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Cheese curds and breweries

A brewery that puts as much effort into its cheese curds as it does into its house-made beer.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. image 1
Foreign Exchange Brewing Co. image 2
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Brewery space combines indoor and outdoor seating with a fenced-in patio that welcomes families and groups. Atmosphere stays vibrant yet relaxed, featuring bright, clean decor and a friendly vibe. Beers showcase unique, flavorful brews alongside a menu of distinctive, well-crafted food options.

Lightly breaded and crispy, the cheese curds melt in your mouth. Some come with a masala coating adding a unique twist to the classic Wisconsin cheese curds.

A diverse beer menu features limoncello ale, hazy IPAs, and English pub beer. The taproom offers a great space to enjoy porters, stouts, and winter beers.

People are saying

"I found the beer here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The brewery's food is delicious, especially the smash burgers and quesabirria tacos."

"These Wisconsin Cheese Curds melt in your mouth, lightly breaded and crispy."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Monday at 7pm.

2

Parking behind the brewery is reserved for tenants; do not park there.

3

Free parking is available nearby the brewery.

02
Broken Tee Brewing Company image 1

Brewery offers roomy outdoor seating with a dog-friendly beer garden and two indoor rooms featuring couches for groups. Atmosphere stays relaxed and inviting, welcoming families with games and arcades. Beer selection includes a rotating variety with standout IPAs and sour ales.

Cheese curds come as part of a trio with pretzels and Elote Bites. They pair well with Oktoberfest beer and stand out as a favorite food item here.

Offers a rotation of beer options that keeps choices fresh. Serves exceptionally good food for a small brewery. Welcomes families and fits well into local beer tours.

People are saying

"I loved their IPAs and other great beer options."

"The brewery's IPAs were especially loved and fantastic."

"The Wisconsin Cheese Curds were my absolute favorite."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday and Thursday at 8pm.

2

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early to find a spot.

3

The brewery is family-friendly and welcomes children.

03
Black Lung Brewing Grayslake image 1

Brewpub offers an open, clean space with Edison lights and local art that highlight community issues. Atmosphere stays chill and family friendly despite occasional noise from acoustics and live music. Seating varies from bar to tables, with arcade games like Galaga adding casual entertainment.

Cheese curds come in massive cubes rather than traditional small curds. They melt perfectly and ooze with each bite, offering a decadent and rich flavor. These curds pair well with a variety of beers.

Several good draft options fill the taproom, which feels clean, crisp, and comfortable. Staff greet guests immediately in this neighborhood spot with a strong microbrewery vibe.

People are saying

"The food here is great, and the service is attentive."

"I enjoyed the great selection of beers on tap."

"I loved the brewery's smash burgers; they were cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Wednesday at 7pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for trivia nights.

3

The venue features a beer garden for outdoor seating.

04
More Brewing Company image 1

Brewery offers a contemporary, casual setting with a chill, welcoming vibe and alt rock music playing at a moderate volume. The space is visually appealing and spacious, attracting a mix of locals who enjoy fantastic beers and great food like burgers and tacos.

Cheese curds come in Spicy and classic styles, both with a crispy fried texture. They pair well with fries and stand out as a popular menu item.

Tasty beer offerings come with a great food menu that stands out at this brewery. Free street parking sits close by, making visits easy.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection here to be excellent."

"I thought the Wisconsin cheese curds were fantastic."

"This brewery has a great selection of beers for everyone."

Good to know

1

The brewery offers free parking for guests.

2

Expect a 3% credit card fee added to your bill.

3

Street parking is available nearby and is free.

05
93 Octane Brewery -- St Charles image 1

Small brewery with a gas and automobile theme creates a friendly, calm atmosphere that encourages conversation without loud music or TVs. Shaded outdoor seating with fans offers comfort on warm days. On-site brewed beers and quality food from an attached kitchen complement the relaxed vibe.

Cheese curds come fried and crispy, served as a popular snack alongside tater tots and onion rings. They pair well with other items like Korean wings and salads.

A cozy brewery with a gas and automobile theme creates a unique atmosphere. Free popcorn and a connected liquor store add to the relaxed vibe without loud music or TVs.

