Cute cute cute! Â Came here for a Yelp event and loved it! Â My husband had a flight of beer and was hoping we didn't have to go to our next stop so he could bring home a growler of beer....I didn't have anything but the cheese pizza, but the atmosphere was great! Â We will be back when we have more time to relax!!
Review Source:Squeezed in a quant community is this small brewery. Although what this place lacks in size it quickly redeems in excellent tasting craft beer and a proud staff more than willing to make you happy. What made me enjoy this place was the 10 dollar brewery tour that came with a complimentary sample paddle. Even though this brewery is still in its infant phase (nano brewery) it cranks out a very wide selection of beers. The house favorite is the Honey Badger Ale. It really has a sweet hint of honey. One small issue is a slightly steep pricing of the craft beers. Although considering its a small business and the beer is brewed in house I would think any loyal beer connoisseur would pay a bit extra.
Review Source:Solid beers. Â Reasonable prices. Â Invested in their community. Â There isn't much to dislike about this place.
I went here for a brewery tour. Â There were a half dozen of us and I asked a LOT of questions, which the staff seemed to enjoy rather than get annoyed with. Â After the tour, we had flights of beer. Â There wasn't a bad beer among them... as a big fan of craft beer, none of them totally wowed me, but several sort of wowed me. Â We stayed and sipped for a while, and the brewmaster came out, talked to us, and upon our invite, sat with us and talked shop a while longer. Â We got way more than we paid for.
Good people and good brew. Â When I'm in Lake Bluff, I'll fill a growler or two. Â Well worth it to support a brewery of this sort.
This place....this place is pretty cool. I really have no idea how I wound up here from Downers Grove, but I did and I'm glad! We came in on a Saturday evening and it was actually busy, but not too busy. How a place like this isn't packed to the walls every night is beyond me! It's just a small little brewery building with a few booths and a small bar. Everything they serve they've made. We each got a different beer, I had the Honey Badger. It was...SO GOOD. Definitely good enough to drive back for. We just hung around for awhile, enjoying our beers until it was time to go back to our now seemingly sad and pointless lives in the western 'burbs. Lives that will remain meaningless until it's time for our next visit to Lake Bluff Brewing Company.
Review Source:I decided to give this place a shot after getting a little tired of the same drawn out old scene at Innovasi. The beers were delicious and the service was even better. Very friendly atmosphere, they even have a record player. On an average night you'll find people of all ages. Some of the best craft beer in the area!
Review Source:Stopped in on a whim. Nice main street location. Very sleepy at lunch on a Saturday.
Neat factor - They were actually spinning vinyl, folks working the tap room were very chill and friendly.
Cool factor - Just about everything is locally sourced including the brew and food.
As for the brew, thoroughly enjoyed my skull ipa until I saw how much it was on the bill. $8!? for a pint. Good luck to them. Located where they are folks may shrug it off, but not me. That's too steep for me to hang for any length of time. I enjoy good beer but I will need more beer before long and have to make sure I have some money for later as well.
As for food, kids got the organic hot dog and the grilled cheese.
Mom and dad split the braut and turkey paninni, both were tasty.
Atmosphere and decor is good, not too big, not too small, just right with some spill over sidewalk seating.
Growlers are available too
I have to come clean about something before you read further; when I walked into LBBC on "Vinyl Tuesday" they were playing my favorite local band (I had no idea that they even had anything on vinyl). I am sure that the "feel good" of the music affected my ability to be objective when writing this review.
The decor is cozy with comfortable plush chairs at the bar and 2 HD TV's tuned to sports. The place looks nearly identical to how I would decorate my media room if I won the lottery. There are a few tables and chairs for outside seating and the fellow that was waiting on that area seemed johnny on the spot when people wanted to order.
I found the service to be friendly in a small town way which I appreciated. The night that I was there they had 7 beers on tap- not being familiar with any of them, I tried the Derailleur IPA. Drafts are available in 3 sizes- so I picked the middle of the road 16 OZ size; it was just right for quenching my thirst.
I was very pleasantly surprised with the taste and the finish of the Derailleur IPA; I felt it was certainly one of the better handcrafted beers that I can recall drinking.
