Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery - Columbus (Craft Beer & Brewery in Columbus OH)

Forbidden Root is Chicago’s inaugural botanic brewery, and it turns drinking into a full‑on nature walk without the mud. The place blends natural ingredients into beers that taste as if a greenhouse had a love affair with a malt house. Seasonal brews rotate like a fashion show, while year‑round staples keep the regulars from wandering off in search of something more familiar.

The menu is a clever mash‑up of brasserie comfort and experimental daring. Think spiced candied bacon that makes you wonder why you ever settled for plain pork, and a handmade beer flight that lets you sample the whole garden in one sitting. Highlights include Surfs Up sour ale—bright, tart, and utterly stunning—and the peach‑forward Peach Whit ale, a brew that could convince a skeptic that fruit belongs in a pint. Ambient dried hop bundles hang from the ceiling, adding a rustic charm that matches the vibrant, sensory escape the venue promises.

All in all, Forbidden Root delivers a symphony of flavors (the founders have a knack for botany) that surprises, satisfies, and makes you appreciate the art of brewing without a hint of pretension.

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

The Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery offers an impressive experience with professional service, a unique ambiance, and a wide variety of craft beers. Food is praised for its quality, particularly the duck and dumplings, while some dishes could benefit from additional seasoning or toppings.

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