I’m wildly excited that Chicago has fully opened back up (YAY!). So, I decided to get nosey and ask some local Instagrammers where they like to drink beer. First of all, I commend several of them for saying they gave up alcohol. Those who still imbibe were more than willing to share some of their favorite watering holes. Be sure to ramp up business at your favorite bars/breweries, and maybe you will find a new idea here (I sure did).

All photos and descriptions belong to the participants except for the cover photo. I photographed these beautiful beers right before Ballast Point Brewing closed for good. Who else is going to miss their kick-ass rooftop patio? Sigh. But, at least we have so many other options to explore.

Merrill – @scene_on_the_street and @chimerrill

For craft beer lovers, no visit to the Printer’s Row neighborhood would be complete without a stop at First Draft Chicago (649 S Clark). With its 64 taps, which are constantly rotating in new beers, and its knowledgeable bartenders, this spot is sure to please all beer lovers. In addition, they have lots of TVs, and will generally turn on any game you’re looking for. Throw in a great food menu…the Ugly Dumpling appetizers are a favorite of mine….and it won’t take long to see why this is my go-to spot for a pint in the neighborhood.

Before leaving Printer’s Row, be sure to stop by Kasey’s Tavern (701 S Dearborn). With the 2nd oldest liquor license in the City of Chicago, you know this bar has a long history, and is the favorite local spot for many (look for the picture on the wall of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, when he popped in to watch the Cubs in the World Series). You won’t find a friendlier neighborhood bar, and they have a great line-up of craft beer. Insider tip…they only serve frozen pizza, but you are welcome to order your own delivery food, or bring in take-away from a local spot like Caribbean Jerk Palace or Flacos Tacos.

JB – @butchers_blind

Whenever I’m exploring the city, visiting a different neighborhood, discovering new art, or saying hello again to an old classic piece, I like to try a bar specific to that area. But if asked for a few favorites, I’d have to go with Spiteful Brewing and the Half Acre Tap Room and Beer Garden. They are so close in proximity that it makes for an easy brew hop. Daisy Cutter is my favorite beer and is likely 37% of my bloodstream and body composition.

Art – @sunnysideart

Back in the day, in the ’90s there was only one place to hang out, you can say it was the gold standard of dive bars. The Gold Star on Division. To this day, even with new owners, if I’m back in the area, this is where I’ll go. After moving north, in Lincoln Square, there was Ricochet’s and the Montrose Saloon. Also, cannot be in the area without a pint from Half Acre. But now that I’m in the burbs, these are places I get back to whenever possible but currently, the best activity is going for a ride on the I&M Canal bike paths and grabbing a beer at Imperial Oak Brewery in Willowbrook and Pollyanna Brewery in Lemont. Both are easily accessible from the bike paths and a cold beer is a great reward for a long ride.

Christopher – @papabearblaker

The Kraft Kave at Guaranteed Rate Field is my favorite place in Chicago to enjoy a cold beer!! The selection of brews is insane and you got sunshine with an amazing view.

Mark – @wahmbush

I never was much of a bar person before Covid. I always enjoy going to the breweries when possible. Drinking near where the beer was created and chatting with the staff. My favorite breweries to visit are Maplewood, Dovetail, and Metropolitan. These breweries have a good balance of well-crafted beers and a relaxing environment to enjoy their craft in. If I am going to drink with friends that are less beer centric than myself, I enjoy drinking at Kaiser Tiger or Hop Leaf. They have great food and a variety of drinks but have solid beer choices too.

James – @urbanmuralhunter and @urbanbeerbrewer

My favorite spots for drinking beer are Old Irving Brewing (close to home & great food), Maplewood (small and cozy), Metropolitan (love the outdoor deck on the river), CHAOS Homebrewclub (great quarterly outdoor beer fests).

Will – @whiskeyrocks_kitchen

For a bar, Barrelman Tavern. It’s a small corner bar with an amazing beer (and whiskey) selection. My go-to brewery is Hopewell in Logan Square. Good vibe and great beer! Spent many an afternoon there playing board games, petting random dogs, and drinking a variety of beers. Oh, and Guaranteed Rate Field. They have a decent selection of beers and Chicago’s best team!

Katie – @i.love.that.spot

My favorite is the patio at Off Color Brewing. I also LOVE Kaiser Tiger!

Kim – @randomchicago

Innertown Pub and Gallery Cabaret are both great Chicago neighborhood bars with tons of character. They have remained the same over countless years where any day is a good day to drop in for a beer. 

Justin – @exploreuptownchi

My favorite place to drink a beer is at The Resevoir on Montrose.

Dennys – @dennys_shot

District Brew Yards is one of my favorite places. Barra Ñ is definitely a nice spot that I love catching drinks at, and last but not least, is Bungalow by Middle Brow.

Antoinette – @chi.chic.fit

My favorite places to drink beer are Eris, Off Color Brewery, and recently Avondale Bowl. Avondale Bowl is a remodeled vintage bowling alley with amazing bar and beer options.

Sean – @st.wanders.chicago

Some of my favorite spots include Boiler Room Pizza in Logan Square and AliveOne in Lincoln Park.

Kevin – @kevinklimaphoto

If I’m being honest, this pandemic has knocked me outta my public beer game. I’ve been drinking every craft beer they have at Rayan’s Liquors, and enjoying them from the peace of my balcony. My past (and current favorites) include Hopleaf and the patio at Lawrence House for cocktails and beer!

Liz – @lizi.watson

I’m a big fan of Temperance Beer Co and Alulu Brewery! I also really loved the vibes at the Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery!

Thank you!

A big thanks to everyone for sharing some of their Chicago favorites. Summer is here, and let’s enjoy it (safely). Cheers, beer lovers!