Organizing an off-site meeting or after-hours corporate event? Skip the standard board room or reception hall and opt for one of these craft Chicago breweries, distilleries, or even a local winery. Attendees will get a taste of authentic local culture, trendsetting culinary experiences, and a laid-back vibe. Plus, many of these Chicago event venues offer additional activities that foster natural team building and networking, such as brewery tours, cocktail classes, tastings, and more.
Breweries
Cruz Blanca Brewery & Taquería
Expertly blending European tradition with Mexican style, this brewery serves up innovative beers (such as Tocayo hominy white ale and Medianoche Imperial Stout), and Oaxacan-style in the trendy West Loop.
Event venue: Private dining available (80 seated) with set menus and packages.
Extra perks: Private brewery tours available.
Contact: (312) 733-1975 or Lisa Carlson at lcarlson@fronterahospitality.com
Moody Tongue
A must for foodies, this sleek modern brewery in the South Loop serves up complex, unique beers such as shaved black truffle pilsner and bourbon barrel-aged chocolate barleywine. Their two spaces include a fine-dining experience and a more casual tap room.
Extra perks: Guided beer tastings and private brewery tours available.
Contact: (312) 351-1533 or clayton@moodytongue.com.
Revolution Brewing
With big, bold flavors and dozens of beer styles, this is the largest independently owned brewery in the state. Bring groups to the brewpub, or rent a private space at the nearby brewery.
Event venues: Kedzie Tap Room (250 cocktail/180 seated) or Brewers Lounge at brewpub (130 cocktail/110 seated), 50 guests minimum. Set menus and packages available.
Extra perks: Private brewery tours are available.
Contact: (773) 588-2267 or request a quote.
Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
A light, airy space with a rustic-chic aesthetic, this is Chicago’s first restaurant and brewery specializing in botanic beers made from all-natural ingredients. Guests can sip on everything from Wildflower Pale Ale to Sublime Ginger wheat beer.
Event Venue: Semi-private dining space (14 seated).
Contact: (312) 929-2202 or info@forbiddenroot.com.
Distilleries
KOVAL Distillery
Using grains sourced from organic farmers, this specialty distillery serves an array of whiskeys, liqueurs, and specialty spirits, from white rye whiskey to jasmine liqueur to barreled peach brandy, in its no-frills tasting room.
Event venue: Company meetings can be booked Mon. and Thurs. from 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. in the private meeting room. Rentals include projection equipment and a screen.
Extra perks: Private tours, cocktail classes, and whiskey workshops are available.
Contact: (312) 878-7988 or info@kovaldistillery.com.
CH Distillery & Cocktail Bar
As Chicago’s only working distillery, restaurant, and bar, this West Loop spot is a convenient, one-stop event venue. Guests can enjoy gourmet pub fare and more than 20 distilled products, including gin, rum, and specialty spirits, served in a sleek, urban space.
Event venue: Capacity for 10 – 100 guests.
Extra perks: Distillery tours and tastings available.
Contact: (312) 988-0009 or events@chdistillery.com.
Rhine Hall Distillery
Tucked away in an industrial area, this small-batch distillery specializes in fruit brandies, from grappa to apple brandy to peach schnapps, served in a trendy, minimalist tasting room.
Event venue: Tasting Room buyout (45 guests).
Extra perks: Private distillery tours, tastings, and cocktail classes available.
Contact: (312) 243-4313 or info@rhinehall.com.
Chicago Distilling Company
A cozy Logan Square distillery with exposed brick walls, this is the place to enjoy conversation and specialty cocktails mixed from handmade spirits.
Event venue: Buyout available (80 seated/100 standing).
Extra perks: Private distillery tours, craft cocktail demonstrations, and cocktail classes are available.
Contact: (872) 206-2774 or drink@chicagodistilling.com.
Winery
City Winery
This upscale yet rustic winery and restaurant harnesses the Old World feel of a vineyard tasting room. The food menu offers an array of Italian and Mediterranean dishes, while the award-winning wine menu boasts more than 400 wine producers from around the world, as well as 20 in-house wines.
Event venues: The Concert Venue (350 cocktail/240 seated); The Barrel Room (225 cocktail/140 seated); The Private Barrel Room (35 cocktail/32 seated); The Mezzanine (80 standing/60 seated). Set menus and packages available.
Extra perks: Winery tours and tastings available. The winery also hosts concerts.
Contact: (312) 229-5989 or eventschicago@citywinery.com.
