Whether it’s because of the locally made movement or the love for tasting something new and hand-crafted, America’s beer culture is expanding. Fewer than 1,500 small breweries existed in 2006 in the U.S., and in 2015, more than 4,144 were open, according to the Brewers Association nonprofit association dedicated to small and independent American brewers.
Illinois is one of 15 states with more than 100 breweries, according to the association, and some of them are right here in Lake County. Here’s a listing of where beer lovers can taste some unique blends crafted with hops and other grains by local brewmasters. Check the websites and Facebook pages or call for hours of operation and to learn which beers are being featured.
Lake Bluff Brewing Company
16 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff
224-544-5179; www.lbbrew.com
Open since 2010, the brewing company offers regular on-tap beers such as honey badger golden ale, plus a rotating selection of brews. One of these, velvet hammer imperial robust vanilla porter won the bronze medal in the 2014 U.S. Open Beer Championship in the robust porter category. The brewing company doesn’t have a kitchen, but patrons can order snacks and sandwiches, including wild boar jaegerwurst, from the Maevery Public House next door at 20 E. Scranton Ave. to accompany the brewery’s beer selections.
Light the Lamp Brewery
10 N. Lake St., Grayslake
847-752-8489; www.lightthelampbrewery.com
Started by local dads in 2001 who love hand-crafted beers and hockey, this brewery is open sporadically. But you can usually find a seat and home brew when the Hawks are playing. The brewery’s name comes from the goal light that goes on after a score is made during a hockey game.
Mickey Finn’s
345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville
847-362-6688; www.mickeyfinnsbrewery.com
Mickey Finn’s has been serving hand-crafted beers since 1993 in Lake County, and over the years it has won international awards for its home brews. The restaurant and pub typically offers about 10 crafted beers on tap including specialties such as pineapple express. The brewery features periodic free live music including blues, indie rock and other styles.
Ram Restaurant & Brewery
700 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling
847-520-1222; www.theram.com/locations/il-wheeling/
This national chain brews beer on site including at its Wheeling location. It features seasonal brews include imperial winter rye, available for a limited time to celebrate the chain’s 20th year of brewing. Other available brews include blonde, hefeweizen and total disorder porter. Patrons can purchase males and learn brew pairings online or at the restaurant. One recommendation is to pair the imperial winter rye with the restaurant’s macaroni and cheese with jalapenos.
The Onion Pup & Brewery
22221 N. Pepper Road, Lake Barrington
847-381-7308; www.onionbrewery.com
The pub features food, wine, spirits and handcrafted lagers and ales brewed on site, some even made from hops grown on the premises. Up to 17 beers are available on tap at one time. It’s situated next to a lake and in the summer, patrons can enjoy a wildflower garden and hop patio.
Tighthead Brewing Company
161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein
847-970-9174; www.tightheadbrewing.com
Up to 15 locally crafted beers are available at one time in the tap room, where you can sit at bar stools and tables and watch the brews being made on the premises. Though not a restaurant, Tighthead offers light snacks and nonalcoholic beverages along with its beers. Plus patrons can order food form local businesses for delivery or carry in. Tours are offered at 3 p.m., monthly on Saturdays.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
