5 Most Popular Chicago Breweries

Chicago boasts the title of the nation's craft brewery capital and over the past ten years has become one of the greatest beer destinations in the country. Throughout its history, Chicagoans have always been passionate about beer. While the days of Old Style may be fading, bars and restaurants across the city have welcomed the local craft boom with open arms.

But competition is tough with over 200 breweries in the metro-area. With market maturity and saturation, it can be difficult to cut through the noise and reach consumers. So which local breweries are doing the best?

In an effort to find out, we dove into data from 2019 where we analyze over 150 million servings of alcohol sold on Provi to on-premise bars and restaurants in Chicago. These Chicagoland breweries are at the top of their game and have created a cult local following that consumers can't get enough of when dining or imbibing while out on the town.

5 Most Popular Chicago Craft Breweries

5. Maplewood

Located on the Northwest side, Maplewood Brewery & Distillery has become a favorite amongst Chicagoans over the last few years. And in 2019, Maplewood made it to the top five with 3.87% share of Chicago craft brewery sales in the on-premise. In recent years, the brewery has been on our radar considering it has consistently made it on our list of fastest growing local brands. Last year was no different. From 2018 to 2019 the brand increased its share of local craft volume by 78%, which makes it the fourth fastest growing local brewery in the city.

4. Off Color

Off Color Brewing has officially risen to the top five. This local sweetheart is known for its experimental beers and for making previously forgotten styles popular once again. This small but mighty brewery accounted for 5.28% of local craft beer volume last year which makes it the fourth most popular Chicagoland brewery. Off Color Brewing also landed on the list of fastest growing breweries due to its 16% growth in share from 2018.

3. 3 Floyds Brewing

Nestled on the outskirts of the Chicago metro area, the third most popular brewery on the list barley made the cut. However, its outlying location hasn't had a negative impact on the brewery's success in Chicago. Last year, the brewery accounted for 18.19% of local craft volume ordered on Provi, making it the third most popular Chicagoland brewery. Also coming in third was it's flagship beer— Gumballhead— which accounted for 8.59% of total local craft sales. 

2. Half Acre Beer Co.

Founded in 2006, Half Acre Beer Co. has become a staple in Chicago over the past fourteen years. This jewel of the North Side accounted for 18.61% of craft beer in 2019, making it the second most popular brewery in the city's on-premise. The popularity of its seasonal and limited-releases also garnered Half Acre with another title: brewery with the most beers featured in the list of best selling products in 2019.

1. Revolution Brewing

As Illinois largest brewery, Revolution Brewing has cemented itself in the fabric of Chicago's craft beer scene. With its continual growth and local name recognition, it should come as no surprise that Revolution Brewing is the most popular brewery in the metropolitan area— accounting for 24.16% of local craft beer sales. The brewery not only claims the number one overall spot, but also produces the most popular beer in the city: Anti-Hero IPA.