This is quickly becoming my local neighborhood bar. We love stopping in here after our commute home from the city or on a random afternoon to get out of the house. They have a lot of board games to borrow, pinball machines and multiple TVs usually playing some live sports. The best part about this place though is the staff - we've met the owner a few times when we're in, and have a favorite bartender who always seems to be here when we come. They are absolutely incredible and seem like just good people. For those who become regulars, the Draft Class membership is definitely worth it if you can snag one! read more

Orange & Brew - Draft beer - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

NINETY-NINE BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL This bottle shop in downtown Downers Grove has a myriad of craft options. Prior to last weekend, every time I walked past Orange & Brew the lights were still off (they don't open until noon) so I had no choice but to peer longingly thru the windows into a dark business. I finally stopped in during normal hours with the family in tow on the first Saturday in August. I got a mix-and-match 4pk of IPAs + pilsners for my dad, who has oft complained about the lack of decent brewskis at my house. Well Opa, now you've got a quartet of 16oz craft cans to pick from, so no more grumbling about "only shitty light beer" in the downstairs fridge! They have a large cooler for people to take beer to-go. My wife grabbed a 4pk of rosé hard cider ($13) which she later claimed tasted too much like kombucha. I found it refreshing, like a Woodchuck or Strongbow with a gorgeous deep purple hue. Of course I had to play their four pinball tables on the left side ($1 per game). They had a Stranger Things (with snazzy UV kit upgrade!), Deadpool, 007, and Rick & Morty. The first three are newer Sterns that play decently, but R&M is a strange design from Spooky Pinball that I've yet to figure out. * TL;DR * Take one down, pass it around.....that'll be $6, please! Orange & Brew shares plenty of similarities with Beer Shop in Oak Park: brews on tap, assorted brews in bottles on a shelf, and a fridge full of cold brews to take home. The biggest difference is that O&B has pinball tables, and that bumps them up a star. The guy behind the counter who tapped my beer didn't smile (or even say thanks) when we cashed out. I got the feeling he was apprehensive about my wife and I bringing our 4yo & 1yo kids in here, probably afraid they'd crack open and chug a beer without paying. But seriously, they were very well behaved. If I'm in the area and Orange & Brew is open, I'm definitely stopping in for a cold pint and a few games of pinball. Check them out! read more

Orange & Brew - Build your own 4pk to go! There's lots of craft cans to pick from, everything under the rainbow - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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Checked out this bar in Downers Grove. It has a good location downtown convenient to parking and public transportation. Orange & Brew has tons of beers to choose from whether drinking here or taking out with you. About all of these are local. The prices are pretty good on most stuff. Bar is a popular place to watch University of Illinois games. It's owned by alumni, as you can tell by the play on the colors in the name. The beers are still the main thing, and there's tons. Has quite a few on tap if having some here. It's about $7 a pint. A lot from close by breweries and others that are in the Chicago area. There's also tons of cans if you want to get some for later. Everyone can find a beer they like and have some here before buying. It's located on Burlington Avenue at Main. This is conveniently located by the Metra station so you can get your drink on and then get on a train. read more

Orange & Brew - Beers - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Very cool craft beer spot located in downtown Downer's Grove. I love this style of bottle shop/craft bar, where they have a variety of beers on tap, and then several options to go, but especially single can options. I love being able to mix n match, and not having to always get 6 cans. I went here to watch some of the World Series last week. It's quiet, but good to be able to watch a game, but also get some better beer you won't usually see in a sports bar. They also have a few pinball machines on one side of the place. You can also do small taster pours of the draft beers. They have a shared parking lot with several other neighboring spots. I was glad my friend showed me this place. If I'm ever back in the burbs I'll try and check it out again and see what new options they have. read more

This is one of my favorite spots in DG!! They are in a great location and the space is just right to have a lot of people but not feel empty when no one is there. They have an incredible selection on tap and to take home too! read more

Cute little spot. They have beer on draft and have cans available for purchase. Service was friendly. Our group enjoyed that they have pinball tables in the back. Parking right out front or they are located right off the train. read more

Such a fantastic bar! Very friendly staff, beautifully decorated space - I graduated a year ago from UIUC and feel like home when I'm here. Love the ever changing options on draft. The memorabilia is a nice touch! I would 100% recommend for a relaxing, nostalgic night read more

