The North Side has come a long way since Goose Island Brewpub opened in Lincoln Park in 1988. Plenty of beercentric bars now call the Lincoln Park and Old Town ‘hoods home, making this one of the best areas to raise a drink to the city’s booming brewery scene.
Start with a glass—or tasting flight, if you’re indecisive—at Atlas Brewing Company (2747 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-295-1270), a year-old brewpub that’s the brainchild of two brewing brothers.
Walk just a few feet to punk bar Delilah’s (2771 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-472-2771) to browse the seasonally focused tap list—and don’t be surprised if you get distracted by the whiskey list, too.
Next, beer nerds and metal heads will want to zero in on Local Option (1102 W. Webster Ave. 773-348-2008), where a huge chalkboard lists the day’s tap offerings, likely to include lesser-known styles and tough-to-find brews.
From there, head to the grandfather of Chicago’s brewpubs, Goose Island Clybourn (1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071), where a glass wall lets you peek right into the beer-making action.
Finish the whirlwind tour at Old Town Pour House (1419 N. Wells St. 312-477-2800), a spacious and sophisticated bar with one of the city’s largest draft lists at 90-plus beers on tap.
