17 Chicago Breweries That Welcome Dogs Inside

No need to leave your pal home on the couch–these Chicago and suburban breweries are so dog-friendly, your buddy just mutt end up a regular! Just be sure to remind your pup that if she wants to party like people, she’ll have to be on her best behavior.

Alarmist Brewing – Chicago
The North Side’s beloved Alarmist Brewing aims to bring drinkers and dogs together for conversation and camaraderie. One reviewer describes Alarmist as catering to “dog lovers, cat apologists, [and] those who have dogs with beards.” There’s plenty of parking (yay!), and the Valley Line Trail is nearby, too.

Begyle Brewing – Chicago
Regarded by one online reviewer as “one of the most poppin’ breweries for doggos,” this community-supported microbrewery is a killer spot to knock a few back with Fido. Wanna make a day of it? Mosey on down the street to Challenger Playlot Dog Park at Gill Park.

Blue Island Beer Company – Blue Island
Unpretentious and highly revered by locals, Blue Island Beer Co. is described by reviewers as “a great place for a pup to relax” and enjoy art and live music. Underground Communique (Imperial Stout/liquid time machine) packs a full-bodied punch at 10% ABV, so make sure your dog is game to be DD. Hop in for live acoustic bluegrass the first Wednesday of the month.

Blue Nose Brewery – Hodgkins
Blue noses are some of the most loving dogs in the world, so it’s no surprise that this cool spot has thoughtfully included it all: darts, pool, foosball, and of course, a big, cute doggo on the wall. With loads of juicy beers and USB ports aplenty, Blue Nose is a grrreat place to recharge after hiking the Cook County Forest Preserve with your pup.

Church Street Brewing – Itasca
Itasca’s Church Street Brewery boasts an intimate atmosphere with welcoming staff, delicious brews, and very good dogs. And with Itasca’s very own brand new dog park opening Spring 2019, we think a car ride (did someone say car ride?!) is in order.

Dovetail Brewery – Chicago
Just a quick walk from Challenger Playlot Dog Park at Gill Park, Dovetail offers tasty takes on storied European faves. Their chill taproom is a favorite for sipping on house-brewed beers, and they’re so dog friendly that one reviewer says you may even feel like you’re “in that Star Wars bar, only the aliens are all four-legged, furry, and really cute.”

Empirical Brewing – Chicago
The crew at Empirical is just like us: they love beer and they love animals. A feral colony of working (and tweeting) cats from Tree House Humane Society keep things running smoothly on the brew side of things so dogs and their humans can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the taproom. Turns out it really does take a village!

Flesk Brewing Company – Barrington
Chill and inviting, Barrington’s Flesk Brewing is a great place to unwind with your best friend. They also offer a cider and wine program, for hoomans into that scene. Just make sure you stay sober enough to drive your dog to Baker Lake for some bird watching and a trail walk after or you’ll never hear the end of it.

Kings and Convicts Brewing Company –  Highwood
Highwood’s Kings & Convicts has reviewers driving in regularly from Wisconsin, and fur good reason: their juicy King’s Bitch IPA has both a buxom nose and a cute but *very tough* bulldog on the can. Luckily for the bike-loving dog, this brewery’s just a few minutes down the road from the Robert McClory Bike Path, a pretty trail that is part of the Rails to Trails program, which converts old railroads for recreational use.

Light the Lamp Brewery – Grayslake
Light the Lamp offers gutsy roster of hockey-themed brews, like their signature 1980 Miracle American Ale and their Nitro-charged amber Red Line Ale. If your dog is a Blackhawks fan, it’s a great place to catch a game; if he’s more of an academic, bring him in for Thursday trivia.

Lo Rez – Chicago
Hailed as a “great place to pet other people’s dogs,” Lo Rez keeps its loyal canine following wagging their tails. Known for kind, knowledgeable staff and creative beers with names lovingly selected by its tech-expat owners, Lo Rez is a thoughtful, fun addition to Pilsen’s growing brew scene.

Metal Monkey Brewing – Romeoville
One reviewer describes Metal Monkey’s patrons as exuding “the soft glow of pure bliss,” and she wasn’t just talking about the look you’ll catch on your dog’s face once she sees all the plush monkeys inside. The popular Romeoville brewery posts its weekend food truck schedule inside and online and has to be among the most generous brew crew in all of Chicagoland: teachers get 20% off on Fridays from 3-7, and military, law enforcement, first responders, and K9s get 20% off on Mondays.

Miskatonic Brewing Company – Darien
Galvanized by beer glitches and decked out in street art (and dart boards), Darien’s Miskatonic is a top pick for experimental, unexpected brews. Stop in for a delicious brew after bringing your dog to explore nearby Waterfall Glen, which is just as magical as the name would imply. Heads up: there’s a no-cash policy, so bring your card.

Motor Row Brewing – Chicago
Nestled into Chicago’s famed Motor Row Historic Landmark District, this much-adored brewery’s exposed brick and stainless steel aesthetic serve as a love letter to dog days gone by. Working dogs will appreciate its rugged vibe; all dogs will appreciate the free popcorn. Walk it off with a trip to Fred Anderson Dog Park–it’s just a 15-minute stroll away.

Tighthead Brewing Company – Mundelein
We know there’s a story to Old Kaya Dog, Tighthead’s seasonal barrel-aged 9.7 ABV Barleywine, but we think it might make us tear up. Treat yourselves to a day pass for nearby Independence Grove Dog Park, 30 lush acres of fenced-in wonderland just down the road in Libertyville–he deserves it.

Vice District Brewing Company – Chicago
Described by reviewers as “super dog friendly” (heck, they’ve even hosted a VIP Party for #pugstakechicago!), South Loop’s Vice District boasts an intimate, industrial atmosphere and BYOF (food) policy. Founded on core values of diversity and inclusion, the microbrewery prides itself on building community over a common Chicago identity. It features both adult and family-oriented board games, so even families with young pups can get in on the fun.

Whiner Beer Company – Chicago
A Back of the Yards diamond in the rough dripping in globe lights, this brewery can wow human and canine fans on looks alone! Located in former meatpacking plant-turned-vertical garden and net-zero business incubator The Plant, Whiner’s progressive practices and reputation for being “dog friendly and delighted at the idea of you and your pup coming by” have been winning hearts since it opened in 2016.

What other dog-friendly-inside breweries should we add to this list? Woof at us in the comments.

(Photo by @begylebrewing)

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