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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
  • Inside Scoop: Oak Park Microbrew Review, Streetz Artz Alliance summer shows, Buffalo Creek Brewing Sausage Fest, Maplewood Public House and Burning Bush Brewery’s cocktail bar, a Belgian beer competition in St. Charles, brewery deals and more

  • Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

  • Illinois Brewing Insider: Homebrewer Chris Baynes

  • Breweries in bunches in St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home

  • Spotlight on Hop Butcher for the World on Chicago’s north side

Tag: West Loop

Home›Posts Tagged "West Loop"
  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    October 2, 2025
    1147
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    Illinois Brewing Insider: Homewood Brewing Company’s Cam Horn

    Homewood Brewing Company Cam Horn Director of Brewing Operations Homewood Brewing Company Homewood, IL Favorite breweries: I’m a brewer’s brewer who’s been doing traditional beers for a long time, so that’s what I tend to gravitate toward. Midwest Coast Brewing in Chicago’s West Loop and Flipside Brewing in Tinley Park are so good at making ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    August 23, 2025
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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 ...
    Read More
  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    February 25, 2025
    4904
    0

    Spotlight on Old Irving Brewing Company: This award-winning favorite on Chicago’s NW side boasts a welcoming vibe and a seriously scrumptious menu. And did we mention they’re expanding?

    Old Irving Brewing Co. 4419 W. Montrose Ave. in Chicago OldIrvingBrewing.com Monday-Thursday: Noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday: Noon-midnight Sunday: Noon-10 p.m. History in short: Like so many others, the founders of Old Irving began brewing beer in their garages with aspirations of making a living at it and creating something for the community to share. Having just ...
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  • Last Call
    By Trent Modglin
    February 17, 2025
    2605
    0

    Last Call: From Buffalo Creek Brewing to The Village Tap, and Lunar Brewing to Kaiser Tiger and The Vine of Grayslake, we asked our readers for the coziest brewery or bar for the cold winter months

    Buffalo Creek Brewing in historic Long Grove What’s the coziest brewery or bar for these cold winter months? I would have to say Buffalo Creek Brewing in Long Grove in the north burbs. It’s like a big ski lodge — or chalet — in the woods, and it feels like it belongs in a Hallmark movie. ...
    Read More
  • Inside Scoop
    By Trent Modglin
    February 5, 2025
    1640
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    Inside Scoop: Brews on Blvd beer festival Feb. 8, Westmont Winter Beer Festival Feb. 15, Diversey House opens, Lake County February Flavor Festival and Illinois brewery deals not to be missed

    Brews on Blvd craft beer festival BREWS ON BLVD at Hollywood Blvd Cinema is Feb. 8 Snag your tickets now for BREWS ON BLVD, the ninth annual craft beer festival from Hollywood Blvd Cinema in Woodridge. Enjoy beer samples from 35+ local breweries (along with appetizers and arcade games) on Saturday, February 8 with general ...
    Read More
  • Breweries in BunchesUncategorized
    By Trent Modglin
    November 19, 2024
    2403
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    Breweries in Bunches: Follow the Milwaukee Avenue corridor through the north suburbs to experience a handful of unique, inviting craft beer venues

    Photo: Mickey Finn’s  By Trent Modglin Mickey Finn’s Brewery 345 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Libertyville MickeyFinnsBrewery.com The details: Mickey Finn’s just happens to be the oldest continuously operated microbrewery in Illinois, and it’s celebrating its 30th anniversary in downtown Libertyville this year. It only takes one step inside to appreciate how versatile the 15,000 square-foot, ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    September 11, 2024
    2024
    0

    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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  • Brewery Spotlights
    By Trent Modglin
    June 22, 2024
    4198
    0

    Spotlight on Great Central Brewing Company: Chicago’s thriving Fulton Market District is home to this unique, sprawling contract-brewing facility and beer hall

    Great Central Brewing Company 221 N. Wood Street Chicago, IL GreatCentralBrewing.com Wednesday 2-8 p.m. Thursday-Friday 2-9 p.m. Saturday Noon-9 p.m. Sunday Noon-8 p.m. History in short: Founded by two friends, David Avram and Conor McFerran, in 2015 in Chicago’s Fulton Market District (near the red hot West Loop and walking distance to the United Center), ...
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  • IB Insiders
    By Trent Modglin
    December 17, 2023
    2336
    0

    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
    4005
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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 ...
    Read More
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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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Jun 23

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Deal of the day: @bubblehousebrewing in west suburban Lisle offers up $5 featured pints on Tuesdays. And a pretty nice little patio to enjoy this gorgeous weather too, we might add.

