After months of searching for a new location, Twisted Hippo, the Albany Park craft brewery that experienced an unfortunate fire this past February — finds a residency at District Brew Yards’ pour-your-own beer hall. In addition to its space at the Wheeling location, Twisted Hippo will take over the former Bold Dog Beer Co’s wall at the original Ashland location starting Tuesday, August 16.
“We’re excited to not only bring our one-of-a-kind beer hall to the North Shore, but to also welcome two new breweries to the District Brew Yards family,” says Founder Steve Soble. “With our own history of Burnt City rising from the ashes, we couldn’t be happier to provide a new home to Twisted Hippo,” he adds.
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Shortly after the fire, owners of District Brew Yards, Steve and Greg approached Twisted Hippo’s owner Marilee Rutherford with the suggestion of joining them at the new Wheeling location. It only made sense for two of Chicagoan’s favorites to join force, given that the brewing industry have already been struggling with many challenges, such as supply chain issues.
Therefore, instead of rebuilding from scratch, which would have kept all of us hippo lovers waiting on our toes, Twisted Hippo decided to take on the offer and the rare opportunity to reintroduce themselves to the public with a new look in as short as six months!
As many fans have expected, the reopened Twisted Hippo will come with both old and new. On the one hand, some of our favorite classics are returning on the wall to satisfy the cravings of the regulars. On the other hand, there will be plenty of new recipes joining the list for those looking for fun, new things to try.
Twisted Hippo will also be part of District Brew Yards’ pour-your-own model at the new Wheeling location. Since the Hippo’s motto is “Embrace YOUR strange,” the pour-your-own model is just perfect for them. Try a few ounces of this and a dabble of that, and make a night out with friends a phenomenal choose-your-own-adventure kind of gathering.
About District Brew Yards Wheeling
District Brew Yards, the first-of-its-kind brewery collective, and pour-your-own-beer hall, is planning its expansion with a second location in Wheeling, IL later this summer. It will feature three breweries from its Ashland location, including Burnt City Brewing, Around the Bend Beer Co, Casa Humilde, and two newcomers, Twisted Hippo and Histrionic.
“We love finding and experiencing the new breweries coming out of Pilot Project Brewing and we’re proud to be a part of Histrionic Brewlab’s growth,” states Soble.
The collaborative space will include a taproom with communal tables, bottle shop, and outdoor beer garden. Another concept close to owner Steve Soble’s heart will live on at the Wheeling location. A commemorative table will be made from the bowling lanes of the now closed (but forever missed) Southport Lanes.
District Brew Yards Wheeling will be open every day except Mondays from 11:30 am -10 pm. Guests at the Wheeling location can indulge in three food concepts from Executive Chef Charlie McKenna, including barbeque from Lillie’s Q, fried chicken and fish from Salt & Scratch, and Mexican favorites from Chicano Taqueria.
Featured Image: Twisted Hippo