Nothing beats an ice-cold beer on a warm summer day. Living in Chicagoland, you might think your only options for beer are Goose Island or Lagunitas. While we all love those two breweries as the Windy City’s staples, there are so many other breweries around Chicago bringing you innovative craft beers this summer. From the city to the suburbs, sweet to sour, we’ve compiled a list of must-try breweries this summer. At these places, you won’t only find great brews, but mouth-watering food, live music, and other fun events to keep you entertained during the dog days of summer.
MORE Brewing
126 S Villa Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181
At MORE Brewing in Huntley and Villa Park, you’ll find endless beers on tap as well as a frozen beer margarita. The drinks combined with games, events, and live music make for the perfect spot to spend a summer day. Keep in mind that their 5th Anniversary Fest is coming up July 16th. Tickets are on sale now here!
Pollyanna
245 E Main St, Roselle, IL 60172
431 Talcott Ave, Lemont, IL 60439
106 S Riverside Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
With three locations within an hour and thirty minutes of driving, Pollyanna is one of the best breweries near Chicago, especially if you’re ready to taste some fresh summer beers. You can find Pollyanna at its original location in Lemont, the 2nd location in Roselle, or the newest establishment in St. Charles. Their go-to beer for hot days, The Summerly, is a fruity, tangy raspberry wheat ale that simply tastes like summer in a glass. Bonus? The patios are dog friendly!
Alter
2300 Wisconsin Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515
12 S First St, St Charles, IL 60174
Alter Brewing, located in Downers Grove and St. Charles, literally always has something going on, so you know every visit will be unique. With trivia nights, food trucks, and yoga classes, it won’t just be the beer that’s keeping you entertained. To keep you refreshed, we recommend the Heavy Squeeze and Alterado, a Mexican Style Lager. YUM.
Ike and Oak
6315 Main St, Woodridge, IL 60517
Is there anything better than a combination of beer and pizza? We don’t think so, and that’s why we love Ike and Oak. With tons of Neapolitan-style pizzas, you’ll find the perfect pairing for a dinner packed with flavor and fun. For summer, we recommend the Summerhill beer paired with the prosciutto and herbed goat cheese pizza. Is your mouth watering yet?
Elmhurst Brewing
171 N Addison ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Elmhurst Brewing is the best place to post up for a long, sunny day of beer tasting. From the Julius Squeezer to the Fools Gold coffee golden stout, the flavor options never end and there’s always something new to try. With awesome upcoming events this summer like comedy nights, open mics, and happy hours Monday through Thursday, Elmhurst Brewing is bound to become one of your favorite spots this summer. While you’re there, check out the upcoming Elmhurst Hall once night falls for an elevated dinner experience after a long day of walking around!.
Empirical Brewery
1801 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
If you’ve ever been interested in the science of beer making, Empirical Brewery is the place for you. This self-proclaimed “place for nerds” is always trying out new concoctions for the most exciting and enticing flavors possible. You can be sure that the beers they serve are truly unique, which makes Empirical so fun!
Dovetail Brewery
1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
If you’re looking for the perfect summer beer, you have to stop at Dovetail for their Maibock. Brewed in January, the folks at Dovetail “hibernate” the beer for four months until it (and the rest of Chicagoland) is ready to celebrate the better weather. This beer is pale, light, and jaunty, with an ABV of 6.3%. They do serve some snacks at Dovetail, but also welcome you to bring munchies from your favorite local spots! .
Finch Beer Co.
1800 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
At Finch Beer, you’ll find that there is an overwhelming sense of community. Focused on their Midwestern roots, this family-owned brewery in the West Loop features beers brewed from the water of Lake Michigan. This summer, you have to check out their brewpub, the Perch in Wicker Park. With Finch beer on tap and an expansive food menu, you’re sure to leave with satisfied taste buds.
Wolfden Brewing
112 W Lake Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108
Amazing backyard space? Check. Delicious beers? Yup. A ghost?! Wolfden truly has it all. This brewery in Bloomingdale is truly a one stop shop for an incredibly entertaining day. Not only do they have the best summer beers (we suggest the Beer Garden Blonde, Foggy Thoughts, and Boujie Früt Sour Ale), but the patio to enjoy it all is incredible. Tons of space, string lights, and firepits make up the best outdoor space to enjoy your favorite drinks.
Black & Gray Brewing
311 Barrington Ave Unit B, East Dundee, IL 60118
Black and Gray Brewing in East Dundee is the epitome of a suburban brewery, in the best way. Owners Chris and Teresa started the brewery as a labor of love, and at the heart of Black and Gray is their dedication to the community. Their goal now with the brewery is to give back to the blue collar workers that keep the community going, and create beers for “the common man”. Here, you’ll find tons of American Ales and Lagers to sip on after a long, hard day of work.
Featured Image Credit: Alter