Alter Brewing: Downers Grove, IL

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by ChangSing, Dec 21, 2015.

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  1. ChangSing

    ChangSing Zealot (640) May 5, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    I stopped in to Alter Brewery in Downers yesterday. For those in the area, it's about 2 blocks south of the Belmont stop on the Metra on Wisconsin. They just opened this weekend. The tap room is pretty large with very high ceilings, and an industrial vibe going on. It reminded me a bit like the Lagunitas taproom. The bar has seating for about 15, and there were about 12 tables or so, mix of high and low tops. I believe the bartender said they will also have a second floor area for private parties. To the right of the bar is the production area.

    As for the beer, what I had was decent. For now they have an IPA, a porter, belgian quad, and a kolsch or something. Nothing earth shattering, but solid. I'd say as of now, it was on par with Rock Bottom/Gordon Biersch. It will be interesting to see where things go.

    Anyhow, for anyone in the area. it's worth checking out!
     
    #1 ChangSing, Dec 21, 2015
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  2. Tkcollins

    Tkcollins Initiate (0) Oct 12, 2015 Illinois

    Thanks for the heads up. That's probably a mile from my house. I'll have to check it out.
     
    #2 Tkcollins, Dec 21, 2015
  3. americanzero4128

    americanzero4128 Aspirant (272) Jan 21, 2015 Illinois

    I just bought a house about a mile and a half from there, I'll have to swing by and have some beers. Thanks OP!
     
    #3 americanzero4128, Dec 21, 2015
  4. NpD

    NpD Initiate (0) Dec 5, 2012 Illinois

    I was just there too. I thought it was a nice space with decent beer. [​IMG]
     
    #4 NpD, Dec 21, 2015
  5. stevegoz

    stevegoz Savant (1,122) May 5, 2008 Illinois
    Trader

    Just so long as it's better than Urban Legend. That's all this guy who lives on the eastern edge of Downers asks.
     
    #5 stevegoz, Dec 21, 2015
  6. JakeT469

    JakeT469 Initiate (0) Jan 13, 2012 Colorado

    $7/16oz?? Is that the norm at Chicago breweries nowadays?
     
    #6 JakeT469, Dec 21, 2015
  7. ChangSing

    ChangSing Zealot (640) May 5, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    haha..yeah..i think urban legend went downhill after whatever drama caused the split among the owners a couple years ago.
     
    #7 ChangSing, Dec 22, 2015
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  8. ChangSing

    ChangSing Zealot (640) May 5, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    It's a little on the high side..generally speaking a 16 ounce pour of an IPA etc tends to be about $6-6.50.
     
    #8 ChangSing, Dec 22, 2015
  9. DarkMagneto

    DarkMagneto Crusader (491) Apr 17, 2007 Illinois

    At a bar....yes. At the brewery.....no thanks. Go figure out your margins and then open up the tasting room. If that's your margin on something self distributed to your tasting room, then you'll definitely lose your asses in the retail market.
     
    #9 DarkMagneto, Dec 22, 2015
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  10. beardown2489

    beardown2489 Pooh-Bah (1,966) Oct 5, 2012 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah

    Who said anything about retail?

    I am anxious for the day when a really good brewery realizes they don't need to can all their beers and send them into distro. A brewery with good beer in a good location should be able to stand on its own just fine
     
    #10 beardown2489, Dec 23, 2015
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  11. aclara

    aclara Devotee (319) Mar 16, 2011 Illinois

    Haymarket
     
    #11 aclara, Dec 24, 2015
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  12. ChangSing

    ChangSing Zealot (640) May 5, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    As I said..a little on the high side. Beers of equal ABV etc at Solemn Oath, Penrose go for $6.00-6.50 at tap room and they're doing alright. $0.50 extra isn't a deal breaker for me; if it is, i shouldn't be drinking craft beer.
     
    #12 ChangSing, Dec 24, 2015
  13. ChangSing

    ChangSing Zealot (640) May 5, 2013 Illinois
    Trader

    Haymarket is top draw. I do think sometime in 2016 though they are opening a new facility in Michigan and will be doing distribution. Doesn't change that they are one of my favorites in Chicago.
     
    #13 ChangSing, Dec 24, 2015
  14. aclara

    aclara Devotee (319) Mar 16, 2011 Illinois

    Wow, didn't know...
     
    #14 aclara, Dec 24, 2015
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  15. beardown2489

    beardown2489 Pooh-Bah (1,966) Oct 5, 2012 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah


    Haymarket is everything that is right with craft beer. I'm happy they are expanding, because it makes sense for them to. They are tried and true. Proven commodity who can pretty much bank that distributing is going to be good for business and customer.

    Lots of young breweries that are about to go out of business and it's because they 1. don't know how to make great beer or 2. Don't know how to firmly establish themselves in a market
     
    #15 beardown2489, Dec 24, 2015
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