Botanical brews, pizza pairings and revolution in beer. Discover the craft brews of Milwaukee Avenue.

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Clustered around Milwaukee Ave are a collection of Chicago craft breweries that are taking the world of Chicago brewing by storm. Take a wild journey through the unique and wondrous world of Chicago brewing.

Milwaukee Avenue Craft Brews

A champion for hops, Revolution Brewing is the king of the independent brewing scene.

Raising the banners, mustering the troops and storming the streets, Revolution Brewing is a name unlike any other in the world of craft beer. In 1995 a young man named Josh Deth got a job working at Golden Prairie Brewing. Josh slowly worked scrubbing tanks as a novice until he got a job as a cellarman and brewpub brewer at Goose Island, where he dreamt up the concept for Revolution Brewing. After a few failed attempts at opening a brewery, Revolution finally opened for business in 2010.

Today, Revolution Brewing is the largest independently owned brewery in Illinois and sells its iconic IPAs in seven states across America. There are a number of factors that have contributed to Revolution’s success; not the least of which is their brilliant branding tactics that have given rise to not only the noticeably artistic six packs that you can spot on the self of most Illinois grocery stores, but also Revolution’s own comic book series. Get an exclusive behind the scenes look below.

The League of Heroes is Revolution’s hoppy looking cohort of comic characters each each of whom has a corresponding IPA. The leader of the group is Anti-hero, which is also Revolution’s number one seller making up 45 percent of all Revolution’s beer sales. 

Besides their artistic leanings and brilliant branding, Revolution is also bringing its one-of-a-kind style to Chicago charities. Recently, Revolution brought in 68 of their female employees to teach them how to brew their Spirit of Revolt Imperial IPA, they then threw two separate parties where all the proceeds from Spirit of Revolt went to Connections for Abused Women and their Children in Chicago. Revolution is involved with a number of charities throughout the year and have even gone so far as to instal beehives on their roof to help the bee population. 

Artistic events, charity parties, devilishly charming branding and innovative beer are all details that have given rise to this new powerhouse in Chicago craft beer. Revolution Brewing is taking craft brewing in Chicago to an entirely new level. 

Cover Photo Credit: revbrewingchicago via Instagram

Revolution Brewing

At Chicago's first and only botanical brewery a lot more than hops goes into the beer.

On a snazzy section of W. Chicago Ave where peculiar buildings are covered in exquisite graffiti, there is an almost mystical place. Forbidden Root Brewery is Chicago’s first and only botanical brewery. Inside is a low-lit room with a hopping circular bar where beers with names like Snoochie Boochies, Fig Dubbel and Cherrytree Amaro are sold. On the walls, a daunting collection of herbs, roots and botanics are displayed in massive glass jars. Stepping into Forbidden Root is like entering a fantasy tavern run by medieval botanists, alchemists and herb masters - a style the owners embrace.

Self titled as “The Root Master,” Robert Finkel founded Forbidden Root after fleeing the harsh world of venture capitalism to pursue his passion for beer. A world traveler, entrepreneur and charity organizer, Finkel is Forbidden Root’s wizard behind the curtain. Hidden away on the upper floors of the brewpub is Finkel’s collection of honey, rare herbs and antique trinkets gathered from far and wide- a magical source of inspiration for the brewery’s creative botanical beers.

The Root Master’s number two is The Alchemist. Randy Mosher is Forbidden Root’s exotic beer expert and has been crafting strange and wild brews since the 80’s. He has published five books on the subject of brewing and is a major influence in the unique brewing techniques practiced at Forbidden Root.


Forbidden Root is a brewery that values creativity. Not only can you find beers with ingredients like rhubarb root, saffron and wormwood, but you can also experience an array of meals and beer-food pairings that push the limits of culinary creativity. Dan Weiland, Forbidden Root’s executive chef, is the mind behind one such innovative food item- the Forbidden Root Float. A combination of Strawberry Basil beer, pistachio gelato, strawberry granita, basil syrup and of course, whipped cream, the Forbidden Root Float is yet another almost magical addition to this unique Chicago Brewery.

Each month, Dan works with the brewer's to prepare a prix-fixe menu of food perfectly tailored to the current brews. It's a new way to experience craft beers, simply known as the Beer Dinner. There's always an event brewing at Forbidden Root, find out when the next one is below!

With beer brewed from a universe of unique ingredients, Forbidden Root has brought a never before seen element into the world of Chicago breweries. Wild ingredients, creative food, and a mystical environment are part of what has made Forbidden Root a spectacularly and innovative beer experience.  Check out the how the brews get inspired in the video below. 

Cover Photo Credit: forbiddenroot via Instagram

Forbidden Root

On May 4th, 1886 a bomb went off in a crowd protesting for workers rights. This occurrence later became known as the Haymarket affair and lead directly to the establishment of an eight hour work day and the holiday May Day. It is from this affair that the Haymarket Pub and Brewery gets its name.

