Decor was nice, sound was perfect with the band, location is accessible... all around very glad we chose this venue for our pre-wedding welcome event. Staff were so easy to work with and organized. They set us up with the blues band so we didn't have to organize anything. We were able to bring our own catering, several bar packages to choose from and the alcohol provided was pretty good. They let us tour the venue in advance, the contract is flexible to number of people who show up (with a minimum), the staff who helped day of were super helpful, friendly, and welcoming. Thanks to the entire team for making it so easy and great!! Highly recommend. read more

New, friendly and small upstairs bar with all locally made beer. Beers tasted pretty new - light, sweet and malty. Drinkable, but not anything special. Happy hour from 4-6pm yields $6 beers, but otherwise $7 for the big pours. Not a busy place, but fun spot where people brought in their dogs. There might be a downstairs tasting room, but at Friday night, only options was the 2nd floor bar. Free delicious popcorn! Live music (solo guitarist/singer), good vibes. Motor Row is the next new developing area adjacent to South Loop/Chinatown and easy walking distance to McCormick center. read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Given that I came here on a Monday Night, I wasn't expecting a loud crowd. The reason I rate this place a 5 star, is because of the service, drink options and environment. Located on the south side of Michigan Ave in Chicago, and on the second floor! (That's where we stayed for the remainder of the evening) BYOF: Bring Your Own Food No food is offered so you can grab Burger King across the street or any munchies that will help your buzzed tastings. The second floor is like a Game Café but with alcohol and free popcorn!! Who doesn't love that. Although it was just my boyfriend and I, we had a great time getting s&@! faced and playing Uno!! The bar tender was friendly and provided us with recommendations. The second floor is definitely more for a chill vibe spot with some friends or a fun date night. I was told that the 3rd floor is more of a lounge with a patio area for socializing and drinking (we didn't go there due to the weather conditions). Would definitely come back if I visit Chicago for a second time around! read more

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We booked our wedding welcome party at Venue OverDrive and through that process learned about the Willie Dixon Blues Band and the Thursday night jam sessions on the third floor. We checked it out last night and can't say enough great things. The opportunity to see such highly accomplished (and legendary) musicians in an intimate venue - for free! - is incredible. On top of that, everyone there was gracious and welcoming, and the third-floor bar was well-stocked, including with craft beers from the brewer downstairs. (I could be wrong, but I think the third-floor bar may have been cash-only, so if you go check out the band, bring cash just in case.) Venue OverDrive and their house band are a treasure in Chicago that I wish more people knew about. read more

My wife and I stumbled upon this place one night and we've been back numerous times since. I'm a huge IPA guy and they never fail to have a great selection - which just so happens to all be brewed in building on the first floor. The second floor tap room is awesome - free popcorn, great board game selections (relatively) cheap pints of beer. They also have a secret menu with a white and red wine selection if there's a non beer drinker in your party. I love coming here and I hope this place is around for a long time. read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love a good brewery but sadly did not love Motor Row. It's good to have a brewery in South Loop for those who live nearby, I'm sure. But with so many options in the city, I won't be headed back anytime soon. Beer was just kind of okay, small room was very tiny with uncomfortable chairs, prices were a bit much. $45 for a growler? That makes me think someone's lost their mind. And for 6% beer!? What in the world. None of the beer was bad, don't get me wrong, but it was all about 3 stars on Untappd. Got the job done but just kind of middle of the road. I wanted to love Motor Row and am disappointed it wasn't what I was hoping for. read more

