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Illinois Brewing

  • Home
  • Inside Scoop
  • Feature Articles
  • IB Insiders
  • Interviews
  • Brewery Focus
    • Brewery Listings
    • Brewery Spotlights
    • Brewer’s Choice
    • Breweries in Bunches
  • Last Call
  • Magazine
  • Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen and retail shop in Chicago

  • Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Keg Grove Brewing Company’s Jeff Mroz

  • Last Call: Where are you most looking forward to having a beer outside this summer?

  • Spotlight on Adams Street Brewery in Chicago’s historic Berghoff restaurant

Tag: Illuminated Brew Works

Home›Posts Tagged "Illuminated Brew Works"
  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    February 2, 2026
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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 ...
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  • Feature Articles
    By Trent Modglin
    October 13, 2025
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    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 ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 23, 2025
    2160
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    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 ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    September 16, 2024
    2564
    0

    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 ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 11, 2024
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    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%.  ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    2379
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    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 ...
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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    April 20, 2023
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    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 ...
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  • Brewer's Choice
    By Trent Modglin
    January 20, 2023
    3176
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    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 ...
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About us

Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Brewing is printed and distributed quarterly (early January, April, July and October) to more than 250 breweries across the state as well as more than 100 craft beer-focused bars, restaurants and stores. Each member of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild’s IMBIBE club also receives the magazine in the mail. 

Publisher/owner: Trent Modglin
Trent@IllinoisBrewing.com

Art director: Brian Hertel
Brian@IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing's magazine, website and email newsletter are property of Venture Forth Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023.

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Stylish magazine, website and e-mail newsletter focused on the vibrant craft beer scene in Illinois. Sponsored by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild

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Aug 8

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Game on at the @greattastemw in Madison. So excited to be back

Game on at the @greattastemw in Madison. So excited to be back ...

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Aug 8

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One of the 350+ locations around the state you’ll find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is @thebeertemple in Chicago, one of the more respected taprooms and bottle shops around. And did we mention the crunchy Detroit-style pizza from @middle__brow 

Hoppy beers of choice on this day were @pipeworksbrewing Citra on Repeat hazy IPA, @suncatcherbrewing New Zealand pale ale, @3floydsbrewing Rye da Tiger rye IPA and @2ndshiftbrewing Art of Neurosis

One of the 350+ locations around the state you’ll find the summer issue of Illinois Brewing is @thebeertemple in Chicago, one of the more respected taprooms and bottle shops around. And did we mention the crunchy Detroit-style pizza from @middle__brow

Hoppy beers of choice on this day were @pipeworksbrewing Citra on Repeat hazy IPA, @suncatcherbrewing New Zealand pale ale, @3floydsbrewing Rye da Tiger rye IPA and @2ndshiftbrewing Art of Neurosis
...

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Aug 5

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Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago 

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of @bitterpops in Chicago, on the scrumptious pizza at @noonwhistlebrewing … the summery shandy options from @phasethreebrew … her excitement about @funkytown_brewery and @sainterrantbrewing getting their own spaces … and the hidden gem that is @longroomchicago in Chicago

Read the spotlight from our summer issue now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Aug 4

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Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest

Giddy to be headed to the @greattastemw this weekend like we are? Don’t forget, if you’re going up on Friday, there are several pre-fest events going on around Madison with tastings, releases, tap takeovers, etc. Check in for updated info and let us know what breweries you’re most excited to see this year at the Great Taste of the Midwest ...

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Aug 3

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Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we've ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren't quite open yet

Date: Sunday, Aug. 2
Time: 10: 21 a.m. following a round of early-morning golf
Location: The @eaglewoodresort restaurant in west suburban Itasca

Beer of choice: The crisp and refreshing Heavenly Helles lager from @churchstbrew — which paired perfectly with one of the best spicy chicken sandwiches we`ve ever had

Only bummer: Nearby Church Street and @wolfdenbrewco weren`t quite open yet
...

