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
Round 1 saw more than 86,000 total votes. In a somewhat surprising outcome, there were no upsets in the South. Last year’s champ, Horse Thief Hollow, as well as Marz proved most popular. A couple of closer matches came between Vice District vs. Motor Row and Baderbräu vs. Around the Bend, while Lagunitas just edged Mad Mouse. What’s left is a batch of eight worthy breweries, vying to move on to the Sweet 16.
Vote for your favorite breweries from Chicago’s South Side, below, and we will tally the votes in order to select winners for the next round. We’ll know our Sweet 16 when voting for Round 2 concludes, Sunday, 3/19 at 9am.
Vote for the other regions here: NORTH | WEST | SUBURBS
Lagunitas Brewing (1) vs. Vice District Brewing Co. (8)
Last year, the Douglas Park juggernaut suffered a stunning first round upset to eventual champion, Horse Thief Hollow. But, the pale ale OGs are back with a vengeance. Having just edged out tiny brewer Mad Mouse, will the behemoth from California get more love in Round 2? They’ll face off against Michigan Avenue’s South Loop favorites, Vice District. This one might get interesting…
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Moody Tongue (4) vs. Haymarket Pub & Brewery (5)
One of the country’s slickest taprooms lines up against a blue-collar-inspired watering hole. Moody Tongue overcame several delays to open its beautiful Pilsen space in the fall, while Haymarket was quietly expanding and building out its Southwest Michigan outpost, in nearby Bridgman. Both are helmed by some of the most respected brewers in Chicagoland, so we’ll be eager to see how the crowd sways with this one.
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Horse Thief Hollow (3) vs. Whiner Beer Co. (6)
Admittedly, few outside of Beverly knew too much about Horse Thief Hollow this time last year. Despite their medals from GABF, they existed mostly as the local brewpub fave on S. Western Ave. Then, their fans had their way, voting them clear through the bracket. Their next opponents are South Side darlings, Whiner Beer Co. All they’ve done in the last year is crank out some of the best in funky and farmhouse–even getting right into cans and across the city in an impressively short time period.
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Marz Community Brewing (2) vs. Baderbräu (7)
Baderbräu was founded with the intention of reviving Chicago’s ‘original’ craft beer, but now–with a 4,000 square foot taproom–there’s quite a bit more to offer. Meanwhile, Marz has been proudly displaying its ingenuity and Bridgeport roots in its eclectic lineup of ales. With off the wall names and packaging, both are equal parts quirky. Will Baderbräu’s long time loyal drinkers help them past one of the city’s most creative breweries, in Marz?
Voting is closed, stay tuned for results.
Best of luck to the 32 remaining 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 “Sweet 16.”
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