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    Lake Effect Brewing Company

    4.8 (26 reviews)
    InexpensiveBreweries
    Open 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Steve A.

    For those who care more about the beer than the atmosphere, this is your brewery. It actually has no taproom to speak of, just a place to get a few cans and go. Lake Effect is located off of Montrose close to the Irving Park Metra station. Has few people coming in because unless you knew it was here you would have no idea. The prices are very reasonable to get a pack. A place like this is virtually unknown amongst most lovers of craft beer. It sells a few cans in stores but otherwise this is one of the hardest beers to find around here. This operates out of a warehouse in Old Irving Park. It happens to be a few blocks from the brewery of that same name. That one has a taproom. Here it doesn't. Just has a door to enter and you can get a few cans from a cooler, so it's kind of like grabbing some from a garage refrigerator. It's $2.50 a can. That's cheaper than many stores sell Bud Light. I got the Caddy Pale Ale. The weather was hot so I finished it before making it to the other brewery up the street a ways from here. Brewery is a really small one but they did offer tours for anyone, though not sure if they still offer these anymore. It has very good prices on cans, better than even basic swill you can get in most stores. There's no taproom but you can drink some in the alley or whatever.

    Botanic overload. Aged in gin barrels for 2 years. $13.00 for the big bottle which appears to be about 22 oz.
    Robert G.

    Finally made it over to this neighborhood brewery, which has a very very small retail store. "Botanic Overload" is one of the best alcoholic drinks I've ever had. It's like Champagne, but 1,000 times better. It's $13 per bottle, it's probably about 22 oz. The retail shop closes at 5pm on many days & closed on Sunday. Get after it!

    Snow
    Sarah S.

    Before I went on the Lake Effect Brewing Company's tour, I knew very little about them. I had only tried their Snow beer before and in my head I always confuse them with a Milwaukee brewery with a similar name. After visiting them, I am head over heels in love with their beers, the guys who run Lake Effect are awesome and the way they run their biz is pretty cool, too! Lake Effect does their brewery tours on the weekend - usually in the afternoon. We did ours a couple weeks ago on a Saturday at 230pm. You can find out when the next tour is on their website. You also book & pay the $10 for the tour online. The tour includes samples...and the sampling amount is abundant of whatever they currently have. When you arrive, you may be confused about where to go...because we sure were. They are in 4727 Montrose but you can't see their door from the street. If you see the costume shop, you know you've hit the right building. Walk down the alley on the side of the building and you'll find the door for Lake Effect. Walk right in and soon your fun will begin! The fellas who started Lake Effect - Clint & Lynn - are both there for your tour to tell you all about the stories behind the brews and give you the brewmaster tour of things. Both guys are super nice & really knowledgeable about their craft. They walked us around the space, explaining things as we went. It was pretty cool because they were actually brewing while we were there. We sampled many of their beers and I found a bunch I really liked including Bitchin' Blonde which really should be my signature drink. ;) We also got to see artwork for their new labels of the Falcon Dive IPA which look are so adorable and funny. Half of the battle of a good craft brew is an awesome label, right? (I'm half kidding). We got to see them loading tons and tons of coffee until one brew and taste it when it wasn't even finished without carbonization. (Sidenoted Pro-Tip: If they let you try a non-carbonized beer and you then go on Untappd rating it unfairly because it had no carbonization, you're an idiot). I can't say I've ever done that before so it was a cool experience. I think the Espresso Gone Stout we tried was just released to the market! The Lake Effect Brewing Company's tour was one of my favorite yet. I enjoyed it greatly because I really found one of my new favorite breweries. I love the fruity notes in their witbier Snow, Session Brett Ale (surprise it's a pale session ale!) and the Bitchin' Blonde (a belgian blonde), all of which will be going into my regular rotation. Lynn & Clint said they have plans to expand and add a tap room....which means danger for me since I'll be spending all my money there! Danger for them because they'll have to see my face every weekend!

    Dude. Great selection of brews.

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    13 years ago

    The guys at Lake Effect Brewing are true Chicagoans. They are nice, down-to-Earth guys that make some great tasting beers.

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    Ask the Community - Lake Effect Brewing Company

    Review Highlights - Lake Effect Brewing Company

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    Industry Ales Brewpub - Cocktails and beer flights

    Industry Ales Brewpub

    4.3(90 reviews)
    6.3 miThe Loop
    $$

    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.

    Came here as it was in walking distance after a nearby wine tasting. What can I say...some weeks…read morecall for an extra libation. I had been wanting to try Industry Ales when it opened and was glad to have had the opportunity to finally check it out! I was slightly thrown off, as the dining tables are at the front of this space, and the bar is all the way at the back. In fact, my friend at first glance thought it was a sit-down dining establishment sans bar seating. We found our way to the bar and posted up at two seats. We were offered menus right away and found the bartender extremely knowledgeable. This was super helpful when facing down an encyclopedia of ales. He offered samples when we explained what we were looking for. That is service above and beyond, especially on a bustling Friday early evening. The brews were tasty, but I couldn't really discern what I was drinking apart to say it was a lighter Belgian Ale. Wine is more in my wheelhouse, but always good to change things up, especially when a person has the opportunity to be guided by an expert. The people seated nearby had ordered the tuna tartare which looked delicious. In fact, all of the menu is globally influenced (think: pizza samosas, pierogis, Korean BBQ) in addition to the classic brewpub favorites. In addition to the Brewpub, this location features the Millroom, a speakeasy-style lounge. I did not have a chance to check that out on this visit. Definitely a cut above the usual sports bar and a place to expand one's knowledge of brews.

