Where to find Chicago's favorite craft beers
Several beloved breweries across the Chicago area have shut off their taps or announced that they’ll be doing so soon. The announcements have surviving brewers on guard, and a few said they are looking at everything from better-than-average food to live events to stay afloat.
But Chicago is still a beer town. And while a steady decline in drinking is partially to blame for our current state (the U.S. drinking rate reached historic lows in 2025, according to data from Gallup), there are plenty of options to choose from and lots of variety.
Last week, my colleague Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis asked WBEZ Subtext subscribers to share their favorite local brews with us. We also posed the question on the Chicago Sun-Times Facebook page.
Here’s what you had to say.
Chicago
“I LOVE the beers at Industry Ales, downtown in the Loop next to Central Cameras, “ wrote a Subtext subscriber. Industry Ales, 230 S. Wabash Ave.; open Weds. and Thurs.
“Hop Butcher is my favorite — you can’t go wrong with anything by them but their hazys are something special,” wrote a Subtext subscriber. Hop Butcher For The World, 4257 N. Lincoln Ave.; closed Mondays
“I’m a Begyle kinda girl,” wrote Analia Beltran-Lang. Begyle Brewing, 1800 W. Cuyler Ave.; open daily
“Suncatcher is a really cool new brewery,” wrote a Subtext subscriber. Suncatcher Brewing,2849 W. Chicago Ave.; closed Tuesdays
“Old Irving Brewing Co.[’s] Beezer is my absolute favorite hazy IPA, but it is just the beginning at OIB!” wrote Shannan Hofman Bunting. Old Irving Brewing Co., 4419 W. Montrose Ave.; open daily
“Revolution Brewing got me into craft beer with Double Fist Double Pale Ale 8% ABV. Pipeworks Brewing Company and Werk Force Brewing are probably my favorites lately,” wrote Vernon Hammond. “Revolution Brewing in Avondale is a fantastic community-oriented spot and brewery,” wrote a Subtext subscriber. Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave.; open Weds. — Sun.
“Dovetail’s Rauchbier is delightfully smoky,” wrote Michael Sewall. Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W. Belle Plaine Ave.; open daily
“Off Color, Apex Predator. Maplewood, Son of Juice. The Sour Series from Revolution. Chicago’s beer scene is awesome,” wrote Eric Schultz Saindon.Off Color Brewing Taproom — The Mousetrap, 1460 N. Kingsbury St.; open daily
“The Half Acre Daisy Cutter was the one beer I drank and then asked myself, ‘Why drink the macro beer stuff?’ It was just so good,” wrote John Mueller. “Daisy Cutter by was my first IPA love and will always be my ride-or-die! Half Acre is a Chicago classic at this point!” wrote a Subtext subscriber. Half Acre Beer Co., 2050 W. Balmoral Ave; open Weds. – Sun
“Gotta say Moody Tongue makes some delicious beers,” wrote Darry McGreer. Moody Tongue, 2515 S. Wabash Ave.; open Weds. — Sat.
Suburbs
“Sketchbook Brewery [in] Skokie is my favorite. With a large outdoor space and live music, it's a great place to hang out and enjoy a beer,” wrote a Subtext subscriber. Sketchbook Brewing Co., 4901 Main St., Skokie; closed Mondays
“Werk Force Brewing is second to none: Great beer and great vibe. They often have a live band as well,” wrote Plainfield mayor John Argoudelis, Werk Force Brewing Co., 14903 S. Center St. #101, Plainfield; open Weds. – Sun.
“Anything by 9th Hour, but especially Umlauts Not Optional Kölsch!” wrote Kelly Beall. 9th Hour Brewing Co., 136 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa
“Pollyanna Brewery (Lemont, Roselle and St. Charles locations). Great IPAs, Kölsch, light ales and also tasty Porters and coffee-infused beers. Family-friendly tap rooms and good food trucks on weekends,” wrote Linda Brons Douglas. Pollyanna Brewing Company, 106 S. Riverside Ave., St. Charles; closed Mondays. 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont; closed Mondays. 245 E. Main St., Roselle; open daily
“There [are] so many to choose from and I love them all, but Phase Three Brewing Company’s beers are my favorite,” wrote Samantha Jane Crusius. Phase Three Brewing Company, 494 Spring Rd., Elmhurst; open daily. 932 Donata Ct., Lake Zurich; open daily
“Will County Brewing in Shorewood. Great beer and Brian is a great host,” wrote Joe Lindsey. Will County Brewing Company, 1142 W. Jefferson St.; open daily
“Une Année/Hubbard’s Cave. Great selection of both beer and food. Also fantastic staff,” wrote Mike Andrews. Une Année | Hubbard’s Cave Brewery & Barbecue, 6343 W. Gross Point Rd., Niles; open daily
“We were at Imperial Oak [two] nights ago and they had a great menu of beers,” wrote Brandon Schuppe. Imperial Oak Brewing, 501 Willow Blvd. #100, Willow Springs; open daily
More breweries loved by readers:
- Whiner Beer Co., 1400 W. 46th St., Suite 211; Open Weds. — Sun. until March 28
- Marz Community Brewing Company, 3630 S. Iron St.; Open daily
- Greenstar Brewery @ Uncommon Ground, 3800 N. Clark St.; Open daily
- Spiteful Brewing Tap Room, 2024 W. Balmoral Ave.; Open daily
- Noon Whistle, 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard and 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville; Open daily
- Blue Island Beer Company, 13357 Old Western Ave., Blue Island; Closed Mondays