There are so many Chicago beer gardens
Must-Visit Chicago Beer Gardens
Visiting one of the beer gardens in Chicago is a great way to relax and soak up some neighborhood vibes. Chicago bars are plentiful, and it’s easy to find spots to sip in the city.
Whether you’re a fan of wine bars, cider houses or enjoy visiting Chicago breweries, these outdoor patios will quickly make you a fan of the old-fashioned beer garden. From West Loop to Wicker Park; from the Near North Side to Goose Island; it’s easy to find a comfortable place to kick back and enjoy a few rounds while enjoying the local colors.
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite beer gardens in Chicago, so if you’re looking to enjoy some Chicago craft beer or sip on a craft cocktail, read on. I’m also including an interactive map to plan to visit(s) to one of these friendly spots.
Join me as I explore the best beer gardens in Chicago, complete with addresses, drink and appetizer recommendations, and unique features that make each location special.
Use the Interactive Map of the Best Beer Gardens in Chicago
What is a Beer Garden?
A beer garden is an outdoor space, typically in a garden-like setting, where people can enjoy a wide variety of beer, food, and social interaction in an open-air environment. Here’s how a beer garden differs from a traditional bar:
Outdoor Setting
Outdoor seating is key here. The most significant distinction is the outdoor setting. Beer gardens are usually located in spacious outdoor areas, often shaded by trees or umbrellas. They offer a refreshing and natural atmosphere, making them a popular choice during warm weather.
Communal Seating
Beer gardens typically feature communal seating arrangements, such as long wooden picnic tables. This encourages social interaction and a sense of community among patrons. It’s common for groups of friends and strangers alike to share tables.
Casual Atmosphere
Beer gardens tend to have a more casual and relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional bars. The focus is on enjoying the outdoors, conversation, and leisurely sipping of drinks.
Wide Beer Selection
Beer gardens often offer a diverse selection of beers, including local craft brews, international imports, and sometimes house-brewed beer. These establishments often have a rotating beer menu to showcase a variety of styles and flavors.
Did You Know? The concept of beer gardens originated in Germany in the 19th century and has since spread to many parts of the world, including the United States.
Food Options
While traditional bars may offer a limited menu or simple bar snacks, beer gardens frequently serve a wider range of food options. These can include hearty, beer-friendly fare like sausages, pretzels, burgers, and other comfort foods.
Family-Friendly
Many beer gardens are family-friendly, allowing parents to bring their children along. This makes them suitable for a wider range of demographics, including those looking for a relaxed afternoon with the family.
Live Music and Entertainment
Some beer gardens host live music or other forms of entertainment, enhancing the overall experience.
Daytime Enjoyment
Beer gardens are often open during the day, making them a popular spot for lunch or early afternoon gatherings. Bars tend to come alive later in the evening.
Scenic Locations
Beer gardens often take advantage of scenic locations, such as parks, waterfronts, or rooftop spaces, offering patrons beautiful views and a connection to nature.
In contrast, traditional bars are typically indoor establishments with a focus on serving alcohol in a
controlled environment. While bars can offer a diverse range of drinks, they may not provide the same outdoor experience or communal atmosphere that beer gardens offer. Bars often have a more structured seating arrangement and may be dimly lit, creating a cozier, nightlife-oriented atmosphere.
Ultimately, the choice between a beer garden and a bar depends on personal preferences and the kind of experience one is seeking, whether it’s a casual outdoor gathering or a more traditional indoor setting for drinks and socializing.
Explore Chicago Beer Gardens
The Moonlighter
Address: 3204 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
This fun neighborhood hangout, tucked away north of Armitage and Kedzie (between Logan Square and Humboldt Park), has a sports bar meets hipster vibe that’s very relaxed and friendly. It’s dog-friendly and laid-back, and they have trivia games, too. They’re best known for their amazing burgers, and the pizza is good, too.
Sip On: Try their craft cocktails and rotating draft beer selections.
Snack On: Order their gourmet burgers or loaded tater tots.
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery
Address: 2717 N Maplewood Ave, Chicago, IL 6064
This unique spot tucked away at the end of a dead-end residential street has a small taproom, but an amazing outdoor patio that is very dog-friendly. Part brewery and part distillery, it has a very friendly and welcoming vibe. You’ll find some very unique brews here, like the “Vanilla Milkshake IPA,” which has a large following.
Sip On: Enjoy their craft beers and unique spirits like bourbon and gin.
Snack On: Share a wood-fired pizza or their beer-infused bratwurst.
Half Acre Beer Company Balmoral
Address: 2050 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
I love this laid-back spot on the far north side (just north of Lincoln Square) with a fabulous beer garden that’s open when weather permits. This spacious patio has an industrial vibe and a diverse beer menu that makes it easy to sit back and relax.
The best part? It’s dog-friendly, so you can bring your best friend along with you!
Sip On: Explore their rotating selection of craft brews and seasonal releases. Be sure to try their seasonal draft, LagerTown.
Snack On: Try their loaded nachos or house-made soft pretzels.
Begyle Brewing Company
Address: 1800 W Cuyler Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
This North Center/ Ravenswood microbrewery had a strong following of fans, and it won’t take long before you’re one, too. They have a community-supported brewery program offering members 6 or 12-month growler-fill subscriptions that’s very popular. The welcoming community atmosphere with board games and friendly staff has made this a neighborhood favorite.
Sip On: Explore their rotating beer menu, featuring seasonal and experimental brews.
Snack On: Order a loaded cheese plate to complement your beer choice.
