• Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Bosacki’s Home Brew, Mundelein ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Food & Drink
Bosacki’s Home Brew, Mundelein
© Bosacki’s Home Brew

2. BuckleDown Brewery, Lyons ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Food & Drink
BuckleDown Brewery, Lyons
© BuckleDown Brewery

3. Church Street Brewing Company, Chicago

Category: Food & Drink
Church Street Brewing Company, Chicago
© Church Street Brewing Company

4. Hailstorm Brewing Company, Tinley Park

Category: Activities
Hailstorm Brewing Company, Tinley Park
© Hailstorm Brewing Company

5. Hopskeller Brewery, Waterloo

Category: Food & Drink
Hopskeller Brewery, Waterloo
© Hopskeller Brewery

6. Lake Bluff Brewing Company, Lake Bluff

Category: Activities
Lake Bluff Brewing Company, Lake Bluff
© Lake Bluff Brewing Company

7. Lake Effect Brewing Company, Chicago

Category: Activities
Lake Effect Brewing Company, Chicago
© Lake Effect Brewing Company

8. Miskatonic Brewing Company, Darien

Category: Food & Drink
Miskatonic Brewing Company, Darien
© Miskatonic Brewing Company

9. Myths and Legends Brewing Company, Westmont

Category: Food & Drink
Myths and Legends Brewing Company, Westmont
© Myths and Legends Brewing Company

10. Penrose Brewing, Geneva

Category: Food & Drink
Penrose Brewing, Geneva
© Penrose Brewing

11. Begyle Brewery, Chicago

Category: Food & Drink
Begyle Brewery, Chicago
© Begyle Brewery

12. Rhodell Brewery, Peoria

Category: Food & Drink
Rhodell Brewery, Peoria
© Rhodell Brewery

13. Solemn Oath Brewery, Naperville

Category: Food & Drink
Solemn Oath Brewery, Naperville
© Solemn Oath Brewery

14. Tighthead Brewing, Mundelein

Category: Food & Drink
Tighthead Brewing, Mundelein
© Tighthead Brewing

15. Werk Force Brewing, Plainfield

Category: Food & Drink
Werk Force Brewing, Plainfield
© Werk Force Brewing

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

  • Craft brewing is big news in Illinois. The last few years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of small craft breweries which are popping up all over in response to the demand for artisanal brews.
  • Many of the most successful craft breweries had their origins in home-brewers' kitchens and cellars, where the brewers honed their skills before offering their distinctive beers to the public.
  • Be sure to check out the Illinois Craft Beer Week in May and the Chicago Beer Fest in October.

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