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15 Best Breweries in Southern Illinois for an Unforgettable Experience
Nothing quenches the globetrotter’s thirst like the iconic breweries in Southern Illinois.
We’re suckers for a good pint; it’s our hoppy place. From the cobblestones of Europe to the sandy shores of Cambodia, we’ve sampled stouts, indulged in IPAs, and marveled at malts.
The Land of Lincoln was no exception.
The taste trails here served us with ales that danced on our tongues and lagers that lingered in memory, transforming us from beer enthusiasts to beer aficionados.
So, whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or a casual sipper, buckle up as we lead you to the finest pints in the southern half of the state.
Breweries in Southern Illinois
We’re about to take you on a frothy frolic through the spectacular breweries in Southern Illinois. With barrels of fun to uncask and endless pints of pleasure to pour, we guarantee you’ll be ale-grinning from ear to ear!
Let’s hop to it!
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. Peel Brewing Co (In O’Fallon)
We present to you, our fellow beer buddies, the flavorful fiesta that is Peel Brewing Co.
Imagine a merry-go-round of craft beers, changing every week, keeping your taste buds dancing with excitement.
The chef-owners, Patrick Thirion and Brandon Case, are culinary wizards, conjuring flavors from across the globe right into your pint!
Their Blood Orange Wheat is a symphony of citrus and spice – the perfect brew to quench your thirst on a summer day. And let’s not forget their latest Oktoberfest special, a hearty nod to German brewing, a malty masterpiece that will make you yodel with joy.
But what truly makes Peel Brewing Co. shine, besides their top-notch beers, is their community spirit.
Brewing up happiness in the neighborhoods they grew up in, they’ve grown from a tiny taproom to a three-location beer haven.
Cheers to 13 years of Peel Brewing Co., the heart and soul of Southern Illinois’s brewing scene!
🍺 Skip the coffee, it’s time for hops! Dive into the frothy world of Naperville’s best breweries!
2. Stubborn German Brewing (In Waterloo)
Dive in headfirst at Stubborn German Brewing, a pride of Southern Illinois, where the drinks are as strong-willed as the name suggests.
This Waterloo brewery is run by the Rahn power couple, high-school sweethearts turned ale-artisans.
Chris Rahn, a homebrew honcho since 2005, whips up potions, and not just any potions, but award-winning ones that have received national accolades.
Nestled in a building laden with history stretching back to 1885, this brewery exudes an irresistible old-world charm.
Take a swig of their year-round star, Stubbornfest, a malty Oktoberfest delight that’s as crisp as an autumn morning.
Now, let’s talk about ambiance. The bar and lights, crafted from whiskey barrel staves and walls that whisper tales of 180-year-old yellow pines, all come together to create a rustic symphony.
Clearly, at Stubborn German, it’s not just about brewing beer but brewing experiences.
🍺 Say goodbye to spring (or fall, winter, ah, you get the picture), let’s hop into Springfield’s best breweries!
3. Scratch Brewing Company (In Ava)
Hold onto your pint glasses as we raise a toast to Scratch Brewing Company, our next stop on this sudsy tour of breweries in Southern Illinois.
At Scratch, the beer menu is more like a flavor fiesta, as epic as a rock concert, ranging from a cheeky sour black cherry number to a rustic farmhouse ale with a hickory swagger.
Their Blackberry And Lavender, a sour ale brewed sans hops, is a savory symphony with a cinnamon encore that’ll make your taste buds do a standing ovation.
And oh boy, their seasonal specials and limited-edition brews are like rare comics, brimming with Brettanomyces yeast or infused with wild Southern Illinois passion fruit.
Ever fancied a beer that’s had a year’s nap in neutral oak barrels? Scratch has got your back!
Their barrel-aged brews are like stories, complex and deep, that unfold with each sip.
For the non-beer bunch, they’ve got a lineup of non-alcoholic options like Dark Matter Coffee and Basil Soda.
And the secret to Scratch’s unmistakable taste? A unique house culture that’s as much a part of the brewery as the very bricks in its walls.
🍺 Who needs champagne when you’ve got breweries in Champaign!
4. Route 51 Brewing (In Elkville)
Strap on your beer goggles and fasten your taste-bud seatbelts as we twirl into Route 51 Brewing, our next pit stop on our sudsy safari through the breweries in Southern Illinois.
