10 Best Breweries in Township

"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."

"Half Acre began brewing in its North Center location in 2009, and rapidly became a Chicago institution. The tap room conducts brewery tours, sells cool merch in its on-site store, and offers tastings of the goods — The Daisy Cutter brew is a prevailing favorite among locals. And their Andersonville taproom, just a bit north, features a popular beer garden."

"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."

"You won’t find a classier brewery around Chicago than Moody Tongue, now settled into South Loop. For god’s sake, their beers are served in wine glasses, and if that isn’t dedication to the atmosphere, we don’t know what is. Their minimal menu includes fan favorites like the Smoked Applewood Gold and Carmalized Chocolate Churro Porter (WUT), but also a few limited releases, such as the champagne-reminiscent Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner."

"Moody Tongue Brewing offers exotic beers along with oysters & their famous 12 layer German chocolate cake at their tasting room with a fireplace. curbside pick-up or delivery by ordering online. Or dine inside and try their famous 12 Layer German Chocolate Cake!"

"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."

"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 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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

"Off Color Brewing's taphouse, Mouseroom has a beautiful indoor and patio for you to enjoy their signature drafts, canned beer, as well as seasonal and foedre aged specials. Seating is on a first-come-first-served basis, so head on over or place an order for pick-up or delivery here."

"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!"

"This open and airy taproom feels like the perfect neighborhood taproom. It’s dog-friendly, features tons of communal seating, and even lets you bring in your own food from nearby eateries. Like their taproom, the beers from Hopewell Brewing Co. are bright and modern."

"Hopewell offers a variety of brews, including mainstay cans that you know and love and limited special releases. Open for limited indoor seating or pick-up. Click here to place an order."

"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."

"Wishbone, a family owned, independent restaurant, has been cooking southern style, made-from-scratch comfort food for more than 30 years. You can get bacon and eggs anywhere but Wishbone's Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Catfish, Jambalaya Omelette, Chicken Andouille Hash and homemade biscuits in pork sausage gravy will wake up your neurons and digestion. There aren't many places in the Midwest offering signature cornmeal pancakes made with sweet corn and scallions with roasted red pepper sauce plus two eggs."

"Come for Southern-style soul food, full of flavor and served in a casual, relaxed environment. The quirky, funky warehouse-style space (abstract paintings of chickens and eggs adorn the walls) offers breakfast on weekdays and a popular weekend brunch. Try fluffy biscuits, French toast, salmon cakes with hollandaise, or a house specialty called Red Eggs, which consists of two eggs on corn tortillas with black beans, cheese, hot sauce, sour cream, and salsa."

"(Primary Neighborhoods: Various events and locations, city and suburbs). The family-run food truck Aztec Dave’s has been serving mobile Mexican food in Chicago since 2015. The focus is on the family’s grandmother’s recipes but with a modern spin."

"I have been dining at Spring with my husband for his birthday for the last 3 years. Each and every experience has been a pure delight."

"Indulge in some shopping, veer off a couple blocks to grab an espresso at the beloved Italian market Eataly, or continue to the DuSable Bridge for a fantastic photo-op of the emerald green Chicago River surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers. The most iconic spot in the entire city is just a couple blocks further: Millennium Park, a sprawling downtown green space that’s home to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as ‘The Bean.’ The stainless steel plates reflect the surrounding city skyline which makes for some epic shots–especially if you make it there first thing in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive. Be sure to walk below Cloud Gate’s 12-foot-high arch to snap some cool perspective pics from underneath."

"The Water Tower Place-based family-friendly gallery serves as dedicated space for Dr. Seuss's artwork. Visitors may view the various collections--which include sculptures, illustrated art and "secret" art--and have the option to buy. Some of the works have never been exhibited before."

"Ongoing weekend programs at the museum include workshops for kids to learn about identifying rocks and minerals or learning how to make jewelry. Collections include gemstones, fossils and an ornate castle. Online activities include virtual jewelry classes and rock identification classes."

"The Smart Museum of Art has impressive collections of European, American and Asian art|© Andre Jenny / Alamy Stock Photo. Located on the University of Chicago campus, the Smart Museum of Art bills itself as “an intimate museum for bold encounters with art.” The collection – which includes pieces by Edgar Degas, Frank Lloyd Wright, Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko and Pablo Picasso – is renowned for its extensive array of fine art and objects representing a plethora of eras, continents and genres."

"The Smart Museum of Art is scheduled to re-open April 8, 2021. These aren’t the only free things to do in Chicago!. Find more in our ultimate guide."