Chicago | St. Louis
Login | Sign Up

Chicago Pub Guide

Author: Constance Cooper

Categories: Nightlife Nightlife At the Table



Beer enthusiasts will find some of the best breweries and brewpubs in America in Chicago.


In 1917, Chicago had over 200 different breweries producing beer for thirsty city dwellers.  Early German immigrants had brought lager from across the ocean, and the breweries they built were among the largest and most important businesses in the city.  But in 1917, Prohibition was enacted, giving birth to a wild, lawless, underground beer business, run by the likes of Al Capone.  After Prohibition was repealed and beer began flowing openly again, Chicago’s breweries couldn’t quite shake their shady past, with all the vicious infighting that had come with it.  Large, well-organized beer conglomerates from St. Louis rushed in, took advantage of the confusion, and effectively put all of Chicago’s breweries out of business.

It wasn’t until the 1980’s that a successful brewery opened its doors in Chicago again.  America’s “craft beer revolution,” was just getting started.  All over the country, people were beginning to turn away from the refreshing-but-bland lagers that had dominated the market for a century and started to explore richer, frutier, more complex ale-style beers.  

When Goose Island Brewpub opened its doors in 1981, it catered to these changing tastes with its Honkers Ale, a mild ESB that has become the signature beer of Chicago.  Goose Island Brewpub was a huge success, and the company soon expanded operations and began bottling and distributing its beers throughout the city and beyond.  Goose Island now sells its line of 14 craft beers in 15 states and the U.K.  All of these brews can be sampled at Goose Island’s two Chicago brewpubs, in addition to a number of “pub beers” brewed exclusively for the restaurants.  Chicago’s “original brewpub” – Goose Island Clybourn is located less than a block from Wrigley Field (3535 N. Clark St).

Goose Island’s success inspired a number of Chicago’s craft beer enthusiasts to begin brewing commercially.  Over 20 breweries and brewpubs now operate in the city and suburbs – many of which have garnered impressive awards.  In 2006, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria was named Champion Small Brewpub at the prestigious World Beer Cup.  Located in amid the retail boutique Mecca of Chicago’s trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, Piece serves New Haven-style thin crust pizza and small batch beers in a spacious and casual setting.  Piece also features musical acts on Friday nights and, for the truly brave (or beer-emboldened) live band karaoke every Saturday.  

Rock Bottom Brewery is located in the heart of downtown Chicago.  Besides delicious microbrews, Rock Bottom’s biggest attraction is its stunning rooftop beer garden, featuring skyline views, that is open throughout the summer months.  Chicago’s Rock Bottom Brewery is an outpost of a national chain that originated in Boulder, Colorado, the cradle of America’s craft beer craze.  Although the atmosphere is somewhat corporate, the convenient location, delicious brews, and amazing views more than make up for it.

It’s a bit of a hike out to Munster, Indiana to sample Three Floyds Brewing Co.’s line of hop-heavy brews.  But for those who love bitter, aromatic beers, it’s well, well worth the trip.  Three Floyds specializes in out-there brews with over-the-top hops.  Alpha King, an American Pale Ale that has gained cult status among hop heads, is Three Floyds’ flagship brew.  And if you’re lucky enough to be in the Chicago area in late April, you can be one of a tiny handful of people who get to try Three Floyds’ legendary Dark Lord Imperial Stout.  Released on one single day each year, Dark Lord can only be purchased at the brewery on the day of its release – a day celebrated with BBQ, live music, and an unofficial “brew swap” among beer enthusiasts from all over the world.  Although Dark Lord is the hardest Three Floyds beer to come by, unless you live in Illinois or Indiana – the only states in which the brewery distributes – it’s pretty much impossible to find any of Three Floyds’ beers.  So if a trip to Three Floyds Pub in Munster just won’t fit into your travel plans, be sure to check out their brews at Chicago’s best watering holes.  Three Floyds’ beers are always on tap at the city’s famed beer bars The Hopleaf, The Map Room, and Delilah’s.

