If you're on the hunt for craft beer in Chicago, the city truly offers a plethora of options to satisfy your taste for unique brews. From the bustling neighborhoods to the heart of downtown, there are numerous places to explore and discover your next favorite beer.
But where exactly can you find these hidden gems? Well, let's just say that the craft beer scene in Chicago holds more surprises than meets the eye, and you might be surprised at the diverse array of places waiting to be uncovered.
Key Takeaways
- Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar, The Beer Temple, Bottles and Cans, and Binny's Beverage Depot are excellent options for finding local craft beers and specialized beer stores in Chicago.
- Lincoln Ave Gems is a neighborhood bottle shop that features Bottles and Cans and The Beer Temple, offering a wide selection of brews.
- Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar, The Beer Temple, Beermiscuous, and Bottles and Cans are beer bars and taprooms that offer a variety of local craft beers on tap and in bottles.
- Online craft beer retailers like The Beer Temple Online Shop and Binny's Beverage Depot provide convenient options for discovering and enjoying craft beers from the comfort of home.
Local Craft Breweries
If you're a craft beer enthusiast visiting Chicago, you'll be delighted to explore the city's vibrant local craft breweries, each offering unique flavors and experiences. Chicago is a haven for those seeking a diverse craft beer selection, and the local beer scene is thriving.
Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar is a must-visit, with its excellent selection of local craft beers on draft and a hidden craft beer bar in the back.
If you're in search of rare and unique beers, The Beer Temple is the place to go, thanks to its state-of-the-art walk-in cooler and extensive selection.
Bottles and Cans is another gem, specializing in high-quality, small-batch brews and supporting local up-and-coming breweries. They even offer weekly tastings, providing a great opportunity to sample the best of local beer.
For a more extensive selection, Binny's Beverage Depot with its multiple locations throughout Chicago is the perfect choice, offering a wide range of local and international options.
And don't miss Beermiscuous, which boasts a wide selection of local craft beers on tap and a huge bottle selection, making it a perfect spot for craft beer enthusiasts looking to savor the best of local beer.
Specialized Beer Stores
When seeking specialized beer stores in Chicago, you'll find a treasure trove of curated collections and rare, limited-release beers at locations like West Lakeview Liquors and Local Option. However, if you are looking for a truly exceptional beer-buying experience, The Beer Temple on N Elston Ave is a must-visit. Owned by a certified cicerone, this store offers a state-of-the-art walk-in cooler housing an extensive selection of rare and unique beers. The passion and knowledge of the staff make it a haven for beer enthusiasts.
Here's a table that showcases some of the best specialized beer stores in Chicago:
| Store Name | Location |
|---|---|
| The Beer Temple | N Elston Ave |
| Binny's Beverage Depot | Various Locations |
| Bottles and Cans | N Lincoln Ave |
| West Lakeview Liquors | N Sheffield Ave |
| Local Option | W Webster Ave |
These establishments go beyond mere retail; they are gateways to a world of flavors, stories, and craftsmanship. Whether you're in search of a rare find or simply want to expand your beer knowledge, these specialized stores offer an experience that is as enriching as it is enjoyable.
Neighborhood Bottle Shops
As you venture into the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, you'll find an array of neighborhood bottle shops that continue the tradition of offering curated collections and rare, limited-release beers, providing a unique experience for craft beer enthusiasts. When exploring the North Side, be sure to visit these exceptional spots:
- Lincoln Ave Gems
- Bottles and Cans: This spot specializes in high-quality, small-batch brews and supports local up-and-coming breweries, offering weekly tastings.
- The Beer Temple: Owned by a certified cicerone, it boasts an extensive selection of rare and unique beers, making it a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. Its state-of-the-art walk-in cooler ensures the beers are stored at their best.
These neighborhood bottle shops on Lincoln Ave cater to the discerning craft beer drinker, offering an unparalleled selection of brews to suit every taste. Whether you're seeking out local gems or international options, these spots are sure to satisfy your craft beer cravings.
Beer Bars and Taprooms
For those seeking an immersive craft beer experience in Chicago, the city's beer bars and taprooms offer a diverse and dynamic selection of brews to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of craft beer, Chicago's beer bars and taprooms are the perfect places to discover new and exciting brews.
At Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar on 960 W. 31st St., you can enjoy an excellent selection of local craft beers on draft at affordable prices.
The Beer Temple, located at 3173 N Elston Ave, is owned by a certified cicerone and offers a state-of-the-art walk-in cooler with an extensive selection of rare and unique beers.
If you're a craft beer enthusiast, Beermiscuous at 2812 N Lincoln Ave is the place to be, with its wide selection of local craft beers on tap and a huge bottle selection available.
Bottles and Cans, located at 4109 N Lincoln Ave, specializes in sourcing high-quality, small-batch brews and supports local up-and-coming breweries.
For a varied selection, Binny's Beverage Depot, with several locations throughout Chicago, is known for its variety and selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including international options.
Explore Chicago's beer bars and taprooms to indulge in the city's vibrant craft beer scene.
Online Craft Beer Retailers
Explore the world of craft beer from the comfort of your home with the convenience and diverse selection offered by online craft beer retailers.
