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9 Breweries in Champaign, IL & Nearby To Grab A Pint
Looking for the perfect breweries in Champaign, Il, to grab a pint? Look no further as we discuss the best places in and around the city to enjoy that stout or IPA!
Are you ready to hop into the frothy river of craft beer in Champaign, Il?
We certainly are! We are pros at diving headfirst into the beer barrels around the globe (tough job, we know).
And while we haven’t made our bubbly mark in Champaign yet, we’ve sipped and savored throughout the Midwest, turning brewery visits into an art form.
So, trust us, we know a good brew when we taste one.
Buckle up; you’re about to embark on a fabulous pint-filled journey through Champaign’s best breweries. It’s going to be un-beer-lievable!
And remember, there’s no such thing as too much beer, only too few breweries!
Breweries In Champaign, IL
Without further ado, let’s dive, pint-first, into the goldmine of Champaign breweries. These local ale artisans are brewing up a storm, promising a beery good time for one and all.
Please note that the following sudsy selections are listed in no particular order and represent a lovingly brewed blend of personal tasting adventures and meticulous research; so while your favorite alehouse may vary, these are the breweries that have tapped into our hearts!
1. The Blind Pig Brewery
As one of the best breweries in Champaign, Il’s brewery scene, The Blind Pig Brewery is a must-visit spot for all beer enthusiasts.
Scattered across four unique locations, each performs a distinct purpose in brewing and serves delectable craft beers.
From the ‘Big Pig’ with 27 guest taps to the ‘Little Pig,’ ‘Dandy Pig,’ and the hidden headquarters, every location contributes to the enchanting, albeit slightly confusing, Blind Pig experience.
Established in 2006, The Blind Pig has been quenching the thirst of patrons with their rich, malty brews that tell a tale as enticing as their origin. The ambiance is as warm as a just-served pint, seamlessly blending the allure of an age-old pub with the dynamic vibe of a city taproom.
The U of IPA, a standout offering from The Blind Pig, is far from your commonplace brew.
This well-crafted IPA appeals to beer connoisseurs and novices alike, with a flavor palette that boasts notes of tangy orange marmalade, subtle caramel, and a hint of pine, all perfectly balanced with the intellectual twist of research.
One location is just a stone’s throw from West Side Park, making The Blind Pig Brewery an essential stop while visiting the park.
For a taste of traditional yet innovative craft beer, be sure to include The Blind Pig in your brewery bucket list.
One sip of their brew, and you’ll immediately see why it’s a cherished hotspot in Champaign’s robust beer community.
🍺 Buckle up, beer buffs – let’s embark on a frothy journey as we explore the hop-spots of Bloomington, where every pint promises a palatable surprise!
Breweries In Urbana, IL
Now, don’t get it twisted — Urbana is not the fraternal twin of Champaign.
Instead, think of it as the PB to Champaign’s J, the chips to its dip, or even the malt to its hops.
Together, they form the frothy and flavorful metro area often lovingly called “Champaign-Urbana”(Illinois loves to do this as you also have Bloomington-Normal, which FYI has incredible breweries of its own).
So strap on your beer goggles, friends, because we’re about to embark on a sudsy safari through the breweries of Urbana, IL.
2. 25 O’Clock Brewing Company
25 O’Clock Brewing Company is located snugly in Urbana’s bosom and is a go-to brewery destination for those who adore ale and appreciate lager.
Here, time perpetually reads beer o’clock, and both brews and chats flow effortlessly.
The 25 O’Clock Brewing Company cherishes community as much as it prizes artisanal ales. The joyous ambiance is infectious, with laughter as effervescent as their IPAs, and each pint served with a generous dollop of fellowship.
It’s a brewing haven that warmly welcomes both friends and newcomers alike.
Let’s dive into the pièce de résistance – the Roaration Pale Ale.
This isn’t merely a beer; it’s akin to poetry served in a pint, an exquisite blend of citrus and tropical fruits garnished with a hint of pine that will set your taste buds twirling!