Named “Best Small Brewpub” at the 2006 Great American Beer Festival, Flossmoor’s Station Restaurant and Brewery is located in the historic Flossmoor railway station, just steps off the Metra’s University Park line.  Although it’s a good 45-minute train ride from downtown Chicago, Flossmoor’s line of award-winning beers are certainly work the trek.  Finding your minibar choices a bit bleak?  Flossmoor sells half-gallon growlers to liven up your hotel fridge.  And if you get a little parched on the train ride back to the city, here’s a little-known fact: the University Park Metra line is one of the only train lines in the city where you and your friends can pour yourselves a glass from your growler, sit back, sip, and enjoy the passing scenery – within reason, of course.

These are just a few of your choices in a city that is becoming not only the epicenter of progressive American cuisine, but a capital of progressive beer as well.  Slowly, but surely, beer and brewing are recapturing their former glory as an essential part of the city’s culture and industry.  For a full list of Chicagoland brewpubs, check out the exhaustive Chicago Beer Guide, put together by the always-helpful folks at the Chicago Beer Society, the oldest beer club in the United States.

Tags

Culinarybeer specialists

nearby places of interest

Browntrout
4111 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Browntrout uses only the freshest ingrediants from local farmers' markets and bakeries, and all the seafood is caught within 300 miles of Chicago.   

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.

Carlucci
6111 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.  

Crofton on Wells
888 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This contemporary American restaurant headed by executive chef Suzy Crofton, a long-time and much-acclaimed Chicago chef. Expert a nicely balanced menu pulling on French and other influences in style and with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Devon Seafood Grill
39 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Selecting only the best aquatic cuisine, Devon Seafood Grill features creative dishes from Chef Scott Barrow.

Elephant & Castle
111 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

At this English pub in Chicago, expect a mix of traditional English pub fare and American menu items are served here; English-style breakfast is also a draw

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.  

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

Market Restaurant and Sports Bar
1113 W Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607

Famed American cuisine is highlighted at the Market. It is a multi-faceted dining experience offering many different atmospheres in which to eat. Guests can sit outside and relax in the Sidewalk Cafe or have an innovative drink on the roof in the Rooftop Lounge. Inside, there is the Restaurant and Sports Bar with a contemporary vibe and flavorful food by Chef Joe Rosetti--and a Beer Garden connected to the outside.

Nightwood
2119 S Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60608

Nightwood has a unique culinary scene. Its wine-list is extensive and showcases selections from small producers.

R.J. Grunts
2056 N. Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614

A comfortable atmosphere with American fare is served at this historic restaurant--historic because it was the very first Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, the company founded by culinary entrepreneur Rich Melman. Another interesting note is that R.J. Grunts was the original restaurant to establish the theme that has been followed by other, more commercial "flair" restaurants.  

Ra Sushi
310 Yorktown Center, Lombard, IL 60148

Located in the new and fabulous Shops on Butterfield, this latest RA Sushi location has happy hour Monday through Friday 4-7.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Roditys
222 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60661

One of Chicago's long standing Greek restaurant, expect classics and old school service, as well.  

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

Russian Tea Time
77 E. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

This full-of-frills tea house has been giving visitors to Chicago a taste of Russian culinary luxury for years now; a great spot for a special meal or snack with that special someone. 

Saloon Steakhouse
200 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, IL 60611

A top Chicago steakhouse right off Michigan Avenue, expect a classic steakhouse when you stop in here. It's not all about the steaks, though; plenty of lighter choices are available, as well.

Salpicon
1252 N. Wells St, Chicago, IL 60614

This eatery serves contemporary Mexican fare in a colorful and cozy dining room, plus there's outdoor dining in the form of a covered sidewalk cafe in the summer months. Executive chef Priscilla Satkoff turns out some of the best Mexian and Latin food in Chicago while her husband, Vince, manages the wine list and an excellent tequila selection.

Salseria Cantina & Grill
233 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606

Full service Mexican restaurant brought to you by the people behind Taco Fresco and Fuego Loco: Cantine & Salseria. 

