When you're in the Land of Lincoln, a great local brewery is usually only a stone's throw away. But, you do have to know which direction to cast your stone, or you may end up beerless in the middle of a cornfield. Sometimes the best beer in town may be right in front of you without even realizing it — as is the case with this fantastic hidden local brewery in Oak Park, Illinois.
Kinslahger Brewing Company, 6806 Roosevelt Road, is a small-but-mighty local brewery that straddles the border of Oak Park and Berwyn about 20 minutes outside Chicago. Set within a strip of local businesses, you might easily pass by without even realizing the pint-sized brew house is supplying some of the best beers in town.
Cool in the summer and toasty when it's cold, the sleek-yet-casual taproom is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a fresh brew.
Appropriate for the Chicago area, Kinslahger is designed to feel almost like a speakeasy, with round, industrial barstools, a tiled ceiling, rich wood...
...and mood lighting galore. Whether you're on a date, a solo mission, or with a group, the ambiance is unbeatable.
In back of house is where the true magic happens — aka where the beer comes alive. From its somewhat hidden storefront, it's hard to believe such a powerful operation is running here.
The brewery specializes in both flagship and seasonal, special, and rotating beers, some with a historical lean. Mainstays like the Chicago Common, Prohibition Pilsner, IPL lager, and Baltic Porter are must-tries, while the Babygold Pilsner and Babygold Juicy Ale are brewed exclusively for neighboring restaurant and music venue Babygold Barbecue/Fitzgerald's Night Club.
The Val's Helles variety was also brewed in celebration of the iconic record store's 50th anniversary.
Seasonal beers include Oktoberfest flavors, Altbeir, Czech Pils, OakWayn, the New World Lager, a hefeweizen, and my favorite, the bubbly champagne-meets-beer Sauvin Blac. The brewery also partners with organizations to create beers that amplify their messages, like the Black is Beautiful tropical stout, Things We Don't Say IPA, and Rising Hope IPA with fruit.
Those three beers benefit the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, suicide prevention nonprofit Hope for the Day, and the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, respectively.
Not a big beer person but like to enjoy an adult or non-alcoholic beverage with a snack? They've got you covered with cider, wine, cocktails, sodas, and more — great to pair with the taproom's cheese board.
You can't have beer or wine without cheese in the Midwest.
Or, order a fresh pretzel baked by The Daly Bagel to pair with some cheese or mustard.
I'm getting one for each hand.
So, would you take a seat at this hidden local brewery in Oak Park, Illinois? What are you getting poured? Have another go-to local brewery? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip by checking out the Kinslahger Brewing Company website and the Kinslahger Brewing Company Facebook page. And while you're in the area, grab some of the best brisket in Illinois to-go from Babygold and bring it to the bar for a mouthwatering local combo!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!