Hopleaf in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood

As for cozy beer-centric bars, when we are in Chicago we almost always visit Hopleaf. The staff is super knowledgeable, and the beer selection unmatched (especially in terms of rare drafts and bottles). We love the old European beer signage, and the mussels are always ordered. They have been serving our Czech dark and Belgian pale as their house beers for years, and we try to attend their Canada Day event every July 1.

As for cozy brewery taprooms, we love Dovetail for the German beer, traditional pours, brewery tours and landjäger sausages. We will also visit Half Acre for the IPAs, expansive beer garden and cool events.

— Tom Rau, Art History Brewing

Hands down, Old Irving Brewing’s taproom in Chicago is the coziest spot for winter. You can enjoy the warmth of the brewpub space either bellied up to the bar or on the seating side with a look at the outdoors if it happens to be snowing. You can wish for warmer times with a pint of Doji or embrace the cold months and warm your insides with pours of their barrel-aged Krampus. Either way, the drinks, the food and the staff will keep you in great spirits in the cold Chicago months.

— Aaron Keefner

Suncatcher Brewing

Personally I’ve been really loving Suncatcher Brewing‘s taproom in Chicago’s Humboldt Park. They have a great patio during the summer months, but their taproom is the pinnacle of coziness. Sit at the small, intimate bar or hang out in the main area with a wood-burning stove. What else could you want? Good beers? Well, you are in luck because they have those too! Always a solid pale ale on tap, and I’ll always reach for whatever their dark beer line is if there is a fire glowing.

— Timothy Ficken, Midwest Coast Brewing

Suncatcher’s taproom is the pinnacle of coziness. Sit at the small, intimate bar or hang out in the main area with a wood-burning stove. What else could you want? Always a solid pale ale on tap too.

One of my favorite places to cozy up with a beer is at FIBS Brewing in Des Plaines. Cozy bar and a number of cozy rooms, exposed brick, live-edge wood bar and, of course, great beer. It’s a little gem tucked into an industrial park right off of Howard.

— Rick Julien, Illuminated Brew Works

So many good ones, but I would have to say Sturdy Shelter in Batavia. You can sit at the bar or settle in at the large gathering tables, couches, a quiet table area or the family-centered upstairs.

— Bill Wright

Skeleton Key trivia night

Skeleton Key Brewery in Woodridge. The brewery has four completely different cozy areas to hang out in depending on your mood that day. The lounge offers a lively area with different types of comfortable seating, the family room is nice for large groups or playing games, the “den” is the original taproom with nice character and a great bar area to relax at, and their outdoor stone patio has comfortable couches to soak up the sun. No matter which area you pick, it’s always a good time.

— Dave Mis

Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove is 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.

By far the coziest, coolest and friendliest taproom in Illinois is Riverlands Brewing Company in St. Charles. Amazing interior, spectacular bar, beautiful patio with sail tops and fire tables, and seriously the best bartenders and brewing staff on the planet! Also, they feature some awesome local artists and support the community to boot.

— Al

Plank Road Tap Room — 10,000%. Cozy log cabin, hiking trails, weekend food trucks and live entertainment. They even have snowshoes and fire pit rentals in the winter. Oh, and they have Alan. He’s a cicerone and can tell you about all the great beers.

— Kim Gilmore

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

Naperville’s Solemn Oath Brewery 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

With its historic building dating back to 1851, Wolfden Brewing, to me, always feels like a type of cozy Wisconsin supper club in the west suburb of Bloomingdale. Unique, warm and welcoming at the same time. Don’t forget about its awesome beer garden in the warmer months too.

— Eric K.

Solemn Oath in Naperville has warm fire pits and usually special outdoor seating with their dome community. They’re able to make the experience feel personal and cozy, especially with their strong stouts that will warm your soul.

At Brother Chimp Brewing in St. Charles — at the former location of D & G Brewing — you feel like you are in the basement of a friend’s house, in a good way. It smells like rustic wood, there are several small rooms for conversation, the bar is simple and the taproom is tucked away in a neighborhood. Anyone in the area should stop by.

— John Venneri

Our favorite place in Illinois to go enjoy a great beer is The Fuzzy Bubbler in Quincy. It’s actually right out our front door and down the alley from our brewery. They have around 12 taps with an assortment of craft beers, ciders and wine along with specialty cocktails. If we aren’t at the brewery, that’s our hangout.

— Josh Craig, Quincy Brewing Company

Sketchbook Brewing Co. in Skokie

It’s fun to sit inside Sketchbook Brewing’s cavernous Skokie taproom, play a few board games and watch the snow come down outside through the big windows. A great selection of beer, warm lighting and the ability to order food in or grab something from a food truck make for a fun, comfortable outing even in the worst wintery conditions.

— Anna Reynolds

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

At Brother Chimp Brewing in St. Charles you feel like you are in the basement of a friend’s house — in a good way. It smells like rustic wood, there are several small rooms for conversation, and the taproom is tucked away in a neighborhood.