Warm weather equals a cold drink! Whether you are on the search for a good brew or just looking for a place to hang out with friends and kick back, look no further. The western suburbs have some of the most unique breweries around and they thrive on creating one-of-a-kind experiences for their customers. So, grab a friend and head to one of the breweries below for an experience you will not forget!

Skeleton Key Brewery | Woodridge

Skeleton Key Brewery is a craft microbrewery and taproom that focuses on creating classic-style beer with a twist. Enjoy delicious beer, camaraderie, and community in their taproom, or develop an even deeper appreciation for craft beer and get into the nuts and bolts of how this tasty beverage is made. They also have an incubator where a selected individual has the opportunity to gain access to the tools they need to one day open their own brewery. Learn more about their brewery incubator program here.

They are now open indoors and offer curbside pick-up and patio seating.

2 Fools Cider | Naperville

Welcome to Northern Illinois’ first cidery and taproom! 2 Fools Cider opened in December of 2016, and they feature craft ciders, fantastic music, and friendly people. Before opening, their co-founder studied the science behind cider making at Oregon State University. He and his partner then traveled through Michigan in search of the perfect apples that they could use for cider. They wanted their cider to be different and stand out among the mass-produced hard ciders that are already out there. Hence, 2 Fools Cider was born! Fun fact: Their tasting room is outfitted with barn wood from a farm located in Galveston, Indiana as a way to pay tribute to orchardists and farmers!

Ike & Oak Brewing Co. | Woodridge

Ike & Oak Brewing Co. is an independently-owned, local, craft brewery that creates fresh, handcrafted beer and handmade artisan pizzas! They pride themselves on bringing together friends, family, and neighbors to share their passion for creating high-quality brew and food. Their head brewer has been brewing professionally for eight years! With the knowledge and skillset he has gained, and the 10 BBL brewing system that Ike & Oak Brewing Co. offers, he is able to brew smaller batches allowing for more flexibility and creativity.

Alter Brewing Co. | Downers Grove

Creating beer that people love is all it’s about at Alter Brewing Co! This community-crafted and independently-brewed company focuses on building unique experiences for its guests. Their striking and roomy modern-industrial space taproom is the perfect place to enjoy a drink from their rotating tap list of twelve beers. Whether you are searching for a place to hang out with friends or having a unique wedding, their venues are where memories are made. They also have a brew blog where they discuss new beers, what’s coming down the pipeline from the brew team and beer knowledge. They also have a second location in St. Charles along the Fox River.

Whiskey Hill Brewing Co. | Westmont

Whiskey Hill Brewing Co. is a cozy, craft brewery that takes pride in its work and lets creativity flow! Their friendly service, nice intimate atmosphere, and truly, well-crafted brews make you feel like you are right at home. Stop by and try their tasty beers on tap or grab some beers to go! They do not serve food at the Westmont location, but their Woodridge location consists of a taproom and pizza bar. Along with their famous brews, they serve such foods as wings, burgers, pizza, and more!

Dry City Brew Works | Wheaton

If you’re looking for a brewery that is constantly experimenting with new beers and always keeping things fresh, then Dry City Brew Works is the place for you! Dry City Brew Works is a progressive craft brewery located in historic downtown Wheaton. They usually have a half dozen beers on tap as well as non-alcoholic soda. Fun fact: Their walls are lined with rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Two Brothers Tap House | Warrenville

Welcome to the house that independent craft beer built! Two Brothers Tap House is a 40,000-square-foot, full-service brewpub restaurant that offers true, authentic craft beer complemented by delectable artisan dishes. They make everything fresh in their open kitchen and they have all of your favorite Two Brothers’ beers and sodas. Plus, they have eighteen draft lines! There is something to eat and drink for the entire family, so stop by for an experience you will not forget. They also offer beer-to-go (growlers, bottles, 1/6th and 1/2 barrel kegs).

Emmett’s Brewing Co. | Downers Grove

Emmett’s Brewing Co. believes that the key to world-class, small-batch beer is keeping the ingredients global and the brewing local! They thrive on crafting time-honored brews from around the world right in their own backyard. This award-winning brewery has received various bronze, silver, and gold medals from World Beer Cup, Great American Beer Festival, US Open Beer Championships, and more! They also offer thoughtfully prepared American dishes such as steaks, pasta, appetizers, sandwiches, seafood, and nightly specials.

They also have locations in Wheaton, West Dundee, and Palatine. Look for the stripes! Also, check them out on GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats, and OpenTable.