4 More Chicago Breweries You Might Not Know About

You may have seen my other post on Chicago Breweries you might not know about. If you have done any brewery exploring in Chicago though, you’ll know those aren’t the only ones around. Naturally, I’ve been exploring more with my husband and some friends and I am ready to share 4 more breweries in Chicago along with my favorite beers from them and J’s too.

DryHop Brewers

You can just tell that this place is a local favorite. It’s immediate vibe is cool, casual, and non-touristy. If you want a real Chicago experience, this is the kind of place you look for. Not to mention the beer is pretty good and hello poutine!

My favorite: Gamera – a saison that I can stand alone or pair with food

His favorite: Shark Meets Hipster – wheat IPA, nice and balanced

DryHop Brewing – Chicago

DryHop Brewing – Chicago

DryHop Brewing – Chicago

Forbidden Root

Already featured in my Ukrainian Village post, this brewery is very new and already making a huge impact with its beer, Forbidden Root uses all kinds of herbs, roots, and other plants to make botanical beers that are GOOD, like really good. Top all that off with an awesome industrial-style space and some delicious food and you’ve got my new favorite place. I will be here often, so if you see me, say hi!

My favorites: Sublime Ginger – brewed with ginger and sooooo delicious, Cherrytree Amaro – a cherry beer that isn’t overpowering, Green Eyes – a beer made with coffee that is light like an amber…YEAH. Not a stout!

His favorites: Rye’z & Shine – Saison, really well made, and also the Sublime Ginger

Forbidden Root – Chicago

Forbidden Root – Chicago

Forbidden Root – Chicago

Burnt City Brewing

Burnt City used to be known as Atlas brewing, and had to do some rebranding, but their beers have stayed fairly constant. What’s really cool is that their Lakeview location is divided in two – one side is a pub-style restaurant, the other is a bowling alley with a bar! Normally flights only happen on the restaurant side, but our bartender helped us out and we tried all 14 beers on tap (with some help from friends), including a couple not on the menu. Bowling + beer + friends = a good Saturday.

My favorites: Retrofit Radler – a lime radler (kind of like a shandy). My friends thought this was too lime-y, but I loved it. Face Melter Hibiscus IPA – not too hoppy and a light hibiscus flavor

His favorite: Balloon Boy – Farmhouse wheat ale

Burnt City Brewing – Chicago

Burnt City Brewing – Chicago

Off Color Brewing

Off Color doesn’t have a tasting room or a restaurant or anything, but you can visit their brew-house and purchase bottled beer or memorabilia there. This small brewery constantly impresses me, and I’m always excited to try their new stuff. Plus, I dig their artwork.

Off Color Brewing – Chicago

Our current favorite: Hyper Predator – a beer made with coffee that’s NOT a heavy stout. Amazing. So glad this is becoming a thing.

Tried any of these? What do you think?

Lydia Jane

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From this post:

• 5 Chicago Breweries You Might Not Know About
• DryHop Brewers
• Forbidden Root
• Check Out Ukrainian Village 
• Burnt City Brewing
• Off Color Brewing