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A hand pouring beer from a series of bar taps.
Solemn Oath’s Logan Square brewery has plenty of funky brews.
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Chicago's Best Brewery Tasting Rooms

Where to drink craft beer straight from the source

by Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new
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Solemn Oath’s Logan Square brewery has plenty of funky brews.
| Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago
by Ashok Selvam Updated
1 comment / new

Chicago’s craft beer industry continues to grow, even in the face of hard seltzer, and many local breweries offer spacious taprooms that provide the ideal backdrop for group hangs — a friendly space for families with young children, and a place to offer experimental brews.

This list is limited to breweries within the city limits without full kitchens and food menus. Customers at these taprooms rely on delivery, carryout, or a food truck parked outside. For breweries with kitchens, also known as brewpubs, check out this map.

For updated information on coronavirus cases, please visit the city of Chicago’s COVID-19 dashboard. Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission. The latest CDC guidance is here; find a COVID-19 vaccination site here.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Illuminated Brew Works

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IBW in Norwood Park has adopted a cult theme: the taproom is styled as a “secret” lodge and drinking IBW beer will make customers members of an illuminati. There’s a variety of beers on tap and a 10 percent discount to customers who ride their bikes to the taproom.

6186 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631
(708) 669-7287
(708) 669-7287

Alarmist Brewing & Taproom

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This dog- and kid-friendly taproom has a 18-seat courtyard that’s open seasonally. Find a good variety of lagers, ales, and sours on draft.

4055 W Peterson Ave, Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 681-0877
(773) 681-0877
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Hopewell Brewing Company

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One of the hipper taprooms in the city, Hopewell stands along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Find pale ales, lagers, sours, and board games here. While there’s no kitchen, the brewery often hosts food pop-ups.

2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 698-6178
(773) 698-6178

Also featured in:

Revolution Brewing

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Revolution is the state’s largest independent craft brewer, and it recently purchased a new Avondale brewery with a cavernous taproom up a short flight of stairs. The space is ideal for large gatherings and the bar usually has a special draft offering — say a variant of Deth’s Tar, the brewery’s barrel-aged stout. There’s the occasional pop-up, but delivery is the best bet for food.

3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 588-2267
(773) 588-2267
Revolution
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing/Facebook

Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life

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Solemn Oath finally opened its Chicago location with a unique design that uses a ’70s rec room aesthetic. One of the more popular bars in Logan Square in 2021, the brewery is a good place for a date.

2919 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pilot Project Brewing

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Pilot Project is a newish concept in Logan Square, one that serves as a business incubator for several breweries, allowing them to serve their beer as they hammer out production concerns and figure if they want their own locations. The space is beautiful and airy, though it tends to get jammed on weekends. There’s also a patio space next door. For folks who don’t want booze, there’s also a full espresso bar. There are currently six breweries on tap, including Indian-influenced Azadi and Brewer’s Kitchen which takes a culinary approach to beer making.

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-5995
(773) 270-5995

Also featured in:

Metropolitan Brewing

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One of Chicago’s local favorites recently opened this picturesque taproom right on the Chicago River on the Northwest Side to showcase its popular lagers. Metropolitan’s space is open and minimalist with a riverside deck to sip brews during the warmer months. This is great place to sip a lager and get some fresh air.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
(773) 754-0494
Metropolitan Brewing/Facebook

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Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

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This dimly lit Logan Square pub hidden on a residential block is a tribute to Chicago dive bars. Find a good variety of styles and boozy slushies. Maplewood also makes its own spirits.

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-1061
(773) 270-1061
Maplewood Lounge Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Life on Marz Community Club

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The North Side spinoff of the brewery from the owners of Maria’s Community Bar in Bridgeport, this small space in the same building as iconic ice cream parlor Margie’s Candies, has a small tap list and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, including CBD seltzer.

1950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
A bar with stools. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Hop Butcher For The World

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The name’s inspired by poet Carl Sandburg, and the brewery has taken over some hallowed ground — Half Acre Beer Co.’s original Lincoln Avenue space. Hop Butcher had the task of not changing the vibe too much, locals routinely packed the old space. But as a place to showcase their IPAs and other beers, they did want to make the space uniquely theirs. It’s small and tends to get crowded on the weekend, but it’s a nice place to play board games and hang out.

4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-7883
(773) 697-7883

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

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West Town’s Midwest Coast Brewing sports a cozy taproom that allows customers to construct custom flights with IPAs and lagers. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food or order delivery.

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 361-1176
(312) 361-1176

Also featured in:

Spiteful Brewing Tap Room

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A few steps away from Half Acre, Spiteful is a smaller operation with a great kid-friendly space that soaks up a lot of sunlight. It’s not a massive room, but it’s good for small groups, and it offers a decent variety of delicious beers.

