Region

Best breweries in Illinois, United States

We track 292 breweries in Illinois, United States. 16 rate Exceptional and 39 rate Great. Goldfinger Brewing Company in Downers Grove leads the list at 4.68 (Exceptional).

The scale

Exceptional
A short list of extraordinary breweries worth planning a trip around.
Great
Consistently produce world-class beer.
Fine
Make genuinely good beer, if not the pint you will still be talking about next year.
Poor
Not bad beer so much as unremarkable beer.
Limited
Most craft beer drinkers pass these by.

1
Goldfinger Brewing Company
Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
The Goldfinger family knows beer! From the mid 1800s till the early 1900s, Goldfingers across Central Europe sold hops, malted barley, and crafted beers on brewing equipment they designed and manufactured. At their St. Philip Street brewery and pub in Kraków, in a bygone era, locals would exclaim “na Zdrowie!” As they clinked together mugs filled with their crisp brews. Today, the robust brewing tradition of our ancestors is reborn at Goldfinger Brewing Company of Downers Grove, Illinois. A true Lager house
Rating
4.68Exceptional
Popularity
Modestly rated
2
Afterthought Brewing Company
Lombard, Illinois, United States
We are a small, family-run, saison-focused brewery in Lombard, Illinois brewing 1.5-barrel batches. Saison is a style that was born in the Belgian and French countryside, traditionally consumed by field laborers. We believe saisons should be dry, relatively low in alcohol, highly carbonated, and thirst quenching. Our saisons take inspiration from Old World traditions, but also incorporate American and other New World fruit and hops. We emphasize the use of oak and fermentation with yeast and bacteria outside of traditional brewer’s yeast. We use Midwestern ingredients when possible. Our individual beers are based on concepts and, like wine, will vary from batch to batch. We believe in subtlety of flavor and that saisons are often, though not always, enhanced by a bit of lemonade or wine-like tartness, though not by outright acidity. We plan to create beers that we enjoy, and hope that our community will embrace them too. First beers released on May 19, 2017.
Rating
4.66Exceptional
Popularity
Modestly rated
3
Brothership Brewing
Mokena, Illinois, United States
Brothership Brewing produce's flawless beer and is ranked #5 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Earth Go Hard", which is an Imperial New England IPA and "Aliens vs Cowboys", which is an Imperial New England IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.64Exceptional
Popularity
Well rated
4
Other Half Brewing Co.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
In 2014, Sam Richardson, Matt Monahan and Andrew Burman founded Other Half Brewing Company, a local brewery in New York City with a simple mission: to create beers that they wanted to drink from a company that they wanted to be a part of. Their vision was to build a passionate team that brewed great beers in the state of New York—done so with effort and thoughtfulness—to represent the “Other Half” of the industry. Today, Other Half craft beers in their Brooklyn brewery and are dedicated to collaborating with breweries both in New York as well as across the world in an effort to constantly move the industry forward while elevating the craft. The Other Half team believes that local breweries play an important role in their communities which is why they partner with these other likeminded brewers and brands in local nabes across the country and the world—but always return to their home state of New York and their Brooklyn taproom.
Rating
4.63Exceptional
Popularity
One of the most-rated breweries anywhere
5
Hop Butcher For The World
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Hop Butcher For The World produce's world class beer and is ranked #4 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Double Grid", which is an Imperial New England IPA and "Blazed Orange Milkshake", which is a Milkshake IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.61Exceptional
Popularity
Extremely widely rated
6
Phase Three Brewing
Lake Zurich, Illinois, United States
Phase Three Brewing produce's exceptional beer and is ranked #7 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Pixel", which is a New England IPA and "Double Pixel", which is an Imperial New England IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.59Exceptional
Popularity
Extremely widely rated
7
Triptych Brewing
Savoy, Illinois, United States
A triptych (/'triptik/) is a set of three associated artistic works intended to be enjoyed together. In the Middle Ages, triptychs were one of the few ways people could enjoy art and often, a pilgrimage was involved in seeing them. We wanted a brewery name that above all emphasized the art of brewing beer. Since visiting our brewery requires a pilgrimage off the beaten path and since beer is an artistic combination of three main ingredients, we figured that the name Triptych was a perfect fit.
