10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Burbank

"I don’t know what’s in the water up in Ravenswood, but it must be especially good for brewing beer… Half Acre’s taproom on Lincoln Ave in the North-side neighborhood is a great place to hang out and try some of Chicago’s most iconic (and aesthetically pleasing) beers, complemented by a revolving line-up of limited releases with psychedelic can designs and some similarly out-there tastes. This is the home of Daisy Cutter, a pale ale on tap at pretty much every bar and restaurant and Chicago, but Half Acre’s lineup remains wonderfully deep even after you move past the heavy-hitters. Their original reaper stout has notes of cocoa and vanilla that combine for a wonderful finish."

"Half Acre Beer Company offers a substantial food menu along with a rotating selection of seasonal brews|© Serhii Chrucky / Alamy Stock Photo. When Half Acre’s original location – a 13,000-square-foot warehouse in Lincoln – became too cramped, it opened a second, even more cavernous space in Balmoral with a huge production facility. The brewery, which was founded by a couple of friends – one an artist, the other an engineer – is known for two year-round staples: the Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and German-style Pony Pilsner, but also offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews."

"Lights sit above the beer garden at the Half Acre taproom and kitchen at the Balmoral Street production brewery. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune). What was once the larger, but younger of Half Acre’s two taprooms is now the sole location, after the Chicago brewery recently sold its original Lincoln Avenue taproom to Hop Butcher for the World."

"One of Chicago’s most popular breweries moved its operation to a new venue in 2019 and added a restaurant as well. Head to the Bar at Moody Tongue to try executive chef Jared Wentworth’s fine-dining-caliber dishes paired with brewmaster Jared Rouben’s beers. The German chocolate cake is a must-try that features 12 layers of rich chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, espresso cheesecake, and German chocolate filling with toasted pecans and coconut."

"It’s not often that you find a fine-dining tasting menu inside of a brewery. But everything about Moody Tongue will subvert your expectations. The kitchen at their intimate South Loop space is helmed by nine-time Michelin star chef Jared Wentworth, who has crafted a menu designed to thoughtfully elevate the intersection of food and beer."

"Moody Tongue moved from Pilsen to near McCormick Place with dreams of creating a tasting-menu restaurant that could attract Michelin attention. That plan never fully developed as the pandemic halted momentum. So the brewery shifted to barbecue with Slagel Family Farms short rib, pork ribs, pulled pork, and more."

"When you think Chicago, you think 312, the signature, school-bus-yellow bottle of beer from Goose Island. This popular, Chicago-based brewery has since expanded its single location on Fulton Street to several brewpubs and brewhouses around the city and beyond, so make sure to stop into one of your local Goose Island locations just in time for their fall releases."

"One of the most popular beers in Chicago and the one with most worldwide recognition is Goose Island. This acclaimed brewery offers a stunning selection of over 50 brews to choose from, with dark beer, light beer, and everything in between. Goose Island has two locations: one in Whitneyville and another in the center of Lincoln Park."

"Goose Island continues to serve some of Chicago's finest beer, and a one-stop-shop for a perfect evening beer and bites. They offer tours of the brewery and are also open for brunch!. Place a pick-up order to enjoy all their offerings at home, and check out their menu for seasonal and limited-edition brews."

"Another north-side brewery that knows their specialty and sticks to it, Metropolitan has a huge industrial-style space on the Chicago river a few minutes from Bucktown. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy their German-style lagers while taking in a view of the Windy City skyline. The staff here are incredibly welcoming, and the taproom manages to retain a friendly neighborhood feeling to it while serving up some world-class beers."

"Tucked down Rockwell Avenue in the Avondale neighborhood, Metropolitan Brewing’s Tap Room sits right on the banks of the North Branch of the Chicago River. They’re currently building a massive outdoor patio right on the river, but in the meantime, you can get a beer, order food from the rotating delivery partners, and gaze at the green views out the massive floor to ceiling windows. ➙ Need a place to stay?"

"Corridor is a sophisticated project, the brainchild of Siebel- and Doemens-educated Greg Shuff. Also on the team are Director of Brewing Operations Brant Dubovick, who previously led Pittsburgh’s Church Brew Works to the Great American Beer Festival’s Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year Award, and Executive Chef Ryan Henderson, who cut his teeth at Momofuku, Empellon, and Alder. The outstanding pedigree has led to flavorful hop bombs like Ope Fresh Hop Pale Ale and subtle farmhouse beers like Little Greys Light Saison, as well as a food menu featuring delicate salads, hearty sandwiches, and artisan pizzas."

"This brewpub boasts one of our favorite brunch burgers in the city. The restaurant’s no reservation policy can work in your favor if you arrive early and request a seat on the patio. Enjoy people watching on Southport while you eat."

"A southside brewery that edges so far down, it’s hardly considered urban territory, Open Outcry is an unexpected oasis in this part of the city, encouraging you to quench your thirst in their garage-style taproom. Featuring a flight inspired by the colors of the original Rainbow Cone—Palmer House IPA, Strawberry Imperial Stout, Orange Milkshake IPA, Pistachio Brown Ale—Open Outcry promises that you can’t go wrong with any of their signature brews. And their blissful beer garden with yellow accents is the go-to lounge for the summer!"

"Empirical Brewing‘s taproom is a bit like walking into the lab of a mad (or at least buzzed) scientist. This experimental microbrewer is always texting new recipes with their signature one-barrel system — which means small quantities and lots of creativity. The brewers are known to collect feedback from taproom patrons and use it to further tweak their brews."

"A self-described "bunch of nerds" (even their logo is an ancient historical reference!), you can literally watch the Empirical brewers' expertise in action. They are open for limited indoor seating, patio seating or to-go orders!"

"A gorgeous brick warehouse with garage doors that open in the summertime, Spiteful Brewing is anything but. In fact, they’re more likely benevolent to their loyal customers, producing a delicious, new beer every season. Communal seating rounds out the welcoming atmosphere that comes with a visit to Spiteful Brewing."

"Southport's main claim to fame is this 1929 movie house, which shows independent and classic films on its two screens. Live organ music…"

"The Beverly Arts Center is a multifaceted space that hosts regular programs on dance, film, theater and music. There is also a gallery space here that presents a rotating and diverse program of visual arts. Past exhibits have included works by local Chicago cartoonists, printmakers, photographers and painters, as well as programs focused on the LGBTQ community."

"If you are looking for something more in the downtown core, then this would be one of the best places to eat in Chicago. They have two branches around town and offer an amazing breakfast. What I really enjoyed most about this place was the effort they made for Pride Week in Chicago."

"Lasalle Street, the shop offers a comfy atmosphere and impressive selection of coffee, tea and sweet treats. If cold-brew is your coffee of choice, we recommend the Nitro Cold Brew on tap. Don’t be surprised when the drink comes out looking like a Guinness in a tall frosted glass."

"Sure, you can score a well-rounded meal here, but wouldn't you rather have a multi-course feast of rainbow layer cake, iced cut-out cookies, pecan sticky buns, and hulking rice crispy treats?"

"We've tried finding a less-than-delicious dish on Tweet's massive menu and have determined such a dish does not exist. The cute, cozy, cash-only breakfast and lunch spot in Uptown truly has something for everyone. From huevos rancheros to bagels and lox to vegan-friendly faves, good luck eating your way through all of it!"