Evanston, IL Brewery Guide

At the end of Chicago’s famous L purple line is a beer lovers playground. Evanston, IL is home to a thriving micro-brewery scene that bleeds into Chicago’s northern neighborhoods. Add these northside breweries to your next Chicago adventure!

Photo credit: Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.

Smylie Brothers Brewing Co.

Address: 1615 Oak Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Taproom Hours:

M-W CLOSED | TH 12:00-8:00 PM | F-SA: 12:00 PM-9:00 PM | S 12:00 PM-8:00 PM

Smylie Brothers Brewing Co. is owned and operated by Mike Smylie, who pays homage to his four brothers. The brewing company is home to a full-service restaurant that includes specialty pizzas, sandwiches, BBQ, and more. Sign-up in advance for a fantastic 60-90 minute brewery tour that includes seasonal samples and a Smylie Brothers pint glass to take home!.

Photo credit: Temperance Beer Co.

Temperance Beer Co.

Address: 2000 West Dempster Street

Taproom Hours:

M-TH 4:00-10:00 PM | F-SA 12:00-10:00 PM | S 12:00-6:00 PM

Temperance Beer Co. has created their atmospheric taproom to be a “place where everyone can feel comfortable to enjoy our beer at its freshest.” Their laid-back vibe has fostered a community of giving amongst staff and patrons. They frequently host events like yoga where 100% of the proceeds go toward a local nonprofit. In addition to yoga, they host brewery tours and other diverse events that include trivia, BBQs, Pure Barre classes, and more. Swing by for a tour, tailgate party, or grab a seat in the taproom. You’ll feel like you’re with old friends whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth.

Photo credit: Sketchbook Brewing Co.

Sketchbook Brewing Co

Address:821 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202

Taproom Hours:

M 2:00-8:00 PM | T-TH 2:00-10:00 PM | F-SA 12:00-10:00 PM | S 12:00- 8:00 PM

Sketchbook Brewing Co. was founded by homebrewers Cesar and Shawn who began filling growlers from an alley brewery. In 2016, Sketchbook opened its first taproom in Evanston. Sketchbook’s unique 19th-century style interior includes tabletops from old bowling alley lanes and is the perfect backdrop for good conversation, weekly live music, and their 12 taps. Sketchbook Brewing Co. has a second location in nearby Skokie, IL.

Howard Street Brewing Company

Address:1617 W Howard St, Chicago, IL 60626

Taproom Hours:

M-W CLOSED | F 4:00 PM-12:00 AM | SA 12:00 PM-1:00 AM | S 12:00-8:00 PM

Howard Street Brewing Company is Chicago’s Northernmost Brewery. While it’s not technically Evanston it is just a stone’s throw away in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. The creator of Howard Street was inspired by the great conversations craft beer lovers share over an excellent pint. The beers here strive to be excellent and to inspire conversation amongst their drinkers. Additionally, Howard Street works to minimize its environmental footprint by focusing on sustainable brewing practices.

Getting married soon? Howard Street offers a brew your own wedding beer package! Grab six of your friends (groomsmen or bridesmaids even!) and swing by to create your unique beer that will be hand-delivered to your wedding venue.

While the completion of the taproom was delayed by the covid-19 pandemic, you can still grab a pint of these delicious beers to-go!

Photo credit: Empirical Brewery

Empirical Brewery

Address:1801 W Foster Ave.Chicago, IL 60640

Taproom Hours:

M CLOSED| T-TH 4:00-9:00 PM | F 4:00-10:00 PM | SA 12:00-10:00 PM | S12:00 PM-8:00 PM

Empirical Brewery is located just south of Evanston in Chicago’s historic Ravenswood neighborhood. Empirical Brewery is a perfect spot to bring your kids (up until 8:00 PM) and your furry children at all hours. The brewers take pride in being big ole beer nerds and treat every brew like a science experiment. There is a beer for every palate at this unique and innovative hidden gem. Empirical welcomes outside food in their taproom or patio, and has partnered with Cinco Mexican Restaurant, REWIRED Pizza Cafe and Bar, and weekly pop-ups from Urban Table.

Photo credit: Double Clutch Brewing

Double Clutch Brewing – Coming Soon!

Address: 2121 Ashland Avenue, Evanston, IL

Taproom Hours: Coming soon

Double Clutch Brewing Company, a new brewery joining the Evanston scene, is expected to open by late September 2021. The 12,000 square foot space is a brewpub, brewery, event space, and classic car showroom. The beer menu will be mainly focused on German-style and homemade pub-style food being offered 7 days a week, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner. With 5 82" TV's in both rooms we are going to be the place to watch the big games.

Be sure to head north on your next Chicago visit and check out all that Evanston has to offer!