Hairy Cow Brewing Company 450 E. Blackhawk Drive in Byron HairyCowBrewing.com Wednesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. History in short Even in his younger years, Todd McLester admittedly was never into the bar scene. “So many were dark and smoky and not the place I wanted to hang out, ...

By Trent Modglin Harbor Brewing Company’s lakefront biergarten Location: 701 N. Point Dr. in Winthrop Harbor. HarborBeer.com The details: As unique a spot to grab a beer as they come in Illinois, Harbor Brewing’s lakefront biergarten (their main brewery is located in nearby Lake Villa) is open May-October within the picturesque North Point Marina and ...