Oktoberfest is right around the corner, so what’s a better time to check out the fall beers getting launched this season? Even if you’re not big on celebrating the fest itself, we promise it’s still worth your time to check out our favorite fall beers! Grab a can, or a dozen, and invite a few friends for a fall gathering under the color-changing trees. Now that’s what self-care is about!
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Goose Island – Oktoberfest
1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
Chicago’s staple brewery, Goose Island, is of course, celebrating Oktoberfest. With their beer aptly named “Oktoberfest”, you’ll be able to sip on a light German lager and imagine yourself surrounded by people in lederhosen. At 5.7% ABV, this beer will give you a nice buzz on a golden afternoon. Featuring a moderate body, bready malt character, balanced and clean bitterness with a crisp finish, the Goose Island Oktoberfest this year is definitely one of the best fall beers as the temperature changes.
Revolution – Oktoberfest
3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
Revolution Brewing, another Chicago great, is also participating in the 2022 Oktoberfest celebration. In this Oktoberfest brew, you’ll find notes of freshly-baked bread, hops, and an overall toasty flavor, perfect for fall. On September 23rd and 24th, you can also head to Revolution to celebrate Oktoberfest in person. Their fest will be full of food, live music, and beer.
Pollyanna – Fruhauf
431 Talcott Ave, Lemont, IL 60439
245 E Main St, Roselle, IL 60172
106 S Riverside Ave, St. Charles, IL 60174
One of the most popular breweries from the suburbs has recently expanded to a new location in St. Charles. What better way to kick off a successful new brewery than by celebrating Oktoberfest? This fall, Pollyanna is showcasing their Fruhauf, which is “clean, malty, and just dry enough” and is best enjoyed in one of their gorgeous beer gardens. Don’t worry, when the nights get chilly, the patios at Pollyanna have heaters and fireplaces. Perfect night if you ask me.
Metropolitan Brewing – Afterburner
3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
Imagine this: chilly temps, a perfect river view, your coziest sweater, and toasty malt aromas. This combination will lead you directly to Metropolitan Brewing. Located right on the river between Avondale and Bricktown, this brewery offers its twist on an Oktoberfest beer with its specially brewed Afterburner. Only available in August, September, and October, you have to plan your trip here quickly because this is one fall beer you do not want to miss.
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District Brew Yards – Oktoberfiesta
417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
If you’ve never been to District Brew Yards, there’s no better time. Soaking up the last few warm days on the patio, enjoying the dreamy atmosphere and decor of the taproom, any way you want to spend your day here will be worth it. They are, of course, also offering their own unique Oktoberfest brew called “Oktoberfiesta” which combines the caramel Marzen lager and fruity flavors of Pasilla chilis. PS: You’ll also get to visit the reopened Twisted Hippo that just settled in there after recovering from the tragic fire!
Old Irving Brewing – Oktoberfest Marzen
4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Old Irving Brewing, which opened in late 2016, invites you to stop in and enjoy their Oktoberfest Marzen this season. Only available during September and October this year, this beer takes a bit of a twist on the classic and adds sweet flavors like caramel and toffee to an otherwise malty beer. This year, they’ll be celebrating their 6th anniversary with a combined anniversary and Oktoberfest party from September 23rd through the 25th. Grab your lederhosen and get ready for some schnitzel, because this party will have Oktoberfest (and beer) written all over it.
Piece Chicago – Golden Arm
1927 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Pizza and beer, name a better combo (you can’t). While trying to come up with something better than that, plan a stop at Piece! This pizzeria-brewery combo offers the best of bold worlds with savory pizzas and their own brews. If you’re looking for something to celebrate Oktoberfest while you dig into your pie, definitely try out the Golden Arm. This German-style Kolsch beer is light, crisp, clean, and will honestly pair perfectly with anything you order off the menu.
Featured Image: Metropolitan Brewing