Begyle Brewing
1800 W. Cuyler Ave. in Chicago
BegyleBrewing.com

Monday-Thursday: Noon-9 p.m.
Friday: Noon-10 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday: 12-8 p.m.

History in short: Having launched back in 2012, Begyle found itself part of the first wave of craft breweries that popped up in Chicago — “basically homebrewers who were making the big jump earlier than everyone else,” co-owner Kevin Cary tells us with a reminiscent chuckle. 

Back when Cary moved to Chicago in 2007, there were maybe a half dozen craft breweries in town, so when he and his roommate began home brewing, it became clear early on the transition from steady, full-time jobs to making beer for a living would be an uneasy one. 

Fortunately, they possessed the necessary talent and entrepreneurial spirit to persevere and become just the 12th craft brewery in Chicago (which now is home to around 100). While a lack of equipment kept them “brewing just a couple barrels at a time initially,” Begyle quickly grew and opened their doors to the Ravenswood Corridor neighborhood with a taproom in 2014. 

“Looking back, it’s kinda crazy to think someone would start a business that way — brewing an amount of beer that’s almost impossible to make a living with — but we needed to prove the concept could work and learn all facets of the business on the fly,” Cary says. “It was a different time and the work was hard, but I’m glad that we were able to pivot into a larger brewing system, increase volume pretty quickly and become what we always wanted to be: a community-supported brewery.”

Looking back, it’s kinda crazy to think someone would start a business that way — brewing an amount of beer that’s almost impossible to make a living with — but we needed to prove the concept could work and learn all facets of the business on the fly.”
— Kevin Cary

The space: The Begyle taproom, which lies alongside Metra and CTA brown line tracks, feels like the cool garage party you may remember attending in high school or college. It has a clean, industrial interior and minimalistic approach that focuses more on the character of a century-old building with ivy growing up one side. The fast-food counter service model for beer orders creates a welcoming level of efficiency, and the staff is patient when it comes to guiding visitors through the options. In the summer, the flower-lined sidewalk patio is a coveted destination to be sure. 

“We wanted to be in a neighborhood where the customers were, and then become a focal part of that neighborhood,” says Cary, who lives a block away with his family. “Our building is really unassuming for sure, and I love the fact that we’ve never had a sign… or needed one.”

We always wanted to become a focal part of the neighborhood. Our building is really unassuming for sure, and I love the fact that we’ve never had a sign… or needed one.”

Interesting notes: The taproom, located just a 15-minute walk from Wrigley Field, is ideal for beers before or after a Cubs game or concert. It’s also a block away from Dovetail Brewery and walking distance from Hop Butcher and other Ravenswood/North Center breweries. … Begyle raised $40k for the local food pantry during their annual Maifestiversary event with Dovetail last spring. 

Begyle’s Flannel Pajamas barrel-aged imperial stouts are the perfect complement to the chilly days ahead. They currently have rich and oaky vanilla and maple cinnamon varieties that were aged six months in Heaven Hill Distillery bourbon barrels.

What we’re eating and drinking: As for flagship beers, Begyle is well known for their Free Bird pale ale, Hophazardly IPA and blonde ale, but they pride themselves on a diverse draft list that appeals to all levels and palates. Begyle’s Flannel Pajamas barrel-aged imperial stouts are the perfect complement to the chilly days ahead. They currently have rich and oaky vanilla and maple cinnamon varieties that were aged six months in Heaven Hill Distillery bourbon barrels. Their kettle sour series is a big hit as well. When Tangerines Fly was popular this summer, and versions made with guava and peaches are currently on the draft list this fall.

Blinded by the Lite is a returning light lager they originally made a year ago when Bruce Springsteen was in town, Boat Shoes is a crisp, dry kolsch that hits the spot, and Sent with Lasers is an easy-drinking hazy IPA worth checking out. If you’re hungry, they usually have food trucks Friday-Sunday year round with options like El Zorro for Mexican specialties, Milo’s Market (try the birria grilled cheese) and Pot Pots Poutinerie, offering one of the best Philly cheesesteaks around. 

On Oct. 12-13, Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery will again be co-hosting their annual Oktoberfestiversary, which is equal parts Oktoberfest, anniversary party and fundraiser. Expect special tappings, live music and food trucks galore in the heart of Ravenswood.

On the horizon: The folks at Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery know how to throw a party, and on the weekend of Oct. 12-13, they’ll again be co-hosting their annual Oktoberfestiversary, which is equal parts Oktoberfest and anniversary party. Expect special tappings, live music and food trucks galore in the heart of Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Friendship Center to help feed those in need. To date, they’ve raised $250,000 together for the cause.

Date: Oct. 12-13
Time: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday
Location: Corner of Ravenswood and Belle Plaine in Chicago

From the brewery: “We’ve worked really hard to curate a menu that’s very approachable regardless of what’s normally preferred, whether it be sour, light, heavy, dark, hoppy, non-alcoholic, etc. We focus on the classic styles but with a little bit of experimenting, so there’s always something to expand your palate a little bit. And in an atmosphere where people feel welcome and the staff can guide you through the process. We’re all about conversation and environment and providing a space for people to celebrate milestones and meet new people.” 

— Co-owner Kevin Cary