Pennsylvania beer folks already know how to do this: the ideal way to view an area of beer-making isn’t through a car window, but from the seat of a bicycle, and no one will be holding their nose to keep them from enjoying a second pint. With over 160 breweries to stop at and a flat grid and lakefront path, Chicago is an easy city to explore on foot or by bike. Snacking along the waterfront or in the neighborhood will be a leisurely experience of the Chicago brewing scene, with local taprooms in between.
First, sort out bike rental in Chicago. An electric bike makes it an easy afternoon ride to unwind at the brewery in the town’s heart, just 20 miles down the road. This is a route that will work with some ideas of where to stop and how.
Why an Electric Bike and Not a Regular One
Chicago is not a hilly place, but it is a big place! There are several breweries to visit, from northwest Logan Square to Bridgeport on the South Side, and a full tour can be made as long as 25 miles. It’s a workout on a standard bike, a cruise on an e-bike. But it’s also important when you’re on the way home, and a lake wind chooses to blow in your face for six miles along the lake’s edge. Apart from that, e-bikes are just more convenient following a tasting flight. You pedal, the motor pedals along, and you never have to grind up an overpass with four ounces of imperial stout in your system. Assist = on, speed = not too fast, and ride = still relaxed.
Today, the Northwest Side.First day: the Northwest Side.
Begin at Logan Square, the city’s new hub for brewers. The obvious anchor is Revolution Brewing’s Kedzie taproom and its seemingly never-ending list (which is hoppy, as opposed to bitter). It’s then a 10-minute trip south through the Milwaukee Avenue bike lane to Pilot Project, a brewery incubator where some smaller breweries share a single taproom, and you’ll be able to fly to four different breweries in one trip.
Take the 606 elevated path (no cars) to go east through the Wicker Park community location, and then head down to the location of Goose Island’s Fulton Street in the West Loop. The big name, but the barrel-aged program remains one of the best in the Midwest, and the tour is well worth the hour. End the day at Forbidden Root in West Town, a brewery using botanicals, which is a strong case that their beer events don’t necessarily taste like beer. At this point you’ll have traveled about 12 miles, no big deal for an e-bike.
Day Two will be the South Side loop.
The second day is longer and more fruitful. Start at Marz Community Brewing in Bridgeport, a city and neighborhood that is receiving long-overdue attention. Marz is weird, and in all the best ways: experimental lagers, fruited sours and a taproom that’s also an art space. Then head north up Halsted to Pilsen and Lo Rez Brewing, a relaxed brewery offering some great saisons.
Follow the Lakefront Trail, Chicago’s fabulous bicycle asset. 18 miles of toll-free roadway along Lake Michigan on one side and water on the other. Take it north to Lincoln Park and then cut inland to Half Acre’s Lincoln Avenue taproom, where half of Chicago drinks pale ale daisy cutter. If legs and liver permit, stop at Dovetail in Ravenswood for the city’s finest lagers and a hefeweizen that could stand up to Bavaria’s. Distance covered for the day: approximately 20 miles, of which 19 were done on protected routes.
Practical Notes
On the majority of streets in Chicago, as well as the Lakefront Trail, e-bikes are regulated in the same manner as standard bicycles, and are limited to 20 mph for Class 1 and 2 e-bikes. If available, ride in bike lanes; use bike lights at night; and keep in mind that the Lakefront Trail is frequented during the summer weekend. Keep all locks closed at all stops. Most breweries have racks and a good U-lock, and the built-in bike wheel lock is sufficient for a 90-minute visit. In the morning, see how the battery is doing before leaving; a full charge on a battery will last the whole day. Delivery-grade e-bikes cover 40 to 60 miles, which is more than either day requires.
When planning a Chicago brewery ride, there’s a lot of fun to be had. A bicycle is a vehicle under Illinois law; therefore, bicyclists should never ride after drinking and should make sure to get to and from the taproom safely. Spend your time at the brewery at your own pace, sample food if you’re doing a beer tasting, drink plenty of water, and plan for the longest legs of the hike before heading to the breweries.
Why Rent Instead of Bringing Your Own
Driving from Pittsburgh or Philadelphia with a bike on the roof is doable, but it means a car in Chicago, and a car in Chicago means $40 parking at every stop. Flying with an e-bike is nearly impossible because airlines will not take the battery. Renting locally solves both problems: pick up a charged bike near your hotel, ride all weekend, return it Sunday night. Monthly rental plans also make sense for anyone staying longer, and some operators include maintenance and theft coverage in the price.
What to Pack
Keep it light. Everything you pick up at a brewery can be stowed away in a pannier, or a bag hanging from the rear rack; just a small backpack with a water bottle, a rain shell, and a bottle opener is all you need. The Lakefront Trail is a sunny, sun-drenched road with no shade to be found for miles and miles, and sunscreen is important. Printed or downloaded maps are also helpful as the batteries don’t like a full day of navigation and photos.
Beyond the Breweries: Chicago’s Lakefront at Sunset
Allow time for the ride in the program. At sunset, the views from Chicago’s Lakefront Trail reflect the water’s fading hues and illuminate the skyline with the lights of the Hancock building. That calm stretch of the lake offers a respite from the area’s taprooms and local craft beers. The whole trip may be inspired by the beer collabs, but the views of the city make it memorable.
