Illinois Breweries & Events

Bosacki’s Home Brew is the perfect example of how one home-brew enthusiasts has turned his passion into a business. Owners Brigitte and Greg Bosacki now produce twelve delicious and unique beers in their micro-brewery – they encourage beer enthusiasts to come into the taproom and taste the various brews before buying the beers to take home and share with family and friends. Varieties include their personal take on IPA’s, Lagers, Porter and Ale and they also produce a seasonal cherry lager for summer. The taproom is open five days a week (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) and you can check their online calendar to find out what specials and events are on offer.

Bosacki’s Home Brew, 610 E. Hawley Street, Mundelein, IL 60060, Phone: 224-778-5400

Inspired by a strong Chicago work ethic and assisted by a good helping of creativity and determination, the BuckleDown Brewery is proud to be producing small-batch craft beers in Lyons. The two-man team of master-brewers at BuckleDown enjoys brewing uniquely flavorful craft beers in a variety of styles. Currently their portfolio includes a Belgian style IPA called Fiddlesticks, an American IPA called Belt and Suspenders and a robust Porter called Shady Aftermath, amongst others. The BuckleDown taproom is open seven days and week and you are encouraged to drop in for a draft pint, enjoy live music on the weekends and buy some cans to take home with you for sharing.

BuckleDown Brewery, 8700 W. 47th Street, Lyons, IL 60534, Phone: 708-777-1842

The Church Street Brewing Company is located in the western Chicago suburb of Itasca, where you can visit their taproom seven days a week. The family-owned and operated business has won several awards in the craft-beer sector for their distinctive range of European-influenced Ales and Lagers. Currently there are twelve different brews available, each of which has a distinctive name, origin and packaging. One of the most popular is their Heavenly Helles, featuring smooth malt flavors. If you prefer something a little sweeter you can try Devil’s Advocate, a spicy and sweet Belgian-style Ale. The brewery team is always happy to meet visitors and offer them a free tour of the brewery.

Church Street Brewing Company, 1480 Industrial Drive Unit C, Itasca, IL 60143, Phone: 630-438-5725

The brew-masters at Hailstorm Brewing Company believe that their particular craft brews should stand out from the crowd and have big, bold and memorable flavor. They are constantly researching new and innovative ways to brew the best possible beer including the use of barrel fermentation and a range of exotic ingredients. For example, their Howdy Neighbor Kolsch (brewed in collaboration with neighboring 350 Brewing Company) will surprise your palate with bright strawberry flavors and a zing of lemon. Other interesting additives like honey, guava and passion fruit ensure an interesting selection of delightfully fruity summer brews alongside more traditional beers. On weekends you can enjoy live music and food trucks along with your brew.

Hailstorm Brewing Company, 8060 186th St, Tinley Park, IL 60487, Phone: 708-480-2268

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Waterloo, Hopskeller Brewery is the perfect place to meet friends for a pint of brilliant craft beer accompanied by a wood-fired pizza or other great beer-pairing food. Inspired by his travels in Europe and the American Northwest, brew-master Matt has won several awards for his North England and Northwest Coast American Ales. Be warned though – there is a long list of beers waiting to be sampled. If you’re not sure which to choose you can order a flight of six tasters to test the waters. In addition to delicious traditional malty Lagers and Ales you can also try their fruity Raspberry Ale, Creamy Peach Ale or Strawberry Wheat Ale.

Hopskeller, 116 East 3rd Street, Waterloo, IL 62298, Phone: 618-939-2337

More than just another Brew Pub, the Lake Bluff Brewing Company is a community meeting place where visitors and locals come to sample an ever-changing variety of craft brews, admire art and listen to great music. All the beers available on tap have been brewed on the premises and the selection changes with the seasons and the availability of specialty ingredients such as the fresh peaches used to perfect the Peach Dog Days Hefeweizen. The Lake Bluff Brewing Company showcases art by both local and international artists – at each new show opening you will be able to sample a special-release craft brew. Music lovers will enjoy the chance to listen to a huge collection of vinyls as well as local live musicians as they sip their favorite beer.

Lake Bluff Brewing Company, 16 E. Scranton Ave, Lake Bluff, IL 60044, Phone: 224-544-5279