Your guide to the essential beers of Chicago.

Hopleaf Pale Ale

While the English pale ale isn’t the best drink in Chicago, the Hopleaf Bar located in Andersonville is the go-to spot to find any local or international beer in the city.

Lagunitas IPA

From Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ to Aunt Sally, ever since Lagunitas opened their gigantic Chicago brewery, they have taken over the beer market with their IPAs.

Daisy Cutter

Cheapish and hoppy, the Daisy Cutter beer from the Half Acre brewery is a great drink to kickoff a novice craft beer hobby.

Anti-Hero

The supremely aromatic, crisp, and drinkable IPA is one of the best beers to come out of Revolution Brewing.

Two Hearted Ale

The best out of Bell’s Brewery, Two Hearted Ale beer brings a floral hop and a citrus flavor to the mouth, creating an all around tasteful beer.

Chicago Pilsener

Located in the South Loop, the Baderbräu Brewery provides a Czech-style pilsner beer that’d be a new taste to most and the Chicago Pilsener is a great place to start.

Old Style Lager

The least complex on the list, Old Style may be one of Chicago’s most iconic beers yet surprisingly it’s never actually brewed in the state.

Goose Island’s 312

The most popular of Goose Island’s collection, the Chicago inspired beer brings a refreshing crisp and fruity ale flavor to the mouth.