The fish & chips at Mickey Finn’s Brewery in Libertyville

You may not have known, but originally having opened in 1994, Mickey Finn’s just happens to be the oldest continuously operated microbrewery in Illinois. Featuring a 57-foot bar, beautiful beer garden, private event space, a stage for live music and — perhaps the most impressive aspect — original bow-truss ceilings with skylights that let in plenty of natural light, it’s an aesthetically-pleasing destination for sure.

Item of choice: With an absolutely loaded menu, this was no easy choice (especially with the double smash burger and Mexican-style birria bowl staring us down), but on a recent visit we went with the good ol’ fashioned fish & chips because — quite simply — they do it just perfectly here. You get a heaping plate of beer-battered Atlantic whitefish served with crispy fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce. Added bonus: Come in on a Friday, and it’s their all-you-can-eat special.

Pairs well with: The amber ale, which has some classic American hop character backed up with a smooth, caramel, malty sweetness.

Insider’s tip: Mickey Finn’s has one of the best happy hours in the north burbs for sure with half-priced appetizers, half off 10-inch pizzas and $1 wings from 2:30-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

345 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville. MickeyFinnsBrewery.com

Grilled salmon at Tangled Roots Craft Beer & Kitchen in Vernon Hills

Tangled Roots was founded on the idea of combining high-quality, chef-created dishes with award-winning, locally-grown-and-brewed craft beers. With the original brewery located in Ottawa, Illinois, the company has grown to six total restaurants, spanning from Lockport to South Barrington, and the seasonal changes in the menus make it feel like a new dining adventure with each visit.

Item of note: We were going the healthier route on a recent visit, and this delicious grilled salmon hit all the right notes. The bonus is, you get to choose your seasoning between soy ginger, lemon pepper or Cajun, and the filet is served with charred broccolini and grains.

Pairs well with: Honest Haze, a hazy IPA brewed with a blend of Cashmere and Mandarina Bavaria hops to create a beer bursting with citrus and tropical fruit flavors.

Insider’s tip: Swing in between 3-5 p.m. for half-price starters, draft beer and select cocktails.

899 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Vernon Hills. TangledRootsBrewingCo.com

Detroit-style pizzas at Roaring Table Brewing Co. in Lake Zurich

Celebrating nine years in business, the husband-and-wife team of Beth May and Lane Fearing have a taproom with plenty of rich detail and warm vibes. Long, communal tables and a consistent, well-rounded array of options — with everything from English cask ales and saisons to IPAs, sours and imperial stouts — make it a true destination.

Item of choice: In the land of tavern-style and deep-dish pizza, it’s easy to overlook the lesser known Detroit-style, but it’s probably our favorite if we’re being completely honest. There’s just nothing like seeing one of those thick, crunchy pans arrive at your table, and Roaring Table (which also makes NY and tavern-style pies) has cornered the market despite opening their kitchen less than a year ago. One of our go-to options is the Great Lakes Ember, made with a blend of three cheeses, herb-roasted chicken, mushrooms and fire-roasted red peppers.

Pairs well with: Canadian Fire, their smoked dark lager that has a hint of baker’s chocolate and caramel.

Insider’s tip: Wednesday means Pitchers & Pies, where you can get a 60-ounce pitcher and pizza for just $30, not to mention $2 off 4-packs to go.

739 W. Route 22 in Lake Zurich. RoaringTable.com