15 Dog-Friendly Breweries in Chicago

There’s no better feeling than sitting outside on a warm summer day in Chicago with a crisp craft beer in hand and your favorite four-legged friend by your side. Chicago has become the home of a booming craft beer scene, and it now offers a variety of unique breweries for all kinds of humans (and dogs) alike. As a dog owner myself, I appreciate being able to bring Gus with me whenever possible. In this post, I’ve outlined many of the dog-friendly breweries in Chicago and some best practices to follow if you bring your dog to a brewery.

Important Note: I’m not a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. All the tips and advice below pertaining to bringing your dog to public places, including breweries, are my own opinions and researched guidance. I highly recommend consulting with a dog trainer or your vet if you have specific questions or concerns about your furry friend. Please enjoy responsibly.

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Dog-Friendly Breweries

I’ve compiled a detailed list of dog-friendly breweries in Chicago that welcome dogs both inside and outside, as well as those that allow dogs only outdoors. Additionally, I have included some helpful tips for dog owners who plan to visit a brewery with their furry friend. Some breweries have changed their dog policies over the years, so it’s best to check the website or call ahead of time to ensure your pup is still welcome! Curious why some breweries allow dogs inside, and others do not? A good rule of thumb is that if a brewery has a kitchen and serves food, your dog will not be allowed indoors.

Midwest Coast Brewing Co.

Neighborhood: West Town

Dogs Allowed: Indoor & Outdoor

Starting with one of my all-time favorites, Midwest Coast. This West Town brewery is one of the most dog-friendly breweries in Chicago. Your pups are allowed indoors in their beautiful industrial loft-style taproom and outdoors on their massive patio. They have an excellent beer selection for the humans in attendance. Some standouts include their English sporting beer and oatmeal stout. There’s also the option to order a flight to sample a taste of each beer served in a converted dog bowl. Your pup will feel at home here, and not just because dogs are printed on the beer glasses. The staff is very dog-friendly and would love to give your pup a treat, kept “on-tap” behind the counter. 

Pilot Project Brewing

Neighborhood: Logan Square

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Pilot Project is a unique brewing incubator, meaning they have a variety of beer options from various local brewers available to sample. The beer menu is extensive, so I recommend grabbing a flight to sample four of your choosing. On a summer day, you will find the colorful patio packed with people and their canine companions hanging out on the picnic benches. Although dogs are only allowed outdoors, you’ll find that the staff is very welcoming to your furry friend.

Metropolitan Brewing

Neighborhood: Avondale

Dogs Allowed: Indoor & Outdoor

Another standout dog-friendly brewery in Chicago is Metropolitan Brewing. This warehouse-style building has floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the North Branch Chicago River. You will find large mess-hall-style tables, board games, and a large U-shaped bar inside. They have an amazing outdoor patio built over the river’s edge, making it one of the city’s few breweries with water access. Your pups are welcome both inside and outside, which is excellent for those looking to grab a beer on a rainy or winter day. There is no kitchen onsite, but you can bring your own food, check out Soul & Smoke BBQ, or order tacos from their partner, Arigato Market. If you like bingo or yoga, they have weekly bingo nights on Wednesdays and yoga on Sundays.

District Brew Yards

Neighborhood: West Loop

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

District Brew Yards is an innovative brewery experience. It’s a cashless, self-serve setup allowing its guests to pour their own beer. It’s particularly nice if you want to sample a few before committing to a full pour. District Brew Yards serves beers from local breweries Around the Bend Brewing, Twisted Hippo, Burnt City Brewing, and Casa Humilde Cerveceria. Their kitchen onsite features Lillie’s Q BBQ, a welcomed pairing with a cold beer. That being said, dogs are only allowed on the outdoor patio, which is substantial in size and adorned with graffiti on the walls.

Spending a weekend exploring Chicago? Check out my ultimate Chicago neighborhood guide for West Loop & Fulton Market!

Half Acre Beer Co.

Neighborhood: Bowmanville

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

The beer garden at Half Acre Beer Co is one of the most vibrant in the city. The light blue patio seating pops behind the crisp white brick walls with string lights strung above. Talk about a vibe. This inviting patio is the place to be during the summer months since it’s bursting with energy from the human and dog guests. Half Arce beer is some of the best in the city, and their claim to fame is their popular Daisy Cutter Pale Ale. You may have seen it listed on 90% of Chicago’s tap beer lists.

