Have you been on a Chicago brewery tour? I’m convinced we play host to some of the best beer in the country. Check out my ultimate guide to Chicago brewery tours for dates, times, pricing and everything you need to know to have a great experience!
The Ultimate Chicago Brewery Bucket List
5 Rabbit Cerveceria
6398 W 74th Street, Bedford Park, Illinois (by Midway)
Come try 5 Rabbit Cerveceria‘s 5 Lizard, or 5 Vulture beer ,and take a tour or eat in the taproom (or both).
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 3pm. Buy tickets ahead of time.
$10 buys you the tour, beer, and a pint glass.
Ale Syndicate Brewers
2601 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL
Ale Syndicate is a Chicago brewery that recently ran a Groupon giving brewery tours, though they’re not officially open to the public yet. You can find out where to buy their beers and official events on their website.
Brewery Tour:
Limited availability with the purchase of a $16 Groupon deal for two. Check with Ale Syndicate for updated information.
Argus Brewery
11314 S Front Ave, Chicago, IL
Argus Brewery is a Chicago brewery that’s a bit of a hike for city dwellers, but an excellent way to round out your experience with Chicago beers. They’re located in the old Schlitz distribution stables – this is a brewery with history! Their Oktoberfest celebration is not one to miss.
Brewery Tour:
(Most) Saturdays at 12:30pm, 2pm, and 3pm.
$15 buys you the tour, beer, and a pint glass.
There’s also a Groupon which gets you 1/2 off for two people.
Atlas Brewing Company
2747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
No tour at this Chicago brewery, but coming gives you the chance to drink Atlas Brewing Company’s own beer straight from the source.
Begyle Brewing Company
2747 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
With tours and a taproom, Beygle Brewing Company is an underrated Chicago brewery really has it all. Serious fans may consider their beer subscription service.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 12pm.
$10 buys you the tour, a beer and samples, and a tulip glass.
Breakroom Brewery
2925 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL
Breakroom Brewery is a relatively new Chicago brewery created by a bar concept company – so you know you’re in good hands. I visited and loved their diverse selection of draft beers and fun taproom space. Decide for yourself how you feel about their Scotch Eggs. Bring home your favorite beer in a sealed metal “Crowler.”
DryHop Brewers
3155 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL
Foodies will love DryHop Brewers, a Chicago brewery/restaurant concept. Come in and pick from one of their especially hoppy beers on draft, get a cheese plate, and pig out on gourmet comfort food. These guys offer crowlers, too.
Empirical Brewery
1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL
Brewery tours at Empirical Brewery are first-come, first-served and limited capacity. Get there at 12 to all but guarantee your spot.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 1pm and 2:30pm. Check the website for “brewer-led” tours that go more in-depth on technical brewing topics.
$10 buys you the tour, beer samples, and a pint glass.
Exit Strategy Brewing Co.
7700 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL
Exit Strategy Brewing is a relative newcomer to Forest Park, one of the closest Chicago suburbs (accessible via Blue Line). Skim through Exit Strategy Brewing’s beer list and multi-cuisine menu if you have a reason to come out to the suburbs.
Finch’s Beer Co.
4565 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
Finch’s Beer Co has one of the best Chicago brewery tours, if only because they let you get absolutely loaded. You get a half can pour each time you go back or more, which means you’ll get a good taste of each of their beers (and then some). They’ve been known to run Groupon deals from time to time. Even the pickiest beer drinking can’t escape the lure of their colorful cans.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
$10 buys you the tour, unlimited beer, and a pint glass.
Forbidden Root Brewpub
1746 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Botanic-flavored beers and food to compliment them. Take your favorite tastes home in steel growlers.
Brewery Tour:
Offered once a week. Call the restaurant at (312)929-2202 for details.
Gino’s brewing company
500 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL
Did you know? Gino’s East, one of Chicago’s best deep dish pizza makers now makes beer in-house at the River North location! I personally can’t wait to sample their Witte Chicks Dig Me, a Belgian Witbier). Growlers are available to-go.