Time didn't allow me to order something to eat, but what I did see being served to others seemed well plated and fresh.
I hesitate to give LBBC a 5-star rating only based on a brief visit. but there was nothing that I saw about it that I felt would keep LBBC from earning your 5 star rating.
Overall LBBC is a great local place with top notch service and a relaxed atmosphere. Consider visiting LBBC the next time you have a thirst for tasty small batch beer. I feel you'll be as pleased as I was.
Lake Bluff Brewing Company makes my craft beer loving heart happy. Â There's good peops working there, good beer brewing there, and there's a nice space indoors and out to enjoy said peops and beer. Â The only thing that could improve is the food- tried the pizza [pepperoni and sausage-meh, tasted like a frozen pizza (which, IMO, is better than NO pizza)] and the pretzel [not bad], but with Wisma next door, you could really just go get some delicious organic grub to go and then enjoy a flight or pint outside. Â Done and done.
The flight was set up beautifully...four beers, in order of IBUs, on a paddle with little chips indicating which was which. Â I tried:
Inspiration Pale Ale- Â Nice malty backbone and a good citrus nose for a pale ale.
Derailleur Pale Ale- Â FAVE. Â Put simply: malty, hoppy, and delicious. Â It had a biscuity, slightly grain heavy aroma with some citrus hops on the end.
Hard Tail IPA- Â Super malty with a decent citrus palate but the aroma didn't match it...it was almost too grainy and malty on the nose.
Skull and Bones IPA- Â Biscuity/grainy aroma, nice malt and hops backbone. Â Tastes stronger than its 38 IBU rating gives it credit for. Â Skull and Bones is a perfect name, as I can see this sucker giving you quite the headache if you have too many. Â Well, played, LBBC, well played.
This place contributes a lot to the night life of Lake Bluff. Â Some guys that like beer making good beer, it is pretty simple! Â I like the cycling theme to the names of the beer, and the selection is pretty great every time I have been in. Â
Now that being said, I always walk away thinking I was glad I went but wanting to make a few changes to the place. Â The atmosphere can be at bit non-craft-beer. Â Now, don't get me wrong, the beer is good, and there is a lot of things good with it, but I feel like there are a lot of low hanging fruit style things that could plus this.
But, to be fair, I really think a lot of people dig this place and I get why. Â Chicago is just starting to live the craft beer thing, and to have a brew pub is a culture creator. Â This place is creating culture and doing it right. Â I always make a point to go when I have an opportunity to be in Lake Bluff at beer:thirty. Â I believe every other craft beer lover should too. Â
Some simple practical things: Â Easy parking, yes. Â Beautiful outdoor scenery if you sit outside, yes. Â Cool town, yes. Â Chill patrons, yes. Â Cool growlers, yes. Â Food, yes. Â Should you go? YES!
Love this place -- especially after a long bike ride. The fresh beer -- ranging from  bright hefeweizens to bitter, hoppy IPA's and stouts - are delicious to taste for free or drink from a 10-oz snifter, pint or a "growler." The brief menu offers a few yummy paninis, (and today fresh-made bratwursts)  several sharing apps, like a fresh-made hummus, and of course the 6-7 beer options. It's definitely a great biking destination on a sunny weekend, and the outdoor seating gives it a non-suburban feel, especially with the cross-section of patrons that makes its way to this little north suburban hideaway. And FYI, they have beautiful hand blown  growlers made for you to cart home their homemade brews. All in all, with the low key, but informative and solicitous staff, Lake Bluff's newish brewery option is one of my picks.
Review Source:Last Friday night I stopped in with a friend for a local craft beer. Once before I walked into this tiny space and was so freaked out that I turned around and left. haha! The room is small and when you walk in the door, you walk right into the middle of the room where everyone can see you. It is not very comfortable if you are not from the area or are not with a group of people.
The beer however, was good and I enjoyed the descriptions that accompanied each option. The place was just ok in my opinion. Nothing special other than the fact that is a local establishment. That alone will keep me coming back if I have the craving for a craft beer right down the street.
I've been to LBBC a few times. I think this place has potential, so I will definitely give it another chance or two.