Schwa
1466 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

A crashingly original BYO restaurant headed by Food & Wine Best New Chef Michael Carlson. The surroundings are simple, yet elegant, and the food is of a level with top kitchens practicing avant garde dining mixed with a dose of molecular gastronomy. If that confuses you, this might not be the right experience for you unless you're heartily open to new things.  

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.   

Shor
2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616

This classic, Chicago-style grill operates out of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. It's a perfect, convenient stop for those attending a convention or a performance at the Arie Crown Theater.

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Beer Garden at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

The Beer Garden at Chicago's Navy Pier offers visitors a unique combination: a massive collection of the city's finest brews and the unbeatable environment and views of Navy Pier.  

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

Tocco
1266 N. Milwaukee Ave. , Chicago, IL 60622

Tocco provides refined renditions of favorite Italian comfort foods like pizza and pasta. 

Trader Vic's
1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This delectable restaurant is island inspired with an Asian fare. This creates for some creative and tastey culinary cooking. It is great for dinner and has a sushi an bar lounge open until midnight.  

Zest
525 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This globally influenced contemporary American restaurant is located in the luxurious Intercontinental Chicago hotel.

Macy's Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Water Tower Place on Michigan Avenue, this is a second Chicago location for the famed department store.

Nuada
3727 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

This Lincoln Park shop stocks Celtic art, jewelry, home decor, and accessories from contemporary, Irish artists. Great place to find gifts - or something special for yourself!

Sam's Wine & Spirits
1720 N. Marcey St., Chicago, IL 60614

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor.

Sam's Wine & Spirits
2010 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

Sam's Wine & Spirits
1909 Skokie Valley Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

Sam's Wine & Spirits
50 E Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60605

A 33,000-square-foot warehouse selling wines from all over the world, this all-things-alcohol store is worth a visit if you're one to ooh! and aah! over all things to do with beer, wine and liquor. 

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.

Fado Irish Pub
100 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

The mother of all Irish pubs in Chicago, Fado treats Guinness as a religion and has the feel of last-century Ireland--except when the European football games are on.

Granite City Food & Brewery
14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462

Serving up Chicago brewpub fare in the western suburb of Orland Park, Granite City gets the job done with burgers and flatbread pizza appetizers--along with a number of high-quality brews.  

Lizzie McNeill's
400 N. McClurg Ct., Chicago, IL 60611

This heaven-to-many Irish bar sits deep in Streeterville on a quiet corner just across the street from the Chicago River. If you want a pint and a party, you'll likely find it from the sometimes raucous, sometimes not so, crowd here.

Moonshine
1824 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622

This popular Chicago bar and restaurant kicks off the West Division Street strip with a simple, but everything's there bar menu and good, Southern-leaning menu fare.  

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
1 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

This Chicago brewpub is an outpost of the nationwide chain; the top draw here is the rotating selection of handcrafted beers brewed on-site.

Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Stylish yet comfortable, this River North bar and grill puts a twist on American favorites. Expect to hear some classic rock music as the name implies and take in the old album cover-jacketed menus.

Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60605

Room 21, late-night dining/drinking spot dripping with the mystique of Al Capone and Chicago's old red light district, is the latest outpost from colorful restaurant mogul Jerry Kleiner.

The Kerryman
661 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Irish pub fare dominates this recently-renovated space named after Saint Brendan. Mahogany, leather boothes and granite countertops whimsically blend old and new Ireland.

Trader Vic's
1030 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This delectable restaurant is island inspired with an Asian fare. This creates for some creative and tastey culinary cooking. It is great for dinner and has a sushi an bar lounge open until midnight.  

Build Your Itinerary

Plan your Chicago itinerary here
Pick activities, restaurants, museums (& more) and save for future reference.

Search

FREE SPECIAL REPORT

Get Top 10 Chicago Packages for Hotels, Sightseeing, and more.

Chicago concierges share their best picks!

Also get free email advisories.


We hate spam too. See our Privacy Policy

Utilities