Conveniently located near the Station Theatre, it’s a delightful stopover before or after a performance.
🍺 Steer towards Peoria, Il, where the pints are poured to perfection, and the breweries are just ‘ale’ing for your attention!
3. Riggs Beer Company
It’s time for a pit stop on our craft beer crusade at Riggs Beer Company!
In the heart of Illinois lies this family-run brewery, a testament to the glorious grains that grace our favorite beverages.
Riggs, with their profound knowledge of barley and buckwheat, revere the quintessential quartet of beer ingredients: water, barley, yeast, and hops.
You might suspect a secret fifth component – a dash of affection, giving this brewery its welcoming, frothy persona.
Just imagine enjoying your artisanal brew in an idyllic German-style beer garden!
Our star attraction is their Hefeweizen, an irresistible blend of banana notes rounded off with a tart finish that yearns for a revisit. It’s as if a fruit basket and a bakery collaborated to create a delicious beer baby!
Close to the Spurlock Museum, Riggs is your ideal unwind spot.
The beers are cool, the chairs warm, and the memories just a pint away!
🍺 Ready your taste buds, ale aficionados – we’re off to discover the malt magic of Des Moines, where every brew is a flavor-filled fiesta!
Breweries Near Champaign, IL
Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to the extraordinary with our guide to the most tantalizing breweries near Champaign, Il.
Like bees drawn to honey, we’re about to swarm towards these havens of hoppy goodness.
4. Triptych Brewing (In Savoy)
Cheers to Triptych Brewing, a beer-lovers paradise tucked away in the charming township of Savoy.
This happy hop haven sprouted from humble Kickstarter roots, proof that a passionate community and a thirst for craft beer can brew up a storm.
Triptych is where tradition rubs elbows with innovation, concocting a brew-tiful symphony of suds that’ll have your taste buds twirling in delight.
Welcome to our shining star, the hop superstar, the golden dreamboat – the Dank Meme.
This sprightly golden pale ale, with its 45 IBUs and 5% ABV, is like a sunbeam boogieing in your glass. It pirouettes on your palate, flaunting a zesty blend of bitterness and a flirtatious hint of malt. A beer that’s as thrilling to sip as it is to utter.
Fancy a dash of culture with your pint? Triptych’s a pebble toss from the Savoy 16 IMAX, an ideal pitstop pre-flick or post-clapperboard.
Why should you swing by Triptych Brewing? For the carousel of flavors, the fellowship of ale aficionados, and a chance to immerse in the heartwarmingly vibrant craft beer culture that embodies Triptych.
🍺 Brace yourselves, beer lovers! It’s time to brew some adventure in Springfield, where every pint is a party for your palate, and the hops have history!
5. Champaign County Brewing Company (In Mahomet)
Welcome, beer crusaders, to the glistening galaxy of golden brew that is Champaign County Brewing Company!
Secretly located in the vibrant heart of Mahomet (not in Champaign as expected), this brewery is the sparkling diamond in Champaign County’s crown.
Picture it: a malted utopia where joy gushes from barrels, and camaraderie is bottled up in every frosty gulp.
The ambiance? As welcoming as a toasty bonfire on a crisp autumn evening.
Ready to saunter on the sudsy side? Let’s wade into the golden sea of their signature Champaign County Lager.
This front-runner lager, a sultry mashup of Pilsner malt, corn, and Cascade hops, is a ballet of flavors that tangoes on your taste buds, as elegant as a swan and as audacious as a rockstar.
Whether you’re a seasoned ale connoisseur or a frothy freshman, they offer an experience that’ll be engraved in your memory.
Cornered by the dreamy Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve, this brewery is the perfect pit-stop for both the outdoor adventurer and the beer devotee.
🍺 Roll out the barrel! It’s time to dive mug-first into Naperville’s hoppiest hotspots, where the brews are as bubbly as the locals!
