10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in River Forest

We've collected top 10 mentioned breweries and beer places in River Forest from other articles such as Bitches Who Brunch, Hop Culture, PureWow.

Best Breweries and Beer Places in River Forest

Half Acre Beer Co Balmoral Take Away Cafe & Beer Garden
Half Acre Beer Co Balmoral Take Away Cafe & Beer Garden
4.7 (323 ratings)
Rotating house-brewed beers are tapped in a tasting room & seasonal garden & paired with pub fare.
2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
Brewery
Mentioned by Passion Passport
12 of the Best Breweries in Chicago & Chicagoland
"I don’t know what’s in the water up in Ravenswood, but it must be especially good for brewing beer… Half Acre’s taproom on Lincoln Ave in the North-side neighborhood is a great place to hang out and try some of Chicago’s most iconic (and aesthetically pleasing) beers, complemented by a revolving line-up of limited releases with psychedelic can designs and some similarly out-there tastes. This is the home of Daisy Cutter, a pale ale on tap at pretty much every bar and restaurant and Chicago, but Half Acre’s lineup remains wonderfully deep even after you move past the heavy-hitters. Their original reaper stout has notes of cocoa and vanilla that combine for a wonderful finish."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Sip Niche Beers at Chicago's Top 10 Craft Breweries
"Half Acre Beer Company offers a substantial food menu along with a rotating selection of seasonal brews|© Serhii Chrucky / Alamy Stock Photo. When Half Acre’s original location – a 13,000-square-foot warehouse in Lincoln – became too cramped, it opened a second, even more cavernous space in Balmoral with a huge production facility. The brewery, which was founded by a couple of friends – one an artist, the other an engineer – is known for two year-round staples: the Daisy Cutter Pale Ale and German-style Pony Pilsner, but also offers a rotating selection of seasonal brews."
Mentioned by South Side Social
Top 10 Local Breweries to Visit in Chicago
"If you are trying to figure out where to get craft beer in Chicago, Half Acre Beer Company has two brewery locations — one in Lincoln and one in Balmoral — and each is equipped with a taproom and kitchen. The Balmoral location has an outdoor beer garden, while the Lincoln location is where it all began. Their dedication to both time-honored classics and exciting special releases — all offered in colorful, aesthetically pleasing cans — makes Half Acre one of Chicago’s favorite local beers."
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
4.6 (239 ratings)4 (14 ratings)
Exotic beers are offered along with oysters & cake at this brewery tasting room with a fireplace.
2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
RestaurantFood & DrinkBarBreweryEvent venue
Mentioned by UrbanMatter
14 Best Breweries to Visit in Chicago
"You won’t find a classier brewery around Chicago than Moody Tongue, now settled into South Loop. For god’s sake, their beers are served in wine glasses, and if that isn’t dedication to the atmosphere, we don’t know what is. Their minimal menu includes fan favorites like the Smoked Applewood Gold and Carmalized Chocolate Churro Porter (WUT), but also a few limited releases, such as the champagne-reminiscent Shaved Black Truffle Pilsner."
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Chicago Breweries with Incredible Taprooms | Craft Beer
"This acclaimed Chicago brewery has a sleek black-and-wood tap room that’s both comforting and refined, with mid-century furniture, a historic library of brewing books, and an eye-catching fireplace. The beers at Moody Tongue evoke the same vibe, with a specialty beer program that includes whiskey and wine barrel-aged brews and their renowned Farmers Market Series and Sour Series offerings."
Goose Island Taproom
Goose Island Taproom
4.7 (633 ratings)4.5 (207 ratings)
1800 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
BreweryFood & DrinkBrewpub
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Top 10 Breweries in Chicago