When it comes to finding the best places to buy craft beer online in Chicago, there are a few retailers that stand out for their exceptional offerings and commitment to quality:
- The Beer Temple Online Shop: This retailer offers an extensive selection of rare and unique beers, including those from local Chicago breweries. With a user-friendly website and efficient shipping, it's a great option for beer enthusiasts looking to explore new and hard-to-find brews.
- Binny's Beverage Depot: Known for its wide range of beer, wine, and spirits, Binny's online platform provides access to an impressive selection of international craft beers. With multiple locations throughout Chicago, this retailer also offers the convenience of in-store pickup for online orders.
These online craft beer retailers provide an opportunity to discover and enjoy an array of craft beers from the comfort of your own home, whether you're seeking local favorites or international brews.
Embrace the convenience and excitement of exploring new and noteworthy beers through these trusted online retailers.
Grocery Stores With Craft Beer Selection
When searching for grocery stores with an exceptional craft beer selection in Chicago, you'll find a variety of options that cater to both local and international beer enthusiasts.
Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar, a longstanding favorite, offers a diverse range of craft beers, making it a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
The Beer Temple, owned by a certified cicerone, boasts an impressive selection of rare and unique beers, and its state-of-the-art walk-in cooler ensures that the brews are well-maintained.
Binny's Beverage Depot, with its multiple locations throughout the city, is a reliable choice for those seeking a wide range of craft beers, including international options.
For those interested in supporting local breweries, Bottles and Cans is a top choice, as it specializes in sourcing high-quality, small-batch brews and supports up-and-coming breweries.
Lastly, Puerto Rico Food and Liquors is another notable option, known for its impressive craft beer selection and willingness to place special orders for customers.
These Chicago grocery stores are sure to satisfy any craft beer enthusiast's palate.
Beer Festivals and Events
As you seek to expand your craft beer experience beyond the grocery store selection, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of beer festivals and events in Chicago.
Beer festivals and events are great opportunities to experience a wide variety of craft beers from different breweries in one place. These events often feature live music, food vendors, and educational sessions about beer making and tasting, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere for attendees.
Many beer festivals and events offer the chance to meet and interact with brewers and industry professionals, making it a unique networking opportunity for beer enthusiasts. Attending beer festivals can be a great way to discover new, local breweries and unique beer styles that may not be widely available in retail stores.
Additionally, these events are often seasonal and may have specific themes, such as Oktoberfest, highlighting different beer styles and cultural experiences. So, plan a trip to Chicago and tap into the exciting world of craft beer at one of the city's beer festivals and events.
Brewpubs and Gastropubs
With a myriad of options to choose from, immerse yourself in Chicago's vibrant brewpubs and gastropubs scene, where you can savor a diverse selection of handcrafted beers paired with high-quality culinary offerings.
When in Chicago, you must visit the renowned brewpubs and gastropubs along N Lincoln Ave, where the craft beer and food scene thrives. These establishments seamlessly blend the art of craft beer brewing with the culinary experience, prioritizing locally sourced ingredients to create a unique and community-centered dining and drinking experience.
The emphasis on flavor pairings is evident in their menus, designed to complement the distinct characteristics of each beer offering. Many of these venues even feature on-site brewing operations, allowing you to witness the beer-making process and enjoy freshly brewed beverages.
The relaxed and convivial atmosphere makes them ideal destinations for beer enthusiasts and food lovers alike. If you're looking for the best bottle to take home, brewpubs and gastropubs in Chicago are the perfect spots to find unique and carefully crafted beers to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Beer Subscription Services
Immerse yourself in the world of craft beer beyond the brewpubs and gastropubs by exploring the diverse offerings of beer subscription services. With the best beer subscription services, you can elevate your craft beer experience and expand your palate without leaving your home.
Here's what you can expect from these services:
- Curated Selection: Discover a carefully selected range of craft beers delivered right to your doorstep on a regular basis, often monthly, ensuring you always have access to a variety of high-quality brews.
- *Customized Options*: Tailor your subscription based on your beer preferences, whether it's specific styles, breweries, or regions, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience with every delivery.
These subscription services not only provide convenience but also offer educational resources, tasting notes, and pairing suggestions to enhance your beer drinking journey. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy exclusive and limited-release beers that may not be easily found in retail stores.
Embrace the world of craft beer in a whole new way with beer subscription services, and elevate your beer-drinking experience to new heights.
Unique Beer Experiences in Chicago
For a discerning craft beer enthusiast seeking unique experiences, Chicago offers an array of destinations that showcase the city's vibrant beer culture and the passion of its brewers. When planning your trip to Chicago, be sure to visit The Beer Temple, where you can explore a state-of-the-art walk-in cooler and an extensive selection of rare and unique beers curated by certified cicerone Chris Quinn.
For a truly local experience, head to Maria's Packaged Goods and Community Bar, a community staple for over 30 years, offering an excellent selection of local craft beers on draft and a hidden craft beer bar in the back.
If you're unable to visit microbreweries, Binny's Beverage Depot is renowned for its variety and selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including international options.
Additionally, Bottles and Cans is a must-visit destination specializing in sourcing high-quality, small-batch brews and supporting local up-and-coming breweries, offering weekly tastings.
Lastly, Beermiscuous is perfect for craft beer enthusiasts, providing a wide selection of local craft beers on tap and an extensive bottle selection while allowing customers to bring their own food.
Experience the diverse and vibrant beer scene in Chicago through these unique destinations.