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Best of Chicago

Beer spots

Made for those who seek out breweries that offer something beyond the standard tap list.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Brewery offers a spacious taproom with cozy indoor seating and a large outdoor garage area. Atmosphere stays chill and friendly, featuring skeeball games and rotating food trucks. Focus centers on creative saison and farmhouse beers with a family- and dog-friendly vibe.

Saison beers take center stage with a focus on interesting grains and ingredients that create unique flavors. The brewery offers a variety of interesting brews that make the experience stand out.

Brewing offers a great beer selection with unique and delicious options. Every visit includes easy choices like lager or blonde ale, plus an IPA and non-alcoholic options.

People are saying

"Their saison and wild beers are complex and nuanced."

"Their inventive brews offer unique, earthy complexity with a clear finish."

"Their interesting saisons use wild fermentation and spices."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Thursday at 8pm with a fun host.

2

Bingo events are held every Thursday night for community engagement.

3

Follow their Instagram for updates on special food pop-ups.

02
Goose Island Taproom image 1

U-shaped bar made from reclaimed local wood creates a communal vibe in a sleek, modern space with indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels laid-back and playful, attracting people who enjoy quality beer and relaxed socializing. Specialty brews and exclusive offerings add a unique touch to the experience.

Tours offer interesting beer manufacturing knowledge with guides sharing authentic stories about the industry. The taproom features generous beer samples that add to the engaging experience.

Barrel-aged dark beers and imperial stouts stand out here. The 312 wheat ale offers a crisp, delicious taste. Tours provide access to unique beers and generous tastings.

People are saying

"The beer tour guides are knowledgeable and share great stories."

"The bar staff here is so kind and knowledgeable."

"The brewery tour was super informative and interesting."

Good to know

1

The brewery tour costs $15 per person and lasts over an hour.

2

Bingo events are held regularly, providing a fun community experience.

3

Participate in March Madness promotions for a chance to win prizes.

03
Duneyrr Wine and Beer Company image 1

Compact two-level space offers a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere with chill music and dog-friendly tasting room. Regulars create a welcoming vibe, while unique blends of wine and beer deliver exceptional, clean-tasting drinks. Small size and artistic decor make it a hidden gem with a relaxed pace.

Beers and wines feature interesting blends with a unique mix of wine and beer yeast. Each beverage offers a well crafted and distinct taste, complemented by friendly staff.

Beers here are unique and clean tasting, with a selection of wild ales and creative blends of wine and beer. The brewery offers high quality, boundary pushing brews that stand out from typical options.

People are saying

"The beer here is really interesting and well-crafted."

"It's a cozy, friendly, and beautiful spot."

"The beers and wines here are really interesting and well crafted."

Good to know

1

Duneyrr Wine and Beer Company is dog-friendly and kid-friendly.

2

The brewery allows guests to bring their own food (BYOF).

3

They close early at 8 pm on Saturdays, with last call even earlier.

04
Bonyeon image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Fine dining space seats 12 with a Korean-American Fusion BBQ concept and a modern kitchen visible behind a wide counter. Atmosphere stays intimate and elegant, offering a private experience with sophisticated, tasteful decor. Guests engage with chefs who explain each course, enhancing the unique steak omakase experience.

A wagyu-heavy menu blends with omakase sushi ideals to create a beef-forward experience. This unique approach makes the offerings stand out as both interesting and flavorful.

Offers a very tasty selection of beer, sake, and champagne. Beers match those at Omakase Yume in the same building, with Tokyo White Ale standing out among the flavors.

People are saying

"It's a unique steak omakase with dishes prepared right in front of you."

"The beef omakase was artfully done and changed how I think about eating it."

"You should try all the beer flavors; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for parties of 8 or more.

2

The restaurant seats a maximum of 12 people per seating.

3

Paid street parking is available right out front.

05
District Brew Yards image 1

Open-layout brewpub with self-serve beer taps and cashless system creates a casual, interactive atmosphere. Spacious indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating accommodate groups and encourage relaxed socializing. Board games and a variety of beers from multiple breweries add to the laid-back, fun vibe.

