Illinois Brewing

Top Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact Us

logo

Header Banner

Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz Alliance artisan markets, Keg Grove’s BBQ Smoke Show and more

  • Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling

  • Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

  • Brewer’s Choice: BBGB Brewery’s Bob Salzman

  • Spotlight on Solemn Oath Brewery

Brewery Spotlights
Home›Featured Post›Brewery Focus›Brewery Spotlights›Brewery spotlight: The Old Bakery Beer Company in the historic town of Alton is the creation of a talented husband-and-wife duo focused on community, the environment and great beer

Brewery spotlight: The Old Bakery Beer Company in the historic town of Alton is the creation of a talented husband-and-wife duo focused on community, the environment and great beer

By Trent Modglin
July 7, 2023
2258
0
Share:

Old Bakery Beer Company
400 Landmarks Blvd, Alton, IL 62002
OldBakeryBeer.com

Sunday-Tuesday: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Wednesday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 

History in short: The Old Bakery Beer Company is the creation of the husband-and-wife duo of Lauren Pattan and James Rogalsky. Pattan’s mom gave her future son-in-law a home-brewing kit when he was, shall we say, perhaps a year or two younger than he probably should’ve been. He would eventually upgrade to better equipment as his skills improved, and in their 20s, the couple found themselves working for Urban Chestnut Brewing in St. Louis — James on the brewing side and Lauren as the taproom manager.

But the pull of Alton, the town across the river in Illinois where they both grew up and where their families remained, proved too strong, and before long, they started looking at potential space in their hometown and instantly fell in love with a century-old building. At the tender age of 25, and just a year after renovations began, Lauren and James opened Old Bakery Beer Company in 2015.

The building that houses the brewery began as a bakery in the late 1800s, and it still has many elements of its past. “We didn’t have to fake it,” Lauren Pattan says. “The character was built in.”

The space: The building that houses the brewery began as a bakery in the late 1800s. Following a devastating fire in 1929 and a series of renovations, additions and changes in ownership, the building remained a bakery until the early 1980s. It then sat empty for better than 20 years before Lauren and James’ vision took hold. 

The building still has many elements of its past, like plenty of white glazed brick and tables and a bar made of reclaimed wood. “We didn’t have to fake it,” Lauren says. “The character was built in.”

The venue is set up more like a restaurant than a taproom, since an estimated 90 percent of their guests dine with them, and a patio out front is a popular destination during warm weather. A large separate event space is ideal for hosting various community events like an Earth Day festival, community lecture series, regular local vendor markets, parties and weddings. 

Interesting note: One of the main goals for ownership has always been to be as environmentally conscious as possible. So much so, that the Old Bakery Beer Company is certified organic, exclusively using only North American hops and routinely seeking out the most sustainable ingredients possible, including local produce and meat. 

The Old Bakery Beer Company is certified organic, exclusively using only North American hops and routinely seeking out the most sustainable ingredients possible.

What we’re eating and drinking: The OBBC carries an impressive 20 beers on draft and one more on a beer engine, better known as a traditional British draught system where beers are hand pulled through a sparkler for a creamy body and served at 50 degrees. A refreshing citrus wheat is one of their flagship beers, and a golden ale made with blueberries and organic Illinois oats is popular as well. Other enticing options on draft include the juicy Up River IPA and Burnt Oak smoked brown ale that’s aged in Stumpy’s Spirits bourbon barrels.

Not to be overlooked are their sparkling herbal tea options in cans and the seasonal cocktail-based slushies. 

On the food front, there is a lot of creativity happening in Alton (including vegan options), starting with sharable snacks like the jerk cauliflower bites served with a mango pineapple sauce, award-winning chili, signature sandwiches (try the smoked turkey with bacon and pastrami on sourdough), loaded burgers and fresh seasonal items. 

On the horizon: A popular seasonal brew for them is a guava IPA in the summer, and if you’re in the area, the Old Bakery Beer Company throws a memorable “Oktoberfest in July” party every year.

From the brewery: “I think Alton has a lot to offer as it’s reinventing itself as a historical tourist destination. It’s a perfect couple-day trip to explore and learn about the history of Illinois, take a jaunt to Route 66, enjoy a beautiful drive along the scenic River Road, and stop in to see us.” — Owner Lauren Pattan

Tagscertified organicChestnut BrewingEarth DayIllinois BrewingJames RogalskyLauren PattanOld Bakery Beer CompanyRoute 66
Previous Article

Brewer’s Choice: Old Irving Brewing’s Trevor Rose-Hamblin ...

Next Article

Brewery spotlight: Hangar Two by Tangled Roots ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0

Trent Modglin

Related articles More from author

  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider Dave Zalatoris on the consistency of Dovetail Brewery, Old Irving’s Krampus stouts, mixed packs at Bottles & ...