Orange & Brew - Beer wall and merch!! Perfect for any alum - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Nice little bottle shop just off of the Downers Grove Main Street Metra station. My wife and I have been here a few times on weekend nights and it can definitely get busy but not overly packed. There's a good section of tap beers and plenty of bottles to choose. The bar staff has always been friendly & welcoming so we'll happily be back. read more

If you're just plain ole' thirsty, this is a good stop. Decided to try this place while waiting for a friend. To me, it's the fusion of a small, very no frills local liquor store and small, very no frills local bar, not pub, but plain ole', good ole' Chicago-style neighborhood bar that used to pepper closer in neighborhoods, but updated feel with large storefront windows--a definite departure from old-school style neighborhood bars. It is located in the heart of downtown. The Tender was friendly and the patrons talkative. The place is never jammed but consistently busy. Also, don't come here looking for gastro pub cuisine--just basically good beer--and pretzels (nice variety of pretzels but pretzels nonetheless). Outdoor seating is a nice amenity for warmer months and it seems to be well used. The product for purchase is formidable and deep, behind the bar and on the shelves, with a variety of styles you can actually buy by the can--and they are all in cans on the shelves now with a few exceptions. If you are just an "enjoyer" or more toward connoisseur, you should be able to find something to suit your taste and mood, from old school favorites to sophisticated craft options. This place is a very, very solid three star and that is no shade--they nail what they are going for. So, if you're hankerin' for a brew, stop in and make a friend. read more

Orange & Brew - No frills but they do what they set out to do. - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

If you want to take children to an internal daycare within a bar and have a beer, this is your place. A warning: you may get hit upside the head with a checker piece from the family of five seated across from you playing Connect 4. That and having your credit card held hostage until the next day, filed away for the tab like a library card that just checked out a book. Lastly, a toilet paper dispenser that shells out one sheet at a time??? Talk about being cost-effective. After all of that, I forgot I came here for a beer. On the wall, there are cool 12-inch turntable clocks. Now, that deserves a star! read more

A great selection of beers and some wonderful options on tap as well. If your looking to find something unique as a gift, this is a good place to make a 4-pk of different beers. The fellas at the counter can help you with suggestions, but don't go overboard and watch the price per can even tho if you bought the same beer in multiples, it would not cost any more or less. So no deal on singles it's just a convenient option. But I've learned not all breweries allow this and really, if you go to a big store to buy beer you can only get a slim option vs here where almost every beer can be bought individually. We had a great beer from Miskatonic and Hop Butcher while sitting outside on the patio. And some nice bread sticks to snack on while we drank. If there is ever a way to partner with the neighboring cafe for food, that would be a great option to have food to go with the beer. Luckily I got the last 4 pk of the Miskatonic Unified Field Theory brew I had on tap. Please just get a knowledge female bartender and this wouldn't feel like a boys club. We were told the owners wife steps up to work occasionally. Women drink beer too. read more

Orange & Brew - Menu of the beer on draft on Saturday 10/10/20 - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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Cool little space to hang out, have a drink, play board games or pick up a quick 4-pack of craft beer. They offer prepackaged artisan cheese flight for $12 if you're looking for something to snack on while you are here. The Alpha morning sun with black truffle was very good. Easy parking on the street or in the parking lot. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ ) 2020 read more

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Orange & Brew is a delight. It's truly one of my favorite places to pick up craft beer in the Burbs. Their selection is hard to beat and I love that you can mix and match pretty much anything they have in store. Plus, the prices are reasonable. There have been so many times I've been worried I'm going to break the bank with my haul, but then there's magically more money for more beer! Beer isn't all they have either. They've got hard cider, hard seltzer and mead, also! If it's made locally, they probably have it. But they get a lot of stuff from out of state too. I've never left empty-handed or disappointed. Their tap selection is always interesting, though I have yet to sit at the bar or take advantage of the outdoor seating (maybe this year!). Bonus points for the easy to use ordering system. I've gone online to place a hold on what I want and then I find more. I come in to pick up my order and I always find even more. It's a vicious and delicious cycle. read more

Orange & Brew - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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Such a great place to come relax, hang with friends and family, and try some awesome craft beers. Staff is friendly and always happy to help with a recommendation. The family who owns the place are often around and are great people! Great spot! read more

Update: it's gotten even better than my first review! If you like beer and you live or work around Downers, or even are just passing thru and by the train, it's worth a stop for a great rotation of beers, mead, cider, etc. read more

