Explore the Windy City's best suds with our guide to the top 10 craft breweries in Chicago. Get the map, plan your tours, and discover must-visit spots with addresses, contact info, and tips for the ultimate beer adventure.

Chicago's craft beer scene is a bubbling fermenter of creativity, community, and downright delicious brews. From classic lagers and hop-forward IPAs to experimental sours and rich stouts, the city offers a pint for every palate. Forget the bland and mass-produced; Chicago is about flavor, local character, and taprooms with soul.

Ready to embark on a sudsy journey? We’ve mapped out the top 10 must-visit craft breweries, complete with all the details you need to plan your perfect brewery tour. Grab your friends, pick a neighborhood (or three), and get tasting!

Your Chicago Craft Brewery Map & Tour Strategy

Pro-Tip: Many breweries are clustered in neighborhoods like West Loop, Logan Square, and Avondale. Plan a "walking tour" in one area, or use the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) to hop between them. Ride-share responsibly! Consider booking official tours where offered for a behind-the-scenes look.

The Top 10 Chicago Craft Breweries

1. Revolution Brewing (Brewpub & Kedzie Taproom)

The undisputed heavyweight of Chicago craft, Revolution is a celebration of both classic and bold beers. Their Anti-Hero IPA is a city icon.

- Website: https://revbrew.com
- Address (Brewpub): 2323 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Address (Taproom): 3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- Phone: (773) 227-2739
- Email: info@revbrew.com

2. Half Acre Beer Company (Balmoral & Lincoln Ave)

A pioneer with a fiercely local following, Half Acre is known for impeccable quality, from their Daisy Cutter Pale Ale to limited-run stouts.

- Website: https://www.halfacrebrewing.com
- Address (Balmoral): 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
- Address (Lincoln): 4257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
- Phone: (773) 248-4038
- Email: info@halfacrebeer.com

3. Maplewood Brewery & Distillery

Hip, vibrant, and award-winning. Think juicy IPAs, decadent pastry stouts, and a cool, tropical-themed taproom in Logan Square.

- Website: https://www.maplewoodbrew.com
- Address: 2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
- Phone: (872) 206-9587
- Email: cheers@maplewoodbrew.com

4. Off Color Brewing (The Mousetrap Taproom)

The weird and wonderful side of fermentation. Specializing in forgotten styles, wild ales, and sours, Off Color is a must for the adventurous drinker.

- Website: https://www.offcolorbrewing.com
- Address: 1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642
- Phone: (773) 697-9690
- Email: info@offcolorbrewing.com

5. Goose Island Beer Company (Fulton Street Brewery)

The one that started it all. Visit the historic Fulton Street production facility for tours and tastes of their legendary Bourbon County Brand Stout and innovative pilot batches.

- Website: https://www.gooseisland.com
- Address: 1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612
- Phone: (312) 226-1119
- Email: (Use contact form on website)

6. Dovetail Brewery

A love letter to traditional European lagers and wheat beers. If you appreciate pristine Hefeweizens, Rauchbiers, and classic methods, this is your haven.

7. Metropolitan Brewing

Overlooking the Chicago River, Metropolitan is dedicated solely to Germanic lagers – crisp, clean, and incredibly satisfying. The "Brewery by the River" has one of the best views in town.

- Website: https://metrobrewing.com
- Address: 3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618
- Phone: (773) 754-0494
- Email: info@metrobrewing.com

8. Marz Community Brewing

A wild fusion of art, community, and boundary-pushing beer. From mango smoothie sours to hoppy masterpieces, every visit to their "Liquid Dreams" taproom is an experience.

9. Hop Butcher For The World

Though now brewing out of a dedicated facility, this iconic brand is synonymous with Chicago's hazy, juicy IPA craze. Seek out their constantly changing, creatively named cans at their taproom or local shops.

- Website: https://www.hopbutcher.com
- Address (Taproom): 1000 W Pershing Rd, Chicago, IL 60609
- Phone: N/A (Check social media for updates)
- Email: info@hopbutcher.com

10. Old Irving Brewing Co.

A neighborhood gem with fantastic food to match its stellar beer lineup. A great spot to spend an afternoon with a diverse group, offering everything from West Coast IPAs to Belgian Dubbels.

- Website: https://www.oldirvingbrewing.com
- Address: 4419 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
- Phone: (773) 813-9615
- Email: hello@oldirvingbrewing.com

Plan Your Chicago Brewery Tour

- Check Hours: Always verify taproom hours online before visiting, as they can change.
- Food Options: Some are full-service brewpubs (Revolution, Old Irving), others have food trucks or partner with nearby restaurants.
- Tours: Breweries like Goose Island and Revolution offer official tours—book in advance!
- Take Beer Home: Most locations offer cans, bottles, or crowlers (large canned pours) to go.

Chicago's craft beer culture is about exploration. Each of these breweries tells a different story through their beers, spaces, and communities. Use this list as your map, venture out, and find your new favorite pint in the Windy City. Cheers!

FAQ: Chicago Craft Brewery Tours

Q: Do I need to book brewery tours in Chicago in advance?

A: For official production tours (like Goose Island), yes, advance booking is highly recommended as they often sell out.

Q: Are Chicago breweries accessible via public transit?

A: Yes, many are near CTA 'L' stops or bus lines, especially those in Logan Square, Avondale, and near the Blue Line.

Q: Can I find non-alcoholic or gluten-free options at Chicago breweries?

A: While beer-focused, many now offer at least one NA option, and some, like Off Color, often have gluten-reduced cider; always ask your server.

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Top 10 Craft Breweries in Chicago: Map&Tours

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