Deal of the day: @bubblehousebrewing in west suburban Lisle offers up $5 featured pints on Tuesdays. And a pretty nice little patio to enjoy this gorgeous weather too, we might add. ...

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Jun 23

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Was treated to Father’s Day at @phasethreebrew.elm and came away impressed as always with their OG smash burger, Korean wings, tofu katsu and pork-filled spring rolls. For beer, the Midwest Sound hazy IPA and Trail Trip pale ale were particular hits. Add on a few @phasethreebrew 4-packs to go and I was set.

Was treated to Father’s Day at @phasethreebrew.elm and came away impressed as always with their OG smash burger, Korean wings, tofu katsu and pork-filled spring rolls. For beer, the Midwest Sound hazy IPA and Trail Trip pale ale were particular hits. Add on a few @phasethreebrew 4-packs to go and I was set. ...

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Jun 20

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5-year anniversary party alert!! 
Saturday, June 20 at @printersrowbrewing on Chicago’s far NW side

Brewer’s Choice from our new summer issue: Printers Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo on the @oldirvingbrewing Cushy sour series and barrel-aged options, @strangebirdbeer pizza and hazy IPAs in New York, his own brewery’s bond with the community, and the fun new beers he’s rolling out for his 5-year anniversary party and later this summer

5-year anniversary party alert!!
Saturday, June 20 at @printersrowbrewing on Chicago’s far NW side

Brewer’s Choice from our new summer issue: Printers Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo on the @oldirvingbrewing Cushy sour series and barrel-aged options, @strangebirdbeer pizza and hazy IPAs in New York, his own brewery’s bond with the community, and the fun new beers he’s rolling out for his 5-year anniversary party and later this summer
...

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Jun 18

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The new summer issue of Illinois Brewing may be out, but this guy can’t let go of the spring features and insider info, even with all the people watching and boats cruising by on the Chicago Riverwalk.

Bonus: The @dovetailbrewery kolsch and the Pulaski Pils from @maplewoodbrew tasted especially fine at @tinytappandcafe on the Riverwalk

Photo credit: @0liviaholmes

The new summer issue of Illinois Brewing may be out, but this guy can’t let go of the spring features and insider info, even with all the people watching and boats cruising by on the Chicago Riverwalk.

Bonus: The @dovetailbrewery kolsch and the Pulaski Pils from @maplewoodbrew tasted especially fine at @tinytappandcafe on the Riverwalk

Photo credit: @0liviaholmes
...

40 0

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Jun 16

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Enjoyed interviewing Jim Riggs and Mark Duchow, the award-winning brewers at @adamsstreetbrewery  for our new summer issue, which is out this week. Look for the feature article on all their solid work inside @berghoffchicago  in downtown Chicago. Just steps from Millennium Park, the The Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue and plenty of hotels... this historic gem is not to be missed.

Enjoyed interviewing Jim Riggs and Mark Duchow, the award-winning brewers at @adamsstreetbrewery for our new summer issue, which is out this week. Look for the feature article on all their solid work inside @berghoffchicago in downtown Chicago. Just steps from Millennium Park, the The Art Institute of Chicago, Michigan Avenue and plenty of hotels... this historic gem is not to be missed. ...

16 0

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Jun 14

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Date: Saturday, June 12
Time: 3:06 p.m.
Location: @mikerphonebrewing patio in Elk Grove Village
Tunes from the taproom: Classic '80s favorites
Favorite beers: Cat's in the Cradle double NEIPA, PB+Jam Juice fruited sour, 11 Years BA B BW barleywine

Date: Saturday, June 12
Time: 3:06 p.m.
Location: @mikerphonebrewing patio in Elk Grove Village
Tunes from the taproom: Classic `80s favorites
Favorite beers: Cat`s in the Cradle double NEIPA, PB+Jam Juice fruited sour, 11 Years BA B BW barleywine
...

