There’s always something cool happening in Pilsen and Bridgeport on the southwest side. These distinct neighborhoods — from a vibrant, Hispanic enclave known for its colorful street art to a homey neighborhood with deep Irish roots — have something in common — cool breweries that are worth the trip.
Stop 1: Alulu Brewery and Pub
Craft beer and a chef-driven menu are a winning combination at Alulu Brewery in Pilsen. Their exclusive small-batch brews are all made in-house and are only available at their brewpub. That includes two dozen different varieties, so you’re definitely going to want to get a flight. The food menu mixes American and Eastern European influences for an eclectic take on pub cuisine. There’s also cocktails, beer cocktails, mocktails, and house-made “drinking vinegars”.
Stop 2: Monochrome Brewing
This new Pilsen taproom is dog-friendly, family-friendly, and BYOF (bring your own food). Monochrome Brewing features a large industrial space where you can enjoy a wide range of house brews and guest drafts and seltzers. Check the events calendar for fitness classes, run club meet ups, food truck hangs, and more.
Stop 3: Marz Community Brewing Co.
In the Bridgeport neighborhood, Marz is truly a community brewery. They have a full roster of artists and designers from Chicago and all around the world who design their bottles and cans, and even created the vibrant murals that cover the taproom walls. The space also features vintage arcade games, a gallery space, and music curated by a radio station that operates out of a local art gallery. Oh, and 24 beers on tap, from experimental styles to barrel-aged wild ales.
Stop 4: Off Hours
Located inside Bridgeport’s historic Ramova Theatre, Off Hours is the perfect spot to grab a beer before or after the show. On draft, you’ll find an array of beers from Other Half Brewing, plus craft cocktails, wine, and N/A options. They also host fun themed trivia events and workshops throughout the week.
Looking for more craft breweries in Chicago? Try some new brews while exploring Chicago neighborhoods with these craft beer itineraries.