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Motor Row Brewing is a bit off the beaten path if you're willing to venture south of Chicago a bit. Located in the Motor Row District which was once where many automobiles were sold and repaired hence the name which pays ode to the historical area it sits on. I believe this brewery is multiple floors, but when we had visited on a Sunday it was only open on the 2nd floor. The 2nd floor tasting room is pretty standard. Bench tables through out with some high top tables near the bar where all the beer is poured. Clean space with exposed brick walls and a mural of some old school cars on the other wall. No board games or much to do while you're here, but free popcorn. No food, but they have a menu of place that will deliver and you're allowed to bring your own food or snacks as you please. Overall the general vibe of this brewery is super mellow. Most of the clientele was a sort of one and done sort of deal AKA one beer and bounce. Or just stopping in to fill up their growlers. The beers were limited to a selection of 7 different kinds on draft. Their IPA was tapped when I visited thus making it only 6 available, but I did enjoy their IPL very much so. Anyways, I did notice their beers were kinda pricey... three pints and a 12oz came out to $32 with tax between two of us. It's hard to say I'd come back for this one thus the 2 star rating ~ I definitely have experienced better in terms of service, ambiance, beers, price point, etc. But if you're looking to visit other breweries such as Baderbrau or Vice City, they're all kind of in the same area so you could make a sort of South Side sort of beer crawl if you will. That's all I got on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! 134/365 read more

Venue OverDrive - Super mellow Sunday - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Kinda odd everything...and by odd I mean good. Location. Ppl. Dog Beer Space Vibe. Glass ware Art Sketch Com a floor beneath [X] Go ! read more

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Finally, some time away from the group. Being at a week-long convention and seeing the same people everyday does something to your brain. It's nice to get some 1-on-1 time with a good friend, especially one that'll venture to a nearby brewery and play Scrabble with you while drinking IPAs. My friend and I made our way to the 2nd floor of the building, where we found a nearly-empty bar. We ordered drinks, then noticed the impressive stack of games in a rack near the high top table we were sitting at. We gathered up the tiles from two incomplete Scrabble sets and started a lengthy game. This was the perfect, chill atmosphere we needed... minus the sloshed local that kept going around to all the tables socializing. That was super annoying. Kind of wish the bar staff told him to leave because we tried doing that. At least he wasn't rude. He just kept singing and holding our hands to pray. Anyways, the selection of beers here is fantastic. I always love trying local brews when I can. The bartenders were relatively friendly. It was a little toasty outside between spells of rain, so I think everyone's mood was off. This was overall the kind of reset I needed with a good friend and decompressing after an exhausting week. read more

Another stop in our continuing Chicago brewery adventures, this place has an unusual entrance since you have to take an elevator to the second floor. Turns out that they own the whole 3 story building and brew on the first floor, have a small taproom on the second, and have a music venue on the 3rd. So it's kind of like you wonder if you're really in the right place as you enter the building and stare at elevator doors. But once inside you'll find a comfy space but limited bar seating. Good selection of brews on tap and we were able to sample quite a few. Found a couple I really liked so that's a score. The place is dog friendly as well and several pups came in while we enjoyed our beverages. Having dogs in a taproom seems a lot more natural than having babies or strollers there. Guess I'm showing my bias. It certainly is worthy of a repeat visit. I'd like to check out the nights they have live music. Looks like they've got a good thing going here. read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Came here for a Groupon and was blown away by how much beer we were given! We got to try a sample of every kind they offered-- ranging from pilsners to IPAs to stouts. There is free popcorn and a wide variety of board games to keep ya occupied. Jenga gets interesting after a few samplers... Side note-- there's an entire parking lot with free parking specifically for this place. Also, though this bar doesn't serve food, the restaurant next door (taco place) delivers for free. read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My friends wanted to have pre-dinner drinks at "motor row brewing " and I came along. I have never been to a place like this because I'm not a huge beer drinker. They feature a number of craft beers and that's it, no food available to order...except popcorn, just beer. All my friends tried something different and came away super happy! They loved this place and some of them had 2-3 different pints of beer during our stay. I ordered a lager and it was awesome compared to what I usually order (a big brand lager); apparently, I'm a real idiot when it comes to beer! The service was good; the people at bar and servers were friendly. Lastly, the prices we're reasonable considering, the craft nature of all the beers. If I'm in the area, on my own, I'll definitely be back, and that's the highest praise I can give any place that serves only beer! In the meantime, I'll make sure to recommend it to my friends who are visiting the area. read more

