Illinois is a great state for beer lovers. In fact, its capital Springfield is actually considered the best city in the state for beer drinkers. Even the small town where I grew up has its own award-winning local winery. And while all these places find a way to distinguish themselves, only one brewery so far has gone where no other in the state yet has. Let's take a look at the very first non-alcoholic brewery in Illinois!
Go Brewing, 1665 Quincy Ave. #155, is located in an industrial strip tucked away in a parking lot in suburban Naperville, about 40 minutes west of Chicago.
The brewery is the first of its kind in the state, specializing in non-alcoholic and low-alcoholic beers.
It has a welcoming taproom with warm lighting, wood accents, gold Sputnik light fixtures, cozy leather couches, high-top tables, and a colorful mural.
The space also has a stage for open mic nights, live music, and health and fitness-related demonstrations. The brewery works to not only be a place for delicious drinks, but also a community for people who want to have a great time, without the negative effects of alcohol.
A common motto used by the brewery is, "Remember Tomorrow." According to the company, "There’s always something to celebrate. You want to grab drinks with friends. You don’t want to wake up feeling like crap. And the two shouldn’t be mutually exclusive."
A refreshing beer without the hangover (while hanging out in this sweet taproom)? Yes, please!
Since 2021, the brewers have been working to perfect its beer line with a focus on "people just like you [who] enjoy brews that taste good and are better for you."
It opened its Naperville taproom to the public in the fall of 2022, and has since become a huge hit locally and statewide.
The brewery now has a strong line of flagship beers, such popular Prophets Hazy IPA.
This is one of my husband's favorites — and I have to agree! It's super refreshing year-round, but especially in the summer.
Porters, red ales, and lagers are also usually found on tap, offering rich, full-bodied flavor.
The brewery also showcases a fun list of new, seasonal, and rotating flavors — meaning there's something for everyone. I'm practically obsessed with the Sunshine State Tropical IPA, which has juicy notes of mango and peach.
My other personal favorite is the Grapefruit IPA.
Most of the beers are under 0.5% ABV, though there are also sometimes low-alcohol choices as well as guest spots on the tap from other local breweries — such as Noon Whistle and Two Fools Cider.
Fans of the brewery also love the frequent events and special themed nights held there. From bag tournaments to casino night to makers markets to Valentine's Day specials, there is usually something fun on the schedule.
Health and fitness is another major component of the brewery, with regular yoga sessions, a run club, and workouts on the patio. The post-workout reward? An ice-cold beer, of course.
Or how about some breathwork followed by a cold plunge? Then you can see what it feels like to be a beer, yourself!
So, would you check out the first non-alcoholic brewery in Illinois? Where's your go-to brewery, winery, or bar in the Prairie State? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by visiting the Go Brewing website and the Go Brewing Facebook page. And while you're in Naperville, make an afternoon out of it! It's one of the best places in Illinois for a day trip.
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