This brewery is a hopster’s paradise, boasting over 20 taps that cater to every palate’s whims and desires.
Ever tried cuddling a cloud? Sip on their Fuzz Kill, a feisty, light, sour ale infused with peaches, and you’ll know what we mean. It’s like a refreshing summer day in a pint, with juicy peach aromas and a cheeky acidic finish that leaves you wanting more.
But this isn’t just a brewery; it’s a cornucopia of experiences, with a beer garden to chill in, live music to tap your feet to, and a beer flight option that’s like a round-the-world ticket for your taste buds. You can sample four of their signature brews – it’s like a beer-tasting party in your mouth!
The crew at Route 51 are your friendly neighborhood beer whisperers, ready to answer any questions you have about their brewing process.
And for those looking to host a shindig, Route 51 has a 6,400 square-foot banquet hall with a private, 32-foot granite bar, ready to transform into anything from a rocking reception to a happening holiday jamboree.
🍺 Peoria, where the river flows and the beer overflows!
5. Molly’s Pint Brewpub (In Murphysboro)
We’re high-tailing it over to Molly’s Pint Brewpub, the emerald in Southern Illinois’s crown.
Why emerald, you ask? Well, this place is the only Irish Pub in town, and boy, does it wear that title with pride.
With the Brewpub’s doors swung wide open since March 24, 2017, you’re in for an un-beer-lievably good time.
Run by the dynamo duo Nick and Molly Blew, it’s a place where you’re likely to be greeted by one of the founders themselves. How’s that for a personal touch?
And they’ve got a smorgasbord of craft beers on tap that’ll knock your socks off.
Ever tasted a beer that gives a spicy high-five to your taste buds? Try their Jalapeño India Session Ale.
Or maybe you’re craving a brew that’s smooth as a lullaby? Their Irish Cream Coffee Ale, loaded with honey and oats, is the bee’s knees.
But this place isn’t all foam and games. They’ve got a heart, too.
Molly’s Pint is a key player in Murphysboro’s downtown revival, contributing not just fine brews but also fun-filled community events. From paint-by-the-pint nights to poetry readings, they’ve got something for everyone.
Molly’s Pint Brewpub isn’t just a stop on your brew tour; it’s a frothy fountain of community, camaraderie, and cracking good beer!
🍺 Bloomington Breweries: Where hops meet heart and pints are a work of art!
6. Lieferbräu Brewery (In Red Bud)
Get ready to flip your lids because next up on our merry malty trail is Lieferbräu Brewery, the heart and soul of Red Bud, Illinois.
The fun’s brewing in this family-owned hoppily-ever-after, a historic haunt that’s been spruced up but still sings tales of the past.
They’re champs at churning out German-style beers, and with 12 varieties on tap, you’re spoilt for choice.
Fancy a palate-pleaser that’s as crisp as morning air? Their Lieferbrau Pilsner is a must-try.
Packing a picnic or ordering a pizza? They’ve got you covered because while they don’t dish up grub, they’re cool with you bringing your own.
Whether you’re chilling inside or basking in the beer garden, you’ll feel right at home.
So, friends, let’s raise a pint to Lieferbräu Brewery, a true gem in Southern Illinois’s crown of froths!
🍺 Calling all ale aficionados! It’s time to dive deep into the frothy sea of Branson, MO’s breweries, where brews are bubbling with joy, and every pint is a party!
7. Big Muddy Brewing (In Murphysboro)
Our next stop on the brew train is Big Muddy Brewing, tucked away in the heart of Murphysboro since 2009.
They are known for specializing in small-batch craft brews, over 30 to be exact!
Fancy a beer that moonlights as dessert? Their Pumpkin Smasher, a seasonal treat loaded with real pumpkins and pumpkin pie spices, is like Thanksgiving in a bottle.
Or maybe you’re in the mood for something more mellow? Their Vanilla Stout, infused with pure Madagascar vanilla, is like a velvety blanket for your taste buds.
Open on weekends for tastings and tours, this family-friendly joint is as welcoming as your grandma’s kitchen. They even roll out the red (or should we say sudsy?) carpet for your four-legged friends.
And if you’re a fan of toe-tapping tunes, their live music is the cherry on top of this frothy sundae.