I came here with some colleagues on a Monday night full of rain and snow. Needless to say, the place was almost entirely deserted. But the bartender was great anyway, and we sampled the beer and hung out. They had 8 beers on tap, with a nice, if fairly standard selection available. I didn't try them all, but the ones I did were solid, if not impressive. I think given another year or two and this place will be making some really solid beer. The space is very comfortable, and they have a lot of it. I'll definitely be back. read more

I really, really enjoyed my visit. I took my friend and daughter-in-law along. I caught up with my old roommate's brother (Willie Dixon) who was playing. They really turned out the music. I will definitely return if his group is playing at this venue. Shout out to the Willie Dixon Blues Band. read more

This is a great brewery with some delicious beers to offer. When you enter of the first floor you can peak into the room where the magic hopns. Take the elevator to the second floor to access the chill tap room. Enjoy a pint, make your own tasting, snack on the free popcorn, and take advantage of the community games. The perfect place for a chill night out and good beers. Please not they do not have a good menu. But as others have reported they're cool with you bringing something in. :) read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm so happy that my favorite watering hole is back open again! Motor Row Brewery; a great place to have a cold beer and solve all of life's problems. My personal favorites are Dry Humor and Fleetwood Black. read more

Venue OverDrive - Cheers to the newly re-opened Motor Row Brewery! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ordered: Full Flight DRINKS: We did the full flight, I certainly prefer some of the lighter beers to the heavier, fuller ones. But that has nothing to do with the establishment. That's more about my own personal preference. The Reclamation Lager and the New Phenix were my favorites. SERVICE: service was fast and friendly, and the bartenders suggestion of getting the full flight was greatly appreciated. ATMOSPHERE: when we went, only the front room was open. Apparently, there is additional space as well, but the small crowd rendered that space unnecessary. Though the crowd was small, everyone seemed to know and like each other. There was a lot of friendly banter. The space has a lot of stainless steel and exposed brick, reminiscent of the motor row/ industrial aesthetic native to the area. read more

Venue OverDrive - Full Flight - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Anxious for the 2nd floor to open, to get a true feel for what this place will be, but for now....a decent little spot. The bartenders were friendly, and there are a couple of nice beers brewing. My faves were the Reclamation Lager and the Multigrain Zwickel. I look forward to trying the Coifable American Red Ale, but it wasn't quite ready yet, when we were there last night. My only complaints? First, I feel the lights are a tad too bright. My friend said he felt like he was sitting on a TV set all night! And second...the toilet in the women's room had a ring of scum in the bowl. Ewww. The brewery seemed clean besides that, but still...not something you want to see. Even given these things....glad to see things opening in this neighborhood, and looking forward to returning as Motor Row continues to expand their space. read more

Not bad. Visited here on a very quiet weeknight around the holidays. Space was nice - only the 2nd floor was open when I visited. Barkeep was friendly. Beer was meh. I've visited a lot of breweries, and consider craft beer my "thing." Nothing really stood out to me on the flight that I tried (5 different beers). Schwarzbier wasn't bad, I guess. Buzzed Aldrin was decent too. Wouldn't mind returning, but wouldn't be in a hurry either. read more

Great hidden gem on motor row. I stumbled over here as I was searching for some beer close to China town. This was a great little surprise, these beers were great for a Sunday afternoon. Only the 2nd level bar was open but the bar and seating area was nice and had the football games on. There was also free popcorn to snack on while putting down a few of the in house beers. I recommend the broad shoulders IPA and the reclamation lager. Both were crisp and light, highly drinkable. Cheers read more

Motor Row Brewing is another south side hidden gem. In the South Loop on S. Michigan Avenue. One of the few brewers that's open seven days per week. They have about 8 beers in rotation and a pretty good variety. Reclamation Lager is their flagship, the Dry Humor Belgian Blonde has a very smooth taste, Wet Hop Wonder is awesome if you like Red Ales. Stop by and check it out. read more

