Top 5 Breweries in Cook County

235 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607, United States

“I’ve been to Cobra Lounge atleast 25-30 times in the past year and honestly I’ve always had a great experience. I go to a lot of hardcore shows, so as you’d imagine I’m usually dying of thirst after each band. Cobra Lounge almost always provides free cups and water which is amazing - they also sell Liquid Death water too which although pricy, can beat waiting in line for water at sold out shows. The food here is solid. There’s not a ton of options, but everything I’ve had so far has been good. Service, especially when sitting at a table, has always been excellent. If you go to grab a drink at the main/back bar later, it may take a few minutes but the bartenders are almost always quick and friendly. There is parking outside the venue, although I should warn I’ve seen cars get broken into in these spots. The area isn’t bad in terms of walking, so I recommend parking at the Fulton Market Garage (about a 10 minute walk) down the road, which usually costs around $14. The garage is monitored and has elevators, so you know your car will be safe. The 10 minute can be a little sketchy, so if you’re a woman, please be considerate of your surroundings. The sound of the venue is usually pretty solid. I’d say 8/10 shows, the sound is great. The venue is small and there is no seating, which is great for energetic and intense shows. The sound isn’t overly loud, but I’d still recommend earplugs. Overall, Cobra Lounge is my favorite venue in Chicago. The staff, the shows, and the experience are consistent, enjoyable, and exactly what I’d want from an underground spot for smaller artists.”

3340 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, United States

“Clean, stylish, and spacious! Every beers has its unique delicious taste. The brewery area was secured and squeaky clean. The staff were all cool and nice. The place was very organized. It offers sparkling water and still water for free. The female restroom offers good quality tampons, sanitary napkins, sanitizers, etc. I've never seen a female restroom that has this thoughtful touched just in case of emergency. Keep it up and keep us Chicagoans proud!”

2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, United States

“I love the lounge vibes here. Excellent beers, but unlike most taprooms, craft cocktails can be ordered as well. At the holidays, you must try the egg nog. And they’ve now added Professor Pizza too. Hands down one of my favorite spots in Chicago. Highly recommended.”

1800 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States

“A perfect place to hang out with some good brews and good vibes. The bartender Adan is really fun and friendly and I'll come back just for his service and company!... Too bad this location is closing :( I ordered exclusively the award winning stout/porters and they were all great. Banana Foster: Get!! This is the best one and puts all the other ones to shame drinking side by side. Just so perfectly smooth, sweet, full bodied, and treats you right. It'll make you go for another round with no regret....except that it definitely packs a wallop ABV-wise so... maybe you will regret it lolol. Service: Hit and miss I came 40 minutes before closing and talked to someone at the bar. It was the bar back or bus boy because he seemed speechless and lost and continued cleaning/mopping. Eventually found Adan and my night changed for the better from there haha. Adan was so amazing and energetic. Appreciate him for such a great night”

1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL 60613, United States

“Spot on, fantastic German, Czech, and Belgian style biers! Great Great wild fermented biers also. SO MANY you can't try them all in one visit. Super convenient location to the Brown Line. Awasome patio out front I'd love to come back and visit in the warmer weather. The ONLY reason i didn't give them 5 stars is the SUPER UNCOMFORTABLE furniture in the place! Really terrible. Your 2 choices are very small (8 in diameter?) flat disc wood stools with a tiny, super low back that does nothing OR hard flat bottom and flat back wooden bench seats. SO terrible. Totally would have stayed longer but too painful. How do they think anyone would stay for more than a couple beers?? Please get new stools (and try them out yourself first!), or cusions or SOMETHING!! GREAT GREAT bier, horrible on comfort.”

2000 Dempster St, Evanston, IL 60202, United States

“Great IPA’s. Nice vibe. They always have activities planned, check out the schedule. Ample parking. Nice indoor and outdoor seating. Would be nice if staffs learned to smile and be nice. Besides the staffs, everything else was amazing.”

4055 W Peterson Ave Suite Rear, Chicago, IL 60646, United States

“Love this place! Old Sap played tonight. Service is impeccable, to my boys!”

1516 E Lake Ave, Glenview, IL 60025, United States

“Super friendly people, and the ambience is great for a friend catch-up, or simply just have some relax time by yourself. The place is kids friendly. Lots of seating and cross the isle has a taco place, you can order from your table with a bar code and pick up at loading dock. Good selection of IPAs and session beers. Will be back for sure!”

700 N Milwaukee Ave, Wheeling, IL 60090, United States

“District Brew Yards offers a unique beer tasting experience, allowing you to sample different brews until you find your favorite. Their food offerings are also quite delicious. My favorites are the Nashville hot chicken and the grilled chicken wings. During our last visit, the place was packed, but we managed to find outdoor seating and enjoyed a few drinks. However, the long line for food forced us to find an alternative dining option across the street. Overall, it's a great spot for beer lovers. The outdoor patio is particularly lovely during the summer.”