6. Decatur Brew Works (in Decatur)
Hold on to your pint glasses, beer lovers and impromptu ale adventurers!
Up next, we are taking you on a frothy journey to a stop just a beer’s throw away from Champaign.
Let us introduce you to the liquid delight of Decatur Brew Works, the shining star in the constellation of breweries near Champaign, IL.
This brew-topia, born from the dreams of homebrew enthusiasts turned ale alchemists, sits right in the vibrant heart of Decatur, just a hop, skip, and jump from Lincoln Park.
Now, let’s uncork the talk of the tavern – the 101 – Citra/Mosaic IPA.
This tantalizing brew weaves a flavorful tale of Citra and Mosaic hops, an effervescent epic that’ll have your taste buds twirling in delight.
Picture a world where pine’s sassy sass meets grapefruit’s zesty zing, and you’re merely tapping into the sensory saga that this beer unfolds.
So, what are you waiting for?
Embark on a trip to Decatur Brew Works, where every pint paints a narrative, every gulp is a jubilation, and each visit is a chance to rekindle your romance with the magical world of beer!
🍺 Grab your pint, ditch the map – it’s time to savor the sudsy secrets of Southern Illinois!
7. Terre Haute Brewing Company (In Terre Haute, Indiana)
The illustrious Terre Haute Brewing Company (THBC), a true malt monument, has been brewing barrels of bliss since 1837!
This malty mecca is more than your average alehouse; it’s where history frolics with foamy goodness in an intoxicating interlude of brewing brilliance.
And if you’re in the mood for a pre-theatre pint, this beer palace is just a hiccup away from Indiana State University’s Performing Arts Center.
Now, let’s tap into the star of the show, the Wango Tango.
This bewitching brew, a hoppy harmony of Apollo and Citra, is like an aromatic aria of a citrusy symphony, culminating in a tangy tangerine crescendo. It’s an encore-worthy performance!
THBC is a sudsy sanctuary, an ale-adorned altar. Come for the Wango Tango waltz; stay for the history, the buzz, and the friendship.
Cideries, Taverns, Bars & More
Hang on to your pint glasses, folks, because we’re not just talking about breweries anymore!
This next part, my friends, is the frothy foam on top of your beer, the sweet cherry on your cocktail.
We’re about to take a merry jaunt through the cideries, taverns, bars, and more – the hidden gems and local haunts that add even more sparkle to our spirited journey.
Grab a seat; it’s about to get hoppin’!
8. Collective Pour
It’s time to turn your compass back towards Champaign. Here lies a boozy bonanza, the Collective Pour, a radiant realm for craft beer.
Packed to the brim with over 40 unique, hand-selected craft beers on tap, this place is a happy hop haven for the frothy-fond.
Even the most seasoned of suds-seekers won’t find common ales here!
It’s situated cozily by the University of Illinois, making it a handy pit stop for students and scholars alike!
This quirky joint whisks you away with its warm, rustic, inviting vibes, making it incredibly unique. Swing by and find yourself immersed in a sublime symphony of curated brews.
Visiting the Collective Pour is your ticket to a craft beer journey, a taste-bud-tingling adventure where every sip is a new story.
9. Pour Bros Taproom
Strap in, beer-lovers, because Pour Bros Taproom is ‘hoppin’ to make your acquaintance!
Hiding in the heart of Champaign, this quirky taproom is the life of the party – and not a common beer in sight!
Its true charm bubbles up in the unique atmosphere it hosts; think exposed brickwork, rustic barrels, and an aroma that promises a good time.
And it’s just a stone’s throw away from the bustling downtown, making it a perfect pitstop on your spirited journey.
Don’t forget to stop by their Peoria location as well. With multiple locations, you’re always in for an intoxicatingly good time!
Beer Events In Champaign
Champaign is not just a city; it’s a brewtopia, where every event is like an Oktoberfest that’s jumped the calendar – an ale-mazing spectacle where craft beer lovers unite in a hoppy harmony.
