John Streetz
Curator, show organizer and Streetz Artz Alliance founder

Favorite breweries: So many breweries, and not enough time to check them all out. That said, I do gravitate to certain breweries more than others, and many times it is due to the staff and people there. On top of my list is Lunar Brewing in Villa Park, but that’s mostly because it’s so close to where I reside and because bartenders like Chuck, Jill, Jeff and Scottie are all great people. Plus, there’s Malort! And many varieties of it right now too!

Elmhurst Brewing, Soundgrowler Brewing and Blue Island Beer Company are some of my other favorites, but it isn’t limited to those. In 2024 I’m really hoping to revisit many of the breweries I haven’t been to in a while and find some new faves.

Drinking tendencies: While sours got me into the craft beer world back in the day, and IPAs made me happy for years after that, I gravitate to lagers and pilsners nowadays. Really loving all of the great varieties of both at Art History Brewing at the moment. Typically, I’ll start with a lager, move to an IPA and then finish with a pilsner if I’m having more than two.

Art History cask pour

Recent beers that have caught your eye: Varitace from Art History Brewing caught my eye recently as a Czech-style dark lager. I don’t know that this is new from the brewery, but it was new to me. I’m super happy I picked up a four pack when I was in the area last month, as it was perfect on my palette. I’m not one to gush about all of the levels, details, deep flavors and what not, so I’ll just say it was delicious.

I really enjoyed Driveshaft, what I would consider a delicious West Coast IPA from Flipside Brewing in Tinley Park. Hoping they still have this on tap next time I swing by.

What are you looking forward to enjoying on draft this winter: As mentioned, I really enjoy IPAs from time to time and I’m currently looking forward to West Coast IPAs the breweries are making. I really enjoyed Driveshaft, what I would consider a delicious West Coast IPA from Flipside Brewing in Tinley Park. Hoping they still have this on tap next time I swing by that brewery.

Lunar Brewing

Favorite beer bar in Illinois: Does Lunar Brewing in Villa Park count? Technically, they are both a brewery and a beer bar since they have guest taps and cans and bottles from breweries all over the world. I love the hometown feel and almost dive bar vibe.

Some other great places I enjoy visiting include Crafted 1979 in Mokena, Bottle Theory in Elmhurst and Orange & Brew in Downers Grove. In 2024 I’m hoping to check more of the beer bars in the suburbs. Ask me again next year, and I’ll be happy to report on that.

Lunar Brewing has been around for many years and used to be a mecca for brewers and brewery staff to hang and have an after-shift beer. This is definitely a place I enjoy hanging out at.

Best brewery you’ve hit on vacation: Vacation? What’s that? On a road trip out to Michigan City, Indiana in October I really loved Burn ’Em Brewing. They had a red ale on tap and in cans that I fell in love with. I’m definitely looking forward to checking this place out again and hitting up other breweries driving into Michigan.

Secret beer spot: I swear I didn’t get paid to talk so much about my most local brewery, and it’s not so secret. Lunar Brewing has been around for many years and used to be a mecca for brewers and brewery staff to hang and have an after-shift beer. This is definitely a place I enjoy hanging and drinking beer. 

The Beer Cellar in west suburban Glen Ellyn is my next-up beer and bottle shop. They always have such a great selection, they now carry bourbons and always have several beers on tap.

The Beer Cellar in Glen Ellyn