Craft beer is having a moment and Lake County is a hub for it. From large to small there is a lot more beer being brewed in Lake County then you probably know about. If you have a beer-lover or foodie on your holiday shopping list, consider picking up something from one of these Lake County breweries for their stockings. I hear Santa prefers stout, by the way, and of course you always get extra points for giving him local brews.

Lake County Breweries

Breweries are listed alphabetical by city.

Flesk Brewing
200 Applebee St. Suite E, Barrington, Illinois 60010 | (224) 655-7291

[spacer height=”20px”]

Light the Lamp Brewery
10 N. Lake St., Grayslake, IL 60030 | (847) 752-8489

This unassuming hockey-themed brewpub is moving on to bigger and better pastures as it renovates a historic building just down the street. In in the meantime, stop in and try their new Lite It or one of the seasonal brews that they will be releasing all month. No food is served at the current location, but all Grayslake restaurants will deliver there.

Photo Source Light the Lamp on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Only Child Brewing Company
1350 Tri State Parkway Ste 124, Gurnee, IL 60031 | (224) 656-5241

Only Child recently moved into a new tap room and brewery in Gurnee. They brew artisanal beers with unique fresh flavors. You can find what they are brewing on the website. The tap room does not serve food, but is allows takeout and delivery and is family friendly with a kid area and events.

Photo source Only Child on Facebook.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Half Day Brewing Company
200 Village Green, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 | (847) 821-6933

Half Day Brewing Company is a full-service restaurant serving classic American pub fare and their own unique handcrafted beers. Line up on December 19 for the release of their barrel aged Warrior Pint.

Photo Source Half Day Brewing on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

The Onion Pub & Brewery
22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, IL 60010 | (847) 381-7308

The Onion Pub & Brewery has a 17 barrel brewhouse and canning line in the basement. Their goal is to provide a quality dining and beer-drinking experience.  Tours of the brewery are available on the first Saturday of the month. Try their seasonal White Christmas Stout to get you in the holiday spirit.

Photo source The Onion Pub & Brewery on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Lake Bluff Brewing
16 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044 | (847) 544-5179

Lake Bluff Brewing Company is about more than just brewing locally, whenever possible they buy local and distribute local! Every Tuesday and Thursday is vinyl night at the tap room. Bring your own or enjoy others. Food is available, limited hours, from The Maevery Public house net door.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Roaring Table Brewery
739 W. Route 22, Lake Zurich, IL  60047 | (224) 662-4562

Raoring Table is one of Lake County’s newest breweries and is being described as a haven for beer lovers. Roaring Table is a tap room with an eclectic menu of fresh, hand-made beers, boutique wines and local snacks to the Northwest suburbs. Watch for their frequent events with local food trucks.

Photo source Roaring Table Facebook page.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Mickey Finn’s
345 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048 | (847) 362-6688

Mickey Finn’s is the oldest brew pub in Lake County. Mickey Finn’s has anywhere from 6 to 11 different craft beers on tap. Mickey Finn’s beer is all natural with no additives or preservatives. Check out their 12 Beers of Christmas and pick up a growler — Tuesday is half price day (also when Kids Eat Free there!).

Photo source Mickey Finn’s Facebook page.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Buffalo Creek Brewing
360 Historical Lane, Long Grove, IL 60047 | (847) 821-6140

Jennifer gave us a sneak peek of the newly opened taproom in Long Grove back in July. While there is no kitchen on site, you can order food or bring your own. The tap room hosts many family friendly activities including bands and trivia nights. There is also a supply of board games for your enjoyment.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Tighthead Brewing Company
161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein IL 60060 | (847) 970-9174

Tighthead Brewery is a tap room not a restaurant, but they do allow you to bring in food from other restaurants and on occasion have food trucks on site.  They have Tighthead on tap and try experimental and seasonal brews. The popular Hat Trick Tripel releases on December 15.

Photo Source Tighthead Brewing Company Facebook Page.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Bosacki’s Home Brew
610 E. Hawley St., Mundelein, IL 60060 | (224) 778-5400

Bosacki’s is a microbrewery and tasting room with an emphasis on beer to take home. The tap room doesn’t serve food, but hosts many events.

Photo source Bosacki’s Home Brew on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Small Town Brewery
100 N Rand Rd. #204, Wauconda, IL 60084  |

There is no food at this tasting room, but there are plenty of great Wauconda restaurants will deliver and the guys at Small Town Brewery will help you pair your food with their best beer. Known for their hard root beer, they have a wide variety of interesting flavors you’ll only find down by them. Grab a bottle of their latest offering Not Your Father’s Bourbon for that special someone on your list.

Photo Source Small Town Brewery on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

ZumBier
3232 W. Monroe St., Waukegan, IL 60085 | (847) 420-7313

My neighbors are huge fans and take the whole family to the tap room for movie nights and other events. The produce fine small batch beer elevating it to gourmet status.

Photo Source ZumBier on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Editors Note: The following were added from our reader comments, thanks for giving us the heads up!

The Kings & Convicts Brewing Co.
523 Bank Lane, Highwood, IL 60040 | (224) 707-0117

Kings & Convicts Brewing CO. is a craft brewery located in Highwood, IL brewing American style Pilsners and Ales using U.S., Aussie, Kiwi and English hops.

Photo Source Kings & Convicts  on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Prairie Krafts Brewing Company
1310 Busch Parkway, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 | (224) 434-2189

Prairie Krafts Brewing Company creates hand crafted ale’s and lagars that enhance the enjoyment of life for consumers.

Photo Source Prairie Krafts Brewing on Facebook

[spacer height=”20px”]

Side Lot Brewing
110 Slocum Lake Rd., Wauconda, IL 60084 | (847) 865-0281

I’m including this with the reader adds while kicking myself because I know and love Side Lot and can’t believe I forgot it! Go in the summer, get a sandwich and sit outside, it’s amazing. Side Lot’s small plates of locally-sourced produce are prepared daily, offering a unique experience and flavor profile every time. They not only have great beer but awesome coffee, get a nitro one on a hot day next summer and you will thank me.

Photo Source Side Lot on Facebook.

Did we miss your favorite local brew? It’s possible so many have been opening this year! Tell us in the comments and we will add it!