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Best Chicago area microbrew pubs

Ask this member a question. worldmusician I've tried microbreweries around the world (watch out for Athens' microbrews) and there is no where I like exploring more than right at home in Chicago for great, locally made brews.
30 May 2008
4.0 of 5 stars based on 2 votes
Here's where you can grab some of the best Chicago brewed microbrews fresh off tap while grabbing some good grub at the same time.
  • Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Chicago, Elgin, Libertyville, Wheeling
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  • Tags: Chicago, microbrewery, beer, brew pub, Illinois, Chicagoland, microbreweries
1. Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub
Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pub, Chicago, Illinois
Goose Island is the classic Chicago microbrew, and is a great spot to start for Chicago beer.
2. Two Brothers Brewing Company
http://www.twobrosbrew.com/
Two Brothers creates seldom made brews that are different from your every day microbrew. I particularly recommend Domaine DuPage, their French Country Ale. The ambience is somewhat lacking, but the beer (and food) for that matter are spectacular. Be aware that it can be a little tricky to find as it is located in the front of their brewery in a warehouse.
3. Emmett's Ale House
http://www.emmettsalehouse.com
Emmett's has an oustanding selection of varieties of traditional brews and a good choice of non-traditional menu choices.
4. Prairie Rock Brewing Company
Prairie Rock Brewing Company, Elgin, Illinois
With a great ambience, tasy beer, and delicious food, Prairie Rock is a great stop in the West suburbs.
5. Mickey Finn's
Mickey Finn's, Libertyville, Illinois
They specialize in providing a good variety of classic brews with a great mix of traditional pub food.
6. Illinois Brewing Company
Located on Center St. in downtown Bloomington, it is not in Chicago, but it bears mention as a place with some great beer. The food is nothing to speak about, but it has the hallmarks of a great college pub and brewhouse.
7. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, Chicago, Illinois
Rock Bottom can be found across the entire country and they provide a consistency in the microbrewery beer that can be found in 15 different states. While not the best locally brewed beer you will ever find, it's worth a stop.
8. Govnor's Pub & Public House
Govnor's Pub & Public House, Chicago, Illinois
This place is so so. The beer is alright, the food is alright, but none of it is antyhing to go out of your way for.
9. Flatlander's Brewery
http://www.flatlanders.com
The hype for Flatlander's is great, but the beer is less than great. It is like expecting a great restaurant, but instead finding yourself at a Baker's Square.
10. Ram Restaurant & Brewery
Ram Restaurant & Brewery, Wheeling, Illinois
If you're looking for unique handcrafted beers, don't head here. The beers are ordinary and taste as though they came out of any mega-brewery without anything different or unique to distinguish it.
Explore locations featured in this Traveler List: Chicago, Elgin, Libertyville, Wheeling