Trying several breweries in one spot offers a unique tasting experience. The setup encourages exploring different brews, making it a fascinating brewery concept.

A self-serve beer system lets you pay by the ounce and sample up to 40 different beers. The spot offers a large variety of local microbrews in a casual, cafeteria-style setting.

People are saying

"You can pour your own beer and try a ton of options."

"The outdoor patio is nice and never overly crowded."

"It's interesting how you can self-pour your own beers here."

Good to know

1

Trivia night occurs every Wednesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

The venue offers an all-you-can-eat and drink deal during special events.

3

Guests can pour their own beer from multiple breweries at their own pace.

06
Harry Potter Shop Chicago image 1

Store resembles Diagon Alley with meticulously crafted decor and immersive Harry Potter themes. Atmosphere feels magical and lively, filled with fans enjoying themed music, moving parts, and photo spots. Includes largest Butterbeer Bar in the US with seating, adding a unique cafe experience.

Hogwarts decorations create an immersive atmosphere. Lots of items to buy and interesting displays make it engaging beyond just fans.

Butter beer comes in non-alcoholic draft form and glass bottles. Draft tastes like cream soda and is served in reusable cups at the cafe area.

People are saying

"It's a fun stop for any Harry Potter fan; the details are amazing."

"I found the hot butter beer very tasty."

"It's an interesting place, even if you don't like the saga."

Good to know

1

If you plan to go on a weekend, be prepared for a wait of about 20 to 30 minutes.

2

The store was not accessible or disability-friendly.

3

The weekend line stretches down the entire block.

07
Cultivate by Forbidden Root image 1

Industrial-steel beams and an open kitchen define the spacious interior with huge bar and big comfy booths. Warm wood smoke scent creates a comfortable, inviting atmosphere that stays quiet enough for conversation. Beers feature floral notes with rare hops, complementing a menu with standout dishes like duck and dumplings.

Innovative beers and a diverse beer menu stand out here. The food offers interesting dishes with bold flavors, though some plates combine many elements that can overwhelm the taste.

Craft beer here stands out for its interesting and innovative flavors and consistent quality. The brewery offers an affordable selection that pairs well with healthy and comforting appetizers.

People are saying

"The beer selection here has a great variety of styles."

"I found their cocktails to be surprisingly good and interesting."

"The food here has huge, interesting flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The Monday burger deal includes a burger and a drink for $10.

3

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

08
Electric Funeral image 1

Bar combines speakeasy style with a macabre metal theme and horror decor. Atmosphere is dark and electrifying, with loud music and warm neighborhood energy. Large patio offers outdoor space for smoking and socializing.

Conversations spark with interesting cocktail options and diverse interactions. The vibe stays consistently engaging and unique.

Unique drink menu offers a solid mix of beer and shot combos priced around seven dollars. Good selection of beers and cocktails fits well for a pre or post-show drink.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is so friendly and wonderful."

"The beer here is served by super friendly staff."

"I found it to be an interesting place with chill conversations."

Good to know

1

Electric Funeral hosts themed pop-up nights regularly.

2

Beer and shot specials are available, typically for $7.

3

The bar does not serve food, so plan accordingly.

09
Mordecai image 1
Brasserie

Small brasserie with mid-century modern decor offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere without loud music. Guests enjoy creative cocktails and highly praised burgers and pasta. Open window booths provide a gentle breeze and views of nearby ice skating.

The Duke stands out as a very interesting cocktail. The menu features a variety of unique drinks and the food options also look intriguing.

Lager offers a light beer option different from usual selections. Wheat beer also appears on the menu, paired with dishes like fish sandwich and pepper steak.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and tasty."

"I found the cocktail menu really interesting and unique."

"The beer here is great, and the staff makes you want to come back."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with good value on drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are helpful but not required, especially on game nights.

3

Mordecai offers vegetarian options, but no specific vegan menu.

10
Wolf & Company image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant combines upscale vibe with neighborhood coziness in a gorgeous space featuring a patio right off a popular trail. It offers creative craft cocktails praised for balance and presentation. The venue includes a market and butcher shop, adding a unique grocery element to the dining experience.

