The 7 Chicago Brewery Tours to Put in the Diary

1.Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Meet your guide at 600 N Clark Street, across from the Rainforest Cafe, then ride Chicago’s Prohibition-inspired Barrel Bus to up to three local breweries. Expect brewery samples, live commentary, Chicago and Prohibition stories, and one production-facility visit. Guides such as Ted and David have hosted recent tours. Bring photo ID and closed-toe shoes.

“This was fantastic! Would highly recommend when in the area of Chicago. Great history and a fun time.”

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2.Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 4 hours · from $99

Spend four hours exploring Chicago’s craft beer scene aboard a custom barrel-shaped bus. Visit three breweries, sample 45 to 55 ounces of beer, and tour a nano-brewery production facility. Guides such as Ted and David add lively commentary, while the moving bus and party games keep the group social.

“Ted did a great job and provided a lot of information!”

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3.Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $39

Walk Chicago’s Ravenswood Malt Row with a guide such as Adam, Mark, or Andy, stopping at Dovetail, Begyle, and Cultivate by Forbidden Root. Expect Chicago brewing history, a guided Hefeweizen tasting, free samples, reserved seating, and time to buy drinks or food. The group is capped at 10.

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4.Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip: City Tour with Miller Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 16 reviews · 1 day · from $125

Spend a full day traveling from Chicago to Milwaukee with an English-speaking guide and a group of up to 14. Visit the Harley-Davidson Museum, eat your way through the Milwaukee Public Market, choose an optional Miller Brewery tour with tastings, and see the lakefront and Milwaukee Art Museum. Guide Nico is noted for careful timing and helpful pickup communication.

“Personal service was great Nico our guide and driver was excellent and very helpful. No need to change anything”

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5.Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $25Best value

Spend about three hours walking from Palmer Square Park to three Logan Square breweries with a live guide. Adam or Brent may lead the route, sharing Chicago brewing history and local facts. Beer is purchased separately, but the tour includes reserved seating and discounts on selected flights.

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6.Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $125

Leave Chicago at 8:00 am for a small-group Milwaukee day trip with a tour guide and driver. Visit the Public Market, lakefront, Art Museum exterior, and City Hall, with optional admission to the Harley-Davidson Museum and Miller Brewery. Transport, timing, and traffic are handled for you.

“The Milwaukee Art Museum was a visual masterpiece—its stunning architecture and lakefront setting made for the perfect introduction to the city’s creative spirit. Inside, the collection was diverse and thoughtfully curated, with something to capture every kind of art lover. The Milwaukee Public Market was a lively and delicious stop. From artisan cheeses to fresh-baked pastries and handmade crafts, it had the kind of local charm that made it easy to lose track of time. I’d also like to highlight the exceptional service provided by our tour guide. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and kept everything running smoothly without ever making the day feel rushed. His insights added so much to…”

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7.Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Meet Ronaldo in Chicago’s West Loop for three 5-ounce craft beer tastings at Goose Island, paired with Chef Carla’s homemade guacamole and corn tortillas. Then walk to District Yards Brewing and finish near four breweries at 417 N Ashland Avenue. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, costs $63, and welcomes up to 20 people.

“Great chips and guacamole. He sure knew a lot about beer. Also had good hints about what to see in Chicago”

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