Rating
4.59Exceptional
Popularity
Widely rated
8
Maplewood Brewing Company
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Maplewood Brewing Company produce's world class beer and is ranked #10 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Son of Juice", which is a New England IPA and "Charlatan", which is an American Pale Ale. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.57Exceptional
Popularity
Very widely rated
9
Roaring Table Brewing
Lake Zurich, Illinois, United States
Roaring Table is a 10bbl brewery located in Lake Zurich. We're brewing beer the hard way—in small batches by hand—at a cozy taproom that aims to foster a community of craft-minded enthusiasts. We feature an eclectic menu of beers, showcasing the amazing range of flavors that a few simple ingredients can display when subjected to the magic of fermentation. From the dry and expressive farmhouse-style beers of France and Belgium, to the freewheeling DIY attitude of American homebrewers, to the simple purity of lagers, we’ll take our inspiration from the wide variety of influences that marks this as a golden age for beer drinkers. There will also be several wines available, and salty snacks. If you’d prefer a meal, feel free to order in from any of our nearby restaurant neighbors.
Rating
4.57Exceptional
Popularity
Well rated
10
More Brewing Company
Villa Park, Illinois, United States
More Brewing Company is a craft brewery with locations in Villa Park, Huntley and Bartlett, IL specializing in hop-saturated ales, flavorful imperial stouts & a variety of other unique ales and lagers. The name More comes from our town of Villa Park, which was previously known as Ardmore. We wanted to tie in the roots of the city as well as offer MORE!
Rating
4.57Exceptional
Popularity
Very widely rated
11
Mikerphone Brewing
Elk Grove Village, Illinois, United States
Mikerphone Brewing produce's world class beer and is ranked #11 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Mikerphone Check 1, 2", which is an Imperial IPA and "Imperial Smells Like Bean Spirit", which is an Imperial Coffee Stout. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.53Exceptional
Popularity
Very widely rated
12
Riverlands Brewing Company
St. Charles, Illinois, United States
St. Charles' hometown brewery, taproom, and patio, focused on high quality ales and lagers that ride the line between innovation and tradition. Our brewery is owned and operated by family and close friends, and our beer is best enjoyed in the company of such. When you visit our taproom, you'll be included in that family feel of our brewery, and you'll enjoy some great beer, too. Brewed by friends. For friends.
Rating
4.51Exceptional
Popularity
Widely rated
13
Half Acre Beer Company
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Half Acre Beer Company produce's world class beer and is ranked #14 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Daisy Cutter Pale Ale", which is an American Pale Ale and "GoneAway", which is an American IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.46Exceptional
Popularity
Extremely widely rated
14
Art History Brewing
Geneva, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.46Exceptional
Popularity
Modestly rated
15
Dovetail Brewery
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Dovetail Brewery produce's flawless beer and is ranked #18 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Hefeweizen", which is a Wheat Beer and "Vienna Lager", which is a Vienna Lager. Their primary focus is brewing Wheat Beers and Pale Lagers.
Rating
4.45Exceptional
Popularity
Well rated
16
Pipeworks Brewing Company
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Pipeworks Brewing Co was established in 2012 by home brewers who had a dream to create quality beers with a high level of creativity and thoughtful experimentation. In the early years, the scrappy team of brewers generated an early following and developed street cred in the local Chicago market by releasing almost one new beer a week. In 2014, Pipeworks expanded into a larger production facility in the Hermosa neighborhood of Chicago. The team has grown but in numbers and in skill level, but the same core emphasis on quality and creativity remains. Today, Pipeworks Brewing Co's beers are still self distributed throughout Chicagoland, but now Pipeworks beers, including their number 1 selling beer, "Ninja vs Unicorn" Double India Pale Ale, can be found in multiple states thanks to partnerships with distributors who share a similar commitment to quality. Hometown fans of Pipeworks Brewing Co can find a wide and fresh selection of Pipeworks beers available for pickup from "The Dojo", the to-go shop located within their production facility in Hermosa.
