Bridgeport’s Long-Anticipated Marz Brewing Taproom to Open This Week

In just a few days beer fans will be able drink some of Chicago’s most-creative brews from the source. Marz Brewing, the beer brand from a co-founder of beloved Maria’s Packaged Goods and Community Bar in Bridgeport, will open its long-awaited taproom this weekend. Opening hours at 3630 S. Iron Street will be noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday that includes the release of its new coffee Lumpen IPA (named for ownership’s magazine) at 3 p.m., and noon until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Marz has been in the works since at least 2013 when ownership described the planned operation as a “nanobrewery” but wouldn’t reveal its location yet. Those plans widened when they secured the large building it currently houses in 2015. Marz has since been brewing highly-creative beer and providing it to and collaborating with many acclaimed local restaurants and bars, including most recently its paczki stout which nearly broke the internet two weeks ago.

Marz, Maria’s, and co-founder Ed Marszewski are well known in local food and drink circles for their creativity in drink, food, and design. Kimski, the casual sister restaurant attached to Maria’s that serves a mashup of Polish and Korean cuisines, is one of the most unique-looking spots in town. Expect similar creativity at Marz, especially in its beer that already features a weisse with dill and red pepper flakes and the aforementioned paczki stout. Marszewski says it will have 24 taps, holds 173 people, and previously described the space as “theatrical [and] magical.” The taproom will also serve food, Marszewski says.

Marszewski also plans the brewery to be about more than beer — he continues to try to help lift the Bridgeport community one business at a time. Check out his latest business when Marz Brewing opens on Saturday, and check out more coverage later this week.