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    District Brew Yards

    4.3 (227 reviews)
    ModerateBrewpubs
    Open 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Mariah C.

    We didn't order any food so this review is for the beer! I purchased a Groupon for $37, unlimited pours for two people for two hours. I had never been to a self pour beer hall so this was a unique and fun experience. I liked that they had 4 different breweries present. I was slightly disappointed with the selection of beers offered, we saw numerous taps that were out of service. They also had cocktails and THC drinks which I was not expecting at a brewery. The Groupon deal was amazing, they loaded up $200 on the card and said if we needed more to return to the counter. Without the Groupon we would have spent at least $80, the beers were really pricey. After pouring they give the price spent, I was shocked after some of the pours. I'm a sour beer girl, they had two, the berry gose was good, mango sour ehhh. Nothing really stood out beer wise but the Groupon deal made it worth it. I would not come here without it. Board game selection was pretty great! The space was clean and the food we saw smelled good.

    1/2 Pound Prime Brisket *
    Jason S.

    District Brew Yards in West Town was such a fun experience when I went on a Saturday evening with friends. The first thing that caught my attention was their self-serve beer setup. After grabbing a card from the cashier, you can fill your own beer at any of the numerous taps they have. It's like pumping gas, but with beer! I loved the freedom of no waiting, and the variety of options was impressive--many of which are brewed in-house. Being a fan of Mexican beers, I really enjoyed the ones they had on tap. For food, it's all about BBQ. You order through a self-service monitor, and my meal was ready in just a few minutes. I went with a half-pound of brisket with Sweet Carolina BBQ sauce, mac and cheese, and coleslaw. The brisket was outstanding--perfectly tender and melt-in-your-mouth good. The mac and cheese was also great, but the coleslaw was just okay for me, not something I'd reorder. My friend got the Cheeto-dusted mac and cheese, which was a really cool twist and super tasty. The space is huge, with plenty of seating, making it ideal for groups whether you're coming for the food or just drinks. Overall, District Brew Yards delivers amazing BBQ, a unique self-serve beer experience, and a fun atmosphere. I'll definitely be back!

    Smoked wings and loaded fries
    C C.

    This was such a good experience! I walked in without expectations... it was amazing. The staff were so nice and patient with explaining the concept. The self-serve beer was great. You could choose the amount of beer you wanted. I loved that you could try a sip and come back for more if you want. While there, I also had Lillie Q's. That's always a winner! The bbq was the perfect balance to all the tasty beer.

    Ben H.

    It's a fun open ended pour it yourself brewery cafeteria setup. There's a few walls of taps from different breweries with all different kinds of beer. They also have some food options and a bunch of tables too so it's just a great place to hang out. Pro tip: if you've never poured beer before.... angle your glass so that the liquid hits the side not the bottom. Or else you'll get a lot of foam lol ... except if it's a porter/stout in which case hard pour that baby

    Gabriela N.

    This was one of the first places I visited when I first moved to Chicago and just revisited. It is a very fun, laid-back place with creative beers and decent food. It's perfect for big groups or whenever you want to do something more "interactive"

    Food!
    John H.

    Cool place. Came here when I was in town for the holidays. Pour your own beers and a dedicated kitchen concept. Super kid friendly as we had little ones tagging along, but there are plenty of communal board games to keep them entertained. Overall the experience was great, except for one snarky staffer that proceeded to tell me I was operating the station incorrectly when she herself was not there to show us how to do it when we first arrived and the hostess said "someone will show you how to operate the taps." Look, I get it, nobody wants to work over the holidays, but maybe if you had been at your post, you should not have taken it out on me with your sarcasm. The one interaction with the staffer aside, every other staffer was super nice... including the kitchen staff that politely told me that all the ordering is done through the kiosk (again... fallout from the previously mentioned staffer not being there to tell us how everything worked). We tried the loaded fries (brisket was great!), fried pickles, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and pimento dip. Everything was piping hot and crispy. I've never seen fried pickle (full spears!!). Pickles also came with dipping ranch! We would come back.... so many beers to try from different breweries. Probably a win-win for breweries since they don't have to have a dedicated tap room and can rent space as needed. Win for patrons with a lot more beer variety in one location.

    Peter P.

    I love these self-pour beer bars. It allows you to sample many different beers in a short time (you're not waiting for a bartender to see you). They also l have a bunch of board games to play while you sit at the picnic tables drinking your chosen beer (and eating food from the attached BBQ restaurant).

    Mac and cheese, fried pickles
    Julie L.

    Really enjoyable time here. Casual vibe, open seating, seems good for big groups with available board games to play. Large variety of beers, seltzers etc. We absolutely loved the food, most notably the fried pickles. Will definitely recommend this spot to others and looking forward to enjoying the patio area when it warms up!

    a glass of beer on a table
    Clara S.

