Suncatcher Brewing
2849 W. Chicago Ave.
Chicago, IL
SuncatcherBrewing.com

Sunday-Monday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wednesday-Thursday 11a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

History in short: The brainstorming for Suncatcher actually began as part of pre-Covid conversations, when Matt Gallagher, co-owner of Half Acre Brewery, had a lot of time on his hands and would just wander his Humboldt neighborhood “looking for the right spot to try this.”

In 2021, he stumbled upon a former service station/auto body shop near the Chicago Avenue & Grand intersection (you can see it in the 1994 movie Hoop Dreams) that, besides being used for storage by the garden center next door, had been left vacant for a couple decades.

After three years of planning and some major renovations, Gallagher and his wife, Laura, along with friends Sally and Rog McGuin (who previously spent a decade in hospitality and sales at Half Acre), opened up this side project in November of last year with a goal of utilizing local ingredients to produce small-batch, English-style, low-to-medium alcohol beers with plenty of flavor and character.

Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going.”  — Co-owner Matt Gallagher

The space: Suncatcher has a warm, welcoming vibe and the look of rustic European café. “I’m not making Belgian beers here, but I’ve always loved the Euro vibe,” Gallagher says with a smile. “Easy going, nothing fancy, sit outside as long as the weather allows, come and enjoy some good beer and good conversation.”

The uniquely shaped space is deceptively larger than it looks, with brick walls, exposed ductwork, hanging lights and massive windows. Large French doors in the main room will be opened when the weather cooperates, and the massive patio — with pergolas and plenty of seating — will be a sought-after destination in the summer for sure.

“It’s pretty unique in that the building faces straight west with unobstructed views of the city,” Gallagher tells us. “In the wintertime it feels like a snow globe in here because we’re free-standing, and not up against an alley or another building.”

Interesting note: Gallagher and McGuin combine to share more than 30 years of experience in the craft beer world, so it’s no surprise Suncatcher has plenty of industry folks as regulars. … Gallagher admits they have no plans to distribute their beers and don’t have room for a canning line (besides 32-ounce crowlers to-go), and a big part of the taproom’s allure is being able to drink the freshest, small-batch beer possible direct from the smaller serving tanks in back. No kegs involved.

What we’re drinking: On our visit earlier this spring, we enjoyed the San Diego pale ale that’s loaded with a trio of hops that “brings the Pacific dank,” as well as the malty dark lager, smooth American amber ale with English-style caramel malts, and the American bitter with subtle hints of watermelon.

The soul of the brewery, according to Gallagher, is their Suncatcher pale ale, which is brewed with fresh hops from Michigan’s Hophead Farms and ready for patrons again.

A big part of the taproom’s allure is being able to drink the freshest, small-batch beer possible direct from the smaller serving tanks in back. No kegs involved.

“Suncatcher is all about going back to the beers I was stoked and inspired by when I was first learning about beer as a younger person… and keeping that feeling going,” Gallagher says. “Doing very American pub beers and not trying to compete on the shelf or at other bars or restaurants. They’re the kind of beers meant to be enjoyed right here at a pub or brewery taproom with friends. It’s a social beverage, and we’re trying to continue to lean into that. I think people get it.”

Suncatcher, which also offers three guest draft options and a handful of cans and bottles, encourages customers to order food from neighborhood restaurants.

On the horizon: Needless to say, Gallagher and crew are looking forward to welcoming the warm weather and seeing patrons enjoy the huge patio. … Keep an eye out for their big Summer Solstice party on Saturday, June 21, complete with live music, food and more. They brewed a special beer on the spring equinox that will be tapped just for the party.

From the brewery: “I think we’re off to a good start in terms of solidifying ourselves as a great neighborhood spot, and the feedback has been great. It’s really a dream spot. I get to walk to work and brew when I’m inspired once or twice a week. … It’s mind boggling when you’ve had an idea in your head for years, and then very quickly it comes to fruition. It’s like the brewer’s dream.”

— Co-owner Matt Gallagher