On top of brewing up a storm, these beer wizards distribute their concoctions across multiple states. So, even if you can’t swing by, you can still enjoy a piece of Southern Illinois in a bottle.
From family gatherings to doggie dates, Big Muddy Brewing has got you covered.
8. The Old Bakery Beer Company (In Alton)
The Old Bakery Beer Co. isn’t just brewing beer; it’s brewing USDA-certified organic delight!
Every bottle they craft is like Mother Nature’s own hopsy high-five, filled to the brim with North American malts and hops.
Their Citrus Wheat beer is a citrusy solstice, boasting lemon peel, orange peel, and a gentle kiss of chamomile and coriander.
They’ve even got a green thumb in the kitchen, serving food that’s as high-quality and earth-friendly as their brews.
But wait, there’s more! The spent grain from their brewing magic doesn’t go to waste – no siree. It’s sent to Rustic Roots, where chickens and pigs feast like kings.
Plus, their dedication to a greener world doesn’t stop there, with energy-efficient LEDs lighting up the joint and a gold star rating from the Green Dining Alliance.
Truly, The Old Bakery Beer Company has raised the bar(or should we say the beer?) high for the other breweries in Southern Illinois.
9. Hopskeller Brewing (In Waterloo)
Hopskeller Brewing is a Waterloo brewery that truly pints the town red with its brew-tiful beers!
Their story began as a hoppy dream at the 2014 “Taste of the Region” festival, and it’s been a glorious pour-ever after since then.
The heart and soul of Hopskeller, Matt Schweizer, takes his brewing cues from his time spent in Northern England and the Pacific Northwest, brewing ales so good, they might as well be liquid gold!
Their charming mezzanine, made from pine wood beams and iron railing, is soaked in history and adds a comforting touch of the old world.
And their star player? The Raspberry Ale is a sweet but tart treat that dances on your tongue and leaves you longing for more. Pair it with one of their wood-fired pizzas, and you’re in for a treat that’s ale-in-a-day’s work!
From the “Pale Mild Ale” to the “Raspberry Ale,” every sip at Hopskeller is a testament to the world’s diverse taste palette.
Not to mention, they’re no strangers to the limelight, bagging the 2019 “Best of Southwestern Illinois” Reader’s Choice Award.
Truly, Hopskeller is a brewing force to be reckoned with!
10. White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery (In Sparta)
Raise your mugs high as we strut into the White Rooster Farmhouse Brewery!
This cozy coop, hatched open in 2017, is a sud-sational playground that welcomes both two-legged and four-legged patrons.
Spread over a generous 6,500 square feet (that’s a lot of chicken dances!), the place is charmingly rustic, thanks to its exposed ceiling trusses.
With a laid-back, open seating layout, it’s where you can relax, play board or video games, and get your cluckin’ good fill of nine unique beers always on tap.
They’re constantly adding new brews into the mix, keeping things fresh and frothy.
Are you looking to throw a private party? Their tasting room is up for grabs!
And if you’re wondering about their brew secrets, it’s all in the barrel aging, baby. Traditional methods reign supreme here, reinforcing the fact that good things truly come to those who wait…for their beer to age!
White Rooster, we’re cock-a-doodle-doo-ing over you!
11. St. Nicholas Brewing Company (In Du Quoin)
St. Nicholas Brewing Company is keeping history alive and beer flowing!
Housed within the iconic St. Nicholas Hotel, a landmark since the 1800s, this brewery has been pouring joy since 2014.
Their brew lineup, starring the 7*11 Blonde Ale, Cadence Porter, and Peloton Pale Ale, will make you drool faster than you can say “Cheers!”
The Peloton Pale Ale, a tropical whirlwind of mango and pineapple, finishes as smoothly as pedaling downhill. With dry hopping making the hop flavor as punchy as a kangaroo on caffeine, it’s a sensory delight!
The Brewer’s Series, a rotating tap spectacle, showcases the brewers’ creativity and keeps beer lovers on their toes.
If history had a flavor, it would definitely taste like a pint at St. Nicholas Brewing Company!
12. The Hop Brewery (In Christopher)
Get ready to hop, skip, and jump your way to Christopher, where The Hop Brewery’s been brewing up a storm for 13 years, serving both craft beer and hearty Southern Illinois cuisine.