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Recently called to inquire if they play, with audio, the NBA Playoffs. Spoke with 'Jules' (sp) who confirmed that the bartender can and will play. Upon getting there the bartender advise that he could play the game but without audio and asked who told me otherwise. Juels came to the counter with an attitude stating it was not up to her but simply up to the bartender discretion. It's unclear if she is management but she lacks professionalism, communication and customer service. As a slooper I can't see myself supporting the brewery anymore, especially when there two more in the area that provides greater experience. read more

Must stop for beer lovers. Super impressed with Chicago beer and motor row odes to disappoint. Great beers, cool spot, awesome patrons and a nice bartender. read more

Hey! You! Yeah you, the one with the amazing beers in the cool building wiht Jules who got us all hyped up about your drinks. What do ya wanna hear? That this is my favorite brewery in Chicago? That I'm pissed I don't live in Chicago because I can't come here every week? Fine, I've said it. Are you happy now? Look, you just keep it up, becaus I WILL be back dammit! Seriously, damn fine brewery ya got here. Cheers! read more

Great place ! The blues music was great the prices of beer good as well ! We were Traveling from out of town to a chance and we had a great time.. ***** 2nd time visiting the 2 girls that work on sat. Sorry girls but u need to get it together !! read more

Been here a few times before leaving this review. Just attended the Beer on Brain comedy show, very entertaining. The show comes to Motor Row once a month. Good beer, good people. read more

Friendly and knowledgeable service. Great selection of beers. Love the Fleetwood Black!

I was excited to come here and a little let down. There is a tap room on the second floor with a popcorn machine and a bartender. No food, but you can bring your own/ get delivery. I found the beers unremarkable and a little pricey. The bar on a Sunday afternoon was not busy, yet the bartender was nonchalant and it took us about 10 minutes to even order (despite standing at the bar..). The place was clean but the experience was so mediocre, I would consider going elsewhere if you're looking for an afternoon chill sesh - preferably somewhere with board games. read more

I echo the first review. Being a resident of the area makes my review bias; however if the drinks were not good and the environment was not welcoming, I would have ran this place out of town. We only need solid places in the neighborhood and this is hands down the right venue to kick things off. Alot of future restaurants, hotels and bars are being planned, so this brewery/tap room will soon be available at a bar near you, but for now - go in sample some beers and buy a growler to go. Expensive at first, but refills for now are only $13. Belgian Honey Blonde and Reclamation Lager are my favorites (NOTE: I prefer lighter vs stout flavor). FREE PARKING STILL ON 23rd street and Wabash between 23rd-24th. read more

Venue OverDrive - Current menu! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As a South Loop-er, I like to support local spots, and I was happy to give this place a try! My fiancé and I came in around 5:30 on a Friday evening, and just the second floor was open. It wasn't super crowded, so we sat down at the bar and ordered a full flight of their beers on tap. I really enjoyed the beers overall, especially the Dry Humor and Green Spirit, so I went with a pint of the latter. They don't serve food but seemed to be very open to customers bringing and/or ordering their own food to enjoy with their beer. The ambiance wasn't anything super special, but I did like the exposed brick walls, and the service was kind and prompt. I look forward to returning! read more

In Chicago for NBA All-Star Weekend and decided to bring some hot Harold's chicken into Motor Row. Our bartender, Aaron, was to quote Tina Turner, simply the best. He made recommendations based on simple beer palette, provided plates + cutlery + napkins for our dinner, engaged in conversation, tried to find stuff for some sports fans to watch, and overall was just super attentive. He created a really welcoming environment which not alway breweries have mastered and I hope he's behind the counter next time I visit. read more

This is a hidden gem. Huge, cool building and amazing, helpful staff! Can get food from neighbor business which offers a special .why just for bar or get anything delivered or brought in! Very clean place I should also mention! Live entertainment is a must. Check this place out...Maverick that is always there you won't regret meeting. Great crowd of people there!! Impressed and we will be back soon! read more

Venue OverDrive - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

As a big craft beer fan, I'd seen this brewery in a lot of places, but had never actually been to the brewery itself. The taproom has a nearby south loop location, and is 2 floors with a solid amount of tables. They have board games you can play and you can also bring your own food. All the beer I had was good. It's good to do a south loop combo with baderbrau brewery. I hope to go back read more

Hidden gem in the south side. Great beer and great staff. Very casual atmosphere, and they're not afraid to strike up a conversation with you or even play along in a game of trivia. It's a little out of the way, but definitely worth your while. We came here because of a Groupon, and we're so glad we did. Free popcorn and games compliment this great brewery. read more

Venue OverDrive - Flight - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Relaxed vibe, good beer and fair prices. The space is small, but comfortable. Dog friendly too! Will go again.