Alarmist Brewing & Taproom

Neighborhood: North Park

Dogs Allowed: Indoor & Outdoor

Alarmist Brewing welcomes our furry friends inside their simple yet colorful warehouse-style building on the North side of Chicago. Grab a hightop seat and enjoy their award-winning Le Jus New England Style IPA. Prefer to sit outside? You’ll love their laid-back patio with picnic tables and lawn chairs. It’s one of the few dog-friendly brewery patios in Chicago with grass – a nice break for your dog’s paw pads, especially in the warm summer months.

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Neighborhood: West Loop

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Ready to take a trip to Ireland and enjoy a world-famous Irish dry stout? Well, you’re in luck since Guinness recently opened its second US location in Chicago. The taproom is inspired by the city of Chicago, with the interior featuring modern touches and a gorgeous ceiling covered in ornate lights. The brewery will feature a rotating food and drink menu, including some experimental brews that you can only order in the taproom. On top of that, there’s a morning bakery onsite serving Intelligentsia Coffee and Aya Pasteries. Yum! Your canine companion will feel right at home on the expansive 136-seat patio while you sip one of the most iconic stouts on earth.

Off Color Brewing Taproom – The Mousetrap

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Off Color Brewing is another established brewery in Chicago well known for its Apex Predator Farmhouse Ale (a personal favorite of mine). Their Mousetrap Taproom not only serves 16 beers on draft but also has a variety of cans and bottles available, in addition to a full bar with liquor and wine. Who doesn’t love options?! The outdoor patio is a fantastic spot to grab a beer in the summer months with your dog after shopping at the REI store next door. Ask the staff for a water bowl for your best pal.

Burning Bush Brewery

Neighborhood: Horner Park

Dogs Allowed: Indoor & Outdoor

If you like a no-frills, laid-back brewery, you’ll be a fan of Burning Bush Brewery. They have a lengthy beer menu and some delicious wine and ciders on tap. You can bring your own food, order food to the brewery, or purchase snacks or a dog treat for your canine companion! Your pup is welcome indoors and outdoors, which makes this a great spot for dog lovers. The back patio is an excellent place to gather your friends for a casual evening during the warmer months.

Dovetail Brewery

Neighborhood: Ravenswood

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Dovetail Brewery was previously one of the most dog-friendly breweries in Chicago. It was often found at the top of your search when you looked up breweries that allowed your furry friends inside. Alas, they no longer allow dogs indoors, but they’re still extremely welcoming to your pups on their outdoor patio and beer garden. Pull up a chair and enjoy some German-inspired brews.

Goose Island Taproom

Neighborhood: West Loop

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Although this is one of the smaller patios on the list, Goose Island gets a shout-out in this post. Goose Island is another big name in the Chicago brewery game with some stand-out beers, including their 312, IPA, Matilda Pale Ale, and one of my personal favorites, Sofie Saison. The taproom interior is one of the coolest in the city, even if they don’t allow pups indoors. The patio is adorned with string lights and wooden booths – the perfect spot to spend a few hours on a warm Chicago day.

Begyle Brewing

Neighborhood: Ravenswood

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Begyle Brewing is the friendly neighbor of Dovetail Brewery, and they have a few similarities to note. They both serve delicious and well-crafted beers in the Ravenswood Industrial Corridor of Chicago, also known as “Malt Row.” Additionally, they both took the stance a few years ago and stopped allowing dogs in their indoor space. Don’t fret, they have a relaxed outdoor space that is dog-friendly. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could easily check out both breweries in one day.

Corridor Brewery & Provisions

Neighborhood: Southport Corridor, Lakeview

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

This farmhouse craft brewery is near and dear to my heart, being a stone’s throw away from our first apartment in the Southport Corridor of Lakeview. While this neighborhood has evolved tremendously over the years, there’s something about the energy in Lakeview that never changes. Headed to a Cubs game? Corridor is a less crowded spot to grab a drink before a baseball game and is only half a mile from the stadium. While the patio size is modest, they are very welcoming to your dogs. Once seated, the staff will quickly provide you with a bowl of water and a dog treat for your good boy or girl. The service is top-notch, and the warm soft pretzel is a can’t-miss.

The Perch Kitchen and Tap

Neighborhood: Wicker Park

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

The Perch is the perfect spot if you’re in the mood for a delicious meal and craft beer. This trendy brewpub is a collaboration between the 4 Star Restaurant Group (which also oversees Smoke Daddy and Crosby’s Kitchen) and Finch Beer Co. Seeing that there’s a restaurant and kitchen onsite, dogs aren’t allowed inside. Looking to dine with your doggo? There’s a colorful patio out front that welcomes all. Pull up a chair under one of the bright umbrella-covered tables, order the cornbread to start, and enjoy one of the refreshing Finch beers on tap.

