Best Sour Beers In Chicago
If you're a self-proclaimed beer snob, then slurping up a pint or two of sour beer should be somewhere on your to-do list. But where can you can get this specialty brew in the Chicago area? We've got you covered. This list includes both local breweries making their own sour beer, as well as pubs and restaurants that have included sour beer on their menu from breweries. Grab a seat and take a look at some of the places where you can sip a sour beer (or two) in the Chicago area.
Lake Effect Brewing Company
4727 W. Montrose Ave., Suite C
Chicago, IL, 60641
(312) 919-4473
www.lakeeffectbrewing.com
For something special, consider taking a look at Chicago-based Lake Effect Brewing Company's selection of sour beers. Available as drafts, the sour beers are available only at certain times of the year and include Champagne of the Lakes Berliner Weisse and barrel aged sour Flanders Oud Bruin; a full list of the company's beer, including sour beers, is available via its website. You can grab a pint of beer by Lake Effect Brewing Company at a number of bars and restaurants in the Chicago area, including The Bar on Buena (910 W. Buena Ave.), Iron Horse Ale House (6158 N. Northwest Highway) and The Radler (2375 N. Milwaukee Ave.), all of which are located in Chicago. For a full list of bars, restaurants and stores selling the brewery's beer, check out the company's website.
Marz Community Brewing Co.
3315 S. Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60608
(773) 837-0145
marzbrewing.com
If it's a selection of sour beers you want, then take a look at the sour beer line by Marz Community Brewing Co. There's The Bubbly Creek, The Bubbly Creek with Yuzu, and Duchess De Bridgeport. The company's beer can be found in bottles at beer-centric stores, including The Beer Temple (3185 N. Elston Ave., Chicago), and as drafts at bars that include Hopleaf Bar (5148 N. Clark St., Chicago). Never had sour beer before? Then consider taking the advice of Tom Piekarz, who is in Marz's sales. "Go into it with an open mind and without preconceived notions of what [you'll] drink. It's truly something that is refreshing at times, and it challenges your taste buds. It's truly a beautiful beer," Piekarz said.
Noon Whistle Brewing
800 E. Roosevelt Road
Lombard, IL 60148
(708) 906-3625
www.noonwhistlebrewing.com
Chicago isn't the only place where you can get sour beer. At Noon Whistle Brewing in the western suburb of Lombard, beer aficionados looking for sour brew have a few options. The brewery has several sour beers on tap, including Swanky Smack, Gose Smack and Face Smack. You can also wet your whistle with Noon Whistle's session beers — which include That Lady, Cumbersome, Lilacia and The Parker — and grab a pint or two to sip in the taproom, or purchase a crowler or growler to enjoy later. Food trucks also stop by the brewery at noon on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
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Pollyanna Brewing Company
431 Talcott Ave.
Lemont, IL 60439
(630) 914-5834
www.pollyannabrewing.com
Make your way to the suburb of Lemont for an assortment of beer available from Pollyanna Brewing Company. The company has included the summertime sour beer Dalliance in its lineup; other types of beer include the sour rye saison Lemont vs Everybody and golden ale The Full Lemonty. Beer fans can try a beer or two in Pollyanna's taproom or purchase a growler or howler to take home. The company's beer is also sold in several bars and restaurants in the Chicago area, including Headquarters Beercade (213 W. Institute Place, Chicago) and Firkin (515 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville). A full list is available via the website BeerMenus.com. Are you interested in the craft of beer-making? Then stop by Pollyanna's for its monthly Home Brewer Night, where you can discuss and learn more about brewing — check out the company's events calendar for additional information.
The Publican
837 W. Fulton Market
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 733-9555
thepublicanrestaurant.com
What if you'd like to try sour beers from a few different brewers while tucking into a hearty meal? That's where The Publican comes in. Located in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, The Publican has served a number of sour beers, including several of those from Goose Island's famed "Four Sisters." In addition to several beers brewed right in the Chicago area, The Publican's beer list also includes selections from all over the world, with Germany, Belgium, Scandinavia and the U.K. on the list. The Publican offers a wide range of food on its menus, including brunch, dinner and lunch.
Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
