Although Chicago has some amazing local breweries, residents who’ve come to the Windy City from other states may be a little homesick for their favorite craft brews. We’ve already helped you find the foods that remind you of your out-of-state roots, so now we’re back to help you find your favorite beers from home as well.
Michigan: Fortunately, it’s not too difficult for Michiganders to find a pint from Bell’s, the Kalamazoo brewery which is well-known even here in Chicago. Sheffield’s was one of the first bars to serve Bell’s, so it's a great place to get your Two-Hearted or Oberon fix. The Map Room boasts two other Michigan favorites, which are a little harder to find: Arcadia Ales from Battle Creek and Founders out of Grand Rapids. Of course, Hopleaf offers even more obscure finds with bottles from Jolly Pumpkin, Dark Horse and Leelanau.Sheffield’s: 3258 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-281-4989The Map Room: 1949 N. Hoyne Ave.; 773-252-7636Hopleaf: 5148 N Clark St.; 773-334-9851
Indiana: Fans of Three Floyds brews should head straight to Small Bar, where a variety of this brewery’s creations is always available (including the revered Gumballhead). You can also find a selection of Three Floyds at Paddy Long’s, including Alpha King on tap. For other Indiana brews like Mishawaka or Barley Island, make a stop at your local Binny’s for a six-pack.Small Bar: 2049 W. Division St.; 773-772-2727. Check website for additional locations.Paddy Long’s: 1028 W. Diversey Ave.; 773-290-6988Binny’s: 213 W. Grand Ave; 312-332-0012. Check website for additional locations.
Wisconsin: When you get sick of Leinenkugel and Miller, head to The Bluebird, which offers a wide variety of bottled brews from Wisconsin. Among their offerings are La Crosse Lager from City Brewery, Riverwest Stein from Lakefront Brewery and Rocky’s Revenge from Tyranena Brewing.The Bluebird: 1749 N. Damen Ave.; 773-486-2473
Ohio: Natives of Ohio will have no trouble locating a pint of a Great Lakes brew in this city. Hopleaf keeps Burning River, Edmund Fitzgerald and Eliot Ness in bottles. Quenchers Saloon is another good option for Great Lakes fans. Like Hoppin’ Frog Brewery out of Akron? Then head to Risque Café, where they typically offer 7 or 8 varieties in bottles.Quenchers Saloon: 2401 N. Western Ave.; 773-276-9730Risque Café: 3419 N. Clark St.; 773-525-7711
West Coast: California transplants can enjoy drinks from some of their favorite home state breweries at Gilt Bar, including North Coast, Anchor Steam and Stone. For a great selection of Rogue Ales from Oregon, head to Risque Café or Edgewater Lounge. Gilt Bar: 230 W. Kinzie St.; 312-464-9544Edgewater Lounge: 5600 N. Ashland Ave.; 773-878-3343
East Coast: For a couple of East Coast faves – Allagash from Maine and Dogfish Head from Delaware – try Fountainhead, which keeps both on tap and in bottles. Several bars also keep Victory Brewing creations in stock, including The Bluebird and Hopleaf.Fountainhead: 1970 W. Montrose Ave.; 773-697-8204