13 0

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Jun 13

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Illinois Brewing Insider Chris Baynes on the art of homebrewing, why the @spitefulbrewing grapefruit radler is perfect for summer, an old-school appreciation for @revbrewchicago @samueladamsbeer and @breckbrew … and the quality selection and recommendations at @wehavegreatbeerpr 

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com

Illinois Brewing Insider Chris Baynes on the art of homebrewing, why the @spitefulbrewing grapefruit radler is perfect for summer, an old-school appreciation for @revbrewchicago @samueladamsbeer and @breckbrew … and the quality selection and recommendations at @wehavegreatbeerpr

Read it all here: IllinoisBrewing.com
...

9 1

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Jun 11

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If you’re a fan of @beerchurchbrew in New Buffalo, Michigan, and a fan of Key West as well, you’re in luck.

Check out this news.

If you’re a fan of @beerchurchbrew in New Buffalo, Michigan, and a fan of Key West as well, you’re in luck.

Check out this news.
...

15 1

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Jun 9

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The best way to recover from your annual neighborhood block party is to dive into your stocked beer fridge the next day with your neighbors and enjoy a few gems like @mikerphonebrewing Sus Sus Pseudio double NEIPA, @morebrewing Czech pilsner and @homewoodbrewingcompany Conversations Mexican lager. 

#DrinkIllinois #drinklocal #craftbeer #IllinoisBrewing

The best way to recover from your annual neighborhood block party is to dive into your stocked beer fridge the next day with your neighbors and enjoy a few gems like @mikerphonebrewing Sus Sus Pseudio double NEIPA, @morebrewing Czech pilsner and @homewoodbrewingcompany Conversations Mexican lager.

#DrinkIllinois #drinklocal #craftbeer #IllinoisBrewing
...

5 0

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Jun 8

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Spotlight on St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home. And you can hit them all on the trail with the @stcalliance 

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com

Spotlight on St. Charles: A handful of fantastically unique breweries call this popular west suburb home. And you can hit them all on the trail with the @stcalliance

Read it all now at IllinoisBrewing.com
...

25 0

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Jun 7

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Dear @officialwrigleyfield and the @cubs 

It may be time to rethink the $18 IPA.

Dear @officialwrigleyfield and the @cubs

It may be time to rethink the $18 IPA.
...

20 1

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Jun 4

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This Saturday, June 6, is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest and Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show 

Gather your friends and come thirsty to this popular Bloomington brewery’s second annual event that brings together craft beer, BBQ competions, live music and community.

Keg Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, June 6. Doors open at noon.
712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington
KegGroveBrewing.com

This Saturday, June 6, is the @keggrovebrewco annual Summerfest and Pub Club Rotary’s BBQ Smoke Show

Gather your friends and come thirsty to this popular Bloomington brewery’s second annual event that brings together craft beer, BBQ competions, live music and community.

Keg Grove Brewing Company
Saturday, June 6. Doors open at noon.
712 E. Empire Street in Bloomington
KegGroveBrewing.com
...

29 0

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Jun 3

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One of the more than 350 locations you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is the legendary @piecechicago in the heart of Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, where they're famous for their New Haven-style pizza, award-winning beers (like the 2026 World Beer Cup gold medal winner Dark N' Curvy dunkelweizen) and celebrating 25 years in business this summer.

One of the more than 350 locations you can find a copy of Illinois Brewing is the legendary @piecechicago in the heart of Chicago`s Wicker Park neighborhood, where they`re famous for their New Haven-style pizza, award-winning beers (like the 2026 World Beer Cup gold medal winner Dark N` Curvy dunkelweizen) and celebrating 25 years in business this summer. ...

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Inside Scoop

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  • Outdoor patio at Printer's Row Brewing with red umbrella tables on a sunny street corner, sidewalk seating visible

    Brewer’s Choice: Q&A with Printer’s Row Brewing’s Virgilio Mazzeo

    By Trent Modglin
    June 20, 2026
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