"Goose Island brews are well known throughout Chicago and the country and some folks have scoffed at the mainstream reach since the 2011 sale of the company to InBev. Since 1988, however, this beer company has consistently produced high-quality, great-tasting beers, and while it’s no longer considered a craft brewery by any stretch of the imagination, Goose Island’s beers are still striking and delicious. Visit the Goose Island taproom on Fulton Street or the one on Clybourn Avenue and order a 312 Urban Wheat Ale, Goose IPA, Green Line Pale Ale, or a Ms Brightside."
Mentioned by South Side Social
Top 10 Local Breweries to Visit in Chicago
"Goose Island Beer Company may have multiple locations in the U.S., but John Hall opened the first brewery in Chicago after returning home from a trip to Europe that inspired him to bring good beer to the states. The brewery has separate rooms for innovation programs and yeast propagation units. Barrel-aged beers have a 143,00 square foot barrel warehouse and dedicated stockroom."
Metropolitan Brewing
Metropolitan Brewing
4.6 (435 ratings)
House beers are offered in a warehouselike tasting room with river views & BYO food (or order in).
3057 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
BreweryBar
Mentioned by Passion Passport
12 of the Best Breweries in Chicago & Chicagoland
"Another north-side brewery that knows their specialty and sticks to it, Metropolitan has a huge industrial-style space on the Chicago river a few minutes from Bucktown. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy their German-style lagers while taking in a view of the Windy City skyline. The staff here are incredibly welcoming, and the taproom manages to retain a friendly neighborhood feeling to it while serving up some world-class beers."
Mentioned by Time Out Chicago
The 23 best waterfront dining spots in Chicago
"Bars Breweries Avondale. You won't find food on the menu at this Avondale brewery's riverside patio and dining room space, but guests are welcome to order from nearby restaurants—Kuma's Corner and Dmen Tap are just a couple options—to accompany Metropolitan's German-style lagers."
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Chicago Breweries with Incredible Taprooms | Craft Beer
"Serving up German-style lagers, Metropolitan Brewing is located in a converted 125-year-old warehouse with tranquil river views. Their popular beers — such as Dynamo and Krankshaft — are named for the industrial history of Chicago. In the taproom, you can get a pint, a growler, a six pack, a case of bottles, even a keg of their lager."
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
Corridor Brewery & Provisions
4.4 (476 ratings)
Warehouse-style spot brewing seasonal beers to pair with creative gastropub cooking in funky digs.
3446 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA
BreweryAmerican restaurantBarBrewpub
Mentioned by Culture Trip
Sip Niche Beers at Chicago's Top 10 Craft Breweries
"Sip and dine right alongside huge metallic fermentation tanks at Corridor Brewery and Provisions. Director of brewing operations Brant Dubovick ensures there’s an ever-evolving list of drafts, from hop-heavy IPAs to sparkling saisons and fruity sours. Corridor is also a full-fledged restaurant, so whether you’re in the mood for a “beer bite” like doughy pretzels, or something more substantial – say an artisanal pizza topped with BBQ pork or leek and goat cheese – it’s worth putting your name down for a table (the brewery doesn’t take reservations)."
Mentioned by Bitches Who Brunch
Chicago’s Best Outdoor Brunches
"This brewpub boasts one of our favorite brunch burgers in the city. The restaurant’s no reservation policy can work in your favor if you arrive early and request a seat on the patio. Enjoy people watching on Southport while you eat."
Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap
Off Color Brewing Taproom The Mousetrap
4.6 (452 ratings)
House & guest brews are tapped at this funky tasting room also offering cocktails, wine & coffee.
1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
BarBrewery
Mentioned by Hop Culture
The 7 Best Breweries in Chicago
