Anyone who has ever been in or around Chicago knows that it’s a city bold in style and flavor, exceptionally vibrant, and teeming with diversity. The beer culture in Chicago is reflective of the city itself: compelling, unabashed, and progressive. As demand for craft beer continues to skyrocket, more and more Chicago breweries are entering the market and locating in just about every neighborhood around town. With this rising concentration of breweries in Chi-town, craft brewers work to differentiate themselves with experimental styles, secret hops, unusual packaging, and limited editions.
And in this competitive Chicago market, the adventurous beer lover wins. A tour through this energized and eclectic brewing community will take you back and forth across the city, wind you through charming neighborhoods, and even set you on your way to the suburbs and into Indiana.
Start on Chicago’s northwest side near Logan Square at the 60-barrel Revolution Brewing Brewery & Taproom. There isn’t a big sign out front, but the door is marked. Head upstairs to a spacious industrial-style taproom. A massive window and garage door to the brewing operation give you a look at those crafting your Anti-Hero IPA. Lean on a whiskey barrel, play a game of shuffleboard, and taste one of up to fourteen beers on tap. Try out the Citra Hero, a nice IPA fermented with English ale yeast and then dry-hopped. It’s a fine way to kick off your Chicago beercation.