Tag: Illuminated Brew Works
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Last call: What’s the coziest Illinois brewery or bar for these cold winter days?
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 ... -
Movin’ on up: A handful of Illinois breweries are expanding with additional taprooms. And we couldn’t be more excited
By Trent Modglin Mikerphone adding a Park Ridge location in early 2026 In case you hadn’t heard: Mikerphone is on its way home to NW suburban Park Ridge, where Mike Pallen started home brewing from his house back in 2010. He opened Mikerphone Brewing in Elk Grove Village in 2017, and in the eight years ... -
Last Call: What is the most underrated spot to drink outdoors in Illinois?
Sketchbook Brewing in Skokie To us, it’s always about hanging with family and friends at Sketchbook Brewing’s spacious front patio in Skokie. It’s a mix of sun and shade like your own backyard, only with great beer, food trucks, board games, fun events and live music on Sundays. — Dominic Soric Small but mighty, I ... -
Brewer’s Choice: Illuminated Brew Works’ Brian Buckman on White Oak Brewing’s Casual Jesus saison, pushing the boundaries on unique marketing ideas, and what figures to be a wild anniversary party Sept. 21
Brian Buckman Illuminated Brew Works 6186 N. Northwest Hwy in Chicago IBW-Chicago.com The last really good beer you drank was… White Oak Brewing’s Casual Jesus saison. Light and refreshing with notes of lemon, banana, clove and some light black peppercorn on the back end. A Belgian-inspired rye saison that’s bold in its experimental stretch to ... -
Illinois Brewing Insider Geoff Hutchins on an appreciation for Phase Three and Une Année Breweries, the stellar pale ales from Alarmist, and being spoiled by the selection at Beer on the Wall
Une Annee Brewery in Niles Favorite breweries: It’s always tough for me to go against Phase Three. They just really do consistently high-quality and consistently great beer styles and innovations. Their Pixel Density Lite still has all the complexity of one of their regular hazy IPAs, but it’s more drinkable in the summer at 4.5%. ... -
Illinois Brewing Insider: Beer on the Wall’s Josh Sissman on an appreciation for Alarmist, Hop Butcher and Hopleaf, quality family time on the Une Année patio, and exploring the artistry from Alpha Brewing in St. Louis
Josh Sissman Manager Beer on the Wall in Park Ridge, IL (with additional locations in Arlington Heights & Elmhurst) WeHaveGreatBeer.com Favorite breweries: Some of my favorites are Alarmist, Maplewood and Illuminated Brew Works. I’ve learned to appreciate those that don’t take themselves too seriously and make fun beer that’s accessible. I like brands that make great ... -
Spotlight on Illuminated Brew Works: “Producing quality beer for interesting times” with a funky, neighborhood bar kind of vibe on Chicago’s far NW side
Illuminated Brew Works 6186 N. Northwest Hwy Chicago, IL 60631 IBW-Chicago.com Sunday: 2-8 p.m. Monday: 6-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 4-11 p.m. Friday: 4 p.m.-midnight Saturday: Noon-midnight History in short: Home brewing many years ago admittedly, “was a way to keep sane and a break from doing computer crap all the time,” co-owner and head brewer Brian ... -
Brewer’s Choice: Elmhurst Brewing co-owner Frazer Donaldson on Deth’s Tar from Revolution, Kinslahger’s mash-hopped lager and his own 5-year anniversary party Feb. 4
Illinois brewery professionals share opinions on what’s tasting great, who’s doing big things and what they’re most proud of Frazer Donaldson Co-owner at Elmhurst Brewing in Elmhurst, IL ElmhurstBrewing.com 1. The last really good beer you drank was… a hefeweizen straight from the fermenter at Crust Brewing in Rosemont, while head brewer Rob Hunter was ...