    December 22, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewer's Choice

    Brewer’s Choice: Elmhurst Brewing co-owner Frazer Donaldson on Deth’s Tar from Revolution, Kinslahger’s mash-hopped lager and his own 5-year anniversary ...

    January 20, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Old Irving Brewing Company: This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously ...

    February 25, 2025
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Springfield Beer Company: Two distinctly different locations in central Illinois, a diverse lineup of beers and a new ...

    December 25, 2023
    By Trent Modglin
  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider: Black Lung Brewing’s Josh Grubbs on Mikerphone’s quality hazy IPAs, his own barrel-aged Belgian quad, Denver’s Bierstadt ...

    January 31, 2024
    By Trent Modglin
  • Brewery Spotlights

    Spotlight on Reserve Artisan Ales: This newish, family-owned brewery offers a pour-you-own tap system and beautiful event space in downtown ...

    April 30, 2023
    By Trent Modglin

Leave a reply Cancel reply

You might be interested

  • Brewery Spotlights

    Brewery spotlight on Springfield’s Engrained Brewing Company

  • IB Insiders

    Illinois Brewing Insider Sean West on an admiration for Triptych Brewing and Two Brothers’ Domaine DuPage, drinking seasonally and his plans at Forgottonia

  • Interviews

    The Tap List: Beer on the Wall owner Ryan Tracy chats about humble beginnings, selling individual cans and which Illinois breweries have caught his eye

Let's Connect

  • 960
    Likes

  • 1,720
    Followers

  • 141
    Followers

Stay in the know. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter

* indicates required





About us

Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
[email protected]

Art director: Brian Hertel
[email protected]

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

Illinois Brewing magazine

illinoisbrewing

Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is @alterbeer.obc 
It’s a gorgeous venue with private event space and great food and @alterbeer brews
Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded Dropping off the cousin at O’Hare today reminded us that one great spot for a beer and delicious food before departure (or while awaiting an arrival) is @crustbrewing in Rosemont’s @parkwaybankpark 

Great venue to catch Rosemont’s Rockin’ in the Park concert series every Thursday in the summer too. 

Today’s offerings: The I Know Joe hefeweizen and the delightful Blueberry Crusher, a light-bodied cream ale with a hint of lemon and lots of real blueberries.
One of the nearly 400 locations around the state t One of the nearly 400 locations around the state that you can find a stack of Illinois Brewing is @noonwhistlebrewing in west suburban Lombard. Check out their Gummy series of hazy IPAs, solid daily specials, crispy pizzas and Pause sparkling water with THC
Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmob Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the @streetzmobeatz artisan market at @tightheadbrew May 18, the @willcountybeerandbourbonfest May 31, Mayfestiversary with @begylebrewing and @dovetailbrewery May 24-25, @keggrovebrewco BBQ Smoke Show June 7 and more 

Read it all now at Illinoisbrewing.com
Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison Illinois Brewing's Beer of the week: Lil’ Bison hefeweizen from @sturdyshelterbrewing in west suburban Batavia

Just in time for spring, this German classic is brewed with a Bavarian hefeweizen yeast and is bursting with that traditional banana/clove flavor. Links & Drinks is still happening throughout the western burbs too, so bring your putting stroke.
Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at Il Our spring issue cover story — Read it now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Brewery bites: Great craft beer is everywhere in Illinois, but here are a few dishes we’ve encountered at spots like @openoutcrybrewing @crustbrewing and @destihlbrewery @destihlrestaurant that are sure to get your stomach growling as well
Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my d Enjoying a trek around Lake Geneva today with my dad and cousin that included a burger and @newglarusbrewing Moon Man at Chuck’s and tasty Wisconsin craft beers at the one and only @owltavern from the likes of @topsyturvybrewery @lakefrontbrewery @duesterbecksbrewingco and @lowdailybeer
So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on spec So glad the crispy chicken paillard we had on special at @mickey_finns recently made its way onto their regular menu in Libertyville. Such a great spot for dinner, catching the game or kicking back on the patio.
#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the A total of 94 craft breweries were pouring at the annual #BeerUnderGlass festival from the @ilcraftbeer Guild last night, and believe me, we tried to hit them all. The rooftop terrace of the @harristheaterchicago in @millennium_park proved to be an ideal new location. What a way to kick off Illinois Craft Beer Week. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #ilcraftbeerweek
Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs from @adamsstreetbrewery Mark Duchow and Jim Riggs from @adamsstreetbrewery inside the iconic @berghoffchicago just won another medal at the @worldbeercup (a silver for their Der Reisende in the Export Stout category), so it’s safe to say they know what they’re talking about when it comes to favorite local beers that stay true to a style. 

