10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in DuPage County

"In a city that has detonated with craft breweries in the last decade, Half Acre Beer Company, founded in 2006, is considered one of the original players. The first brewery location is on Chicago’s north side on Lincoln Avenue and the expanded space is about 15 minutes away on Balmoral—both complete with kitchens and taprooms and both offer inexpensive tours. The Balmoral spot, however, has a lovely outdoor beer garden that is perfect for drinking all of those Daisy Cutters."

"The gist: After moving to its new brewing facility just south of the Motor Row District, Moody Tongue wisely tapped Michelin-starred chef Jared Wentworth (Longman & Eagle, Dusek’s) to help hone a culinary experience on par with the chef-driven beers they’ve been crafting for years."

"Moody Tongue proves upscale dining doesn’t have to be pretentious. Both a brewery and a pub, the South Loop location contains an intimate 28-seat dining room. However, don’t be deceived by this minimalist decor."

"Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville Most hipsters may have abandoned Goose Island since it “went mainstream” with its much-maligned sale to InBev in 2011, but the brewery that basically started the Chicago craft beer scene continues to make high-quality beers worthy of your attention. Founded in 1988 and shut out of the Great America Beer Festival for the first time last year (it is no longer considered “craft”), Goose Island continues to forge ahead by opening new brewpubs across the globe in addition to its two Chicago locations. 312 is the beer most locals know best, but Goose’s food-focused offerings like Sofia and Matilda are steadily increasing in popularity."

"Goose Island brews are well known throughout Chicago and the country and some folks have scoffed at the mainstream reach since the 2011 sale of the company to InBev. Since 1988, however, this beer company has consistently produced high-quality, great-tasting beers, and while it’s no longer considered a craft brewery by any stretch of the imagination, Goose Island’s beers are still striking and delicious. Visit the Goose Island taproom on Fulton Street or the one on Clybourn Avenue and order a 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Goose IPA, Green Line Pale Ale, or a Ms Brightside."

"Goose Island Beer Company may have multiple locations in the U.S., but John Hall opened the first brewery in Chicago after returning home from a trip to Europe that inspired him to bring good beer to the states. The brewery has separate rooms for innovation programs and yeast propagation units. Barrel-aged beers have a 143,00 square foot barrel warehouse and dedicated stockroom."

"Ravenswood Brewing German-style beers and lagers on the North Side since 2009, Metropolitan largely flies under the radar amongst non beer-aficionados but continues to dominate as one of the most respected beer makers in Chicago. While many contemporary breweries fall over themselves trying to get your attention with the weirdest or most hop-forward beers imaginable, Metro keeps things simple with just flat-out good beer whose easy drinkability remains its finest asset. Metro’s profile has been raised slightly thanks to the recent addition of its Rockwell Tap Room, easily one of the best taprooms in the city thanks to its homey atmosphere (with reclaimed-wood tables and chairs) and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Chicago River.Must-try beer: Krankshaft, their flagship Kolsch-style beer, is brewed in homage to Cologne, Germany, featuring lemony flavors and a dry, clean finish characterized by Metro’s trademark high drinkability."

"If German-style lagers are your thing, then head straight for Metropolitan Brewing—they’ve been making this sort of beer since 2009 and they’re quite good at it. Krankshaft, the flagship brew, is made year-round and offered at Soldier Field, O’Hare and Midway International Airports, and at the home of the White Sox. Once a bit under the radar, the popularity of Metropolitan Brewing has increased since the addition of the Rockwell Taproom (listed on their website as dog, kid and freak-friendly) in Avondale, overlooking the Chicago River."

"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."

"Sip and dine right alongside huge metallic fermentation tanks at Corridor Brewery and Provisions. Director of brewing operations Brant Dubovick ensures there’s an ever-evolving list of drafts, from hop-heavy IPAs to sparkling saisons and fruity sours. Corridor is also a full-fledged restaurant, so whether you’re in the mood for a “beer bite” like doughy pretzels, or something more substantial – say an artisanal pizza topped with BBQ pork or leek and goat cheese – it’s worth putting your name down for a table (the brewery doesn’t take reservations)."

"Corridor Brewery and Provisions is a creative gastropub that features seasonal brews. It is a warehouse-style brewery with delicious meals. As a craft brewery, they regularly change their draft list."

"If you’re looking to sample a few beers before getting some to go, then Begyle Brewing is the place for you. Located in the Ravenswood Industrial Community, the folks at Begyle Brewing boast an amazing selection of carefully crafted beers, some of the favorites being Bingo Bango, Snooze Button, and No Tomorrow. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the Beer Garden, then grab a growler or keg and take the party elsewhere."

"Situated right across the street from Dovetail, visit Begyle to switch it up after getting your fill of lagers — this is the opposite end of the beer spectrum. For the time being, they have a reservation system for their beer garden that’s quite typical of Chicago breweries at the moment. Begyle’s brews range from blondes to barrel aged stouts and everything in between."

"If you’re looking for a no-frills microbrewery that serves up uniquely crafted beer, Begyle Brewing is your go-to place. Dogs are allowed, if kept on a leash, and tours of the brewery are always available. This Ravenswood hotspot also has skeeball!"

"Midwest Coast Brewing Company was founded by a brother and sister who use the face of their childhood dog, Maverick, as their brand logo. Midwest Coast Brewing Company has 12 taps, including rotating featured brews, like Friendsgiving. Friendsgiving is a British brown ale loaded with cinnamon, nutmeg and orange peel that shows up on their menu during the fall season."

"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."

"The Arts Club of Chicago is an art museum with public exhibitions and private tours. The club's first floors are open to the public at no admission cost; private tours of the permanent collection can be arranged. The Arts Club, which opened in 1916, was home to the first United States showing of Pablo Picasso's work."

"Just as we are committed to serving the best quality food every single day, we are committed to serving you during this time. Whether it’s via dine-in, the drive-thru or delivery where available, we remain focused on having your back."