During my first visit with my wife we walked right into the bar, which appears more like a tasting room. The bar is located in the back of the room and there are tables and bench seating along the sides of the room.
Since there was no hostess, nor room for one, we walked directly to the bar to order a beer. (The bar was full, otherwise we would have taken a seat). The friendly waitstaff directed us to a table and promptly took our order. The one beer I wanted was not available at that moment, so the waitress suggested a substitute. When I finished my first beer, she brought out the original beer I had requested and said it was on the house. I like that. That's good service. Most places nickel and dime you and this made a good first impression. My wife and I ordered something off the menu. I forget what it was. The menu is sufficient. Nothing special, but a variety of items to nibble on while you drink the craft beer.
Our waitress was very attentive at first, and then she was MIA. Two women (mid 40s to early 50s) came in and set at the table next to us. They sat for a few minutes and then asked us some questions about the beers. They sat for another few minutes and unfortunately, no waitress came out to take their order. Meanwhile, I could see our waitress was seated across the room engaged with other patrons. I was disappointed because she had started off so great. A few minutes later the two women seated next to us got up and left, remarking to us as they left "no service, see you guys!". Â As a small business owner myself, it was disappointing to see another small business lose customers for something so simple as inattentive waiters.
My wife and I sat a few more minutes waiting for our waiter. By this time my glass was empty and any fond feelings I had about the service had no completely disappeared.
Meanwhile, another couple comes into the bar and sits next to us where the two women had just left. Like us, they were a bit confused upon entering, but eventually found seating and took a look at the menu. They waited a few minutes without any waitress coming to the table before I told them they better go up and find someone as the couple before them had just walked out, totally ignored.
Finally, our waitress returned to our table and took care of the couple next to us. By this time I had waited enough and didn't want to risk sitting for another 15 minutes by ordering another beer.
The beer was not bad. The offerings available during that visit were all a bit high in alcohol content, so after two I had enough of a buzz to call it quits. Would like to have a beer or two with a bit lower ABV. A few of the beers are a bit pricey for the area, but overall not bad. As is my complaint with most places, I wish the beer was colder.
Upon our second visit my wife and I had a seat at the bar. One of my pet peeves is when bartenders eat or drink behind the bar. I think it's unprofessional and unappetizing. The bar is small and it was disappointing that with only 6 or 8 patrons to look over, my glass sat empty for awhile after I had finished my beer. Eventually, I was able to flag down the bartender who was drinking and chatting with another patron and ask her for our bill, at which time she apologized for not seeing my empty beer.
I think this place really has potential and would like to see them do well. I think the interior needs an overhaul and the help of a professional restaurant/bar designer. The back of the "bar" is basically oddly arranged bookshelves with a mirror in the middle. Underneath the mirror the taps are mounted. I'd love to see the taps up at the bar so the bartender does not have to turn their back to the patrons. Although the hand-blown glass tap handles are a nice artful touch, some custom carved tap handles with the name or the beer would be cool. The bookshelves behind the bar contain an odd assortment of things like the employees' personal possessions, food, cleaning supplies, etc. This is stuff that should be out of sight. There is TV or two mounted in the bar which is fine. Always nice to be able to catch a game when stopping in for a drink. I wish the lighting was a bit more subtle. They could definitely turn down the overhead lights -- it's feels like you're on stage. Darker, more intimate lighting would make the place much more cozy.
I think with some improvements to service and decor, and additional beer options and pricing, this place can do very well. Looking forward to our next visit.
Solid little brewery with good beers and a great staff. The brewery is very cute inside and the tables outside are a nice touch. Little patio seems like a great place to chill on a warm, sunny afternoon. As any microbrewery should do, they have growlers so you can pick up beer on the way home.
We went in with the intention of filling up the growlers to take home for the weekend, but given two of us had never been there we got a flight to taste test. In the flight was the Hefeweizen, Bohemian Blond, Inspiration Ale, and the Bourbon Stout. In addition, we got a pint of an IPA. In the end we ended up getting the Hefeweizen, Inspiration Ale, and the IPA. I am not a fan of IPAs, so I really can't comment. I found both the Hefeweizen and Bohemian Blond light and perfect for summer. Inspiration Ale was very good as well. I like the Bourbon Stout, but could probably only have it in small quantities.
On the website it says they have a Belgian Monkey, but it was not available when we went. I am sad because 1) I love monkeys 2) If it is anything like Victory's Golden Monkey ... I'm pretty sure I would be head over heels ... another reason to go back!
Fantastic beer made on site, which is unique considering it's a small space. Â Has a great neighborhood feel even though the space itself is very new and opened earlier this year. Â Staff is outstanding - fun, easygoing, and local. Â A pint is not cheap, but neither is brewing your own, and personally I like supporting local business and the effort and craftsmanship it takes to do it well. Â Beer lovers will appreciate the menu, and while there are only a few food items on the menu, they are all tasty and compliment the brews. Â Definitely a locals kinda place that welcomes visitors with a smile. Â If you want a $2 beer and burger combo, look elsewhere. Â If you're in the area and looking for a nice beer in a cozy relaxing environment surrounded by good people, check it out... you'll be happy you did.
Review Source:Downtown Lake Bluff has a nite life! This joint is solid for just having opened. It's small inside and their liquor license only allows them to have 12 chairs outside.
The beer is very tasty. I am a home brewer, I know my hops & malt and I give it a thumbs up. The chalkboard inside tells you what they have on tap as well as what is conditioning & when it will be tapped. There were 4 IPA's on tap last night, so I started with a sampler and was quite the happy camper.
They have a very limited food menu, but it is good. The hummus is fantastic and the pannini's are very yummy. If you really want a 'meal' the Noodle Bar is next door, grab some take out and have a brew.
We got there pretty early, sat outside with our dogs in those premium patio seats and left very late. It was some great people watching. The later it got the younger & louder the crowd became. Which was fine with me & the BF.
Loved it. We took a bike ride down to the beach and on our way back stopped by for some great brews. Beers are expensive, but really good craft beer often is. The best deal is their sampler: you get 4 4oz tasters for $9.
When all was said and done, we tried the Belgian Monkey (good, not great- had a lot of flavor going on but seemed a bit too much), the Bohemian Blonde (excellent summer beer), the Soft and Hard Tail IPAs- these were really, really hoppy in the best possible way ... I usually dislike IPAs as too sour/bitter, but these were delightful! Of the two, I preferred the soft tail), the Black Squirrel (the bourbon flavor dominates this brew- if you don't like that distinctive taste, avoid this one) and the Saison (my personal favorite- I could drink this one at breakfast, lunch and dinner for the rest of my life. There are so many great flavors in this beer I want another right now.)
The food menu really needs to be improved- too few items and what we got, chips and salsa and a handmade pretzel, were just OK. Maybe they can cooperate with the bakery and Wisma Voltron-style?
The place inside is small, but they also have a handful of outdoor tables. The time we went, there was a band playing everything from classic rock to jazz. IMHO, the place is too small for a band, but thats just me. The guys running the joint are super cool and easy-going beer nerds. Service was great.
So in summation, 6 stars for the super beers, minus 1 for the limited and underwhelming food, minus 1 star for the high prices, plus 1 star for the friendly service. Normally I don't give 5 stars to places that I think are too pricey, but this place is on Scranton in Lake Bluff, so it likely has sky-high rent. I hope they make it.
A nice atmosphere and great service. They only serve ales, which I'm not a fan of. There are about four food items: we tried two of their pretzels. They were nothing amazing, kinda small, but got the job done.
We had a great time though and spent about an hour there. Worth a visit for locals who enjoy microbrews.
Had a great time at the grand opening for Lake Bluff Brewing Company tonight. They had 7-8 varieties on tap including a very tasty Hard Tail Imperial IPA, a hearty Black Squirrel Bourbon Stout, and a formidable Belgian Saison among several others. A selection of appetizers and sandwiches was available, but I stuck to the beer tonight.
The space is relatively small, especially when the crowds show up, but the bar has a nice vibe and will wear nicely once it's broken in a bit.
Definitely a great addition to the far reaches of the northern 'burbs and an otherwise sleepy town.
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