Chicago’s Best New Breweries

Chicago has erupted with up and coming breweries that have put it on the map as a go to ‘beer city.’ The market is competitive, but luckily with the trend in craft beer, patrons strive to stop at them all at least once. Many of these brews are available outside of Chicago as well. So if you do not live close enough to get these brews from the breweries themselves, check out a store near you offering craft beer.

Begyle Brewing Co

This local hot spot has an interesting background. The owners launched an extremely successful Kickstarter campaign that allowed them to crowdfund to open the brewery and taproom. They refer to it as “a community sponsored brewery.” Begyle Brewing Co is located in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, an area home to other breweries like Half Acre Brewing. Even with some serious competition around, this place is going strong and thriving.

Motor Row Brewing

The South Loop of Chicago was the perfect setting for this bright, lively brewery. Named after the ‘Motor Row’ block of South Michigan avenue. The owners really fell in love with the history of the area, including motor vehicle production and music recording studios, and wanted to carry that pride into their own history. They even host a weekly event on Mondays called ‘Blues and Brews’ that is worth attending. I would suggest trying the ‘Reclamation Lager’ or the ‘Out Of The Loop IPL’ if still available. The staff is able to point you in the right direction once you get there.

Corridor Brewing & Provisions

Currently, Corridor Brewing only offers its in house brews bottled, but they hope to move towards draft in the future. Don’t let this stop you, as their brews are totally worth it. Many of their beers are inspired by pop culture, including their ‘Day of the Dead IPA,’ ‘Blame John Cusack,’ and ‘What Big Teeth.’ Their taproom is also a restaurant, serving an eclectic brunch menu and a modern American all day menu.

Hopewell Brewing Co

Hopewell Brewing has a modern taproom, featuring super clean design with metal and wood elements. Even with the elegant design, they are far from pretentious, striving to offer beers that many people will enjoy at a reasonable price. Proud of their roots, they have a well known and aptly named brew simply called, ‘First Lager.’ Their ‘Cold Brew Coffee Beer’ has gathered the brewery some attention with the current rising trends in cold brew coffee. It gives the best of both worlds for avid coffee drinkers.

Lake Effect Brewing

Lake Effect Brewing opened in 2011, but they have flown under the radar for a few years. As of late, they are growing in popularity for their tasty brews. Located in the Northwest side of Chicago, this brewery offers some stand outs like their ‘Bitchin Blonde Belgian Style Ale’ and their ‘Shimmering Lake Saison,’ both available through late spring into summer. Unfortunately, they do not currently have a taproom to visit, but their beers are available for sale at liquor stores featuring craft beer. Lake Effect also offers tasting tours, so grab a ticket to check out the brewery itself, as well as their most recent seasonal brews.