Best Bars To Get Local Beer In Chicago

The Daily Meal Staff|Oct. 30, 2014 7:00 am EST

There really is nothing like a good beer at the end of a long day (or week). Beer has become just as diverse and varied as wine and whiskey and beer aficionados do appreciate trying the local brews when they travel, as well as the taste of their own local favorite once back home. Whether you're checking out Chicago on a trip or just enjoy savoring your local beverages, here are five of the best places in the city to get local beers.

Beermiscuous
2812 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(855) 450-2337
www.beermiscuous.com

For a coffeehouse feel as well as a wide selection of local brews, Beermiscuous is your place. Just like your local cafe, you can play board games with friends, just hang out and drink or bring your own work to do while you sip. Pours are available in small or large sizes and the bottles are unique and varied. Beermiscuous does not serve food, but you're welcome to bring your own or order out. There are menus of local restaurants on hand that will deliver. The staff is knowledgeable and has no problem making recommendations if you're overwhelmed by the choices.

Fountainhead
1970 W. Montrose Ave.
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 697-8204
www.fountainheadchicago.com

Fountainhead has a large array of beers to chose from (as well as a fun, unique and locally sourced menu) and a chill, yet classy atmosphere. On nice days, there is a rooftop available with its own bar and taps (as well as a separate menu). The servers are happy to make recommendations if you are blown away by the beer (and extensive whiskey) menu and will not be thrown if you decide to try more than one beer each time you're ready for a new one. The weekends can get crowded and the dining room can be a bit on the noisy side, but nothing outside the normal pub feel.

Related: Best Craft Beers To Serve At Your Summer BBQ

Dryhop
3155 N. Broadway St.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 857-3155
www.dryhopchicago.com

On of the best things about wining and dining at a brewery is that you can take home a growler of your favorite beer should you be so inclined. Be prepared to wait for a table on the busy nights, but a seat at the bar is usually open if you're amenable. Try a beer flight if you're looking to do a sample; there are a good amount of beers brewed on site to offer something for every palate. The food is good, quality bar-style food and complements the beverages well.

Revolution Brewing Co.
2323 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 227-2739
www.revbrew.com

A brewery with a brewpub featuring typical pub fare, you can't go wrong with Revolution's local brews. It also has an event space if you want to plan a work function or a party outside of just a small group meet-and-greet. Reservations are not accepted, so be prepared for a possibly sizeable wait if you come during the busy time, but the beers are worth it. Complimentary tours are available (if you're 21 and up of course) and include a tasting. Check the website first to make sure that the brewery isn't closed for a private event.

Bad Apple
4300 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 360-8406
www.badapplebar.com

If you're looking for a place with a wide variety of local selections and the option to try them all (or as many as possible), look no further than the Bad Apple. It will provide you with single-ounce pours if you're looking to sample a number of local brews. The bottle and tap lists are constantly on rotation, so you can count on something new with every visit. The food is also good and the burgers do come with seasoned fries, seasoning to be chosen by the customer. Bad Apple has an outdoor option for good weather and seats at the bar are available if you'd rather not wait for a table.

Meredith Lyons is an actor, competitive fighter and fitness instructor in Chicago who also owns an amazing cat named Jake. Meredith has been writing on Examiner as the Chicago Martial Arts Examiner since 2008. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.