    Photos
    Industry Ales Brewpub - Bar area

    Bar area

    Industry Ales Brewpub - Flight

    Flight

    Industry Ales Brewpub - The Burger

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    The Burger

    Marz Community Brewing - OKC Smash. Art.

    Marz Community Brewing

    4.4(230 reviews)
    8.2 miMcKinley Park
    $$

    My friends and I came to Mars for a book club meeting and wow, it was such a vibe. I did not expect…read moreto like it this much. The area initially threw me off a bit. It is surrounded by factories and buildings that look a little abandoned, so it feels a little sketchy pulling up. But once you walk inside, it is a completely different experience. The space is beautiful, with a great layout, a central bar, and plenty of seating. It is mostly seat yourself, and you order drinks at the bar, but they do bring food out to you and clear your table. The staff was friendly and took the time to explain how everything works, which I appreciated. Now the food. So good. I have had a favorite taco spot for the past few months, but this place honestly raised the bar. They are known for their fried cheese tacos and they absolutely live up to the hype. The shrimp was delicious and the sauce reminded me of a seafood boil, rich and flavorful. The salsa verde was also great. I also had the fries topped with fried cheese, cilantro, and onions, and they were just as good. Everything smelled amazing and everyone at the table loved their food. One thing I really loved is their drink options. They have great cocktails, but also offer well crafted mocktails that feel just as intentional. On top of that, they have THC and CBD drinks, which really adds to the relaxed, laid back vibe. Overall, it is a great place to sit, hang out, and enjoy good food and drinks for as long as you want. I will definitely be back.

    Marz has a wide range of offerings, from beers and cocktails to sodas and NA options. Their food is…read morealways good. The OKC smash burger with grilled onions is standout. It's thoughtfully assembled and packed with flavor in every bite. The fries could be more interesting, but that's a minor nitpick. The steak tacos are well-seasoned, and the house-made salsas complement them perfectly. Free parking, retro arcade games, and events almost every night, like trivia, music bingo, and even Sunday yoga, make this awesome spot.

    Photos
    Marz Community Brewing - Bar area

    Bar area

    Marz Community Brewing - Smash burger

    Smash burger

    Marz Community Brewing - Very interesting!!

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    Very interesting!!

    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Michelada

    Guinness Open Gate Brewery

    3.7(305 reviews)
    4.9 miWest Loop, Near West Side
    $$

    We visited Guinness Open Gate Brewery on 04/22/2026, for a party of 13 with online reservation…read more This review will be solely based my own experience, not the entire group. We visited around 12pm, and we had a designated server. The server was very patient with us, especially we did not come entirely as a group. We came one a a time, and the server kept checking up on us periodically. He was very attentive about our needs and that made the experience very pleasant. The food was surprisingly very good. We ordered potato soup and baos, and they both tasted delicious. The soup came with a bread, which was so delicious when paired with the soup. It was sweet! I had michalada, with the blonde ale instead of Guinness. It tasted spicy! There was also a live music band playing Irish songs, which I think made the whole ambiance very soothing, like it made me feel like I was in Ireland. This place is awesome and I recommend people to come to this spot! Highly recommend.

    Rang in St. Patrick's Day here and can't think of a more festive place to have done it! From live…read moreentertainment to delicious food and ales, we had a fantastic experience all around. They had a lot of special events going on for the holiday, so as you might imagine, it was difficult to snag a table even before 5pm. We managed to get a spot on the patio, which was insulated really well. It would be a great place to hang out in the summer. Our server was very attentive and provided great recommendations. To drink, we honored the occasion with imported Guinness stouts, which were light-bodied with a great depth. Per recommendation, we started with the hummus appetizer, and all I have to say is: do not sleep on this! The hummus was super flavorful and well seasoned, served alongside the most delicious grilled za'atar naan. The fresh crudites provided a really nice contrast. Highly recommend! For mains, we ordered the Guinness beef stew and the bangers and mash. The latter was my favorite of the two- the sausages were extra crispy on the outside and very tender. The mashed potatoes were super creamy and the bacon-onion mustard gravy was delicious. My favorite part may have been the brown beer bread served alongside- this stuff is absolutely addictive. I thought the beef stew was also well done with very tender meat, but just wasn't as flavorful as the other entree. Throughout the meal, we were treated to traditional Irish music complete with a bagpipe troupe. We left full and in the holiday spirit- will 100% return and highly recommend making the trip over here!

    Photos
    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - View walking in the dining & bar areas

    View walking in the dining & bar areas

    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Classic hamburger

    Classic hamburger

    Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Midnight fireworks

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    Midnight fireworks

    Forbidden Root - Sorbet

    Forbidden Root

    4.3(649 reviews)
    3.8 miUkrainian Village, West Town
    $$

    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
    Forbidden Root - Back of the restaurant

    Back of the restaurant

    Forbidden Root - 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.

    Forbidden Root - Grapefruit Sorbet, Malort Meringue, Mint Syrup

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    Grapefruit Sorbet, Malort Meringue, Mint Syrup

    Moody Tongue Brewing - April 2025

    Moody Tongue Brewing

    4.4(403 reviews)
    7.9 miNear Southside
    $$$

    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.

    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.

    Photos
    Moody Tongue Brewing - Inside Bar

    Inside Bar

    Moody Tongue Brewing - Mushrooms

    Mushrooms

    Moody Tongue Brewing - Black Truffle Pilsner

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    Black Truffle Pilsner

    Lake Effect Brewing Company - breweries - Updated May 2026

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