2024 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 293-6600
(773) 293-6600
Spiteful Brewing Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

Empirical Brewery Taproom

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A relaxed and popular taproom on the Ravenswood brewery corridor, Empirical packs in neighborhood crowds for all types for fun, no-frills vibes and creative beers. Styles run from a drinkable cream ale to an imperial IPA to a pale ale with passion fruit. There’s also a beer garden.

1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 654-3104
(773) 654-3104
Empirical Empirical Brewing Company/Facebook

Dovetail Brewery

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Another brewery along the Malt Row corridor in Ravenswood, Dovetail specializes in modern interpretations of German-style lagers. The beer is refreshing and the space is friendly.

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 683-1414
(773) 683-1414

Also featured in:

Begyle Brewing

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Begyle’s taproom is tidy and comfy, a good place to hang out for a point or a tasting. Brewery tours are also available. Begyle is known for its award-winning Imperial Pajamas.

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 661-6963
(773) 661-6963
Begyle Brewing [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

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Goose Island Beer Co.

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It only took 20 years after Goose Island opened its Fulton and Wood facility for it to debut this gem of a tasting room that offers taproom specials as well as tours of the brewing facility. There’s also a huge depot of vintage bottles, some available for takeout. The tap list differs from the original Goose Island Clybourn brewpub in Lincoln Park. While the original, which will close later in 2023 as it moves to a new location, the Fulton Market location has become the flagship.

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 226-1119
(312) 226-1119
Goose Island Beer Co. [Official Photo]

Also featured in:

Howard Street Brewing Company

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Howard Street is tiny but mighty. Owners say they’re Chicago’s most “northernest” brewery, and they operate in a 37-seat space in Rogers Park. With Mexican food from neighboring Sol Cafe, the brewery also hosts a variety of live performances, tapping into another neighbor, Factory Theater.

1617 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

On Tour Brewing Company

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On Tour packs in crowds for crushable pilsners, weisses, and saisons as well as nitro selections and growlers to go. Food trucks and pop-ups sometimes make appearances. This is one of the more beloved taprooms among beer fans in Chicago, and makes an ideal venue for a private event.

1725 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 796-3119
(312) 796-3119
Vanessa Buholzer

Whiner Beer Company

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Whiner Beer broke into the mainstream with Le Tub, which it proclaimed the first beer designed for drinking while in a bathtub. What happens in the privacy of a drinker’s own home isn’t up for discussion, but in public, Whiner is known for its barrel-age brews, and it’s not just about the stouts. Find fruit beers, sours, and more.

1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 475-6189
(773) 475-6189

Also featured in:

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

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Located in Pilsen, Lo Rez’s philosophy is to offer modern takes on traditional styles. Inside the taproom, find ales, sours, Belgians, and more.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Also featured in:

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

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This space has become a sanctuary in a quiet stretch of Lincoln Park. This taproom also has a full bar and cocktails, a rarity. The space tends to get loud as weekend nights go on, so get here early.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Also featured in:

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Illuminated Brew Works

6186 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631

IBW in Norwood Park has adopted a cult theme: the taproom is styled as a “secret” lodge and drinking IBW beer will make customers members of an illuminati. There’s a variety of beers on tap and a 10 percent discount to customers who ride their bikes to the taproom.

6186 N Northwest Hwy, Chicago, IL 60631
(708) 669-7287
(708) 669-7287

Alarmist Brewing & Taproom

4055 W Peterson Ave, Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646

This dog- and kid-friendly taproom has a 18-seat courtyard that’s open seasonally. Find a good variety of lagers, ales, and sours on draft.

4055 W Peterson Ave, Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 681-0877
(773) 681-0877
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Hopewell Brewing Company

2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

One of the hipper taprooms in the city, Hopewell stands along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square. Find pale ales, lagers, sours, and board games here. While there’s no kitchen, the brewery often hosts food pop-ups.

2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 698-6178
(773) 698-6178

Revolution Brewing

3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Revolution is the state’s largest independent craft brewer, and it recently purchased a new Avondale brewery with a cavernous taproom up a short flight of stairs. The space is ideal for large gatherings and the bar usually has a special draft offering — say a variant of Deth’s Tar, the brewery’s barrel-aged stout. There’s the occasional pop-up, but delivery is the best bet for food.

3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 588-2267
(773) 588-2267
Revolution
Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing/Facebook

Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life

2919 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Solemn Oath finally opened its Chicago location with a unique design that uses a ’70s rec room aesthetic. One of the more popular bars in Logan Square in 2021, the brewery is a good place for a date.

2919 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Pilot Project Brewing

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Pilot Project is a newish concept in Logan Square, one that serves as a business incubator for several breweries, allowing them to serve their beer as they hammer out production concerns and figure if they want their own locations. The space is beautiful and airy, though it tends to get jammed on weekends. There’s also a patio space next door. For folks who don’t want booze, there’s also a full espresso bar. There are currently six breweries on tap, including Indian-influenced Azadi and Brewer’s Kitchen which takes a culinary approach to beer making.

