10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Willow Springs

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Moody Tongue is a newcomer to the list, earning its first stars in 2021. The brewpub's 2019 move from Pilsen to South Loop has proved to be a productive move and we can't wait to get back to the dining room, which opens on May 20th."

"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."

"One the most well-known Chicago-born breweries, Goose Island, operated a taproom room out of their Fulton Street brewery. Enjoy a freshly brewed pint of their classic brews, like 312 or Matilda, in the sleek taproom, with industrial seating and a combination of exposed brick and ceramic tiled walls. While you’re there, take a tour of the production facility for an inside look at the brewmaster’s process while sampling beers along the way."

"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."

"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."

"Bars Breweries Avondale. You won't find food on the menu at this Avondale brewery's riverside patio and dining room space, but guests are welcome to order from nearby restaurants—Kuma's Corner and Dmen Tap are just a couple options—to accompany Metropolitan's German-style lagers."

"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)."

"Farmhouse-style ales go hand in hand with a rustic farmhouse kitchen at Corridor Brewery & Provisions. Pair one of their hop-forward brews with a Midwest bar snacks or an artisan pizza made with local ingredients. The always-changing draft list ranges from double IPAs to fruity sours to funky saisons."

"Another Chicago staples, Off Color was founded in 2013 by John Laffler (formerly of Goose Island Brewery) and Dave Bleitner (formerly of Two Brothers Brewing). As you might expect, the pedigree of the founders is obvious in Off Color Brewing’s mature and technically excellent beers, which lean toward European styles. While the beers are serious, the branding is fun, leading to a very silly and unique taproom experience at both the original location and The Mousetrap, located on the North Branch Canal just west of the Old Town neighborhood."

"There’s something a little wacky about Off Color’s chosen mascot, a charming cartoon mouse that appears in all sorts of adventures through their label artwork, whether it’s Sibling Rivalry, Little Friend, or Dino S’mores. Other characters make their debuts as well, giving each bottle a captivating aesthetic that makes it even tastier to consume."

"A selection of seven cans in the "Beer for" series is seen at Off Color Brewing's Mousetrap taproom. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)"

"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."

"As bourbon drinkers, we are always ready to compare everything we taste to the best of what Kentucky has to offer. 18th Street's Rye and new 3 year Rye..."

"Most people haven't tasted Filipino food unless they have friends or family but if you find yourself craving for an authentic Filipino breakfast in Chicago, head to Uncle Mike's Place. The Longaniza (sweet anise-wine chorizo sausage) and Tocino (annat and anise cured pork shoulder) can be ordered separately but also together as a combo that arrives with garlic fried rice and two eggs any style. It also serves bangus (boneless grilled milkfish) which is popular among Filipinos."

"A photo posted by Infatuation Chicago (@infatuation_chi) on Oct 28, 2016 at 9:17am PDT. Uncle Mike's Place may look like a fancy breakfast spot, but it's actually a Filipino-inspired diner. Save yourself the time of reading through their extensive menu and just order one of their Filipino breakfast plates, which come with your choice of meat, two eggs, garlic fried rice, and lugao (Filipino porridge), all for under $10."

"First-timers may come to Uncle Mike’s Place on the hunt for the perfect omelet or patty melt, but they quickly learn there’s much more to savor. The cozy family-run restaurant has a full menu of Filipino-American fare. Warm up with a bowl of lugao (chicken rice soup), try some tocino (Filipino bacon) with your eggs or go whole-hog with a side of spicy fried Spam."

"Street Food delivery spots are open as early as 8am in Chicago. Consider ordering from Taqueria Mi Linda Hacienda in Kelvyn Grove for your early order, or enter your delivery address to browse the places that are open and available near you."

"If you judge an ice cream shop solely on how close it looks to a Willy Wonka-type Wonderland, then Windy City Sweets is your golden ticket. This classic Lakeview haunt is chock full of so much Americana sweets and ice cream that you practically get a cavity just by entering the front door. The candy (and fudge!) supply is great, but the ice cream is truly special."

"You can probably already tell that we love our cupcakes here in Chicago. More Cupcakes is known for their upscale environment and minimalist display. Stop by for delicious cupcakes with unique toppings."

"Great money wise and you get a huge variety of things to eat--not just Chinese food. Their Won Ton Soup is the bomb!"

"From Business: Yummy Buffet is a Buffet Restaurant located in Chicago, IL. We offer Sushi, Chinese, Hibachi, All You Can Eat, Seafood, Catering, Carry Out, and Dessert!"