A relatively new brewpub, opened in January 2015, on the growing edge of South Loop gentrification. Located on the second floor of an old commercial building; elevator-accessible. A long, narrow room decorated in bare brick, with a small, six-seat bar and blond wood benches and tables. Very clean restrooms. Bar snacks are limited to pretzel sticks and fresh-made popcorn, with shakers of a number of flavorings. No other food service. Friendly bartender, and the brewmaster was seated at the bar at the time of my visit, engaging with customers. Convenient to public transportation, two and a half blocks from the new Cermak-McCormick Place station on the Green Line. Also can be reached on the 4-Cottage Grove bus from Michigan Avenue. Two blocks west of the McCormick Place convention center. For pub crawlers, about a mile south of Vice District Brewing. Beers tried, in a flight of six samplers at $9.95: -Reclamation Lager. 4.5% ABV. Clear gold, light head. Minimal nose. Typical pils flavor profile; likely their "training wheels" beer for timid industrial-lager drinkers. -Out of the Loop IPL. 6%. Rich brass color, light head. Mild aroma hop nose. Hop-forward, IPA-like flavor profile, though brewed with lager yeast. -New Phenix (sic) Lager. 5%. Clear gold (though described as unfiltered). Light head. Almost no nose. Moderate bitter hop taste against a solid malt base. Grain bill includes "a touch of" rye and wheat, though these don't seem apparent in the flavor profile. -Dry Humor Belgian Honey Blonde. 5.5%. Slightly cloudy straw color; head disappears almost at once. Touch of honey in the nose (it's brewed with orange blossom honey). Tart and citrusy; Brettanomyces yeast is noticeable in the taste. Coiffable (sic) American Red Ale. 6%. Clear bronze color, halo head. Malt and aroma hop nose. Intense aroma hop taste against Munich malt, with a touch of woody "pencil shavings" at the finish. -Blutmond über Antwerpen Belgian Dubbel. 6.5%. Named in honor of last week's "supermoon" eclipse. Cloudy reddish brown, heavy head. Slight flowery nose. Hop variety is German Mandarina (hence the name in German rather than Flemish). Noticeably made with an abbey-style yeast; ethanol also approaches being a flavor note. My favorite of the flight; I ordered another tulip of this. read more

Very convenient to the conference center, which is helpful if your conference is not very exciting or wears you out and you need a pick me up before getting on the subway. Bartender was friendly and helpful about finding other good beer places in the area. I like NEIPAs so I enjoyed their session (Lincoln's 2c) over the other two available IPAs. Their shwarzbier was tasty. read more

We were in town a day early for C2E2 at McCormick Place and were looking for a nearby place to check out. Saw it on Apple Maps and decided to check it out. We were not disappointed. The beer was great, the atmosphere was laid back, and the bartender was nice and helpful. There is no food served there (other than popcorn), but I believe you can have food delivered. I would definitely go back. read more

Venue OverDrive - Dry Humor - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Tiny place that serves some kick ass beers. I recommend the Pander Bear...very different but very good. Would give 4.5 stars because they don't serve food. read more

Venue OverDrive - Free water/colors light. Hahahahaha - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I've been here a couple times already and not bad. Just the 1st floor is open and that only can handle about 25-30 people. No food but you can order in. They need a old fashion popcorn machine. I tried several beers and I'm a big IPA guy and the IPL (IPA & Pilsner) combo was pretty good. But my favorite was the Red by far, go figure. That was one of the better Red's that I have had. Can't wait for the 2nd floor to open! read more