6 of the Best Breweries in Chicago: A Guide for Craft Beer Lovers

 

Chicago is a great place to enjoy some of the best craft beers in the US. There are plenty of reasons why this city is one of America’s premier destinations for beer lovers, but here are just a few: Chicago has more microbreweries per capita than any other major city in the world; it bears a rich tradition in the industry dating all the way back to Prohibition; and there are currently over 120 breweries throughout the Chicagoland area. In this blog post, we will take you on a tour through six of Chicago’s most popular breweries.

Spiteful Brewing Company

Located in Bowmanville (North Side), this brewery is a stone’s throw away from Chicago’s famous Oakwood Beach and features a wide range of beers at any given time. They are known for their nitro coffee milk stout that has been voted best of its style by RateBeer three years running. Some other favorites include Angeleno IPA (their flagship), Blueberry Blonde Ale, Fisticuffs Red Sour Ale, Skully Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with Coconut & Cherries, and Stone Fruit Sour – which is made using peaches grown in nearby Michigan. The average price for a pint hovers around $7, but there are plenty of options above and below. They also offer happy hour specials.

Begyle Brewing Co.

This kid and dog-friendly brewery is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood, on historic “Malt Row”. They have an impressive menu, but they are known best for their rotating varieties of IPAs (they have a new one every month). Some other favorites include Wild Card West Coast IPA, Kinda Dank Double India Pale Ale with Citra Hops, Mosaic Hero Triple IPA with Amarillo & Simcoe hops. Prices are mostly reasonable, and they also offer happy hour specials that get you up to 50% off your drinks on select nights.

Dovetail Brewery

This brewery is also located on “Malt Row”, in Ravenswood, and offers a dog-friendly patio and beer garden that’s perfect for a pit stop on an evening stroll with your pet. They focus on brewing traditional German, Czech, and Belgian style ale, including Dark Day Double Oatmeal Stout with Coconut & Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans, and their house special, Dovetail Pale Ale brewed with Centennial hops. If you have a chance, try their homemade German pretzels—a perfect compliment to a tasty tankard.

Burnt City Brewing Company

This brewery is located at 417 North Ashland, in West Town and boasts an 8-lane bowling alley of its very own. Popular pints include Red Line Ale, an easy drinking amber ale with a taste of biscuit; Pressure Drop APA that’s perfect for summertime outdoor activities; Sticky Fingers – their flagship IPA made with Citra & Mosaic hops; and Stonefly Rye India Pale Lager brewed like old world German lagers but using new world American ingredients. Ten fresh, rotating drafts are available on tap at any given time. They are also the first combination brewery/shop/beer hall in the US, a point of pride for regular patrons and aficionados.

Solemn Oath Brewery

Originally located in the Naperville suburb, this brewery recently opened a new location in Logan Square. Dive décor and wood paneling a north woods Wisconsin vibe. Their taproom features 20 different beers including some very unique barrel aged options like Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Brown Sour or Imperial Stout. They also are known for beers like Sanguine Blood Orange IPA and Behemoth Barleywine Ale, aged in Kentucky Bourbon barrels. This ultra-casual destination is already making waves, so give it a try if you’re in the area.

Maplewood Brewery and Distillery

Also situated in Logan Square, this brewery specializes in canned beer, which works well with the warehouse-like ambience of their tasting room. With flagship, limited, and seasonal batches available, popular brews include Batch 1000 Imperial Stout with Michigan maple syrup and Honey & Grapefruit Saison made with Illinois honey. Maplewood Brewery is also known for specialty beers like Mango Lager, a fruity blonde lager with hints of mango, and Western Waters IPA that’s brewed with Simcoe, Chinook & Centennial hops.

Terri Buseman, Your Guide to All Things Chicago

To set people up in the homes they’ve always wanted, I’ve had to learn quite a bit about this city. It’s a labor of love, and one at which I excel. Owning a home in Chicago means joining a greater community that has something to offer everyone. You aren’t just buying a property; you’re becoming part of something truly special. If you want more information about living in this beautiful city or finding your perfect home, give me call or send me an email today! Check out my resources for more details.

Enjoy these wonderful breweries in our great city!