Check out our Brewer’s Choice Q&A from the spring issue where they share a fondness for @offcolorbrewing @doubleclutchbrewery @dovetailbrewery @alarmistbrewing and others, and catch them — along with 80 other Illinois breweries, at the Beer Under Glass festival from @ilcraftbeer this Friday in Chicago. 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival is sold The @ilcraftbeer Beer Under Glass festival is sold out, y’all. And that begs the question: Which brewery are you looking forward to visiting most this Friday? 

Share your thoughts below and let’s get a discussion going. #IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer
We had to head home from the @brewersassoc annual We had to head home from the @brewersassoc annual Craft Brewers Conference in Indy last week before the winners for the @worldbeercup were announced, but man, what a haul for Illinois. 

Congrats to the following breweries for bringing home a medal from one of the most prestigious beer competitions in the world: 
@9thhourbrewing 
@adamsstreetbrewery 
@brothership_brewing 
@gobrewing 
@haymarketbeer 
@revbrewchicago 
@werkforcebrewing 
@whiteoakbrewing
Two of the nearly 400 locations across the state w Two of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find our spring issue are a pair of fun spots in Lake County — @blacklung_roundlakebeach and @harborbrewingco in Lake Villa. Keep an eye out for Black Lung’s new location in Grayslake late this summer, and the @hbclakefrontbiergarten is now open for the season at Winthrop Harbor on Lake Michigan

#IllinoisBrewing #craftbeer #visitlakecounty #DrinkIllinois #illinoisbeer
Spotlight on @engrainedbrewery — With an emphasi Spotlight on @engrainedbrewery — With an emphasis on utilizing local produce and livestock, as well as reducing our environmental footprint, this Springfield brewery boasts an “upscale casual” space, farm-to-table menu and wide-ranging beer selection

Read it all now at illinoisbrewing.com
The versatile and spacious @guggmanhausbrewing was The versatile and spacious @guggmanhausbrewing was definitely one of our favorite stops during the @brewersassoc annual Craft Brewers Conference this week in Indianapolis

#craftbeer #brewing #IllinoisBrewing #indianabeer #cbc2025
Promoting the magazine and spending a few days wit Promoting the magazine and spending a few days with good friends from @uniontownbrewingco at the annual @brewersassoc CBC, which draws the finest craft beer industry folks from around the country. Enjoyed events at Indy’s @taxmanbrewing @handlebarhangar and @saintjosephbrewery 

The future is bright for beer.
Illinois Brewing’s Beer of the Week: Holey Jeans Illinois Brewing’s Beer of the Week: Holey Jeans from @keggrovebrewco @keggrovemorris 

This crisp, easy-drinking blueberry American wheat ale is the flagship beer from the popular Keg Grove in Bloomington (now with a second location in Morris, IL). Owner Jeff Mroz and his crew originally brewed Holey Jeans for their wives, many of whom didn’t drink beer before, and it ended up spawning an entire fruited wheat series for the brewery. 

Fun fact: It’s named for a friend of theirs who purchased jeans with holes already in them, which they found hilarious.
For you whiskey/bourbon drinkers out there, may we For you whiskey/bourbon drinkers out there, may we highly suggest getting your hands on the @whiskeyacres cask-finished series that involves bourbon and rye aged a minimum of four years and then finished in maple syrup casks (among others). 

You’ll also find their barrels in use by a lot of quality Illinois breweries like @riverlandsbrewingcompany @pollyannabrewingcompany and @ikeandoakbrewing 

#IllinoisBrewing #DrinkIllinois #craftbeer #illinoisbeer #bourbon #DeKalb
Kudos to @crustbrewing in Rosemont for their new v Kudos to @crustbrewing in Rosemont for their new venture, Crust Taproom, located at 3000 W. Irving Park on Chicago’s NW side. Great pizza, great vibes and ohhh… that Vienna lager
Rock solid craft brewery lineup this weekend for t Rock solid craft brewery lineup this weekend for the ninth annual @enjoylonggrove Craft Beer Festival. Live music, food vendors and some of the state’s finest craft beer on hand.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/long-grove-craft-beer-fest-tickets-1141146884049?aff=oddtdtcreator
Load More Follow on Instagram

RECENT POSTS

Inside Scoop

Inside Scoop: Upcoming events like the Will County Craft Beer & Bourbon Fest, Streetz Artz ...

Will County Craft Beer and Bourbon Fest May 31 Tickets for the fourth annual Will County Beer & Bourbon Fest, proudly presented by Blue Ribbon Products, are selling quickly. This ...
  • Brewery bites: Dishes from around the state sure to get your stomach growling

    By Trent Modglin
    May 15, 2025
© Copyright Illinois Brewing and Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved.