10 Best Breweries and Beer Places in Sauganash

"North Center/Bowmanville Founded in 2006 well before the current craft beer craze took hold of America, Half Acre is one of the OGs of Chicago brewing and is regarded by many experts as the finest craft brewer in the city. With not one, but two breweries on the North Side (within a 10-minute drive of each other), Half Acre recently opened its massive 60,000-square-foot Balmoral facility as a testament to its increasing popularity and thirst for experimentation. Daisy Cutter (one of five year-round ales) is the beer that put Half Acre on the map, but the new digs have carved out more room for so-called “wyld beers” marked by experimentation and mixed fermentation."

"Half Acre began brewing in its North Center location in 2009, and rapidly became a Chicago institution. The tap room conducts brewery tours, sells cool merch in its on-site store, and offers tastings of the goods — The Daisy Cutter brew is a prevailing favorite among locals. And their Andersonville taproom, just a bit north, features a popular beer garden."

"American , Bar Food ,  Pizza"

"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."

"Moody Tongue moved from Pilsen to near McCormick Place with dreams of creating a tasting-menu restaurant that could attract Michelin attention. That plan never fully developed as the pandemic halted momentum. So the brewery shifted to barbecue with Slagel Family Farms short rib, pork ribs, pulled pork, and more."

"The gist: After moving to its new brewing facility just south of the Motor Row District, Moody Tongue wisely tapped Michelin-starred chef Jared Wentworth (Longman & Eagle, Dusek’s) to help hone a culinary experience on par with the chef-driven beers they’ve been crafting for years."

"Lincoln Park/Wrigleyville Most hipsters may have abandoned Goose Island since it “went mainstream” with its much-maligned sale to InBev in 2011, but the brewery that basically started the Chicago craft beer scene continues to make high-quality beers worthy of your attention. Founded in 1988 and shut out of the Great America Beer Festival for the first time last year (it is no longer considered “craft”), Goose Island continues to forge ahead by opening new brewpubs across the globe in addition to its two Chicago locations. 312 is the beer most locals know best, but Goose’s food-focused offerings like Sofia and Matilda are steadily increasing in popularity."

"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."

"When you think Chicago, you think 312, the signature, school-bus-yellow bottle of beer from Goose Island. This popular, Chicago-based brewery has since expanded its single location on Fulton Street to several brewpubs and brewhouses around the city and beyond, so make sure to stop into one of your local Goose Island locations just in time for their fall releases."

"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."

"Don’t be fooled by the warehouse aesthetic—there’s a lot more going on behind the scenes than you realize. This BYO food joint nestled up on the riverbanks in Bucktown offers outdoor seating with gorgeous views of the surrounding greenery, making you feel like you’re miles outside the city limits."

"Corridor is a sophisticated project, the brainchild of Siebel- and Doemens-educated Greg Shuff. Also on the team are Director of Brewing Operations Brant Dubovick, who previously led Pittsburgh’s Church Brew Works to the Great American Beer Festival’s Large Brewpub Brewer of the Year Award, and Executive Chef Ryan Henderson, who cut his teeth at Momofuku, Empellon, and Alder. The outstanding pedigree has led to flavorful hop bombs like Ope Fresh Hop Pale Ale and subtle farmhouse beers like Little Greys Light Saison, as well as a food menu featuring delicate salads, hearty sandwiches, and artisan pizzas."

"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)."

"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."

"Empirical Brewing‘s taproom is a bit like walking into the lab of a mad (or at least buzzed) scientist. This experimental microbrewer is always texting new recipes with their signature one-barrel system — which means small quantities and lots of creativity. The brewers are known to collect feedback from taproom patrons and use it to further tweak their brews."

"A self-described "bunch of nerds" (even their logo is an ancient historical reference!), you can literally watch the Empirical brewers' expertise in action. They are open for limited indoor seating, patio seating or to-go orders!"

"The first Latin American-inspired brewery in the U.S., 5 Rabbit infuses Hispanic culture into American beer styles. The brews, named for days on the Aztec calendar, include an avocado stout, Mexican lager, and fruit-forward styles inspired by Mexican paletas. Try them all in their cozy taproom — they’re the perfect complement to the tacos (served on Thursday evenings) and tamales (every Saturday afternoon)."

"American , Pizza"

"The newest restaurant from 4 Star Restaurant Group and Finch Beer Co., The Perch hits Wicker Park with a new outdoor patio and sculpture garden. While the inside will be closed for the meantime, that’s no problem since we’d rather enjoy the great outdoors while sipping on those Finch beers. Delivery and carryout details are unclear at this time, but we imagine we’ll hear more soon!"

"This Michael Mina-run brasserie may be inside the luxe Waldorf Astoria hotel, but that doesn’t make it a stuffy affair. Just keep an eye out for the “Chariot de Rosé”—a roving bar cart of rosé hand-picked by the somms. Diners are a mix of done-up travelers and foodies looking for a quiet, civilized meal (though they’re as amped as twenty-somethings at a taco truck to tuck into Michael Mina's classic French preparations)."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Visit Margeaux brasserie and experience classic, French dining at its best. Nestled on the third floor of The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, this restaurant features an exotic menu filled with exquisite food devoted to retaining the classic French vibe while the bar is filled with a dynamic cocktail menu."

"Lost Larson's owner, Bobby Schaffer, who won the Readers' Choice Award for Best Walk-Up Window, stands at the front door of his business on April 9, 2021. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune). “The idea behind our walk-up window was to be European inspired,” says Bobby Schaffer, chef and owner of Lost Larson."

"Lost Larson is helmed by Bobby Schaffer, a pastry chef who’s worked at acclaimed restaurants including Grace and Blue Hill at Stone Farms in N.Y. This bakery-cafe sports some of Chicago’s best breads, sweets, and sandwiches. Among the highlights in Andersonville is a cardamom bun."

"Sandwiches , Bakery/Cafe"

"Lincoln ParkThe views don’t get much better than Theatre on the Lake, where your outdoor table is parked just steps from the softly crashing waves of Lake Michigan. With seating for 80 and a focused selection of entrées from chicken tinga tacos to brisket dip, Theatre on the Lake continues to serve as something of a mental health break come to life. Stop by for weekend brunch served from 10 am to 3 pm.How to book: Reserve via OpenTable."

"This hotel is sophisticated ode to design and feels like the residence of a Mad Men character, with its mid-century-esque furnishings, mural-splashed walls and clean lines throughout. Room service from the on-site David Burke’s Primehouse draws in repeat guests."

"Spa Space is conveniently located on Canal Street in Chicago. Spa Space efficiently assembles a rigorous way of body and skincare having a relaxing and sumptuous environment centred on exceptional client services. They have staff and professionals that are passionate and hardworking to ensure the wellness of every customer."

"Check out their website to see some of the services they offer, including facials, massages, manicures, waxing, and more. You can also choose to purchase a gift certificate now to support this spa in Chicago."