Rating
4.44Exceptional
Popularity
Extremely widely rated
17
Millpond Brewing
Millstadt, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.49Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
18
Sundial Brewing & Blending
Barrington, Illinois, United States
Sundial Brewing & Blending produce's high quality beer and is ranked #21 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Sundial Pils", which is a German Pilsner and "Sundial Wit", which is a Wheat Beer. Their primary focus is brewing Saisons and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.47Great
Popularity
Lightly rated
19
Storm Brewing
Flora, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.46Great
Popularity
Barely rated
20
Knack Brewing & Fermentations
Kankakee, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.43Great
Popularity
Barely rated
21
Werk Force Brewing Company
Plainfield, Illinois, United States
Werk Force Brewing is driven by a true passion for craft beer and community. We strive to produce unique batches created by outside-of-the-box thinking. Werk Force brews are available in house through our Tap Room and select accounts throughout Chicagoland.
Rating
4.42Great
Popularity
Well rated
22
Hubbard’s Cave
Niles, Illinois, United States
Hubbard's Cave produce's high quality beer and is ranked #24 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Coffee & Cakes (All Canned Dates)", which is an Imperial Stout and "French Toast (All Canned Dates)", which is an Imperial Pastry Stout. Their primary focus is brewing Dark Beers and IPAs.
Rating
4.35Great
Popularity
Widely rated
23
Blume & Ferris Public House
Downers Grove, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.32Great
Popularity
Barely rated
24
Wake Brewing
Rock Island, Illinois, United States
Wake Brewing produce's exceptional beer and is ranked #14 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Hand of Doom", which is an Other Stout and "Invisible Oranges", which is a Wheat Beer. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.32Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
25
Artesia Brewing
Thawville, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.31Great
Popularity
Barely rated
26
Old Irving Brewing Co.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Old Irving Brewing Co. produce's world class beer and is ranked #15 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Beezer", which is a New England IPA and "Double Beezer", which is an Imperial New England IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.30Great
Popularity
Widely rated
27
Whiskey Hill Brewing
Westmont, Illinois, United States
Whether you are a first time guest or a frequent visitor, we would like to answer a popular question and share a bit of history with you. That ever popular question is, "Do you make whiskey?" Well, not quite! However, since you are asking, we will give you a brief and interesting explanation of how our name, Whiskey Hill, came to be. It is a bit of Westmont history mixed in with some back alley folk tales. More | https://www.whiskeyhillbrewing.com/our-story
Rating
4.30Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
28
White Oak Brewing
Normal, Illinois, United States
White Oak Brewing produce's exceptional beer and is ranked #20 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Holla Atcha", which is a Blonde / Golden Ale and "Me Llama Llama", which is a Mild. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.28Great
Popularity
Well rated
29
Treehive
Brocton, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.27Great
Popularity
Barely rated
30
Saint Errant Brewing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.26Great
Popularity
Well rated
31
Hailstorm Brewing Co.
Tinley Park, Illinois, United States
We believe in focusing on the key aspects of the brewing process that most affect quality and stability. We believe in big bold flavors. When we say something has a unique ingredient in it, you can bet you will taste it. We are growing our barrel aging program as fast as possible and exploring new tecniques with wood fermentation, wild ales and exotic ingredients.
Rating
4.25Great
Popularity
Widely rated
32
Keeping Together
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Keeping Together produce's high quality beer and is ranked #18 in Illinois. They are most well known for "The Art of Holding Space", which is a Table Beer and "The Grace of Maybe", which is a Saison. Their primary focus is brewing Saisons and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.25Great
Popularity
Lightly rated
33
Marz Community Brewing Co.
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Marz Community Brewing Co makes small, artisanal batches of beer in a sustainable and socially responsible manner. Marz supports various cultural and social platforms that help us build the community of the future.
Rating
4.24Great
Popularity
Widely rated
34
Energy City Brewing
Batavia, Illinois, United States
Energy City Brewing produce's high quality beer and is ranked #34 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Bistro Smoothie Mango Pineapple Banana", which is a Fruited Sour and "Bâtisserie S’Mores Stout", which is an Imperial Pastry Stout. Their primary focus is brewing Sours and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.23Great
Popularity
Widely rated
35
Open Outcry Brewing Company
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Innovative brewery and pizza kitchen located on the southside of Chicago in the Beverly-Morgan Park neighborhood. We pursue the perfect beer every day, and we won't stop until we find it!
