Cold beer here:

explore Chicago’s impressive craft beer scene

C hicago is home to a wide variety of local breweries. There’s something for everyone, from the beer novice to the seasoned brewmaster to those who choose to forgo beer entirely and enjoy a bar bite or two instead.

Most have sampled Chicago’s big-name breweries like Goose Island Beer Company and Revolution Brewing, but many may overlook some of the smaller breweries across the city. Some of Chicago’s most thirst-quenching brews come from hidden gems like Metropolitan Brewing, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery, Hopewell Brewing Company, Alarmist Brewing, Marz Brewing, Off Color Brewing, Pipeworks Brewing Co. and Whiner Beer Company — to name a few.

One of the most iconic brewery districts in Chicago is Malt Row, located in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor. Deemed “Chicago’s most diverse beer destination,” Malt Row hosts nine breweries, a distillery and a winery: Begyle Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, Koval Distillery, Cultivate by Forbidden Root, Vin312 Winery, Urban Brew Labs, Empirical Brewery, Spiteful Brewing, Half Acre Beer Company, Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. and LaGrow Organic Beer Co. The less-thantwo-mile stretch is walkable or easily accessible via public transportation. Highlights include Daisy Cutter Pale Ale on draft at Half Acre’s artsy seasonal patio; tastings, tours and cocktail classes at Koval Distillery; dog watching at Spiteful Brewing, and playing board games at Empirical Brewery. To learn more about Malt Row and discover upcoming events, visit maltrowchicago.com.

Whether you choose to enjoy your frothy pint in a neighborhood dive, on a sunny patio or in your own backyard, consider filing your cup with one of the many local beers Chicago has to offer.