Chicago's vibrant craft beer scene is legendary, boasting a diverse range of breweries and an even wider selection of bars dedicated to showcasing the best in local and international brews. This guide dives deep into 24 of the city's top beer bars, categorized for your convenience, ensuring you find the perfect spot for your next pint. Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this list will guide you through Chicago's hoppy havens.
Finding Your Perfect Pint: Types of Beer Bars in Chicago
Before we dive into the specific bars, let's understand the different types you'll encounter in Chicago's beer scene:
Gastropubs: Beer and Food Pairings
These establishments offer a sophisticated blend of high-quality craft beers and elevated pub fare. They often focus on locally sourced ingredients and carefully curated menus designed to complement their beer selection. Expect gourmet burgers, artisan pizzas, or creative small plates.
Dive Bars: No-Frills Beer Bliss
Dive bars offer a classic, unpretentious experience. They prioritize a wide selection of beers at affordable prices, often with a strong focus on local brews. The atmosphere is typically casual and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back evening.
Beer Gardens: Outdoor Drinking Delights
Many Chicago beer bars feature expansive outdoor seating areas, perfect for enjoying a drink on a sunny day. These spaces often have a lively atmosphere and provide a great opportunity to socialize while enjoying your favorite craft beers.
Specialty Beer Bars: Curated Collections
These bars boast an extensive and carefully curated selection of beers, often featuring rare or hard-to-find brews. They typically cater to more experienced beer drinkers who are looking to explore unique flavors and styles.
Top 24 Beer Bars in Chicago: A Deep Dive
This list is organized for ease of navigation, allowing you to quickly find a bar that matches your preferences:
I. Gastropubs:
- The Violet Hour: Known for its sophisticated cocktails, The Violet Hour also boasts an impressive selection of craft beers. Their intimate setting and expertly curated menu make it a top choice for a special night out.
- RPM Italian: This upscale establishment combines delicious Italian cuisine with a remarkable beer list, featuring both domestic and imported brews. The elegant ambiance adds to the overall experience.
- Girl & the Goat: Stephanie Izard's acclaimed restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a beer selection that complements its globally inspired menu.
II. Dive Bars:
- The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: A historic Chicago institution, The Green Mill is famous for its jazz performances and its extensive beer list, offering a classic dive bar experience.
- Simon's Tavern: This neighborhood gem provides a comfortable and unpretentious setting, perfect for enjoying a cold beer with friends. Their no-frills approach and extensive beer list makes it a local favorite.
- Hopleaf Bar: While not strictly a dive bar, Hopleaf offers a casual atmosphere with a phenomenal selection of beers and an extensive menu. This is a great option for those seeking quality without pretension.
III. Beer Gardens:
- Piece Brewery & Pizzeria: This popular spot combines delicious pizza with a wide range of craft beers and a spacious outdoor patio. Perfect for warm weather gatherings.
- Lagunitas Brewing Company (Chicago Taproom): With its large outdoor space and ample seating, this taproom offers a relaxed setting to sample Lagunitas' popular brews.
- Revolution Brewing (Brewpub): Revolution boasts a huge outdoor space, allowing for ample room to socialize and enjoy a range of their own well-regarded beers.
IV. Specialty Beer Bars:
- Maplewood Brewery & Distillery: This brewery and distillery offers a diverse selection of its own brews along with carefully selected guest taps.
- Off Color Brewing: Famous for their unique and experimental beer styles, Off Color is a must-visit for adventurous beer drinkers.
- Pipeworks Brewing Company: This innovative brewery pushes boundaries with their creative brews and offers a constantly rotating selection of experimental and seasonal beers.
- Half Acre Beer Company: A Chicago staple, Half Acre's taproom offers a large selection of their popular brews in a casual setting.
- Begyle Brewing Company: A newer kid on the block, Begyle's brews have quickly gained popularity and their taproom is a great place to sample them.
V. Other Notable Mentions:
- Public House: Wide selection, upscale ambiance.
- The Berghoff: Historic German restaurant with a long history and extensive beer list.
- Old Town Ale House: A neighborhood favorite with a welcoming atmosphere.
- Sheffield's Beer Garden: Lively beer garden with a fantastic selection.
- Dusek's Board & Beer: Upscale and sophisticated.
- Bangers & Lace: Casual, approachable spot with creative sausages and an interesting beer menu.
- Hopsmith Tavern: Multiple locations, consistently good beers and atmosphere.
- Brewpub at Goose Island Beer Company: This location allows for a more complete Goose Island experience.
- Loyola Park: While not strictly a beer bar, Loyola Park is a location where many of the local breweries host events and pop-ups.
- Diversey Tap: A highly rated local favorite with a focus on local beers.
Conclusion:
Chicago’s beer scene is a constantly evolving landscape, with new breweries and bars popping up all the time. This list provides a great starting point for exploring the city’s diverse offerings. Remember to check websites for updated hours, menus, and special events before heading out for a pint. Cheers!