Rating
4.23Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
36
Mississippi Culture
Staunton, Illinois, United States
Mississippi Culture produce's high quality beer and is ranked #36 in Illinois. They are most well known for "At the Cauldron's Bottom", which is a Saison and "Pearl Street Blonde", which is a Belgian Blonde. Their primary focus is brewing Saisons and Sours.
Rating
4.22Great
Popularity
Barely rated
37
Alarmist Brewing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Alarmist Brewing produce's flawless beer and is ranked #17 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Le Jus", which is a New England IPA and "Pantsless Pale Ale", which is an American Pale Ale. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.22Great
Popularity
Well rated
38
Blind Corner Brewery
Naperville, Illinois, United States
Blind Corner Brewery is founded upon a shared love for exploration and belief that the finest of life’s experiences often come from embracing the unknown. Around every corner lIES the opportunity for discovery, innovation, and the creation of something truly exceptional.
Rating
4.21Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
39
Neuronova Brewing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.21Great
Popularity
Barely rated
40
Revolution Brewing
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Revolution Brewing produce's high quality beer and is ranked #39 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Anti-Hero", which is an American IPA and "Fist City", which is an American Pale Ale. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.20Great
Popularity
One of the most-rated breweries anywhere
41
Karetas Brewing
Itasca, Illinois, United States
Karetas Brewing produce's high quality beer and is ranked #43 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Archangel M.9 Tripel", which is a Belgian Tripel and "BBA 48 Kings: “Colm Cille”", which is a Scotch Ale / Wee Heavy. Their primary focus is brewing Belgian Ales and Strong Ales.
Rating
4.20Great
Popularity
Barely rated
42
Broken Tee Brewing Company
Highwood, Illinois, United States
Broken Tee Brewing Company produce's high quality beer and is ranked #38 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Bierantoni", which is an Italian Pilsner and "Range Session", which is a Session IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Lagers.
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Barely rated
43
Scratch Brewing Company
Ava, Illinois, United States
Scratch Brewing Company is a farmhouse brewery and restaurant located 5 miles from the Shawnee National Forest in Ava, Illinois. Named one of the top four breweries for foraged beer by Outside Magazine, and one of the most beautiful places to drink beer in the world by All About Beer Magazine, Scratch Brewing Company focuses on farmhouse beers and other styles brewed with home grown and locally farmed and foraged ingredients. The brewery has an ever rotating selection of traditional styles, enhanced by the innovative addition of local ingredients, including nettle, elderberry, ginger, dandelion, maple sap, hickory, lavender, and local honey, among others.
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Well rated
44
Lil Beaver Brewery
Bloomington, Illinois, United States
Lil Beaver Brewery produce's world class beer and is ranked #15 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Wainbows", which is a New England Pale Ale and "Lord of the Peach Rings", which is a Sour IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Dark Beers.
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Well rated
45
Coal Creek Brewing Company
Princeton, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Barely rated
46
Riggs Beer Company
Urbana, Illinois, United States
Riggs Beer Company produce's high quality beer and is ranked #42 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Hefeweizen", which is a Wheat Beer and "American Lager", which is an American Lager. Their primary focus is brewing Wheat Beers and Pale Lagers.
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
47
Evergreen Farm Brewing
Metamora, Illinois, United States
Rating
4.18Great
Popularity
Barely rated
48
Cruz Blanca
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Cruz Blanca Craft Cerveza produce's high quality beer and is ranked #42 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Palm Shade Tropical Hazy IPA", which is a New England IPA and "El Train IPA", which is an American IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Lagers.
Rating
4.17Great
Popularity
Well rated
49
Sturdy Shelter Brewing
Batavia, Illinois, United States
Sturdy Shelter Brewing produce's fine quality beer and are regularly brewing different ones. They are most well known for "Pulped Up Middleweight", which is a New England IPA and "Pulped Up TKO", which is a New England IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Pale Ales.
Rating
4.16Great
Popularity
Modestly rated
50
Noon Whistle Brewing
Lombard, Illinois, United States
Noon Whistle Brewing produce's high quality beer and is ranked #46 in Illinois. They are most well known for "Gummypocalypse", which is an Imperial New England IPA and "Gummy Vortex", which is an Imperial New England IPA. Their primary focus is brewing IPAs and Sours.
Rating
4.14Great
Popularity
Very widely rated