Chicago’s dynamic brewery scene delivers both flavor and history through its top-notch tours. Getting right to business: The Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour stands out for its authentic Prohibition storytelling and generous beer samples. Over in the Malt Row district, the walking brewery tour offers the city’s most concentrated craft beer experience – perfect for understanding local brewing techniques.
For beer lovers who want extra value, the Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour brilliantly pairs America’s motorcycle culture with Wisconsin brewing traditions. Meanwhile, the Chicago Local Brewery Expedition earns points for its clever food pairings, particularly the fresh guacamole that complements each tasting.
The Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus deserves special mention for its intimate nano-brewery access and fun group activities.
Our carefully selected tours showcase the best of Chicago’s craft beer culture:
Key Points
- The Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour offers a highly rated (97%) immersive experience with 45-55 ounces of craft beer sampling in a Prohibition-era styled bus.
- The Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour provides a well-rounded exploration of motorcycle and brewing heritage, with additional admission fees for select attractions.
- The Chicago Local Brewery Expedition With Homemade Guacamole offers a unique food and craft beer pairing experience, accommodating groups of up to 20 travelers.
- The Chicago: Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour is a 3-hour exploration of the craft beer scene, visiting popular breweries without any included beer samples.
- The Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus offers a 4-hour immersive brewery experience with approximately 45-55 ounces of craft beer, a VIP tour, and interactive party games.
Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
For those seeking a unique and immersive craft beer experience in Chicago, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour offers an exceptional opportunity.
With a near-perfect 97% recommendation rate from 269 travelers, this tour provides an intimate exploration of the city’s thriving craft beer scene. Guests can expect to sample an impressive 45-55 ounces of craft beer while touring the city in a distinctive Prohibition-era styled barrel bus.
The tour includes visits to various breweries, each with its own unique qualities, along with a behind-the-scenes tour of a production facility to gain insights into the brewing process. The experience is further enhanced by the knowledgeable guide’s live commentary and the opportunity for social interaction among participants.
Rated 4.9 out of 5, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour promises a fun, informative, and memorable adventure for craft beer enthusiasts.
Closed-toe shoes are required for the production facility tour, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour
The Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and experience the vibrant brewing culture of Milwaukee. Priced from Kč 2,988 per person, this one-day tour departs from Millennium Park Welcome Center in Chicago, allowing participants to explore the iconic brand’s past at the Harley-Davidson Museum and optionally visit the Milwaukee Public Market and Miller Brewery.
The tour includes a professional driver and guide, transportation, and taxes, while admission fees to the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Public Market, and Miller Brewery are extra.
Guests can enjoy exploring the museum, learning about brewing, and sampling beer, with the option to also admire the Milwaukee Art Museum.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available. Reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and overall enjoyable experiences, making this tour a compelling choice for those seeking a well-rounded exploration of Milwaukee’s renowned motorcycle and brewing heritage.
Read our full review: Chicago: Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum & Brewery Day Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Chicago Local Brewery Expedition With Homemade Guacamole
Crafting an immersive exploration of Chicago’s vibrant local beer scene, the Chicago Local Brewery Expedition With Homemade Guacamole takes participants on a captivating journey through the city’s most acclaimed breweries.
Priced from $54 per person, the tour accommodates up to 20 travelers, offering a sampling of 15 ounces of craft beer across 3-5 ounce glasses. Complementing the beer tastings are homemade guacamole and corn tortillas prepared by Chef Carla, providing a delectable pairing.
The tour begins at 1725 W Hubbard St and concludes at 417 N Ashland Ave after visiting 4 local breweries.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and located near public transportation, though not recommended for pregnant travelers.
With a single 5-star review, the expedition promises a knowledgeable guide and an opportunity to experience Chicago’s burgeoning craft beer culture. Gratuities are excluded but appreciated, and review verification ensures an authentic experience.
Read our full review: Chicago Local Brewery Expedition With Homemade Guacamole Review
Book now: Check availability
Chicago: Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour
Priced from $25.00 per person, the Chicago: Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour offers a captivating 3-hour exploration of the city’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Capped at 10 participants, this English-language tour showcases three renowned local breweries: Begyle Brewing, Dovetail Brewery, and Cultivate by Forbidden Root.
Guests will enjoy reserved seating and exclusive discounts at each stop, as well as recommendations from the knowledgeable tour guide.
The walking distances between the breweries range from 5 to 15 minutes, providing a leisurely pace to soak in the historical information and fun facts about Chicago’s brewing heritage.
While the tour doesn’t include beer samples due to local laws, visitors can purchase drinks and merchandise to enjoy the Oktoberfest-inspired experience to the fullest.
With a 5/5 rating from a single review, this tour promises an immersive and informative journey through the city’s thriving craft beer culture.
Read our full review: Chicago: Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus
An immersive 4-hour Chicago Craft Brewery Tour awaits visitors aboard a unique barrel-shaped bus. For $99.60 per person, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes experience at three distinct breweries, allowing participants to sample approximately 45-55 ounces of craft beer.
The tour includes a VIP tour at a top nano-brewery, live commentary from a professional guide, and interactive party games to engage fellow participants.
Suitable for adults 21 and older, the tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as rain or shine operation. Participants should bring a valid ID and wear closed-toe shoes.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 40 reviews, the tour is praised for its fun experience, knowledgeable guides, and great beer variety. The barrel-shaped bus and the unique brewery visits are highlighted as the tour’s key draws.
Offering a reserve now, pay later option, this craft brewery tour provides a memorable and immersive way to explore Chicago’s vibrant beer scene.
Read our full review: Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?
Typically, visitors are allowed to bring their own food on brewery tours and tastings. However, it’s best to check with the specific brewery beforehand, as some may have policies restricting outside food or recommend purchasing snacks on-site.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Most brewery tours are wheelchair accessible, with staff typically happy to accommodate guests with disabilities. It’s best to inquire about accessibility when booking to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Can I Purchase Beer to Take Home?
Most breweries allow visitors to purchase beer to take home after their tour and tasting. This is a convenient option for those who enjoyed the beer they sampled and want to continue the experience at home.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tours?
Most brewery tours have age restrictions, typically requiring participants to be at least 21 years old. This ensures compliance with local laws and provides a safe, enjoyable experience for all attendees. It’s wise to check the specific age policy before booking a tour.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Many brewery tours accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free or vegetarian/vegan options. It’s best to inquire about specific offerings when booking to ensure the tour can cater to any special dietary needs.
Recap
The article presents a range of brewery tours and tastings in Chicago, catering to various interests. From the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour to the Oktoberfest Malt Row Walking Brewery Tour, there’s something for every beer enthusiast. These experiences offer an opportunity to explore the city’s vibrant craft beer scene, sample locally-brewed offerings, and gain insight into the brewing process. For visitors and locals alike, these tours provide a unique and informative way to discover Chicago’s thriving beer culture.