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Jul 31

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One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game

One of the nearly 400 locations across the state where you can find the current issue of Illinois Brewing magazine is @begylebrewing in Chicago’s North Center/Ravenswood neighborhood (aka Malt Row) where these two lovely ladies poured us a pint of the new batch of Lovely Afternoon, a seasonal pale ale that’s one of our favorites. Just a short walk from Wrigley, Begyle is a perfect pit stop on the way to or from a Cubs game ...

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Jul 31

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From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

From our big summer issue that’s out everywhere...

Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery: Housed in a 120-year-old former factory in NW suburban Huntley, this award-winning brewery founded by a pair of world travelers offers up plenty of events, comfortable vibes, and a variety of beer ranging from traditional recipes to exciting new releases

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

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Jul 31

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Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont

Between the happy hour specials, $5 drafts and stellar pizza at @crustbrewing and the free concerts and fireworks at @parkwaybankpark … Thursday nights are pretty tough to beat in @villageofrosemont ...

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Jul 28

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Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk

Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering

Always a solid choice for local craft beer, people watching, boat envy and feeling like a tourist for a few hours is the @chicagobrewhouseriverwalk on the Chicago Riverwalk

Beers enjoyed tonight included @spitefulbrewing Bleacher Bum peach blonde ale, @oldirvingbrewing Beezer hazy IPA, and a @rightbeecider offering
...

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Jul 28

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Illinois Brewing's Beer of the Week:
Bandersnatch hazy IPA
7.8% ABV
@sainterrantbrewing 

A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

2000 Dempster St. in Evanston�
SaintErrantBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing`s Beer of the Week:
Bandersnatch hazy IPA
7.8% ABV
@sainterrantbrewing

A collaboration with @transientartisanales out of Michigan, this fan favorite made a triumphant return to Saint Errant’s new Evanston taproom and your local beer store last week. Expect an explosion of exotic fruit cocktail, aggressively hopped with Citra and Sabro. Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or kicking back on the patio with neighbors, this is a perfect warm weather beer. Don’t forget, Saint Errant has a solid happy Tuesday-Thursday from 3-5 p.m.

2000 Dempster St. in Evanston�
SaintErrantBrewing.com
...

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Jul 27

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Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25. 

913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood�
MadHatchetBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing deal of the week: What goes better together than pizza and craft beer? The answer is nothing. And @madhatchetbrewing in SW suburban Shorewood has quite the deal lined up for you on Tuesdays: Two beers and a pizza for just $25.

913 Brookforest Ave. in Shorewood�
MadHatchetBrewing.com
...

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Jul 27

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If you don't listen to Dave Zalatoris' weekly @beerinfront podcast, you're missing out. That's especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America's drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern.

Check out the podcast here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376

If you don`t listen to Dave Zalatoris` weekly @beerinfront podcast, you`re missing out. That`s especially the case this week, as he explores the remarkable history of the American tavern — with a special focus on Chicago, a city that once boasted more than 8,000 saloons — and examines the economic, cultural and social changes that have transformed America`s drinking culture... and are threatening the future of the beloved neighborhood tavern.

Check out the podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beer-in-front/id1500155339?i=1000778468376
...

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Jul 24

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Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.

Plans this weekend? @streetzartzalliance is hosting a Summerween Market at @soundgrowler Brewing Co. this Saturday, July 25

Head to Tinley Park from 12-5 p.m. for one seriously spooky artisan market — where Halloween meets summer vibes. Expect eerie art, creepy crafts, and ghoulishly good items from a lineup of local makers.

Come in costume (or not), grab a cold beer and celebrate the spooky season a little early with the folks from Streetz Artz Alliance.
...

5 1
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RECENT POSTS

IB Insiders

Illinois Brewing Insider: Megan Gil, co-founder of Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen and retail shop in ...

Megan Gil General manager and co-founder Bitter Pops taproom, kitchen & retail shop 3357 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago BitterPops.com Favorite breweries: We sure are spoiled here in Chicago with all ...
  • Five brewery staff members in blue shirts posing with drinks behind a bar.

    Spotlight on Sew Hop’d Brewery in NW suburban Huntley

    By Trent Modglin
    July 31, 2026
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