10 Best Breweries in Chicago

"Somewhere between Dovetail and Marz is Half Acre, a relative OG by craft beer standards (it was founded by Gabriel Magliaro in 2006). While you may have heard of packaged brewery staples like Daisy Cutter West Coast Pale Ale or Pony Pilsner, the brewery also makes several draft-only offerings that are best experienced at one of their two taprooms. For the original location, check out their space at Lincoln Avenue; for a beer garden vibe, visit the expanded facility on Balmoral."

"The Half Acre Beer Company has two Chicago locations, one on Lincoln Avenue and the other on Balmoral. Both locations are similar in that they offer patrons both kitchens and taprooms. However, if you want to buy something from the gift shop, you’ll have to go to the Lincoln location."

"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."

"You don’t need to be a beer snob to have heard of Goose Island, probably the most recognizable Chicago beer to the general public across the country. Their Clybourn taproom is a spacious and central location that you can easily integrate into your Chicago itinerary. If you get the chance to visit in person, you’ll have access to their bottled lineup of bourbon barrel aged stouts, but their year-round and seasonal offerings are just as enticing."

"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."

"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?"

"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."

"Don’t be fooled by the warehouse aesthetic—there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than you realize. This BYO food joint nestled up on the riverbanks in Bucktown offers outdoor seating with gorgeous views of the surrounding greenery, making you feel like you’re miles outside the city limits."

"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."

"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."

"Food and crowlers are available for patio dining, pick-up and delivery from these Lakeview brewers!. Patio tables are seated on a first-come, first-served basis."

"High up there on the other end of the Chicago spectrum, Old Irving resides just east of Portage Park and offers plenty of beers for all kinds of hops lovers. Favorites include the Being Ernest, a Hemingway-inspired Belgian tripel made in collaboration with Forbidden Fruit, Marz, Maplewood, and Off Color, and ‘Til Death, a Pilsner worthy of wedding bells. It’s homey and delightful and a perfect hideaway spot."

"Indoor seating is available at Old Irving, stop by and grab a burger and brew,  or snag a growler to-go!. Place an order for pick-up."

"Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery is a welcoming and engaging craft beer experience with a variety of unique craft beer freshly brewed on site to pair with our popular American crave-able food like our Brewery Nachos Bacon Chicken Mac n’ Cheese, Fish and Chips and Bacon Cheddar Burger."

"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."

"WOW. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this high-end, posh Asian nightclub. Dance the night away in this 1000-capacity dance club in Chicago featuring a 10-foot Japanese bell, world-famous DJ sets, and funky lights. Make your VIP request here."

"An outpost of the New York City original, TAO is a large two-level space with four private dining rooms and a large bar. Daybed sofas abound and the eclectic lounge is a perfect bl..."

"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."

"Spa Space is conveniently located on Canal Street in Chicago. Spa Space efficiently assembles a rigorous way of body and skincare having a relaxing and sumptuous environment centred on exceptional client services. They have staff and professionals that are passionate and hardworking to ensure the wellness of every customer."

"Check out their website to see some of the services they offer, including facials, massages, manicures, waxing, and more. You can also choose to purchase a gift certificate now to support this spa in Chicago."

"This hotel is sophisticated ode to design and feels like the residence of a Mad Men character, with its mid-century-esque furnishings, mural-splashed walls and clean lines throughout. Room service from the on-site David Burke’s Primehouse draws in repeat guests."

"The Ruby Room's mission is to positively affect the energy & spirit of those they touch. Ruby Room's signature "Healing Ritual" incorporates your chosen intention and selection of a Ruby Room Aroma Infused Flower & Gem Essences to keep your energy positive and clear. This combined with numerology reading ($250) could run you at most $350 if you choose to bring a partner along."

"When your Co-Star horoscope isn’t quite cutting it, head here for an intuitive reading. Depending on your preferences, healers might read your energy or aura or refer to numerology to tell you what’s really going on with your roommate. Afterward, you can get a traditional massage or wax service and pick up a smudge to clear the energy in your home."