Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic Long Grove

What’s the coziest brewery or bar for these cold winter months?

I would have to say Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove in the north burbs. It’s like a big ski lodge — or chalet — in the woods, and it feels like it belongs in a Hallmark movie. Really solid selection of beer too.

— Josh Weintraub

Underground Public House in Carbondale. It literally is underground, and it’s very intimate. So small and fun, and a great beer list with some nice cocktails too. The food is top-notch, like what you’d expect on a night out in Chicago. Recommendations would definitely be recommended in the evening.

— Shannon Goldman

Even though the interior is rather cavernous, it’s fun to sit inside Uné Année Brewery in Niles during the winter months and watch the snow come down outside through the big garage doors. It’s like looking into your own backyard, only you don’t have to shovel anything. And soft dining chairs, personable bartenders and great homestyle BBQ all make it so comfortable even in the worst wintery conditions.

— Tom O’Donnelly

For my nomination, I’d like to select The Beer Bazaar in north suburban Grayslake. The ambiance of the place is absolutely incredible. They manage to get the lighting just right — not to dark, not to light. The store playlist playing in the tap room and retail section always has something good pumping through the speakers. The chairs at the bar are some of the most comfy I’ve sat on in my life, not to mention they always have incredible beer options to choose from. I find it almost impossible to convince myself to go anywhere else.

— Erik David Cohen

Solemn Oath Brewery in Naperville is the best place to grab a brew in the wintertime. They have warm fire pits and usually special outdoor seating like their dome community. They’re able to make the experience feel personal and cozy, especially with their strong stouts that will warm your soul.

— Brewliet from the Instagram team of Romeo & Brewliet

Our Brewing in Holland, Michigan is such a warm and cozy brewery. We especially love to visit in the winter so we can sit by the fireplace and enjoy our beers. They have comfy couches to sit at and such a chill atmosphere that makes us always feel so welcome. Plus it is decorated so festively for Christmas, which adds to all of the feels!

— Tina Overton

The Village Tap

My favorite cozy spot is definitely The Village Tap in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. A buddy of mine got me started going there a long time ago, and I’m sure I still have photos up on the wall from the photo booth. During the holidays it’s especially cozy. The beer is always great, food is always great, and the vibe is just perfect. For me and my wife, it’s part of our regular rotation.

The Dunning Pour House too, way out west on Addison in the city. The owner, Bobby, is such a mensch. The food is so good, it’s got a ton of dark wood… it’s just classic Chicago.

— Trevor Rose-Hamblin, head brewer and co-founder of Old Irving Brewing Co.

Spiteful Brewing

One of my favorite brewery memories during my two decades of living on the north side of Chicago is sitting in Spiteful Brewing’s warm taproom the night before the Super Bowl and watching a snowstorm outside through their giant windows while sipping their Goddamn Pigeon porter with a group of friends. I want to relive that experience often.

— T.M.

For cozy spots, Lunar Brewing in Villa Park is my No. 1 choice since it has a vast selection of drinks and craft beers, and it helps that I know all of the bartenders there. Honestly though, any brewery or bar that serves Malort is cozy in my book. Or any that serves bourbon! Another brewery/bar that I really enjoy in the wintertime is Hardware Brewing in North Aurora. Hardware has an overwhelming number of bourbons to sample, and they have a kitchen with an upscale menu too.

— John Streetz, Streetz Artz Alliance founder

The Vine of Grayslake

A favorite place for a wintertime beers is The Vine of Grayslake. Whether you want to enjoy one of the rotating Illinois craft beers by the fireplace in the main bar or find a spot in the holiday pop-up bar on their heated, enclosed patio, you’ll find yourself wanting to make The Vine a regular winter stop.

— Ben Ault

Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery in Springfield just feels like home. We head to Missouri about six times a year, and it’s a perfect spot to grab a beer and delicious pub food. The staff makes you feel like family no matter where you come from.

— Romeo from the Instagram team of Romeo & Brewliet

On Tour Brewing

Every Wednesday I take the green line down to On Tour Brewing in Chicago’s West Loop for the best rotating Grateful Dead cover bands around. From 6-9 p.m. my family knows I anchor my week around that. They’re so good. On Tour is a cool little space that’s cozy and a real nice time with a great crowd. I’m a real homer other than Wednesdays, when I go there. I usually make it there most weeks.

— Shawn Stephens, owner of One Lake Brewing

Beermiscuous in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood has a nice fireplace that you can cozy up next to, and it has a comfortable European café feel to it. And a seriously great selection of beer.

— Amy Wilkinson

I love Kaiser Tiger in Chicago’s West Loop. The fact they have fires going outside all the time and have the curling lanes to play on, plus Bacon the cat is so friendly. I love that they have dark bocks on draft a lot, and so many of the types of beers that are just perfect for winter. Old Irving’s Lifesblood dark bock lager is usually on draft quite a bit there. Such a fun, cozy place.

— Matthew Moldenhauer, director of operations at Old Irving Brewing Co.

Kaiser Tiger