Double Clutch Brewing at Millennium Hall
11 N. Michigan Ave. in Chicago
MillenniumHallChicago.com
DoubleClutchBrewing.com

What makes it unique: If you’re looking to quench you’re thirst while strolling through Millennium Park or down Michigan Avenue this summer, this is your place for some award-winning German brews. From May-October, Double Clutch Brewing Company out of Evanston operates this gorgeous, sun-soaked beer garden and event space — part of Millennium Park Plaza — that’s located on top of Chicago’s iconic winter ice rink and at the foot of the Bean. 

What we’re drinking and eating: We’d be crazy not to suggest their standout helles lager or crisp kolsch (or a build-your-own margarita). For food, you can’t go wrong with the watermelon feta salad, Korean chicken sandwich or buffalo shrimp basket.

Prairie Street Brewing Co.
200 Prairie Street in Rockford
PSBrewingCo.com

What makes it unique: Prairie Street Brewing Company just happens to be housed in the oldest brewery in the state of Illinois, an 80,000-square foot historic landmark building along the Rock River in downtown Rockford. Opened in 2013 after a two-year renovation of a 150-year-old facility, the building boasts a spacious outdoor deck where boats can pull up dockside and live music is the norm all summer.

Prairie Street’s 150-year-old historic landmark building boasts a spacious outdoor deck where boats can pull up dockside and live music is the norm all summer.

What we’re drinking and eating: Try the Vanilla River cream ale or Prairie Street IPA, which offers hints of grapefruit and pine. Elevated brewpub food is what you’ll find here — with everything from smash burgers to salmon tikka masala and seasonal salads.

Hairy Cow Brewing Company
450 E. Blackhawk Drive in Byron
HairyCowBrewing.com

What makes it unique: This hidden gem in rural Byron is situated on the site of an old city park, nestled in amongst a neighborhood on the banks of the Rock River. Not only does Hairy Cow offer a large, covered deck with great views of the river, but also a grassy side yard with additional seating, games and plenty of room for the kids to stretch their legs. 

What we’re drinking and eating: The Sour Todd, an American sour ale, is brewed with barley and wheat and conditioned on white peach puree. It’s deliciously light, tart, fruity, a bit sweet and all kinds of refreshing. Don’t forget one of their creative wood-fired pizzas like the reuben or BBQ chicken.  

Harbor Brewing Company’s lakefront biergarten
701 N. Point Dr. in Winthrop Harbor
HarborBeer.com

What makes it unique: Easy… it lies within the picturesque North Point Marina and Spring Bluff Forest Preserve overlooking Lake Michigan near the Wisconsin border. That should be enough right there, but then add the fact they have live music, food options and plenty of picnic tables to take in the sights and you’re set for the day. 

What we’re drinking: If you’re worried that beer will be in short supply because this beer garden is isolated miles away from Harbor’s Lake Villa brewery, don’t be. They have 15 options on draft here by the lake. The Jetboat is a Citra-hopped hazy IPA with a soft, pillowy base and bright citrus, stone fruit and candy flavors. Tasty enough to wish you were on one of the boats in the harbor instead of staring at them. 

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
1035 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor
FlossmoorStation.com

What makes it unique: A magnificently restored 1906 train station is home to this historic and versatile brewery and restaurant in the far south suburbs. As if that isn’t cool enough, add on a beautiful beer garden and restored vintage caboose and you’ve got all the makings for a fun outing for the whole family. The Caboose Taproom & Ice Cream Parlor is open Thursday-Sunday during the summer from 4 p.m.-close for special beer tappings, soft-serve ice cream, adult slushies, live music, games and events.

As if a magnificently restored 1906 train station isn’t enough, add on a beautiful beer garden and vintage caboose and you’ve got all the makings for a fun outing for the whole family.

What we’re drinking and eating: Grab yourself a tall pour of their Big Skies American-style pilsner that carries a a gentle floral aroma mixed with flavors of citrus, lemon, melon and subtle spice. For grub, try the Great Lakes perch platter, Margherita flatbread or brewpub club sandwich.

Crust Brewing
5500 Park Place in Rosemont
CrustBrewing.com

What makes it unique: Located in the former Hofbrauhaus, this modern, sleek and visually striking space (14,000 square feet in all) doesn’t resemble its predecessor in the slightest. It’s patio, overlooking the popular Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, is a serious summertime destination, especially during the Rockin’ in the Park free Thursday-night concert series that features headlining cover bands playing hits from the likes of Queen, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Bon Jovi and more. And don’t forget the musical fireworks display after each concert.

Crust Brewing’s patio, overlooking the popular Parkway Bank Park entertainment district, is a serious summertime destination, especially during the free Thursday-night concert series.

What we’re eating and drinking: Crust, utilizing the same custom brewing equipment and brewer as the Hofbrauhaus, focuses on German-inspired lagers and ales — and does them well. Favorites include the Pacific Standard golden pale ale, which carries a solid malt presence balanced by hints of citrus and pine from classic American hops, and the Dough Roller, a slightly sweet Vienna amber lager. The Neapolitan pizza bar is a big hit, but don’t sleep on the poke nachos or Tuscan chicken sandwich with a pistachio pesto spread.

Black Lung Brewing’s Fox Lake Brewpub
115 Nippersink Blvd. in Fox Lake
BlackLungBrewing.com

What makes it unique: The second location for Black Lung Brewing — with the original in nearby Round Lake Beach — opened on the shores of Fox Lake near route 12 on the popular Chain of Lakes last July. Come by car, bike or boat and settle in for some regular live music and stellar lake views. 

What we’re drinking and eating: The Pancho & Lefty Mexican lager, Jam Session lime sour and banana-forward hefeweizen called Dragon Hefe are nice, easy-drinking summer options. The food at the Fox Lake location, much like the view, is noteworthy with plenty of creative choices like a Jamaican jerk chicken sandwich, picnic pasta salad and luau burger that’s topped with pickled jalapeños, bacon and a pineapple cream cheese spread.