    Very cool big space - perfect for big groups. Also fun to pour your own beers and get to try a bunch. My only complaint is that I wish there were more non-beer options! There was one hard seltzer which was actually pretty tasty. As for food, the brisket fries were delicious and a perfect shareable (huge portion!). The chicken tenders were a delight as well. Definitely recommend checking out this tucked away spot near the west loop! Patio is perfect for a nice day.

    Linda Y.

    This spot is great for large groups or even small group hangouts. The space is large and their private parking lot is a bonus! The staff at the front were friendly and helpful, walking us through the process of how everything works. You get a card that gets connected to your debit/credit card - you utilize this to pour your own brews on tap. There are so many offerings from beer, seltzers, cider and THC beverages. There is also a BBQ spot which offers a few great options from wings, chicken tenders, sandwiches and ribs. There are plenty of seats inside and outside and great board game offerings. Would definitely recommend this place!

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    Steve S.

    Thanks for the visit and the great review! Cheers!

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    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - District Brew Yards

    Is the patio heated?

    The patio is not heated

    Is there parking?

    There is ample free street parking

    Any gluten-free options?

    We do have seltzers/sodas which are technically made without gluten. However, they are made on the same equipment with beer so we cannot say they are 100% gluten free especially if you have an allergy.… 

    Besides the awesome selection of beer, Is there any non-beer or non-alcoholic options? Asking for designated drivers and non beer drinkers in our group. Thank you

    We do have seltzers and hard soda. We have soft drinks for sale at Lillie’s Q. We also have non… 

    Is the patio stroller/kid friendly?

    Yes the patio is stroller friendly. However, please remember that we are 21 and over so we can't have kids in the beer hall except for using the bathroom. The patio is fine for kids.

    Is the patio open in the winter (ie now)? Is it heated?

    We can open it up any time but it is not “heated”. We can utilize a solo stove for you though. Please let us know when you are planning to come by. Thanks!

    How is pricing??? We have a "beer wall" by us where you pour your own but the prices are definitely $$$$ more than just going to your usual brewery.

    We charge by the ounce for all beer—we have 35-40 beers on tap ranging from .50 per oz to over $1.00/oz for special beers meant to be consumed in smaller portions. If you like sampling, it is actually very cost effective versus other places.… 

    How crowded does the outdoor space get on a Saturday? Covid safety wise!

    Our tables are spaced 6 feet apart and limited to groups of 10 (inside tables max out at 6). We do not have tents and all tables are open to the elements. Guests must wear masks when not at a table.

    Do you need reservations?

    Reservations not required (and we don’t take them). Please come on by!

    What's your plan for customers when it rains ect...?

    We have a tent outside that seats about 20. Also, we do seat guests inside by our windows which we keep open.

    Can you bring outside food?

    No outside food allowed. Lillie’s Q operates the food service at District Brew Yards.

    Are there TVs for watching football, sports, etc?

    We do not have any televisions but we have great WIFI to watch anything on a personal device

    Do they have growler fills?

    No. They have to-go beers in cans for sale.

    Are you kid friendly?

    We are a pour your own brewery. As such we only allow guests who are 21 and over. While we will not ask parents with kids “in tow” to leave, it is not an ideal place for kids. We can not allow entry to young children for liability reasons. Cheers

    Are they dog friendly?

    I’m sorry but we serve food so dogs are not allowed inside by city code. We hope to have a patio (if the city will agree) where dogs can go. Cheers

    Do they have happy hour? If so what are the deals?

    We do not currently have happy hours scheduled

    Hi! Do they serve any other type of liquor here? It seems like a nice spot for my husband's birthday but a handful of our people don't drink beer. Any chance for some whiskey?

    I think they only have beer!

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - District Brew Yards

    DBY is a pour your own beer taproom featuring beers from Burnt City, Around The Bend and Bold Dog breweries.

    Mentioned in 14 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Crushed by Giants

    Crushed by Giants

    4.4
    (295 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$

    Was craving a burger and a beer and with such a cool name, how could I not check this place out! I…read moresat at the bar around 5pm and it wasn't very busy. They played good music and wasn't too loud. You could easily carry on a conversation or , like me, continue listening to a podcast. By the time I finished, the place was completely full and a bit noisy, but not bad. I started out with a 10oz Birds of Prey Pilsner. It was very nice. Light and crisp and very easy to drink. I followed that up with Melodious Maibock and ordered the CBG burger with fries. I didn't have lunch so I dove right in and forgot to snap a photo. It was a very good smash burger. It was cooked well and I really liked the combination of pickled onion and caramelized onion. I didn't see it until later but you can add bacon. As much as I loved this burger, bacon would totally take it up a notch! I started chatting with the bartender about their different beers and decided to have the Super Melodious Jalapeño Maibock with the burger. It's soooo different, but in a good way. It paired so well with the burger. You get green bell pepper on the nose and a hint of it on the palate. When you swallow you get a little heat at the back of the throat. It was so good! Great bar. Great food. Great beer. Go check them out!