"Another Chicago staples, Off Color was founded in 2013 by John Laffler (formerly of Goose Island Brewery) and Dave Bleitner (formerly of Two Brothers Brewing). As you might expect, the pedigree of the founders is obvious in Off Color Brewing’s mature and technically excellent beers, which lean toward European styles. While the beers are serious, the branding is fun, leading to a very silly and unique taproom experience at both the original location and The Mousetrap, located on the North Branch Canal just west of the Old Town neighborhood."
Mentioned by hoodline.com
The 4 best breweries in Chicago
"Next up is Goose Island's Off Color Brewing, situated at 1460 N. Kingsbury St. With 4.5 stars out of 120 reviews on Yelp, the brewery, beer bar and beer tour spot has proved to be a local favorite."
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
4.7 (417 ratings)
Warehouse-like tasting room with canned beers & specialty cocktails plus a menu of upscale pub food.
2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Brewery
Cruz Blanca Brewery
Cruz Blanca Brewery
4.5 (1069 ratings)
Hip brewery & Mexican-influenced pub with a visible production area & a taco menu.
904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Mexican restaurantBreweryBrewpubRestaurantTaco restaurant
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries In ...
"Barbacoa, al pastor, carnitas and even cauliflower tacos paired with your favorite Cruz Blanca beer–what's not to love, right?. Right now the dining room is open by reservations only and pick-up and delivery orders are also available."
Mentioned by Travel Crog
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Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago
Lagunitas Brewing Company Chicago
4.6 (1162 ratings)4.5 (71 ratings)
Lively taproom offering beer tastings, snacks, a retail store & regular live music.
2607 W 17th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
BreweryFood & Drink
Mentioned by Thrillist
The Best Breweries in Chicago
"Douglas Park While Lagunitas isn’t exactly a “Chicago brewery,” the native California craft behemoth continues to operate the largest facility in Chicago at its gigantic 300,000-square-foot Douglas Park location, which opened in 2014. Since then Lagunitas has been fully acquired by Heineken (in 2017) and Illinois’ largest brewer is planning to open a second California brewery near Los Angeles this fall in addition to the original Petaluma location, which opened in 1994. History and expansion aside, Lagunitas remains a favorite in Chicago thanks to its famously laid-back 420-friendly vibes and ever-popular ales including Lagunitas IPA and Little Sumpin’ Sumpin."
Mentioned by TripSavvy
The Top 10 Breweries in Chicago
"We know that Lagunitas is technically derived from California, however, this brewery operates a mammoth 300,000 square-foot facility in Chicago’s Douglas Park. Acquired by Heineken in 2017, Lagunitas is a popular Chicago beer staple. Order a Lagunitas IPA, Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’, or a Dogtown Pale Ale at Illinois’ largest brewer."
Mentioned by Choose Chicago
Chicago Breweries with Incredible Taprooms | Craft Beer
"Entering the facility feels like walking through a Willy Wonka-style light show, but things mellow out once you reach the 300-seat tap room. California-based Lagunitas Brewing Companyserves up their classic brews, plus live music, munchies, and tree tours every day."
Temperance Beer Co.
Temperance Beer Co.
4.7 (208 ratings)
Brewery with a taproom pouring house beers & offering growlers to go, with occasional food trucks.
2000 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, USA
BreweryBeer gardenBeer store
Mentioned by South Side Social
Top 10 Local Breweries to Visit in Chicago
"Temperance Beer Co. prides itself on doing things differently. That includes offering Temperance Trikonasana, a yoga series that takes place in the brewery that gives 100% of its proceeds to a different nonprofit organization each month. Temperance’s taproom offers flights of five-ounce tasters, half and full pints, 64-ounce growlers and 32-ounce howlers."
Mentioned by Do312
The Best Breweries, Distilleries & Wineries In ...
"Temperance has never been interested in keeping up with the Joneses and has been creating a whole new neighborhood with their award-winning beers and supporting the community since 2013. The Tap Room is now fully open and the best place to quaff their approachable and delicious beers."