On its webpage, Haymarket describes itself as “a bar for working people — all kinds of working people: first responders, truck drivers, IT technicians, dentists, lawyers, electricians, chefs, brewers…anyone who wants a place to come and put down their hat after a long day on the job.”  Haymarket opened its doors on Christmas eve 2010 and since then they have lived up to their mission to provide a sanctuary for the working fellow.

With a menu of affordable pub food, and a beer list branching in all sorts of directions, Haymarket specializes in brewing classic Belgian and contemporary American beer. Haymarket’s brewmaster, Pete Crowley, has won over 75 local, national and international brewing awards — including medals from the World Beer Cup, the Great American Beer Festival and the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer.

Haymarket is also home to the Drinking and Writing Theatre, a theatre that the founders started on a mission to explore the connection between creativity and alcohol. The founders of Drinking and Writing Theatre write original work that they are constantly performing at Haymarket. With music shows, theatre events and excellent beer, Haymarket is a beer house for everyone.

Cover Photo Credit: haymarketpubandbrewery via Instagram

Haymarket Pub and Brewery

The new beer on the block is making it's case for crisp clean flavor.

At first glance, Hopewell Brewing Co. looks a lot more like a hipster coffee shop than a brewery. With minimalist wood-paneled walls and lonely lightbulbs that jut over the stool lined tables, you might expect to see folks sipping on lattes, but it is beer that fills their cups instead.

Hopewell Brewing Co. was founded by three friends who happen to be Chicago locals. Jonathan Fritz, Samantha Lee and Stephen Bossu opened their peculiar new brewery in 2016. Their plan was to create a brewery that was a contrast to the dingy and dimly lit tap rooms and pubs that are scattered across Chicago. When Hopewell Brewing Co came onto the scene, the goal was to stand out.

The overarching feeling at Hopewell Brewing Co. is one of comfort. It is a welcoming and warm environment that invites you in with its pleasant decor and kind atmosphere. Even the name Hopewell was conceived as a deeply midwest word, with no other purpose than to be inviting and make customers feel good. Fritz describes the beer at Hopewell as bright, clean and inviting. The feeling goes all the way down to the coasters proclaiming “beer inspired doodles go here.” 

With two successful years under their belt, Hopewell has decided to expand their business and are now undergoing construction so they can bring their beer to more Chicago locations. Although a relatively new player among Chicago craft breweries, Hopewell Brewing Co. is already standing out as a contrasting and comfortable alternative to Chicago taprooms.   

Cover Photo Credit: hopewellbrewingco via Instagram

Hopewell Brewing Co.

Pioneering the Craft Brew scene in Chicago with beer, pizza and live music

In the land of deep dish pizza it is a dangerous thing to peddle thin-crust pies, but with some unstoppable beer at its side, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria has brought a slice of skinny civilization to the brutal world of deep dish.

Cozy and comforting, warm and inviting, Piece appears the quintessential pizza place, but one look at the wall of medals tells you it's a bit more than that. The World Beer Cup is the world’s most prestigious beer competition. With breweries from all over the world competing, a tiny Chicago pizzeria might seem like a small contestant at such an event, but time after time, Piece has brought home the bronze, silver and gold with over 28 awards to their name. 

Part of what has given the pizzeria its success is Jonathan Cutler, the head brewer at Piece. Culter started brewing in his fifth year at college after he had changed his major numerous times and still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. In brewing, Cutler found a new passion. He called his dad and told him he wanted to drop out of school to brew beer. After a moment’s pause Jonathan’s dad made him a deal. As long Jonathan graduated college, his dad would give him the money he needed to start a career in brewing. The first thing Culter did after hanging up the phone was rush to the school advisors. He asked them what he needed to do to graduate as fast as he could and in no time at all Jonathan Cutler was on his way to brewing beer. Despite his success as a brewer, Culter remains humble, “I’m just trying not to suck,” he says and gives much of the credit to his parents for supporting him while he was studying.

However, the beer and pizza at Piece hasn’t just attracted the attention of brewers and foodies. It has also drawn in musicians with its full-bodied brews and pies. Not only is Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters a somewhat steady patron of Piece, but Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick is actually a part owner of the restaurant. Although Nielsen doesn’t get to Chicago much, you can spot bits of Cheap Trick memorabilia decorating the walls of Piece.

At first, Piece Brewery and Pizzera looks like an unassuming restaurant, but with its lovingly made pizza and it’s perfectly crafted beers, it has become a powerhouse in Chicago craft brewing. 

Cover Photo Credit: piecechicago via Instagram

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

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Milwaukee Avenue Craft Brews

Revolution Brewing

Revolution Brewing

Forbidden Root

Forbidden Root

Haymarket Pub and Brewery

Haymarket Pub and Brewery

Hopewell Brewing Co.

Hopewell Brewing Co.

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

Piece Brewery and Pizzeria

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