Goose Island Clybourn
1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL
25 of your favorite Goose Island drafts (and likely some you’ve never tried) are available to pair with delicious bites at this Chicago brewery. They tap at least one new beer a week and you can give it a try at their Thursday Beer Premiere events.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm
Sundays at 1:30pm and 3pm
$10 buys you the tour, 6 beer samples and a branded pint glass.
Half Acre Taproom
4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
I bet there’s at least one Half Acre beer that gets you excited when you see it on tap at a Chicago bar. This Chicago brewery has both tours and a taproom with enticing food options.
Brewery Tour:
Every Saturday (except major holidays) at 11am. Get there early – these tours sell out.
$10 (cash only) buys you the tour, 3 samples, and a branded pint glass.
Haymarket Pub & Brewery
737 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL
This Chicago brewery is home to the Drinking & Writing Theater, Haymarket Brewing is a brewpub with personality. They run free party shuttles (including beer) to and from every Blackhawks game.
Brewery Tour:
Sundays at 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm.
$15 buys you the tour and 28 total ounces of beer.
Hopewell brewing Co.
2760 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
Hopewell Brewing Co. is a relative newcomer to the Chicago brewing scene, situated in Logan Square. They’re open for drinks everyday but Monday – check out their beers on tap.
Lagunitas Brewing Company
1843 S Washtenaw Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
Lagunitas is the only Chicago brewery that offers their beer and brewery tour absolutely free(besides Revolution). Visiting Lagunitas is an amazing experience that I once shared on this blog. They also have an excellent taproom “edibles“. Live music starts everyday at 4:20pm. Is it any surprise that this company originates from California?
Brewery Tour:
“Every freaking day” at multiple times – check the website.
Lake Effect Brewing Company
4727 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL
Nestled away in Jefferson Park, Lake Effect Brewing Company is just a hop, skip, and jump (approximately) from the Montrose Blue Line Stop. Homebrewers will appreciate that these Chicago brewery tours are always led by the brewer.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm.
The tour is free with samples available for purchase in a flight at a steps-away satellite bar. Must sign up on their website.
Motor Row Brewing
2337 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Motor Row Brewing is one of two breweries on Michigan Ave (the other is Vice District Brewing Company), with a focus on traditional European ales and lagers. Enjoy the warehouse-like space with an upstairs taproom and a downstairs tasting room.
Off Color Brewing
3925 W Dickens Ave, Chicago, IL
Did you know Chicago’s Off Color Brewing was open for tours? Come in on Fridays and you can make purchases (only on a debit or credit card) of their freshest beer batches.
Brewery Tour:
Saturdays at 2pm.
$10 buys you the tour, beer samples, and a branded pint glass.
Piece Pizzeria & Brewery
1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL
Piece Pizzeria is a Wicker Park favorite. They’re known for their New Haven Style Pizza, especially when they collaborate with other beloved Chicago chefs and restaurants. They also brew their own unique styles of beer.
Revolution Brewing
Brewery: 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Brewpub: 2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
If you live in Chicago, there’s no way you haven’t tried beer from Revolution Brewing – its one of the most “Chicago” breweries that exist. Their Kedzie Street location offers tours and taproom, while the Milwaukee Avenue location offers no brewery tours, but an excellent brewpub experience.
Brewery Tour:
Wednesday – Friday at 6pm and 7pm.
Saturday – Sunday at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 6pm.
Tours are free and include beer samples.
Temperance Beer Company
2000 Dempster St, Evanston, IL
Yes, you can drink beer and do yoga, and Temperance Beer Company is proof of that fact. If you don’t have a car, Purple Line will get you most of the way there.
Brewery Tour:
The second Sunday of every month at 1pm.
$10 buys you the tour, beer samples, a pint glass and 10% off on merchandise the day of the tour.
Vice District Brewing Company
1454 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL
Vice District Brewing is a relatively new addition to the Chicago brewery scene in the unlikely South Loop area. It is the brainchild of two passionate brewers who were neighbors, first. They offer members several specials, and an interesting spectrum of beers.
There are so many amazing Chicago breweries with new ones opening on a regular basis. What’s on your Chicago brewery bucket list? Share your picks in the comments!
