5 Best Brewery Tours And Tastings In Chicago

Chicago’s breweries serve up outstanding tour experiences that mix good beer with local know-how. Two standouts deserve special attention: The Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour, which keeps you comfortable while serving generous 45-55 ounce samplers, and the Logan Square Oktoberfest Walking Tour, featuring stops at respected brewers like Solemn Oath and Revolution.

My favorite is the Barrel Bus Tour – it’s well-organized and the guides really know their stuff. Budget travelers will appreciate the wallet-friendly Malt Row Walking Tour, while those wanting variety can hop on the Milwaukee combo tour that pairs brewery visits with the Harley-Davidson Museum.

Let’s explore the top brewery tours that showcase Chicago’s proud beer-making tradition.

Key Points

• The Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour offers a highly recommended craft beer experience with 45-55 ounces of samples and guided insights on the Prohibition era.
• The Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square provides a 3-hour exploration of the neighborhood’s brewing scene with a personalized experience for up to 10 participants.
• The Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour combines a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum with brewery exploration and a scenic route passing the Milwaukee Art Museum.
• The Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus is a 4-hour experience featuring three distinct breweries, including a VIP behind-the-scenes tour at a nano-brewery.
• The Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour offers an affordable 3-hour guided exploration of Northcenter breweries, with walking distances of 5 to 15 minutes between stops.

Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

Stepping through a speakeasy-style vertical door, guests embark on the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour, a 97% traveler-recommended experience that immerses them in the city’s vibrant brewpub scene.

Over the course of 45-55 ounces of craft beer samples, the tour showcases unique breweries and a production facility, where guests learn about the brewing processes.

The climate-controlled barrel bus provides round-trip transportation, while a professional guide offers live commentary and insight into Chicago’s Prohibition era.

Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, like Ted, who highlight the distinctive qualities of each brewery.

The tour caters to both beer drinkers and non-drinkers, offering a variety of options.

With high ratings for its fun and educational blend of history and craft beer, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Chicago’s thriving brewery scene.

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Chicago: Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square

The Chicago: Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square takes guests on a 3-hour exploration of the neighborhood’s vibrant brewing scene. Located in the heart of Chicago, this tour visits three popular breweries, including Solemn Oath Brewery Still Life, Revolution Brewing, and Hopewell Brewing Company.

Along the way, you will learn about the city’s brewing history and receive exclusive discounts and offerings at each stop.

The tour is limited to 10 participants and is wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive experience. Guests are encouraged to bring cash, ID, and a credit card to purchase drinks and merchandise.

While the tour price doesn’t include alcohol, participants can order beverages at each brewery. The meeting point is at Palmer Square Park, conveniently situated near the California and Logan Square Blue Line stops.

Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The tour’s itinerary is subject to change, so guests are advised to check for updates on availability and starting times.

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Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour

Travelers embark on a captivating day-long journey exploring the rich heritage of Milwaukee’s iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the city’s renowned brewing culture.

The Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour offers a comprehensive itinerary, starting at the Millennium Park Welcome Center in Chicago. Guests enjoy the Harley-Davidson Museum, discovering the brand’s storied past, from its 1903 origins to the present day.

Next, the tour explores the lively Milwaukee Public Market, showcasing the best of local Wisconsin products. For an additional fee, visitors can tour the historic Miller Brewery, learning about beer production and enjoying samples.

Along the way, the group briefly passes the impressive Milwaukee Art Museum. Throughout the day, a professional driver and guide ensure a seamless experience.

With flexible cancellation policies and inclusive services, this tour provides an engaging exploration of Milwaukee’s iconic attractions.

Read our full review: Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour Review
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Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus

Although the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus may initially appear like a mere sightseeing excursion, it offers much more than a typical brewery tour. This 4-hour experience allows visitors to explore three distinct breweries, sampling approximately 45-55 ounces of craft beer along the way.

Highlights include a VIP behind-the-scenes tour at a top nano-brewery and the opportunity to engage in interactive party games with fellow participants.

The tour, which costs $99.60 per person, is led by a knowledgeable guide who provides commentary in English. Customers have consistently praised the unique experiences, the expertise of the guides, and the overall fun atmosphere, resulting in an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 40 reviews.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those under 21 or with mobility issues, it operates rain or shine, making it an ideal activity for craft beer enthusiasts visiting Chicago.

Read our full review: Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus Review
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Chicago: Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour

Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour offers craft beer enthusiasts a guided exploration of three renowned breweries in Chicago’s Northcenter neighborhood.

The 3-hour tour, priced at $25 per person, takes participants to Begyle Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, and Cultivate by Forbidden Root, with walking distances between each stop ranging from 5 to 15 minutes.

During the tour, guests can expect to sample a variety of craft beers while learning about Chicago’s brewing history from a live guide.

The experience includes reserved seating and exclusive discounts at most stops, as well as recommendations and the opportunity to purchase beers and merchandise.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and can accommodate up to 10 participants.

With an overall rating of 5/5 based on a verified review, the Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour promises an informative and enjoyable experience for beer lovers exploring Chicago’s thriving craft beer scene.

Read our full review: Chicago: Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on the Brewery Tours?

Pets are generally not allowed on brewery tours, as most breweries have policies prohibiting animals for safety and sanitation reasons. Visitors should check with the specific brewery before bringing any pets along on the tour and tasting experience.

How Accessible Are the Tours for Individuals With Disabilities?

Most brewery tours aim to be accessible for individuals with disabilities, providing accommodations like wheelchair-friendly paths and staff assistance. However, it’s best to check each brewery’s specific accessibility policies before booking a tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tours?

Whether you can bring your own food and drinks on brewery tours varies by location. Some allow it, while others prohibit outside food and beverages. It’s best to check the policies of the specific brewery before your visit.

Do the Tours Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Options?

Many brewery tours offer vegetarian and vegan food options to accommodate dietary needs. Guests should check with the specific brewery beforehand to inquire about the availability of such options during the tour and tasting experience.

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Brewery Tours?

The minimum age requirement for brewery tours varies, but typically it’s 21 years old. Some breweries may allow younger participants with adult supervision, so it’s best to check the specific tour’s policies before booking.

The Sum Up

Chicago’s craft brewery scene offers a diverse range of tours and tastings, from guided bus tours to walking excursions exploring the city’s vibrant Malt Row. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy the brewing process, sample a variety of local craft beers, and discover the unique character of Chicago’s thriving beer culture. Whether you’re a seasoned beer connoisseur or a curious newcomer, these experiences provide an engaging and informative way to explore the city’s acclaimed brewery landscape.