandana IPA, the Lu Kolsch, and the Most Important Beverage of the Day Coffee Stout.
Website: https://www.solemnoathbrewery.com/
Address: 1661 Quincy Ave #179, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
Hailstorm Brewing
Hailstorm Brewing is located in Tinley Park, Illinois, and is known for its hop-forward and bold beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Prairie Madness Double IPA, the South Side Irish Red Ale, and the Barrel-Aged Vlad the Impaler Imperial Stout.
Website: http://hailstormbrewing.com/
Address: 8060 186th St, Tinley Park, IL 60487, USA
Church Street Brewing Company
Church Street Brewing Company is located in Itasca, Illinois, and is known for its traditional and classic beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Heavenly Helles Lager, the Brimstone IPA, and the Crimson Clover Irish Red Ale.
Website: https://www.churchstreetbrew.com/
Address: 1480 Industrial Dr Unit C, Itasca, IL 60143, USA
Iron Spike Brewing Company
Iron Spike Brewing Company is located in Galesburg, Illinois, and is known for its approachable and easy-drinking beers. They offer a variety of year-round and seasonal brews, including the Iron Spike Amber Ale, the Iron
Website: https://www.ironspikebrewpub.com/
Address: 150 E Simmons St, Galesburg, IL 61401, USA
Unique Beers and Ingredients
Illinois is home to some of the most unique and flavorful beers in the country. Many of the breweries in Illinois pride themselves on using local ingredients to give their beers a distinctive taste. One such brewery is 5 Rabbit CervecerÃa, which uses blueberries in its Huitzi beer to give it a tart and fruity taste.
Another brewery that is known for using local ingredients is Half Acre Beer Company. They have an experimental series where they use different ingredients to create unique flavors. One of their popular beers is Daisy Cutter, which is a pale ale with a citrusy and hoppy flavor.
Pig Minds Brewing Co. is another brewery that is known for its unique beers. They have an English brown ale called Pigasus that is made with locally sourced honey, giving it a sweet and nutty flavor. They also have a pumpkin beer called Pumpkin Smasher, which is made with real pumpkin and spices for a perfect fall flavor.
Big Muddy Brewing is known for its Big Muddy Monster, which is a Russian imperial stout with a rich and chocolatey taste. Another popular beer from them is Pretty Nice Little Saturday, which is a double IPA with a citrusy and piney flavor.
Finally, Revolution Brewing has a line of beers called “Hero Series” that pays homage to classic comic book heroes. One of the popular beers in this series is Old School, which is an American IPA with a hoppy and bitter taste. They also have a beer called Dirty Hippy, which is a brown ale with a nutty and earthy flavor.
Brewery Atmosphere and Amenities
The atmosphere and amenities of a brewery can greatly impact a visitor’s experience. From the taproom to the beer garden, every detail counts.
Most breweries in Illinois offer a taproom where visitors can sample their beers and enjoy the brewery’s ambiance. The taproom can be a lively spot, with music, games, and comfortable seating. Some breweries have a more laid-back atmosphere, with a focus on conversation and relaxation.
Beer gardens are another popular feature of many Illinois breweries. These outdoor spaces provide visitors with a chance to enjoy their beer in the fresh air. Beer gardens often feature picnic tables, string lights, and greenery, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
When it comes to employees, breweries in Illinois pride themselves on having knowledgeable and friendly servers. Visitors can expect to receive recommendations on what beers to try and information on the brewing process. Some breweries even offer craft sodas made with cane sugar for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
For those with dietary restrictions, many breweries in Illinois offer vegan options and salads. Visitors can enjoy a meal or snack while sipping on their favorite beer.
Award-Winning Breweries and Beers
Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene, with numerous breweries producing top-quality beers. Some of these breweries have won awards for their exceptional brews, including medals at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF).
One such brewery is Revolution Brewing, which has won multiple awards at the GABF, including a gold medal for its Eugene Porter in 2011. Eugene Porter is a rich and complex beer that is brewed with seven different malts, creating a smooth and flavorful brew that is perfect for sipping on a cold winter evening.
Another award-winning brewery in Illinois is Goose Island Beer Co. Goose Island is known for its barrel-aging program, which creates unique and complex beers that are aged in bourbon barrels. One of the brewery’s most highly acclaimed beers is its Bourbon County Brand Stout, a barrel-aged imperial stout that is rich and full-bodied, with notes of chocolate, coffee, and vanilla.
Begyle Brewing Company is another Illinois brewery that has won awards for its beers. The brewery’s Barrel Aged Imperial Pajamas, an American Imperial Stout, was ranked #94 on the list of the most highly ranked beers in Illinois by Stacker. The beer is aged in bourbon barrels, creating a rich and complex brew with notes of vanilla, oak, and dark chocolate.
Hubbard’s Cave Brewery is also known for its award-winning beers, including its Barrel-Aged Imperial Coffee Stout, which won a gold medal at the 2019 Festival of Wood and Barrel-Aged Beer. The beer is brewed with coffee from Dark Matter Coffee and aged in bourbon barrels, creating a rich and flavorful brew with notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and bourbon.
Brewery Food and Cocktails
Illinois breweries are not just about the beer. Many of them also offer delicious food and cocktails that pair perfectly with their brews. From classic pub fare to gourmet dishes, there is something for everyone.
Some breweries have full-service restaurants, while others offer food trucks or partner with local restaurants to provide a variety of options. Visitors can enjoy everything from burgers and fries to charcuterie boards and artisanal pizzas.
In addition to food, many breweries also offer a selection of cocktails and spirits. Some even have their own distilleries on-site, producing whiskey and other spirits that can be enjoyed in a variety of cocktails.
Whether you are looking for a quick snack or a full meal, or a refreshing cocktail to complement your beer, Illinois breweries have you covered. So be sure to check out the food and cocktail menus when you visit your favorite brewery.