    Good, not great, beer…read more Good, not great, service. Awesome location! We only came for beer and sat at a table (bar was full). This place seems to be much better as a dinner spot. If you want to hang out at a brewery and drink amazing beer, I'd probably choose one of the other breweries in town.

    Photos
    Double Smash Blend of Slagel Beef and Ground Bacon, American & White Cheddar Cheese, Dijonnaise, Pickled Red Onion, Sesame Seed Bun
    Double Smash Blend of Slagel Beef and Ground Bacon, American & White Cheddar Cheese, Dijonnaise, Pickled Red Onion, Sesame Seed Bun
    Interior bar
    Interior bar
    Ginger beer

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    Ginger beer
    Industry Ales Brewpub

    Industry Ales Brewpub

    4.3
    (90 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$

    My husband and I came with our daughter here and we were blown away. The atmosphere is really cool…read more We really loved the vibes and the decor. We both got flight flights and then I had a avocado Caesar salad salad with chicken and my husband had a Smashburger. We ordered my daughter chicken burgers and fries of course lol. Everything was delicious and we would 100% go back.

    Checked out this hip looking brewery. It certainly is one of the many places to go to in The Loop…read more Industry Ales is a place that has a lot more than just beers, which is a good choice, because there's all kinds of people who crowd in and want to have fun times. Amazing that fun isn't always beers and chugging. The food is actually good and can be talked about in reviews because some people actually come here to eat, which tells you how they actually have a kitchen. Believe everything is good here but we came for the beers of course. It's certainly the main product made here so why wouldn't it be important. They make more than you can believe which is impressive because there's all kinds of crowds who pass through. For sure everyone wants beer. It's $6 a pint at happy hour. Pretty great for craft beers compared to lots of places it seems. Best one we got was the Bucket Hat. This is a Belgian style witbier. Has notes of bubble gum, coriander, and orange. The food isn't an afterthought so get some of that. It's about $18 for a burger. Vegans have options. Certainly one of these is the Veggie Burger. This is an amazing thing with a spinach patty topped with chipotle tomato marmalade, cremini mushrooms, mixed greens, pickled red onions, and sweet potatoes. All on a fluffy ciabatta bun. The rest of the menu contains meaty stuff. For sure it feels like a place for the hipsters but it's pretty great for anyone. It's located at the intersection of Jackson and Wabash close to lots of fun. The brewery has food that's better than expected but many other things about this kind of stuff are typical.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Flight
    Flight
    The Burger

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    The Burger
    Forbidden Root

    Forbidden Root

    4.3
    (650 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    If you like beer, you should be able to find one you like here. There are plenty to choose from…read moreand the descriptions are accurate. My beverage/beer order was the Night Moth Oak-Conditioned Hazy IPA | 7.2% | 12oz/8 - 5oz/4. I recommend this if you are a fan of Hazy IPA's. My food order was the Beer braised, short rib with roasted root vegetables, polenta, swiss chard, and sweety drops. Tender and tasty short ribs. I will be craving the sweety drops for sure. Bar seating, regular tables and high top tables available here.

    Wish I could give a 3.5 stars. I applaud the true creativity. But every order was a mixed bag…read more Fried chicken sandwich - 3.5/5. Pickles are the star. Cut through heaviness. Magical first few bites. But chicken gets boring. Crispy Brussels sprouts - 3.5/5. Solid fry level. Cheesy bites are delicious. But quickly bland. Raisins is an unexpected addition but unsuccessful in my view. Kids grilled cheese - 4/5. Tasty and simple, though my kid wasn't willing to try. Duck and dumpling - 3.5/5. I can see how this is someone's favorite dish. Lovely rich broth. Crispy skin. But there was a heaviness that didn't totally work for me, especially with the bigger duck chunks. Definitely better fresh than leftover. Chocolate beer cake - 3.5/5. Slightly dense cake. Nice frosting. Beer aroma and flavor definitely comes through. Hazelnuts a nice crunch. Fun and glad to have tried, but not reaching for the next bite.