This family-friendly hub’s got all the right froths in all the right places, with comfy indoor and outdoor seating options and game areas. They even have a pool!
Navigate your way around the cozy dining areas or set up camp in their party spots.
Accessibility? No sweat, they’ve got it all ramped up!
13. Buckwater Brew Works (In Carbondale)
Buckwater Brew Works is fizzing up a foamy frenzy! This Carbondale brewery’s got a sudsy spread that’s got beer buffs buzzing.
With a mission to tackle all 28 beer styles, their brewski variety leaves no stone unturned – or should we say, no bottle unopened?
From the Sidetracked Pale Ale – a hoppy homage to Citra and Mosaic hops – to a rotating roster of labels that changes faster than a chameleon on a rainbow, you’re in for a hoppy adventure!
Whiskey lovers, brace yourselves for a whiskey wonderland boasting over 300 varieties of liquid gold – the largest collection in Southern Illinois.
Whether it’s top-fermented ales served at a cozy room temperature or bottom-fermented lagers that are as cool as a cucumber, this place has got your thirst covered.
And when your belly starts to growl, their food menu, featuring pretzels, chips and dip, and juicy burgers, is ready to feed the beast.
And for those who can’t bear to part ways, growlers are up for grabs, so you can take a piece of Buckwater Brew Works home with you.
14. 4204 Main Street Brewing (In Belleville)
Ladies and gents, we’ve found a diamond in the rough from the best breweries in Southern Illinois. Say hello to 4204 Main Street Brewing!
This brewery is the brainchild of CEO Todd Kennedy and flung open its doors in May 2014.
What once was an old, tired eatery is now a vibrant, modern brewery and steakhouse.
And let’s be honest, nothing says ‘revival’ quite like turning a forgotten restaurant into a bustling brew hub, right?
In true Belleville spirit, rich in German heritage and brewing tradition, 4204 gave the town its first brewery since the 80s. Talk about a sip down memory lane!
But hold onto your hats because this isn’t your granddad’s brewery. After a little nip and tuck in October 2014, 4204’s production beefed up.
The following year, they added a canning line, and by 2017, a large-scale production facility was completed, hosting one of the only two twin 30-barrel brew houses in the country.
So, are you thirsty yet? Let’s raise a drink at 4204 Main Street Brewing – a true brewing renaissance!
15. Old Herald Brewery & Distillery (In Collinsville)
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is a treasure among the breweries of Southern Illinois, turning the fun dial up to 11!
Housed in the historic Collinsville Herald newspaper building, this family-friendly spot serves up a whole smorgasbord of toothsome treats. Their full-service restaurant will take your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride from apps to zerts.
The beer garden? It’s the social epicenter of Collinsville – think Central Perk but with more hops.
And speaking of hops, their craft beers and spirits are more satisfying than finding a parking spot on your first try.
The “Cold Herald” slushie stand is the cherry on top, serving up icy treats that’ll make you feel like a kid again.
And lest we forget, the Printer’s Ink, a smooth, roasty black ale that’s as comforting as your grandma’s hot cocoa on a cold winter night.
This place is reviving Collinsville’s brewing tradition one gulp at a time!
Southern Illinois Breweries Map
This Illinois breweries map is the treasure map to your hoppy heart’s desire, a star-studded constellation of craft beer heavens, all in one place.
Where To Stay In Southern Illinois
It’s time to venture into the cozy corners and hidden havens of Southern Illinois! This next section will guide you to the perfect spots for laying your weary heads after a day of exploring the magical world of Illinois craft breweries.
We are giving you a few different options, each with convenience to several breweries from our list.
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for this Hotel
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for this Hotel
✅ Drury Inn & Suites St Louis/O’Fallon
➡️ Check Prices & Availability for this Hotel
FAQs About Southern Illinois
Got questions swirling in your head like a frothy pint of stout? Don’t fret; we’re here to tap into those queries and spill the answers just for you.
Why is southern Illinois known as Little Egypt?
What is the oldest town in Illinois?
What Is Southern Illinois Famous For?
Is Southern Illinois Worth Visiting?
🍺 If you want to head out of Southern Illinois, we recommend you check out Naperville next. It is on the outskirts of Chicago so not only will you have plenty of breweries to check out, you also have all of Chicago’s attractions!
