Illinois Brewpub Among Top 10 in the Nation

Let me start by saying that I’m not much of a beer drinker. I left those days back in college, and these days I’m more of a wine girl. However, craft beer has exploded in popularity over the last several years, with local brewpubs popping up all across the country. In fact, one Illinois brewpub was just named one of the top 10 brewpubs.

America's Best Brewpubs for 2026

It seems like no matter where you go, there’s a local brewery or brewpub to check out, and my husband absolutely loves that. I usually just sit back, watch him enjoy his beer, and soak in the atmosphere. That's true love, right?

Out of the thousands of brewpubs across the country, one Illinois favorite was recently named among the top brewpubs in America by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Photo by Declan Sun on Unsplash

Why Forbidden Root Stands Out From Other Brewpubs

Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery in Chicago sounds like a must-visit destination. I’ve never been there myself, but the next time we’re in the Windy City, I’m definitely going to suggest we stop by. The brewery is known as Chicago’s first botanic brewery, specializing in nature-inspired craft beers made with unique ingredients.

With seasonal food and drink offerings, it sounds like one of those places you could visit several times a year and have a completely different experience each time. Some of their beers are brewed with wild fruits and botanicals, and visitors say the flavors are unlike anything they’ve ever tasted before.

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We’re always looking for new local places to explore, so this is definitely being added to our list of spots to visit the next time we're in Chicago.