Scratch Brewing Company (Craft Beer & Brewery in Ava IL)

Scratch Brewing Company sits in Ava, Illinois, where the rolling Southern Illinois plains flirt with the edges of the Shawnee National Forest. This farmhouse operation treats brewing like a scientific experiment with a cheeky twist: foraged chicory finds its way into a dark porter, while seasonal elderflowers brighten a lively saison. The result is a line‑up of beers that taste as if the land itself had taken a pint and decided to share the story.

The menu doesn’t stop at ale. Wood‑fired pizzas arrive on the table topped with locally sourced produce, a perfect match for the hop‑laden drafts. The setting feels more like a cabin‑in‑the‑woods than a commercial taproom, complete with outdoor seating that lets you watch the sunset over the forest canopy. (The owners, who have been swapping foraging tips for years, insist cash is the only legal tender, but an on‑site ATM saves the day.)

Scratch’s commitment to fresh, unusual ingredients and its unapologetically rustic charm make it a must‑visit for anyone who believes a great beer should be as interesting as it is well‑crafted.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Scratch Brewing Company is a unique brewery worth visiting, offering local forage-infused beers and unique flatbread combinations amidst a great outdoor setting, with excellent service from knowledgeable and passionate staff in a natural ambiance that includes indoor and outdoor seating options.

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