Sew Hop'd Brewery & Taproom

 

Large space with plenty of room, both outside and inside, for groups or just crowds. Large communal spaces and more personal spaces as well, I including a game room with plenty of classic pinball tables and more typical table/board games. Music always playing, and sometimes live, and a few televisions for distractions.

A solid range, and depth, of beers, Including the GABF medal winning Alt, to satisfy anyone. Seltzer, cider, wine, and no abv beer options as well in cans from outside sources.

Service is pleasant and knowledgeable.

Really well planned out space to take advantage of, preserve, and highlight the historic building. Well worth a trip.

Finally getting out to test out the Huntley scene. Rock on. Sew Hop'd finds itself operating out of a former dairy production facility (and attached to a sewing machine manufacturer), providing not only plenty of open space for the main bar area - complete with garage doors on one side to let some air in - and a pretty decently-large patio area, it also allows for some unique architectural ticks, particularly their seemingly iconic smokestack. Hitting the place up on a relatively busy and warm Saturday night, plenty of people crowded the patio areas, leaving the bar area a bit emptier for my buddy and myself to hit the bar comfortably. Several kids literally running around and yelling; and, from what the posted signs show, there are occasional activities aimed at families (like a petting zoo day). Take from that what you will. Board games on the shelf, several TVs helping me keep up with the MLB, otherwise sorta generic contemporary décor. Brews on offer include a few IPAs, a few sweet stouts, a couple sours, a hef (why are these becoming more hard to find these days!?), and a couple lagers. The beers themselves are nothing all that special, but they're definitely drinkable, and none are outright all that bad. The bartenders are all genial, and they seemed to understand their product (from what I heard from conversations across the bar). Though I don't see myself coming back all that often in the future, it is nice to see a brewery embrace their hometown's heritage and provide some community gathering place for everybody (as opposed to those totally-committed beer nerd folks).

 

The space that they have here is great. As far as architecture and space, the taproom itself is one of the coolest in the area. An old factory converted to a taproom. I can't say the same for the beer. Some of it is very good, like the Milk Stout, others miss the mark, like the NEIPA, which had an oddly sour taste. This place has a lot of potential and if you are in the area, it is worth a stop. Based on untapp'd reviews I see, people seem to enjoy the beer.

Pretty packed today with More opening in Huntley. In old brick building with high ceilings. Beer hall feeling. Owner went out of the way to meet us. Good variety, great beer. Worth a visit.

An old sewing machine factory that has been repurposed as a brewery and taproom. There is a bar and tables for seating. There are 12 beers on tap covering a variety of styles. The quality of the beer is average. Service was friendly and knowledgable about the beer.