    Photos
    Back of the restaurant
    Back of the restaurant
    Oatmeal Pie is literally hard baked oatmeal in a pie crust with Marlot meringue.
    Oatmeal Pie is literally hard baked oatmeal in a pie crust with Marlot meringue.
    Grapefruit Sorbet, Malort Meringue, Mint Syrup

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    Grapefruit Sorbet, Malort Meringue, Mint Syrup
    Moody Tongue Brewing

    Moody Tongue Brewing

    4.4
    (407 reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$$

    Dining Room Review! I recently visited Moody Tongue to…read morecelebrate an anniversary. This spot is half a bar/restaurant with an a la carte food menu, housemade beer, and full service bar. On the other side, is a 1 Michelin Star dining experience. Moody Tongue is the first Michelin ranked brewery and even offers a beer pairing with their prefixed menu. The inside is moody with dark wood finishes, black accents, and elegant artwork & feature lighting. Upon entering, one checks in at the first floor host stand. A server brings you upstairs to the dining area. There is a mixture of two and four tops in the space and our table had a handwritten note congratulating us on our anniversary. Our seat allowed both of us to have a view of the kitchen window to watch the chefs prep courses. There were 3-4 servers that serviced the entire dining room and rotated in presenting dishes. They started with warm towelettes to wash your hands which was a nice touch. Service level throughout was impeccable with water refills, explaining the menu, delightful demeanor, fresh silverware per course, and wiping the table clean from anything that dropped. This was certainly one of the best hospitality levels at a one star I've experienced. Dinner was 12 courses including the amuse-bouche and final treats. There was not one course that didn't offer bright, fresh flavors. The presentation of plates were beautiful from every angle. It's hard to pick any top dish as everything was unique and special in their own way; but I am still thinking about the Crab Bite, Sablefish, and Pasta Course. After dinner, each guest got a complimentary bag full of goodies to enjoy at home. What a beautiful final touch! Moody Tongue as a whole far exceeded my expectations. Each dish offered something familiar in a new way that left me speechless. I highly recommend coming to fully experiencing everything they have to offer as you will not be disappointed! Thank you again so much to their team for making our special night unforgettable. Tip: There is free parking on Wabash & 25th but also meter parking on 26th.

    The lamb earned 5 stars. That was the star of the show. It is a must-order dish. The salad was also…read moreunique, interesting, and tasty, though the other appetizers other patrons ordered looked similarly good. The vibes are immaculate. They have managed to offer excellent service without making the place feel stuffy or full of itself. It is the perfect spot for a special date night or a celebration with friends.

    Photos
    Inside Bar
    Inside Bar
    Mushrooms
    Mushrooms
    Black Truffle Pilsner

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    Black Truffle Pilsner
    Au Cheval

    Au Cheval

    4.4
    (9.6k reviews)
    1.0 mi
    $$

    Burgers were awesome. But Antonio was perfect, and went above and beyond making our dinner special…read more It was my first time in the restaurant and asked if the fries of hash was better, he recommended the fries but later surprised us with the hash comped. But that's not all-- he also came with a sunday "just to celebrate" it wasn't anyone's birthday or anniversary but we definitely were in the mood to celebrate after a night talking with him. Thanks for great service and great food, give Antonio a raise he is AWESOME

    Arrived before having to wait more than 30 minutes as others after me had to. I waited no more than…read more20 minutes for a seat. I got sat at the bar area where you can see all the action of the kitchen. The place is busy and full and I think it's awesome that it's an open kitchen cause you can see the magic happening. My waitress was super friendly and seems like she's used to everyone coming in to try the burger lol I heard her repeat the spiel many times. A single patty is 2 and a double is 3z I went with a double but honestly should have done a single. Food came out quick and the burger is super juicy. Fries were hot and delicious and even though it was the simplest burger I've ever had in my life I would say it's one of my top three favorite burgers I've ever had. Can't wait to come back.

    Photos
    The cooks were very attentive!
    The cooks were very attentive!
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Crispy Fries & Potato Hash
    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)

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    Wings (very sticky so they come with hot towels)
    Great Central Brewing Company

    Great Central Brewing Company

    4.4
    (68 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Checked out this local brewery. Great Central is one of a few around here. It has a pretty good…read morevariety. For certain it's not the most extensive but there's some interesting things to choose from. This is also a great place for gatherings and parties. Beers are the main thing of course. It's basically the only thing to be honest. There's not even any TVs for watching games or whatever. Focus more on the beers. It's about $7 a pint. Best we had of these was the Hefeweizen. This is a pretty standard German one. Also they make cans of sparkling water for those not wanting alcohol. The taproom is pretty big with long tables. Has no TVs meaning there's no big crowds for games. This is great for those not watching any types of sports. Find a few great beers here. It's located close to the Ashland Green Line station. They're closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

    We went to Goose Island and it was so crowded we left and found this place right around the corner…read moreand so glad we did! Such a great spot with big tables, high ceilings and lots of games! We found a place at the bar and were greeted right away! She explained what they brew etc and we were able to easily chat with the bartenders. They were attentive and friendly. The place is loud, but we would definitely recommend and would come back (in from out of town). Beers were delicious!

    Photos
    House hefe & some of the offered games
    House hefe & some of the offered games
    Stairwell to the washrooms
    Stairwell to the washrooms
    Elevator to washrooms

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    Elevator to washrooms

    District Brew Yards - brewpubs - Updated August 2026

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