2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-5995
(773) 270-5995

Metropolitan Brewing

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618

One of Chicago’s local favorites recently opened this picturesque taproom right on the Chicago River on the Northwest Side to showcase its popular lagers. Metropolitan’s space is open and minimalist with a riverside deck to sip brews during the warmer months. This is great place to sip a lager and get some fresh air.

3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0494
(773) 754-0494
Metropolitan Brewing/Facebook

Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

This dimly lit Logan Square pub hidden on a residential block is a tribute to Chicago dive bars. Find a good variety of styles and boozy slushies. Maplewood also makes its own spirits.

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 270-1061
(773) 270-1061
Maplewood Lounge Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Life on Marz Community Club

1950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The North Side spinoff of the brewery from the owners of Maria’s Community Bar in Bridgeport, this small space in the same building as iconic ice cream parlor Margie’s Candies, has a small tap list and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, including CBD seltzer.

1950 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
A bar with stools. Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Hop Butcher For The World

4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

The name’s inspired by poet Carl Sandburg, and the brewery has taken over some hallowed ground — Half Acre Beer Co.’s original Lincoln Avenue space. Hop Butcher had the task of not changing the vibe too much, locals routinely packed the old space. But as a place to showcase their IPAs and other beers, they did want to make the space uniquely theirs. It’s small and tends to get crowded on the weekend, but it’s a nice place to play board games and hang out.

4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 697-7883
(773) 697-7883

Midwest Coast Brewing Company

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612

West Town’s Midwest Coast Brewing sports a cozy taproom that allows customers to construct custom flights with IPAs and lagers. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food or order delivery.

2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 361-1176
(312) 361-1176

Spiteful Brewing Tap Room

2024 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

A few steps away from Half Acre, Spiteful is a smaller operation with a great kid-friendly space that soaks up a lot of sunlight. It’s not a massive room, but it’s good for small groups, and it offers a decent variety of delicious beers.

2024 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 293-6600
(773) 293-6600
Spiteful Brewing Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

Empirical Brewery Taproom

1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

A relaxed and popular taproom on the Ravenswood brewery corridor, Empirical packs in neighborhood crowds for all types for fun, no-frills vibes and creative beers. Styles run from a drinkable cream ale to an imperial IPA to a pale ale with passion fruit. There’s also a beer garden.

1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 654-3104
(773) 654-3104
Empirical Empirical Brewing Company/Facebook

Dovetail Brewery

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Another brewery along the Malt Row corridor in Ravenswood, Dovetail specializes in modern interpretations of German-style lagers. The beer is refreshing and the space is friendly.

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 683-1414
(773) 683-1414

Begyle Brewing

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

Begyle’s taproom is tidy and comfy, a good place to hang out for a point or a tasting. Brewery tours are also available. Begyle is known for its award-winning Imperial Pajamas.

1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 661-6963
(773) 661-6963
Begyle Brewing [Official Photo]

Related Maps

Goose Island Beer Co.

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612

It only took 20 years after Goose Island opened its Fulton and Wood facility for it to debut this gem of a tasting room that offers taproom specials as well as tours of the brewing facility. There’s also a huge depot of vintage bottles, some available for takeout. The tap list differs from the original Goose Island Clybourn brewpub in Lincoln Park. While the original, which will close later in 2023 as it moves to a new location, the Fulton Market location has become the flagship.

1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 226-1119
(312) 226-1119
Goose Island Beer Co. [Official Photo]

Howard Street Brewing Company

1617 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

Howard Street is tiny but mighty. Owners say they’re Chicago’s most “northernest” brewery, and they operate in a 37-seat space in Rogers Park. With Mexican food from neighboring Sol Cafe, the brewery also hosts a variety of live performances, tapping into another neighbor, Factory Theater.

1617 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

On Tour Brewing Company

1725 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622

On Tour packs in crowds for crushable pilsners, weisses, and saisons as well as nitro selections and growlers to go. Food trucks and pop-ups sometimes make appearances. This is one of the more beloved taprooms among beer fans in Chicago, and makes an ideal venue for a private event.

1725 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 796-3119
(312) 796-3119
Vanessa Buholzer

Whiner Beer Company

1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609

Whiner Beer broke into the mainstream with Le Tub, which it proclaimed the first beer designed for drinking while in a bathtub. What happens in the privacy of a drinker’s own home isn’t up for discussion, but in public, Whiner is known for its barrel-age brews, and it’s not just about the stouts. Find fruit beers, sours, and more.

1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609
(773) 475-6189
(773) 475-6189

Lo Rez Brewing and Taproom

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608

Located in Pilsen, Lo Rez’s philosophy is to offer modern takes on traditional styles. Inside the taproom, find ales, sours, Belgians, and more.

2101 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608
(888) 404-2262
(888) 404-2262

Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642

This space has become a sanctuary in a quiet stretch of Lincoln Park. This taproom also has a full bar and cocktails, a rarity. The space tends to get loud as weekend nights go on, so get here early.

1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 929-2916
(312) 929-2916
Barry Brecheisen/Eater Chicago

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