This place is a true gem! Great selection of craft beers. You can also purchase a number of single cans/bottles to go, so you can mix and match. During the warmer months, slushies are available, and they are delicious! The strawberry lemonade naturdays slushie is good--really, really good! Highly recommend this place if you're into beer. Service is always super friendly and quick. Been going here for a while now & looking forward to going back again soon! read more

Genuinely friendly service and genuinely delicious beer. Orange & Brew is exactly my kinda place! We stopped in to celebrate Foreign Exchange scaling up their brewing and I was pleasantly surprised with the brew selection. There's some great beer here and, if you need it, great advice. These guys like to drink a wide variety of great beer and know their stuff. You can grab a brew while you peruse and when you can't decide between the awesome selection you can make your own 4 pack (or make a couple... or work your way up to a 5 pack of 4 packs because they have such a great selection). Beer is definitely the focus here whether that is to drink on premises or to take home (or maybe on the train). There is not much for food - but there are some pretty tasty cheese flights that come with crackers. Black truffle cheese - yes please! The one thing that really got me was a genuine thanks when we left. It wasn't like the "thanks some random customer I'll never see again" - it was a genuine thanks that by itself gives you the desire to come back and have a good time and a good brew. Great work Orange & Brew! read more

Awesome establishment. Kid AND pet friendly. All the bartenders are super cool, great beers, great music and plenty of games and pinball machines for the kids. Anyone who doesn't like it has to be a childless barren insurrectionist. read more

Drink the dew of orange and brew! My visits here are usually short. Try a few small pours, walk the isle looking for a to-go option. I imagine popping in here and grabbing picnic beers out of their cooler. Though I have not yet done this, it's a great quick stop. Being so small your wife and kids can wait in the car as you pick up the latest drop from Hop Butcher or Energy City. The beer shelf is regionally organized which I love. My review is limited by the size of the establishment, and their limited draft selection. I should make a point to drink here in the evening, or check the scene on a Saturday night. I'm sure when car show season comes around I will post up here for more than a taste . read more

The bartender was rude. When we asked for a second taste he said 'I'm not going to sit here and pour you nine tastes.' What a jerk we walked out without getting a beer OR shopping, which we had planned on doing. And I'm an Illini what a disappointment. read more

This happened a while ago, but I didn't get a chance to write a review until now. My car's battery died. I called a tow truck but was told it would take hours to arrive and it would cost around $100. So, I went into this bar and asked if anyone had jumper cables. The owner of Orange & Brew was there and was one of the most incredibly nice people I've met. His Dad actually came out, helped me push my car, and then jump started my dead battery. I want to urge everyone to visit this establishment if possible. The owner, along with his Dad, helped me, a complete stranger, in my time of need. Especially during this this time where there are so many mean spirited people, it's nice to know that the owner of Orange & Brew, and his Dad, are one of the few good people left. read more

The beer selection wasn't bad. The service nice but the bartender seemed a bit robotic. They have a selection of beers to purchase along the wall inside the bar. The bar side decor is a little strange with how it's organized. There is an entire side of the bar with no seating to facilitate more tables. That's understandable. But I think this place could benefit from an internal design change. It's a nice hole in the wall for a beer. But it's awkward without any music. Fix that and I think this spot could be even better! read more

This place was outstanding. I recently visited here while in town for the holidays, looking for some unique, locally brewed bombers to take back with me. Eric was extremely knowledgeable and gave me some great insight and helpful information. He's very well-informed regarding what is going on in the local beer scene. He also had some great local brews on tap, which my father and I enjoyed sampling. Terrific selection, friendly and helpful owner, nice environment. I will certainly be back next time through town, and highly recommend this place. read more

8 tap selection and mostly hard to find beers on tap. An entire wall of to go beers priced on par with the other bottle shops. They also have a lot of the rare local beers that you can't get at a Binnys or Grocery store. The best part about this place is the amount of room and setup with the taps in the middle. The worst is the parking and also that the city won't let them get food trucks there. So BYOF. Excellent bottle shop and tap room for those looking for a good conversation, unique selection of local beer and place to talk beer. read more

Six, seven, ten stars. Eric has exemplified the tap and bottle room concept and experience. If you are in Downers Grove this is a must stop. If beer is not your style; wine, meade, and hard seltzer await (and slushies in the summer!). Good service and great beers!!!! read more

I was contacted by the owner who was very sweet and apologetic and offered to make it up to us. Totally wasn't expecting that and he went well above and beyond. Excellent customer service! read more

Unbelievable staff! Very generous with letting you try samples, and the bottle shop assortment is huge and diverse! I can't believe some of the cool beers that they have ! read more

