Around the Bend Beer Co. (Craft Beer & Brewery in Chicago IL)

Around the Bend Beer Co. in Chicago is a laboratory of liquid courage, where the only thing more daring than the hops is the idea of letting you pour your own drink. With over 40 self‑pour taps you become the bartender, measuring out ounces like a chemist conducting an experiment. The selection rotates faster than a gossip column, cycling through IPAs, sour ales, stouts and cream ales, each polished to the point where you’d expect a tuxedo on the glass.

The crown jewel is the #Science Hazy IPA series, a deliberately nerdy dive into hop chemistry that makes you feel smarter with every sip (the founders, who had worked together for years, decided that beer should be as interesting as a physics lecture). When you need a break from the brewing wizardry, Lillie's Q supplies barbecue that clings to the ribs as faithfully as the foam clings to the beer.

Four brewery options run side by side, and the outdoor area boasts fire pits and heat lamps for those who like their ale with a side of warmth. Inside, a spacious dining zone with kiosks and kitchen service keeps the flow moving, proving that Around the Bend is less a pretentious brew‑pub and more a well‑engineered, good‑times laboratory of craft beer.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Reviewers praise Around the Bend Beer Co.'s excellent beers, good food, and unique concept of having multiple breweries under one roof with pour-your-own beer options. Some appreciated the self-service system, while others would prefer waitstaff, citing drawbacks such as long lines and multiple kiosks.

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