Best Dinner Places to Eat in River Forest

Eden Chicago
Eden Chicago
4.8 (303 ratings)
Creative New American fare with Mediterranean influences pairs with craft cocktails in a chic space.
1748 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
American restaurantBrunch restaurantRestaurantVegan restaurantVegetarian restaurant
Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
16 Best Brunches in Chicago
"At Eden, fresh, local, and sustainable fare is the focus, an approach that chef Devon Quinn accomplishes with the help of an onsite greenhouse, which stocks everything from arugula and oregano to fennel and figs. See them employed in a range of daytime dishes, such as breakfast bowls with Spanish fried eggs and jasmine rice, smoked ham crepes with gruyere and caramelized onions, and a Philly cheesesteak torta with peppers and provolone."
Los Mangos
Los Mangos
4.8 (69 ratings)
3859 W 26th St, Chicago, IL 60623, USA
Restaurant
Catch 35
Catch 35
4.5 (1132 ratings)
This high-end restaurant focuses on seafood, though steaks, salads & bar food are also on the menu.
35 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Seafood restaurantBarEvent venueLive music barRestaurantSteak house
Mentioned by Trip101
Top 10 Seafood Restaurants In Chicago, Illinois
"A healthy seafood meal is on offer when you visit Catch 35, with only the finest, freshest ingredients going into making your meal perfect, tasty and within a balanced diet. This restaurant is a fine dining experience - the Chilean Sea Bass comes highly recommended even by those who aren’t fans of seafood. With starters such as coconut shrimp and a chocolate cake so good it has to be tasted to be believed, this is a dining experience that will stay with you for all the right reasons."
Mentioned by Elite Traveler
The 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Chicago
"Catch 35 masters seasonal dishes such as Alaskan halibut and Block Island swordfish. Seared yellow fin tuna and szechwan scallops are also favorites, complemented by steak options as well as stir-fry. Guests can enjoy live jazz while savoring crab legs and oysters on the half shell."

Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in River Forest

Fine Arts Building
Fine Arts Building
4.7 (514 ratings)4.5 (29 ratings)
Artists' studios in a historic 1885 building with Art Nouveau-era murals & a vintage elevator.
410 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA
Art centerSights & LandmarksArt galleryArchitectural BuildingsTheaters
Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
Lucky Strike Downtown Chicago
4.2 (1324 ratings)
Mod bowling spot offering many lanes, a lounge, dancing & regular DJs, with a 21+ policy at night.
322 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Bowling alleyAmerican restaurantBarBar & grillLoungeNight clubRestaurant
DuSable Bridge
DuSable Bridge
4.6 (4023 ratings)4.5 (881 ratings)
Long-standing drawbridge honoring a founder of Chicago & decorated with sculptures & plaques.
333 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
BridgeSights & LandmarksPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Best Diners in River Forest

Golden Nugget Pancake House
Golden Nugget Pancake House
4.3 (1496 ratings)
Breakfast, American eats & soda-fountain favorites served around the clock in basic diner digs.
2406 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
RestaurantAmerican restaurantDinerFamily restaurant
Mentioned by Eater Chicago
The 20 Most Iconic Diners in Chicago, 2018 Edition
"With several locations across the city, Golden Nugget has been a Chicago staple for more than 50 years. There’s something for everyone as the expansive menu has buttercream waffles, crepes, fried steak, liver and onions, “Flavors of Italy” and “South of the Border” dishes, and daily specials."
Aha Crepe
Aha Crepe
4.4 (129 ratings)
Sweet & savory crêpes are offered by this simple shop with bubble tea, ice cream & smoothies.
2435 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
DinerRestaurant
Johnnies Snack Shop IL
Johnnies Snack Shop IL
4.5 (237 ratings)
Daytime eatery serving a menu of all-day breakfast, sandwiches & burgers in a warm, relaxed space.
160 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
DinerAmerican restaurantRestaurant

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near River Forest

3.6 (1928 reviews)
Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
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$175 /night
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4.4 (539 reviews)
Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare
Hotel
$190 /night
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Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago/Rosemont/O'Hare/SE
Motel
$84 /night
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