Dave148 wrote:

KSeecs wrote:Living out in Westmont I don't make the journey up to the Lincolnshire or Libertyville areas, despite my earnest desire to check out Firkin. But there are some good brewpubs out west. America's Brewpub at the Walter Payton's Roundhouse can be a little hit or miss on their beers, but they do put out some good seasonals and experimental beers and their normal lineup is not bad. They serve a pretty nice menu and the atmosphere is quite unique with the center courtyard, and adjoining entertainmen venues. Plus you have the casino a stone's throw away.

More locally for me in Downer's Grove, and also with locations in Oswego and West Dundee is Emmett's. My biggest beef with them is a slow tap rotation and too few specialty brews available at once. But they are willing to experiment and I've never had a bad beer there. Plus they make a pretty good burger along with their pretty solid menu.

Lunar Brewing in Villa Park is a great little brewery in a neighborhood bar, their only food is frozen pizza, but they brew amazing beers, particularly in light of the size and character of the operation.

I'll second the trumpeting of Rock Bottom - Chicago. They put out some great big beers, and are in the hands of a great brewmaster. Word has it the brewmaster at the new Lombard location is also going to have a bit of a free hand to experiment when that operations gets going a bit, but I have yet to visit and check it out.

Emmett's Ale House
5200 Main Street
Downers Grove, Illinois 60515

Lunar Brewing Company
54 E. St. Charles Road
Villa Park, Illinois 60181

America's
205 N. Broadway
Aurora, Illinois 60505-2663

Emmett's Brewing Company in Downers Grove has closed.
https://www.dailyherald.com/20250612/bu ... customers/

Dave148 wrote:

AaronSinger wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

Dave148 wrote:

Lake Effect Brewing Company is moving forward with plans to build its first taproom after the city approved the sale of a more-than-century-old vacant firehouse in Jefferson Park.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/01/28 ... t-taproom/

Lake Effect Brewery’s Avondale Taproom Starts Construction After Successful Fundraiser

https://blockclubchicago.org/2024/08/15 ... undraiser/

The firehouse would've been a cool location, shame that didn't work out. Look forward to their Avondale spot. Always liked walking over to their place when I lived in Jeff Park for tastings and such.

I agree. I have an affection for old firehouses.

Lake Effect Brewing’s Avondale Taproom And Beer Garden Opens After Years Of Delays

Dave148 wrote:

The recently closed Ravinia Brewing space in Logan Square is coming back to life as the neighborhood’s first Black-owned taproom.

Moor’s Brewing Company, which launched three years ago in Bronzeville, is joining forces with Steep Ravine Brewing Company to open Diversey House, a restaurant, sports bar and brewery at 2601 W. Diversey Ave.

https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/01/15 ... an-square/

Making a mark in culture and craft beer, Chicago-based Moor’s Brewing wins Samuel Adams competition