Gorgeous design combines with a cafe/deli and restaurant concept that stands out. The inclusion of the 606 Trail adds an interesting deli element to the experience.

Extensive alcohol options include a wide variety of local beers and a solid beer lineup. The spot offers an easy grab for cold beers alongside good cocktails and wine.

People are saying

"I found the burgers to be incredibly tasty and flavorful."

"They have a great beer selection to drink or take home."

"The food here is delicious, especially the burgers."

Good to know

1

The establishment has had issues with food safety, including unrefrigerated ingredients.

2

Dishes were washed in the hand washing sink, raising health concerns.

3

The bathroom is located far from the patio, which may be inconvenient.

11
Minyoli image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Space blends simple decor with Taiwanese cultural references and a welcoming outdoor patio. Atmosphere stays cozy and peaceful, evoking a small Taiwanese restaurant feel. Cocktails show creative twists on classics, complementing authentic dishes like handmade noodles and fried chicken.

Small plates feature interesting seasoning like on the fried sweet potatoes. Appetizers and cocktails offer unique flavor profiles with sweet crunch and tender, savory chicken in the Taiwanese Fried Chicken.

Happy hour features discounted beer prices with $1 to $3 off. Taiwan Beer and a Taiwanese pineapple beer are available alongside cocktails and wine.

People are saying

"The food here is soulful, authentic, and incredibly flavorful."

"The appetizers and cocktails had interesting flavors I'd never tasted."

"The beers here are amazing, along with the food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $1, $2, and $3 off for beer, wine, and cocktails.

2

Brunch service is only available on Sundays, so plan accordingly.

3

Reservations are recommended due to high demand, especially on weekends.

12
Puttery image 1
Miniature golf course

Large, well-decorated space features a library-themed course and a rooftop area with notable views. Atmosphere combines jazz music with a fun, social vibe suited for couples and groups. Miniature golf includes a digital scoring system enhancing the experience.

Different themes make the course fun and keep it interesting. The terrain adds variety, and the overall concept feels engaging despite some difficulty.

The beer selection features local beers alongside cocktails. Some beers come cold, but others serve warm. Prices hover around $8 per beer with helpful recommendations available.

People are saying

"You'll have a fun time with the challenging mini golf courses."

"The different themes made the course interesting and fun."

"I enjoyed the cold beers and great recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups or events.

2

The bar is wheelchair accessible, but the golf courses are not.

3

Expect upscale pricing for food and drinks at the venue.

13
Izakaya Shinya image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Izakaya-style restaurant offers authentic Japanese decor with traditional seating and moody lighting. The atmosphere stays cozy and lively, featuring karaoke that energizes the space late into the night. Guests enjoy grilling at the table and a varied sake and cocktail selection.

Variety of interesting small dishes and rare food items fill the menu. The Ume highball offers a unique twist with ume whiskey, a drink not commonly found.

Unique craft Japanese beers stand out alongside a standard draft Sapporo. The spot offers a solid selection for those who enjoy pairing izakaya-style skewers with their drinks.

People are saying

"The food here felt like being back in Japan."

"The small plates here are interesting and have great flavor."

"I asked twice for our beer order and they never came."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday and Saturday night, starting at 9pm.

2

Happy hour offers $7 drinks, but only for the first drink.

3

The restaurant is open until 2 AM, perfect for late-night dining.

14
Staypineapple, An Iconic Hotel, The Loop Chicago image 1

Historic building blends modern amenities with charming style and comfortable rooms featuring exceptional views. Atmosphere stays fun and welcoming with a calm, chill vibe throughout. Complimentary treats and a friendly bar add to the inviting experience.

Building shows Chicago architectural history with fun older details. Rooms feature an interesting two comforter setup.

Guests receive a signature pineapple beer as a welcome drink. The Atwood bar offers a free wine or beer with stays.

People are saying

"This hotel's location is great for walking everywhere."

"The double duvets on the bed were an interesting concept."

"The staff here treated me like family, making my stay special."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers a burger and beer or soda for $10 from 4-6 pm.

2

Every afternoon, enjoy a cookie hour with complimentary beverages.

3

Valet parking is expensive and can be problematic during busy events.

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