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No food! I like beer. I'm not a fan of Justice Kavanaugh so I'm reluctant to say "I like Beer". It appears that this place focuses of regional and local beers which is a good thing...a very good thing. But for right now no food and that's a bad thing. When I and a friend (a good find: a woman who likes beer) were there, only one person was available to serve both the bar and tables. I had a 13% ABV Imperial Stout brewed in Chicago; A sipping brew. My friend had an Allegash Wit. There is a decent selection of draft and bottled carry out but I wished they were able to provide some forms of bar food. (The owner said they permit folks to bring in munchies) Another item/ no music! I'll return because of the draft selection. read more

Fighting Illini + craft brews = a match made in heaven! This super cool bar & bottle shop is a downtown Downers Grove staple. They always have an excellent selection of individual cans as well as on tap. They're also very active on social media & do a great job engaging their followers with all sorts of fun & interesting events during the year. I love seeing what they come up with when they collaborate with local breweries too. "Essential Supplies" anyone?! A beer run to Orange & Brews is always one of the highlights of my week. Lastly, I can't say enough about how the owner & overall business is invested in the community. This seems to be at the top of their list of priorities & it shows in how they look out for the best interest of people in the community during tough times like a once in a century pandemic or social unrest. Orange & Brews is my Chicagoland craft beer ride or die. I-L-L! read more

Orange & Brew - Hop Butcher, Foreign Exchange, & even Cincy's Listermann. Impeccable selection! - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

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There is always something on their menu to try. One of the reasons I love Orange & Brew is they have 5oz. pours giving you an opportunity to taste several beers without feeling like you over consumed. The tap varieties cover all tastes, lighter beers, IPAs, darker or barrel-aged and my new favorites fruited or fruited sours. If you want a 4-pack or two, their shelves are full of great, local, craft beers. Friendly staff and it's always great to support local businesses. read more

Great tap room and bottle shop. Easy access with front row parking and close to the train. Great variety to enjoy onsite and even more to take home and enjoy. Friendly knowledgeable staff, will definitely return when I'm in the area. read more

Was in here today and as a beer snob from the west coast I was blown away at the store's selection and Eric's knowledge. He also pointed me to local breweries that I would like. Downtown DG - you have a treasure! Support your local cicerone! Ill be out each visit I make here. Cheers! read more

I've been coming to Orange & Brew since they opened. It's my local bottle shop and the best one in the Chicagoland in my opinion. They always have the best & newest beers both on tap & to-go. If you don't like beer, they also have cider, wine, & mead. Lots of seating, TV's for watching games, & a bunch of board games. They don't have food besides cheese boards & breadsticks but there are tons of food places near by where you can order food and bring it in with you. If you haven't checked this place out yet, definitely stop by! read more

Orange & Brew - Beer Bar Near Me - Downers Grove, Illinois

Love this place! Maybe to much... love that the taps are always changing.... Eric and his crew are the best!

Super friendly bartenders and a huge selection of regional beer--much of which I have trouble finding anywhere else. Great addition to the area read more

Fantastic place that fits in perfectly with the DG's burgeoning craft beer scene! Whether you're looking to enjoy a pour or two on-site or you're searching for something good to take home, Eric, Matt, Tony and the rest of the staff know their beers inside and out. Great selection and pricing, too. Orange & Brew is the absolute best bottle shop and tap room for miles around! read more

This place is awesome! Casey, Tony and the rest of the crew rock. Best beer In the Midwest. Once they get to know you, you are treated great. No waiting and they remember which beers you like. One fun place to watch an Illinini game read more

This was my first time visiting the place. I like the concept and the location. Great addition to DG. They had a pretty good tap list and I liked that I could shop the shelves while having a drink. One side of the bar seemed like a total waste though because they had tables blocking it leaving a small space to order from the bar on a busy night (no wait staff at the tables). Only interacted with one bartender and he seemed a bit disinterested in serving. I liked that I could do a 5 or 10oz pour. Some guys brought in a bottle to open amongst themselves (handed to bartender). I've seen some places do that before. Just curious on the policy. Wish it was posted somewhere because I would have loved to crack one with my table. read more

Very cool place to stop in and grab a craft beer.They offer a lot of local brews you can also buy to go that you can't find at the liquor store or even binnys.friendly service and locally owned can't beat it read more

Update: The owner reached out to me based on my original review. He clearly cares about opportunities to improve the patron experience. I look forward to returning and giving it another try. read more