Maybe it is because I went to college in Milwaukee, a place known for its beer. Or maybe it’s because I’m not a huge fan of most wines, but I have always been a big fan of beer. Especially craft beer. Now that I co-post over at Lace & Lager, I’ve been trying out a few Chicagoland Breweries every month. So, from my super-scholarly tests, here are my recommendations from the first 4 months of 2018.

Mikerphone Brewing - Elk Grove Village

Mikerphone Brewing tops my list! The brewery infuses craft beer with classic alternative music from my childhood. For instance, my favorite drink is their Smells Like Bean Spirit - a coffee stout named after Nirvana’s famous song from 1991. The place also recently expanded so it now has two tasting rooms, and a small outdoor beer garden as well! Bring your own food and enjoy all the beers they have on tap! Contraband, Contraband, Contraband is my second favorite brew.

Scorched Earth Brewing - Algonquin

Yes, this is pretty far West if you live in the city, but Scorched Earth Breweing is worth the drive. The place is smaller, but you can see the brewery part up close and personal. Love that their beer tasting room has murals of some of their more popular beer labels, like the Hickster. I was there the Friday before St. Patrick’s day and they had a glitter-infused green IPA! Totally got it for the gram, but it was delicious too. Bring your own snacks, and they have games for you to play while you enjoy a flight. The Turkey Shoot was my favorite here.

MORE Brewing Co. - Villa Park

This brew pub serves up some seriously delicious brews and food. Unlike the others on this list, MORE Brewing looks and feels more like a restaurant that also has a brewery, rather than a strictly craft beer locale. Still, that doesn’t mean they don’t know their beers. They have 6 of their own brews on tap as well as 6 guest taps - including a cider, in case you have someone who can’t do beer. Their taps are constantly changing but when I visited earlier this year, the Best Kept Secret was my favorite.

Short Fuse Brewing Co. - Schiller Park

Short Fuse Brewing is probably the biggest craft brewery I’ve ever been to, at least in terms of square footage for patrons. This place has a great chill ambiance with tables, a long bar area, and couches. Come for lunch, dinner, or just to try a flight. They also make some really unique beers. I’m talking beer with 120 pounds of Haribo Gummy Bears. The only downside is you can’t customize your flight according to your preferences. My favorite was the Dark Realm. Other winners included the Loosey Juicy, and oddly the Bear-ie White.

Buffalo Creek Brewing - Long Grove

Buffalo Creek is in the adorable downtown area of Long Grove. Located in an old art studio, it is a gorgeous spot to grab a beer or two. On weekends they often have a food truck parked nearby. And in nice weather there is plenty of space in the back for play bags or sit outside enjoying a cold one. No food here, but you can bring your own or order something from a local place and have it delivered. My favorite brew is a toss up between the Xerxes and the Hallows.

Kings and Convicts - Highwood

Tiniest little craft brewery on this list, but Kings and Convicts has some great brews. The place has seating for maybe 30 people, with some additional tables outside when the weather is nice. In case you were wondering, the name is a nod toward England (Kings) and Australia (Convicts). My favorite on tap now is the Old Nosey. But if you go when they have a lime roo shandy - get that! It’s SO good.

What Chicagoland Breweries are you loving this season? Stay tuned for another post about Chicago breweries to try!