This content was originally published by The Hop Review, a digital magazine that joined the Hop Culture family in March 2020.
This piece was written by Nick Costa.
SOUTH SIDE, CHICAGO
2019 Chicago Brewery Bracket:
South – Rd. 1
March is here. And that means it’s time for our annual Readers’ Choice Chicago Brewery Bracket. For 2019, we are back with 64 of Chicagoland’s top breweries, with seeds not-so-scientifically-based on production, reputation, years in operation, and recent growth.
Vote for your favorite breweries below, and we will tally the votes in order to select 32 winners for the next round. Voting for Round 1 concludes, Sunday, 3/10 at 5:00pm CST.
And be sure to vote for the other regions here: NORTH | WEST | SUBURBS
Marz Community Brewing (1) vs. Englewood Brews (16)
Marz gets the nod as a 1-seed for the first time, overtaking behemoth Lagunitas, after their impressive 2018. They’ll line up against the South Side’s newest brewery, Englewood Brews, who is making moves on opening their own permanent space in the near future.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Lagunitas Brewing (2) vs. Adams Street Brewery (15)
The Willy Wonka of Chicago’s brewery scene, Lagunitas, sees the 2-line for the first time, where they will matchup with The Berghoff’s revamped (now house-brewed) beer brand, Adams Street. Do ya prefer a West Coast IPA or a traditional German dunkel?
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Whiner Beer Co. (3) vs. Argus Brewery (14)
Whiner has built a loyal fanbase down at The Plant, where they’ve been concocting everything wild and funky–especially now with the addition of their coolship. Argus has stayed tucked away in a historic South Side space for years now, championing lager brewing. Back of the Yards vs. Pullman.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Haymarket Pub & Brewery (4) vs. ALULU Brewpub (13)
Haymarket gets another year in the South Side of the bracket, as they continue to crank out hearty pub grub and an array of styles…in the West Loop. They’ll battle it out against Pilsen brewpub, Alulu who’s seeing the bracket for the second year now.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Illuminated Brew Works (5) vs. Vice District Brewing Co. (12)
Another West Loop outfit that will help represent the ‘South’ is the sometimes mysterious, always intriguing IBW. Illuminated’s lactose pales, sours and stout concoctions turned heads at fests all last summer. Meanwhile. Vice District enjoyed its opening of their suburban Highwood location, adding to their South Loop presence.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Moody Tongue Brewing Co. (6) vs. Motor Row Brewing Co. (11)
Moody Tongue continues their minimal existence in Pilsen, where clean lines, a modern atmosphere and culinary brews reign supreme. Motor Row has held steady on S. Michigan Ave. filling their taproom with tasty lagers and Belgian-style ales.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Horse Thief Hollow (7) vs. Around the Bend Beer Co. (10)
Horse Thief Hollow (our original bracket champions), have had their own success this past year, with an entry into cans for the first time, helping expand their reach. Around the Bend continues their 12oz can presence with additions of pistachios, Thai ginger, and orange and will soon see their new home open in the West Loop.
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Open Outcry Brewing Co. (8) vs. Lo Rez Brewing (9)
Open Outcry made it to the ‘Elite 8’ of last year’s bracket before running into Marz. Their Beverly pizza brewpub has garnered a loyal fanbase after just over two years. Their opponent is a similar-aged and adored brewery out of Pilsen: Lo Rez. Which South Sider will get your vote?
These polls have closed. Cheers!
Best of luck to all 64 breweries. It’s hard to pick a favorite Chicago beer maker as we all know, but hey, here’s your chance. Stay tuned as we tally the votes in order to select a “Round of 32.”
Vote for the other regions below:
