Best Beer Gardens for Chicago Brews

Given the amount of amazing bars and restaurants we have here, it’s easy to forget that the Windy City drink scene has so much more to offer than craft cocktails. But, truth be told, there are very few things that refresh you on a hot summer day better than an ice cold beer. And with all the amazing local breweries, you’ll have plenty of options if you’re looking for a delicious brew or two. So as the weather warms up, grab your gang and head to some of our favorite beer gardens in the city…

District Brew Yards {417 North Ashland Avenue, Chicago; 773.295.1270}

Did someone say, “Pour your own beer”...? You heard right. The first of its kind, District Brew Yards is a production brewery, pour-your-own beer hall and shop, all in the heart of Chicago's brewing district. Come for one of their 40 beers on tap and stay for the casual atmosphere and good food.

The Perch {1932 West Division Street, Chicago; 773.486.2739}

This bright and bustling spot is the perfect place to spend a Saturday evening with your people! Munch on the Iron Skillet Cornbread while you sip on the My Dog Ate My Homework Golden Ale and you’ll feel like you’re at the perfect summer cookout. It’s the dream!

Pilot Project Brewing {2140 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.270.5995}

Drink your work week away at this Logan Square spot that’s perfect for happy hour. It’s a local incubator, which means local brewers (first-timers, experts, and everyone in between) can use the space to brew their own dream beer 🍺 You may just find your new favorite pint right within their walls!

Frontier {1072 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago; 773.772.4322}

Frontier might be known for their wide selection of meats, but don’t allow that to make you look past their array of beer. Stop in and try Siepp's Extra Pale Pilsner, one of their many choices on draft, with a big group of your favorite people. After all, the more people you bring, the larger the whole animal you’ll be able to order (we recommend the goat!) 

Central Park Bar {2924 North Central Park Avenue, Chicago; 773.698.6063}

It may not be a 90’s sitcom themed bar (although Friends fans will still love it), but there’s a fire pit, picnic tables, swings and bumper pool. What’s better than that?! Grab a beer from their extensive menu while you sit and chat with your friends for hours and we promise, this will be your new neighborhood haunt! 

Kaiser Tiger {1415 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.243.3100}

Kaiser Tiger, located in the West Loop, offers the perfect setting for a summer Saturday in the city. Truth be told, any place with ice curling in the winter and a beautiful beer garden with both cocktails and a ton of beer to choose from in the summer will catch our attention 🍻

The Northman Beer & Cider Garden on the Riverwalk {233 East Riverwalk, Chicago; 312. 877.5212} 

Do you like beer and do you like the famous Chicago Riverwalk? If you nodded yes, you have to try The Northman Beer & Cider Garden. Take a break from working (or shopping) and sip on a Neighborly Stout while you watch boats pass and people walk by for the perfect way to spend an evening. It’s Chicago summer at its finest 😊

By Madison Freeman, Special Correspondent