District Brew Yards
417 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
This popular West Loop/ West Town beer bar is the “nation’s first collective brewery, pour-your-own beer hall and shop under one roof.” That’s just part of the charm: you’ll find 40 taps and four breweries under one roof, including the spacious beer garden that’s open throughout the summer and fall. They’ve partnered with LQ Chicken Shack and Lilli Q’s, so you’ll also find some amazing menu items to nosh on.
Sip On: Pink Freud IPA with grapefruit is unique, tart and delicious.
Snack On: Try the Barbeque Tri-Tip sandwich and/or the Prime Brisket with a side of Barbeque Pickles. You’ll thank me later.
Kaiser Tiger
Address: 1415 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
They had me at “Complementary shuttle between Bulls and Hawks games at the United Center.” Seriously, though, this beer garden in the Loop is a must. I like it because it has a lot of shady seating, and as much as I love the sun shady seating is a must sometimes.
It’s a festive vibe at the Kaiser Tiger, especially before or after games, and it’s a great place for a burger or brat. You’ll find lots of bacon dishes on the menu: don’t miss their amazing “Bacon Board” featuring four tasty cuts of Gourmet Bacon, house mustards and toasted Italian Bread.
Snack On: Indulge in bacon-wrapped dates or their signature bacon board.
Sip On: Enjoy their craft beer selection and creative beer cocktails.
Cruz Blanca Cervecería
Address: 904 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Rik Bayless’ casual taco pub and brew pub in Fulton Market is home to a Mexican-inspired beer garden with a lively atmosphere. The food here is next level good. But don’t underestimate the simple in-house beer and chips.
Sip On: Explore their craft beer and mezcal offerings.
Snack On: Share a plate of street-style tacos for a delicious experience.
Navy Pier Beer Garden: Tangled Roots
Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Location, location, location. Am I right? This fun beer garden is set right on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier with amazing views of Lake Michigan. Open May through October, Tangled Roots boasts some of the city’s best views of the lake and skyline. This is a great spot to catch the fireworks at Navy Pier, too. There’s a festive feeling at the Nacy Pier Beer Garden, and you’ll find live music to add to it!
Snack On: Share a plate of beer-battered shrimp with friends.
Sip On: Try their local and regional craft beer options.
The Northman Beer and Cider Garden
Address: 233 East Riverwalk, Chicago, IL 60601
This brewery and cider house on the famed Chicago Riverwalk (the best in the country, in my opinion) is a great spot to sit and people watch while you enjoy one of the tasty ciders and beers on taps. Family-friendly and dog-friendly, you can really kick back and take in some amazing views at this cozy, cider-focused beer garden. Located on the Riverwalk near Wabash Ave.
Sip On: Explore their extensive cider menu featuring local and international options.
Snack On: Pair your cider with artisanal cheese and charcuterie boards.
The J. Parker
Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
Yes, we call the outdoor patio of this chic rooftop bar in Lincoln Park a beer garden. It’s spacious, laid back and always happening. The sweeping views of Lincoln Park and Lake Michigan are some of the best in the city.
Sip On: Explore their extensive beer list, including rare and hard-to-find selections.
Snack On: Enjoy a classic Chicago-style hot dog while you sip.
Sheffield’s Beer & Wine Garden
Address: 3258 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Unique Feature: A spacious beer garden with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
Sip On: Try their signature cocktails and enjoy a wide selection of beers.
Snack On: Share some truffle fries or sliders for a delightful pairing.
More Beer Gardens in Chicago Worth Checking Out
Village Tap
2055 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
This local tavern and gastropub in Roscoe Village has been around for 30 years, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not quite a sports bar but you’ll usually find a game on, some good music and a friendly vibe. They serve some of the best nachos around: a giant plate of Beef short rib, black beans, Monterrey Jack, and Pico de Gallo.
Moodys Pub
5910 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660
This ski lodge-style bar dates back to 1959 (!) and is home to an amazing beer garden out back. People love the Moodyburgers here, but I’ll let you in on a little secret: the Sloopy Joes are pretty amazing. Try on alongside a Goose Island brew.
Open Outcry Brewing
10934 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
You’ll find a spacious and comfortable rooftop beer garden that is open three seasons long; spring, summer and fall. No Italian Beef sandwiches here, but their Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich will make you forget all about them.
Chief O’Neills Pub
3471 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
This popular corner pub is home to one of the biggest beer gardens in the city, with outdoor seating for 300! Also, one of the best Irish bars in Chicago, they have a huge drink menu with many gluten-free ciders.
Cobblestone
4337 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
While not technically a beer garden, the cozy outdoor seating at this popular North Center restaurant is worth checking out.
Even More Chicago Beer Gardens Worth a Visit
- Eris Brewery and Cider House
4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641 - Resi’s Bierstube
2034 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618 - Codys Public House
1658 W Barry Ave, Chicago, IL 60657 - Broken Barrel Bars
2548 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 - Sleeping Village
3734 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 - Off Color Brewing
1460 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642 - Pilot Project Brewing
2140 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647 - Bangers and Lace Wicker Park
1670 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622
Planning a Visit to a Beer Garden in Chicago
When it comes to enjoying the Windy City’s vibrant atmosphere, there’s no better way to savor the moment than by visiting its top-notch beer gardens. From the bustling streets of Wrigleyville to the scenic spots along Lake Michigan, Chicago offers a plethora of beer gardens that cater to every beer enthusiast’s taste.
Chicago’s beer gardens offer a diverse range of experiences, from rooftop elegance to casual community hangouts. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a great place to relax and socialize, these ten beer gardens have something for everyone.
So, grab your friends, pick a spot, and toast to unforgettable moments in the heart of the Windy City’s beer scene. Cheers!