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/best-breweries-in-chicago-a-guide-for-craft-beer-lovers/

Wine Bars in Chicago: 7 of the Best Places to Tip a Glass

Wine afficionados appreciate our fair city for one reason: wine bars in Chicago never disappoint. From themed décor to classic ambience, from historic architecture to sleek, modern design, these vino hot spots will satisfy your inner connoisseur. With most restrictions lifted, the social scene is vibrant again! It’s the perfect time to uncork, relax, and enjoy your favorite sip.

7 Hand-picked Wine Bars in Chicago

Webster’s Wine Bar – 2601 N Milwaukee Ave

Logan Square is home to many wine bars, but Webster’s is one of the only bars around focusing on natural, organic, and “minimal intervention” wines. With over 400 different selections to choose from, Webster’s also serves small plates and appetizers you can enjoy outdoors or in their unique “library lounge”. They’re open Tuesday through Sunday; glasses average around $12.

Frasca Pizzeria + Wine Bar – 3358 N Paulina

Frasca has a slightly smaller selection of wine, most of which comes from Italy and California to provide the perfect complements to their delicious, homemade Italian food. Frasca prides itself on being both party friendly and family focused; it’s a wonderful gathering place for almost any occasion. Located in Roscoe Village and open daily, expect to pay around $62 per bottle. You can also stop by for happy hour every weekday from 4pm until 6pm.

J9 Wine Bar – 1961 N Halsted

There’s something for everyone at J9 Wine Bar. Wine offerings are available at all price points—ranging from retail bottles (all under $29) to special reserves (as high as $440 per bottle). J9 also serves charcuterie boards and custom-made “wine chips” designed to pair with specific types of wine. This hip neighborhood fixture began as a meeting place for friends to catch up with one another. As a result, the same atmosphere still pervades. Located in Lincoln Park, they’re open every day and have plenty of outdoor seating.

Printer’s Row Wine Shop – 719 S Dearborn

You can’t discuss wine bars in Chicago without mentioning the historic Printer’s Row Wine Shop in the South Loop. This hip, rustic bar is open every day and includes a retail shop with wine service (available Thursday through Saturday). Enjoy some small plates and snacks at the bar, or outside on the patio. At an average of $15 per glass, an evening spent indulging with friends at Printer’s Row won’t break the bank, and the wide selection means you won’t ever run out of new things to try.

Penumbra Restaurant & Wine Bar – 3309 W Fullerton

Atmosphere reigns at Penumbra Restaurant & Wine bar. Dimly lit and inviting, this is just the place to meet new people, gather with old friends, or just enjoy some fine ambience on your own. Boasting an impressive and delectable Latin-inspired menu featuring lots of proteins, there are also plenty of vegetarian options. Penumbra is open Wednesday through Sunday, with a half-off happy hour (glasses of wine only) offered every Wednesday from 5pm until 6:30pm. They also host free wine tastings from time to time, so keep an eye out for their next event.

Scofflaw – 3201 W Armitage

This trendy, causal destination is perfect when you want a good glass of wine, but the rest of your group wants cocktails. Scofflaw is cocktail focused, but their handpicked wine selection—available by the bottle or by the glass—is the perfect solution. The dinner menu includes plenty of gluten-free options for those with allergies, as well as some excellent vegetarian dishes. Enjoy food and drinks indoors or on the patio every day, from 5pm until midnight. Or, if you’re in the area, try out their weekend brunches, available every Saturday and Sunday.

Rootstock Bar – 954 N California Ave

If your ideal outing includes a fine array of small plates and fancy cheeses to accompany your favorite bottle, look no further than Rootstock Bar in Humboldt Park. Modest and warm décor complement Rootstock’s unique focus on organic, biodynamic farming practices, just like their cheese boards complement their wine. The dishes they serve are ultra-fresh, using locally sourced produce. Bottles average around $45 and outdoor seating is available. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday.

Terri Buseman, Your Chicago Expert

Going the extra mile for my clients might mean a little less time to enjoy a glass of good wine, but finding forever homes for people who love this town as much as I do is my passion. Chicago’s wine bars are just one amazing part of the rich experience the city has to offer. There’s so much to do, choosing where to start can be overwhelming! 

THIS ARTICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AT: https://www.terribuseman.com/7-wine-bars-in-chicago/