C-U Oktoberfest
Immerse yourself in the jovial festivities of the C-U Oktoberfest – the annual epicenter of all things beer!
This isn’t just your ordinary beer festival; it’s a full-blown Bavarian fiesta.
Here, rhythmically rich traditional music sets the backdrop for your sudsy sojourn, while the delectable aroma of bratwurst and pretzels titillates your gastronomic senses.
So, dust off your steins and brace yourselves for an ale-laden extravaganza – the C-U Oktoberfest promises an unforgettable toast to the art of craft beer. Cheers!
Champaign Breweries Map
Unfurl the breweries in Champaign, Il, map – your treasure map to the golden nectar hidden in the bustling beer jungles of the city. This is where our ale-venture gets real so you can find your way to the diamonds in the rough.
Where To Stay In Champaign
So, you’ve decided to hunker down in our hop-inspired haven, Champaign? Bravo, my beer-loving compadre!
Let us navigate the frothy sea of accommodations, picking out the choicest spots where you can lay your head after a day of pint-sized adventures.
✅ Hyatt Place Champaign/Urbana
- Convenience at its Best: Nestled in the heart of Champaign, Hyatt Place offers easy access to the most vibrant breweries. No more worries about long travel times after a hearty beer-tasting session!
- Luxurious Comfort: After a long, frothy day of brewery hopping, retreat to your plush bed draped in crisp linen. Soak in the luxurious amenities, ensuring a restful, rejuvenating stay.
- First-Class Hospitality: Hyatt Place is renowned for its exceptional customer service. From the welcoming reception to helpful local tips, enjoy a seamless stay that leaves you feeling more like a local than a tourist!
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for Hyatt Place
✅ Hilton Garden Inn Champaign/Urbana
- Prime Location: The Hilton Garden Inn is practically a stone’s throw away from the best breweries in town. You can savor the finest craft beers without worrying about a long commute.
- Modern Amenities: Designed for the modern traveler, Hilton Garden Inn boasts state-of-the-art amenities. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour business center, and a fully equipped fitness center to keep up with your workout routine.
- Exceptional Dining: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the on-site restaurant, ensuring an energetic start to your brew-tastic day. The hotel also features a full-service bar if you decide you need another drink after your brewery escapades.
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for Hilton Garden Inn
✅ Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
- Homey Charm: The Country Inn & Suites by Radisson offers a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. The cozy interiors and friendly staff create an environment where rest and relaxation are assured.
- Strategic Location: This hotel’s location places you within easy reach of all major breweries. While you may not be able to walk, they are just a short car ride away!
- Value for Money: Country Inn & Suites provides a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. With a host of amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a hearty breakfast, and spacious rooms, you’re guaranteed great value for your money.
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for Country Inn
FAQs About Breweries In Champaign, Illinois
Ready to hop into the flavorful world of Champaign’s craft beer scene but got a brew-load of questions bubbling up? Fear not, dear beer-lover; we’ve got a round of FAQs on tap, ready to soak up your curiosities like a fresh pint absorbs a good conversation.
What Are The Oldest Breweries In Illinois?
Is Champaign, Illinois, Walkable?
What Is Champaign, IL, Famous For?
What Is The Difference Between Champagne And Champaign?
Good To The Last Drop – Breweries In Champaign, IL
Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or merely a casual hop enthusiast, the breweries in Champaign, Il, have got you covered.
It’s a city that’s “brewing” with creativity and passion, serving up a heady mix of unique flavors and memorable experiences.
You’ll certainly hop from one brewery to the next in a fun parade of pints and flights, with each stop being a “barley” believable delight.
So, why not embark on this frothy adventure? Unleash your inner brewmaster and let the aromatic hops guide you through the streets of Champaign.
After all, life’s too short for bad beer, right?
Interesting in expanding your Illinois brewery journey? Check out the fantastic Springfield breweries to partake in a pint!
