Downtown Chicago

Pretty much the hotel.

 

I think the closest breweries to you are Crushed by Giants just down the Mag Mile (Owned by the Corridor conglomerate), Then down on Randolph/Fulton Market/West Loop you get Cruz Blanca and Haymarket (am I forgetting a third? What went into the Ballast Point place?). From then on you go further and further away for those other places. I would organize/group them by neighborhood proximity and go from there.

 

Kitty O'Shea's?

 

Seriously, the Art Institute is just up Michigan and Buddy Guy's Legends is around the corner -- among a lot of restaurants and taverns in that South Loop neighborhood.

But I do like O'Shea's a lot.

 

Any in the city are easy to get to with public transit and Uber. The suburb ones you list, while lovely establishments, would be quite a hike from where you will be staying. Get more options hitting the north side of the city together

 

Pretty good list you put together. The one I would not go out of my way for would be Marz.
If you make it out the the west suburbs to visit Standard and More, I'd suggest Goldfinger.

 

Revolution is really easy to get to via the blue line. Then Marz and Pilot Project are within walking distance on the same street. Bungalow by Middle Brow is in the area too. They have great food, and some decent beer.

 

+1 to Crushed by Giants

Adams Street (Berghoff) is technically a closer brewery in the Loop, though I can't really endorse it as "can't miss". Duneyrr is a brisk 1.7 mi. walk south on Michigan Ave., they make interesting stuff. Off Color is a short Uber from downtown, and more of a destination, imho.

 

If you go to afore-mentioned Dovetail, you should hit Begyle while you're there. They're literally 1/2 block apart. If your available time lets you hit only one, I'd definitely say Dovetail.

 

Added convenience is that Goose Island Brewpub is a short walk from the Off Color Mousetrap

Begyle may be close by, but if you plan on hitting Half Acre why not just go straight to there from Dovetail as it's relatively close and superior. Also, OP left Forbidden Root of his list.- their new Cultivate location isn't too far from Dovetail either.

Many people find the Rev Taproom to be preferable to their brewpub so look into which experience you would prefer. If you choose the Revolution Tap Room, @GuyFawkes will throw out the obligatory nod to stop by The Beer Temple.

 

Monks Pub is a great bar in the loop. And Warehouse Liquors is a great bottle shop nearby.

 

Afterthought is top notch beer and just down the road from More & Standard Meadery. It’s also a great change of pace spot stylistically

If you’re going to Phase Three, go to Roaring Table just down the road. Easily some of the most under appreciated beer in the state

I haven’t heard much about Corridor recently. Not sure if that’s a good thing. They once were great.

 

If you like good food and chocolate cake and good beer. Moody Tongue!

 

https://www.goodbeerhunting.com/sig...ult-pushed-one-woman-out-of-the-beer-industry

 

One thing I'd mention logistically is the four suburban breweries will take up a lot of time and Uber expense before you sip a single drop of beer or mead. Phase Three is by far the most out of the way brewery on your list. You can buy their beers in the city, but if you really want to go there, would piggyback with a trip to Mikerphone (or just Mikerphone) on the way to/from O'Hare. Would do the same with More/Standard if flying to/from Midway.

A solid late morning through early evening area would be Frank & Mary's Tavern (for lunch), The Beer Temple / Maplewood / Revolution Brewery / Maplewood, and if you still have your bearings, Dovetail and Half Acre (and Spiteful next door) would be a memorable day.

From Downtown, Monk's would be a good late morning stop for food and a few pints before heading West (Goose Island Fulton / Great Central / Forbidden Root) and/or North (Goose Island Clybourn, Off Color, Piece Pizza, Revolution Brewpub). You can also hit one of the Small Chevals for quick but tasty burgers.

 

Many more don't open until 4:00! So beware.