MADI ELLIS (FISH, DINING ROOM), MARINA CARSELLO (GLASS), MATT MENDINI (CANS), JUDE GOERGEN (BOWL); PREVIOUS PAGE: AJ TRELA (HOTEL); TAMER KOSELI (ALL ILLUSTRATIONS)KNOW IT
CHICAGO
C
orner taverns, common in Chicago, are known for the Old Style–
brand beer signs that often hang out front. But these days many
residents do their drinking in the craft beer taprooms that have
bubbled up with such frequency that the Brewers Association recently
found Chicago to be the nation’s center of craft brewing—home to 167
breweries, more than any other U.S. city.
Forget those hyped and hoppy IPAs; brewmasters here have brought
global varieties home. In Ravenswood, DOVETAIL BREWERY specializes in
rich Belgian and German styles. In Logan Square, BIXI BEER incorporates
ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorns and green cardamom to align
with its Asian-accented cuisine. Nearby, MAPLEWOOD BREWERY & DISTILLERY
mixes it up by creating cocktails with both house brews and spirits.
CRUZ BLANCA BREWERY & TAQUERIA in the West Loop, part of chef Rick
Bayless’s restaurant empire, channels a sunny Mexican spirit.
Neighborhood pride has bolstered the craft breweries, most of which
sit far from downtown’s financial center. “The definition of ‘local’ used to
be ‘from Chicago,’” says Manny Valdes, Bayless’s partner in Cruz Blanca.
“Now it’s, ‘What block are you on?’ The neighborhood supports you.”NATGEOTRAVEL.COMGlobal Goes
Local
Chicago’s craft breweries
look to the world for
fermentation inspirationST. JANE CHICAGOIn the art deco Carbide and
Carbon Building, this 365-
room newcomer honors its
namesake—social activist
Jane Addams—by donating
a portion of the proceeds
to charity. The building’s
shape recalls that of a
champagne bottle, so it’s
fitting that restaurant Free
Rein feeds the fizz with DJs,
live music, and crowd-
friendly seafood towers.INTERCONTINENTAL
CHICAGO
MAGNIFICENT MILELocation meets lore in this
1929 Michigan Avenue
classic, originally the
Medinah Athletic Club—
as revealed in its marble-
and-tile swimming pool.
Michael Jordan’s Steak-
house, backed by the
basketball great, frames
views of columns and
coffered ceilings. The hotel
will even pack you a picnic
for urban exploration.CHICAGO ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION HOTELBuilt to impress travelers
attending the 1893
Columbian Exposition, the
Venetian-inspired Chicago
Athletic Association
features massive stone
fireplaces and leaded
glass windows. Restored
and reopened as a hotel in
2015, the Millennium Park–
facing landmark doubles
as a social center for locals
keen on its conservatory-
like rooftop bar, Cindy’s;
retro Game Room; and
eight-seat speakeasy,
Milk Room, specializing
in vintage spirits.Windy City Stays
O TRENDY
O NEW
O CLASSICClockwise from top left:
Spicy seafood and the
private dining room at
BiXi Beer; Cruz Blanca’s
Palm Shade pale ale;
Maplewood brews to goMADI ELLIS (FISH, DINING ROOM), MARINA CARSELLO (GLASS), MATT MENDINI (CANS), JUDE GOERGEN (BOWL); PREVIOUS PAGE: AJ TRELA (HOTEL); TAMER KOSELI (ALL ILLUSTRATIONS)KNOW IT
CHICAGO
C
orner taverns, common in Chicago, are known for the Old Style–
brand beer signs that often hang out front. But these days many
residents do their drinking in the craft beer taprooms that have
bubbled up with such frequency that the Brewers Association recently
found Chicago to be the nation’s center of craft brewing—home to 167
breweries, more than any other U.S. city.
Forget those hyped and hoppy IPAs; brewmasters here have brought
global varieties home. In Ravenswood, DOVETAIL BREWERY specializes in
rich Belgian and German styles. In Logan Square, BIXI BEER incorporates
ingredients such as Sichuan peppercorns and green cardamom to align
with its Asian-accented cuisine. Nearby, MAPLEWOOD BREWERY & DISTILLERY
mixes it up by creating cocktails with both house brews and spirits.
CRUZ BLANCA BREWERY & TAQUERIA in the West Loop, part of chef Rick
Bayless’s restaurant empire, channels a sunny Mexican spirit.
Neighborhood pride has bolstered the craft breweries, most of which
sit far from downtown’s financial center. “The definition of ‘local’ used to
be ‘from Chicago,’” says Manny Valdes, Bayless’s partner in Cruz Blanca.
“Now it’s, ‘What block are you on?’ The neighborhood supports you.”NATGEOTRAVEL.COM
Global Goes
Local
Chicago’s craft breweries
look to the world for
fermentation inspiration
ST. JANE CHICAGOIn the art deco Carbide and
Carbon Building, this 365-
room newcomer honors its
namesake—social activist
Jane Addams—by donating
a portion of the proceeds
to charity. The building’s
shape recalls that of a
champagne bottle, so it’s
fitting that restaurant Free
Rein feeds the fizz with DJs,
live music, and crowd-
friendly seafood towers.INTERCONTINENTAL
CHICAGO
MAGNIFICENT MILELocation meets lore in this
1929 Michigan Avenue
classic, originally the
Medinah Athletic Club—
as revealed in its marble-
and-tile swimming pool.
Michael Jordan’s Steak-
house, backed by the
basketball great, frames
views of columns and
coffered ceilings. The hotel
will even pack you a picnic
for urban exploration.CHICAGO ATHLETIC
ASSOCIATION HOTELBuilt to impress travelers
attending the 1893
Columbian Exposition, the
Venetian-inspired Chicago
Athletic Association
features massive stone
fireplaces and leaded
glass windows. Restored
and reopened as a hotel in
2015, the Millennium Park–
facing landmark doubles
as a social center for locals
keen on its conservatory-
like rooftop bar, Cindy’s;
retro Game Room; and
eight-seat speakeasy,
Milk Room, specializing
in vintage spirits.Windy City Stays
O TRENDY
O NEW
O CLASSICClockwise from top left:
Spicy seafood and the
private dining room at
BiXi Beer; Cruz Blanca’s
Palm Shade pale ale;
Maplewood brews to go