Ravinia Brewing Company

Neighborhood: Logan Square

Dogs Allowed: Outdoor only

Last but not least on the dog-friendly breweries in Chicago list is the vibrant Ravinia Brewing Company. They brew beers that are approachable and full of flavor, so try several with a flight! The food menu is Mexican-inspired and serves the human guests a selection of chips and dips, quesadillas, and tacos. The Logan Square location has a beer garden in the back decorated with bright-colored tables and chairs, string lights, and, most importantly, it’s dog-friendly.

Chicago Dog-Friendly Breweries Best Practices

After perusing the dog-friendly breweries above, I’m sure you have a few new spots to add to your must-try list. Before you leash up your furry friend, be sure to review my below list of personal best practices.

Prepare Your Dog for the Outing

A little preparation can go a long way. How you prepare will vary based on your dog’s temperament and needs. I always recommend doing a quick training session before leaving the house to reinforce basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Does your pup require exercise to work out the zoomies before entering a public place? If so, be sure to walk your dog or throw the ball before grabbing a beer so your pup has a better chance of being on their best behavior at the brewery.

Know When to Leave Your Dog at Home

As a dog owner myself, I know the feeling of wanting to bring my furry friend along with me whenever possible. However, some dogs don’t do well in certain situations or are a bit more independent than others. If you have a pup who doesn’t socialize well with other dogs or people, doesn’t enjoy loud bustling surroundings, or is untrained, it may be best to leave them at home.

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

This best practice may be a no-brainer, but your pup should always be on a leash at all times when visiting a brewery. Ditch the retractable leash and use a classic 6-foot-long leash with two handles (top and base), giving you the option to keep your dog closer to you at any point in time. Make an effort to keep your pup from veering into other people’s personal space when walking in and out of the brewery.

Pack a Bag

Bringing high-value treats, water, poop bags, and even disinfecting wipes can be a huge help when going out in public with your dog. Another seemingly no-brainer, but you would be surprised how many people forget to bring some essentials when they’re out and about with their dogs. Whenever we bring Gus to a new place, we pack his favorite treats to ensure we can get his attention and keep him on his best behavior.

Clean Up After Your Pup

You are 100% responsible for your dog in public or at a brewery. If your furry friend makes a mess, has an accident, or knocks over a beer, you should clean up after them. Try your best to be respectful so these local Chicago dog-friendly breweries continue to allow dogs to join us!

Follow The Brewery’s Rules

Please do not be the person who thinks they can disregard rules. We all need to do our part and be respectful of these establishments so everyone can have an enjoyable experience with their canine friends. Breaking the rules could force the brewery’s hand and cause a change to its dog-friendly policies. That would be a major buzzkill, so be on your best behavior. 

Ask Before Socializing with Other Dogs or Humans

If you have a dog with a big personality, then you’ve likely experienced the joys and stresses of bringing your dog to a place with new dogs and people. It’s amazing to watch their faces light up when they make a new friend, but it’s also a little worrisome if the other dog isn’t as friendly. When entering a brewery and approaching a new dog or human, it’s a good idea to ask if it’s okay if your dog says hello before they interact.

Watch the Temperatures Outside

If you have a dog that is larger in size, fluffier, has a short snout, or doesn’t do well in the heat, it’s essential to pay attention to the weather outside and how your dog reacts. A few things to keep in mind when the temperatures creep up include: avoiding hot sections of concrete and asphalt to protect your pup’s paw pads, keeping your dog in the shade, providing plenty of water, and watching your dog’s body language. If you begin to notice your dog panting heavily, it’s likely time to take them home.

Don’t Give Your Dog Beer

I hope this goes without saying, but alcohol is dangerous for dogs. They can’t properly metabolize alcohol, which can cause them to get extremely sick. Don’t share your beer with your dog (or anyone else’s, for that matter) when visiting these dog-friendly breweries in Chicago, and call your vet immediately if they accidentally ingest any alcohol. 

Ensure Your Dog is Up to Date on Vaccines

Speaking of your dog’s health, you will want to ensure your dog is healthy and up to date on their shots before going to a brewery. This is a best practice when taking your dog to any public place to ensure you don’t transmit diseases to other dogs. The most common illnesses spread from dog to dog are canine distemper, canine influenza, parvo, giardia, and kennel cough.

Final Thoughts

Bringing Gus to a local brewery is one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in Chicago. There’s something so pleasant about sipping on a delicious craft beer, hanging with your dog, and soaking up the sun on a beautiful day. After reading this post, I hope you’ve gathered a few new dog-friendly breweries in Chicago to check out the next time you’re looking to go on a mini adventure with your pup.

Have you tried any of the breweries above? I would love to hear about your experience in the comments!