People are saying

"I loved the huge beer selection with so many different kinds."

"I thought the brewery was really neat with a huge beer menu."

"I enjoyed the great Wisconsin Cheese Curds."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are offered, providing good value for meals.

2

The brewery has a kid-friendly environment, making it suitable for families.

3

Seating can be tight, especially during busy times or events.

06
Phase Three Brewing Company - Taproom + Kitchen image 1

Taproom and kitchen combine modern design with a sunlit space and eclectic decor, creating a welcoming, chill vibe. Large bar and outdoor beer garden offer lively and quieter seating options. Crowd tends to be energetic, with a mix of casual and upscale elements.

Garlicky cheese curds stand out as a must-have starter with a distinct garlicky flavor. They are consistently delicious and well-liked alongside other dishes.

Huge selection of beers on tap and in bottles includes stouts, IPAs, and barrel-aged stouts. The taproom feels like a restaurant and offers gourmet quality eats alongside excellent beer choices.

People are saying

"The beer here is industry best, especially the hazy IPA."

"The brewery's beer offerings were phenomenal and great."

"You have to try the garlicky Wisconsin Cheese Curds; they're the best around."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for lunch on busy Saturdays.

2

Expect a 15-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The menu features multiple Filipino dishes and ingredients.

07
Alulu Brewery and Pub image 1

Small brewery offers a creative, relaxed vibe with a perfect bar atmosphere and excellent beers like Czech pilsner and dark lager. Outdoor patio provides abundant seating and a charming, comfy space ideal for conversation. Neighborhood feel blends with on-point music and a casual, inviting energy.

Beer cheese curds stand out with a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The fried cheese curds have a crispy texture that makes them addictive and highly enjoyable.

A quaint brewery with an amazing selection of beer and a perfect bar vibe. The craft beers stand out alongside excellent staff and tasty beer cheese curds.

People are saying

"I found the beer selection to be great and excellent."

"The outdoor seating is perfect for enjoying nice weather."

"The brewery here has a great, creative selection of beer."

Good to know

1

The brewery is open until 11:00 p.m. during the week.

2

Parking can be challenging on a Saturday; be prepared to walk a block or two.

3

Their menu has many specials, including 50% off wings every Tuesday.

08
Half Day Brewing Company image 1

Open outdoor area with dog-friendly patio and fire pits offers varied seating for groups and couples. Indoor space includes a huge bar and a party room with fireplace. Atmosphere ranges from loud and lively at the bar to cozy and inviting on the patio.

Crispy and flavorful, the cheese curds come with a homemade ranch that complements them well. They pair nicely with pretzel sticks and serve as a solid starter.

Offers great food alongside a solid selection of brews. Welcomes bikers with ample space and convenient operating hours.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer selection and awesome beers."

"You have to try the Wisconsin cheese curds; they're pure bliss."

"I loved the great selection of beers from this brewery."

Good to know

1

The brewery has a large parking lot for easy access.

2

Kids are welcome, making it a family-friendly spot.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers on weekdays.

09
Ike & Oak Brewing Company image 1

Brewpub offers large bar, expansive patio, and live music that create a lively and noisy atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating accommodate both casual hangouts and business gatherings. TVs and shuffleboard add to the versatile entertainment options.

Cheese curds serve as a good starter and pair well with fries. They have a divine taste and are a must-order alongside the Yardbird sandwich.

A diverse selection of beer styles includes nitro and aged selections. The brewery features a huge bar, plenty of open seating, a lively atmosphere, and a great outdoor space with TVs for games.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and knowledgeable about the beer."

"The Brewery's artisan beers were diverse and all tasted great."

"I loved the delicious, smooth wheat beer."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

The upstairs meeting area is great for business meetings or private events.

3

Dogs are allowed on the side patio area.

10
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Wisconsin cheese curds stand out as an incredible appetizer here. They deliver a strong, satisfying flavor that often defines the start of the meal.

A large, clean brewpub offers a fantastic selection of beers alongside solid food. The atmosphere suits larger group meetups with phenomenal service and an inviting vibe.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The brewery offers a solid lineup of fresh, enjoyable beers."

"I tried the Wisconsin cheese curds and they were amazing."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

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