Illuminated Brew Works (2022)

Discussion in 'Great Lakes' started by RickBelgique, Jun 9, 2022.

Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.
  1. RickBelgique

    RickBelgique Crusader (447) Jul 16, 2014 Illinois

    Illuminated Brew Works has been open for some time, on Chicago's far Northwest Side, in Edison Park, at 6186 N. Northwest Hwy. It's tucked into the corner of a tiny L-shaped strip mall, next to a car wash. A welcome addition to Chicago's beer scene, especially in such a brewery-deficient area.

    They still have War on Xmas, in cans only. It's currently $10 for a 4-pack, $15 for 2 (or more). I've picked up several 4-packs and they're still delicious. I would have to say a bit more malty, with a tad less of the Christmas spice taste, compared to when they were canned. There's some in one of their coolers, as well as some on a pallet, at room temperature. I've been grabbing the room temp 4-packs and they've all been in great condition.

    There's a wine shop next door, Wine Styles. They've got a smallish, but very tasty food menu, along with some good craft beers on tap and in cans/bottles. So you can grab a beer at Illuminated, then take it next door to Wine Styles, for munchies. Or vice-versa.
     
  2. emerge077

    emerge077 Grand High Pooh-Bah (7,962) Apr 16, 2005 Illinois
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Nice to see an IBW thread, their taproom is definitely unique. Trust lager is great on draft. It would be nice to see a few more lagers from them, I know they've done a few randomly over the years.

    Other good BYO food options nearby, I fully endorse the jerk chicken from St. Bess Jerk on Nagle & NW Hwy. and smoked meats from D.S.D. Deli on Milwaukee. Tony's Italian Deli looks like a very solid option for old school subs & Italian beef. Now i'm hungry...
     
  3. RickBelgique

    RickBelgique Crusader (447) Jul 16, 2014 Illinois

    I've heard good things about St. Bess, but haven't tried them yet. Tony's Italian beef is awesome! Tho, I think their meatball sub is even better. Which is saying something, considering the deliciousness of their Italian beef. And they have excellent Italian sausage!
     
    ChicagoJ and emerge077 like this.
  4. ChicagoJ

    ChicagoJ Grand Pooh-Bah (5,247) Feb 2, 2015 Illinois
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    Beef Advocate NW Side Recommendations:
    • Jay's (Nagle & Montrose)
    • Bob-O's (Irving Park east of Cumberland)
    • Deli Option - Caputo's (Harlem & Grand)
    Sub recommendation: Bob-o-rino's (Central & Newport)

    Need to finally try St. Bess' and also the BBQ place a few blocks down Lake Effect plans to pair with when they are finally able to open their Jefferson Park taproom.
     
  5. Max_Powers

    Max_Powers Crusader (466) Jul 3, 2022 Illinois
    Trader

    Big fan of Illuminated. Really nice people and I think they're one of the one of the most underrated breweries in the Chicagoland area.

    Been trying to get up to their tap room for a while now.
     
Thread Status:
Not open for further replies.