7 Chicago Beer Tours to Build an Afternoon Around

1.Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $99Our pick

Meet your guide near Chicago’s River North neighborhood and board the one-of-a-kind Barrel Bus. Over about four hours, visit up to three local breweries, sample 45 to 55 ounces of beer, hear Chicago and Prohibition stories, and return to the starting point.

“It was a great experiance! The tour gouide was very knowledgeable and shared some fascinating stories about the Prohibition era. The pistachio beer is definitely a mut try.”

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2.Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 4 hours · from $99

Spend four hours aboard Chicago’s custom barrel-shaped bus, visiting three breweries and sampling 45 to 55 ounces of beer. Your guide, including Ted or David on some departures, leads tastings, party games, and a VIP production tour at Revolution Brewery.

“So much fun & such a unique experience. We loved it!”

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3.Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Malt Row

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $39

Join a small group of up to 10 people at 2 pm for a four-hour walk through Chicago’s Malt Row. Guides such as Adam, Mark, or Andy lead you to Dovetail, Begyle, and Cultivate, mixing brewery tastings, local history, discounts, and practical beer advice.

“Loved our walking brewery tour with Adam! He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history of brewing in Chicago and told us the entire history.”

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4.Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip: City Tour with Miller Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 16 reviews · 1 day · from $125

Travel from Chicago to Milwaukee in a small group of up to 14 with an English-speaking guide such as Nico. Choose the museum and brewery option for motorcycle history, beer tastings, and lakefront views, with free time at the Milwaukee Public Market.

“This Milwaukee day trip from Chicago was such a refreshing and well-organized escape! The itinerary perfectly balanced culture, history, and local flavor. From diving into motorcycle heritage at the Harley-Davidson Museum to sampling brews at the Miller Brewery, each stop added something special. The Milwaukee Public Market was a foodie’s dream, and even the brief stop at the Milwaukee Art Museum offered beautiful lakefront views and striking architecture. I also want to take a moment to highlight out guide—professional, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable. He kept the tour running smoothly, shared great insights throughout the day, and made sure everyone felt looked after. Whether you’re...”

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5.Oktoberfest Walking Brewery Tour in Logan Square

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $25Best value

Join Adam or Brent for a small-group walk from Palmer Square Park to three Logan Square breweries. Learn Chicago beer history, sample discounted flights at Solemn Oath and Revolution, and finish at Hopewell near the Blue Line. Drinks cost extra.

“It was both educational and fun. For someone who’s done several brewery tours, this one is unlike any I’ve done, giving you an intimate look into Chicago’s brewery scene.”

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6.Chicago to Milwaukee Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 8 to 10 hours (approx.) · from $125

Travel from Chicago to Milwaukee in a small group of up to 14 people, with a guide-driver handling the route and city stops. Choose a basic sightseeing option or add the Harley-Davidson Museum and Miller Brewery Tour. Expect food, architecture, beer culture, and a long day on the road.

“The Milwaukee Art Museum was a visual masterpiece—its stunning architecture and lakefront setting made for the perfect introduction to the city’s creative spirit. Inside, the collection was diverse and thoughtfully curated, with something to capture every kind of art lover. The Milwaukee Public Market was a lively and delicious stop. From artisan cheeses to fresh-baked pastries and handmade crafts, it had the kind of local charm that made it easy to lose track of time. I’d also like to highlight the exceptional service provided by our tour guide. He is knowledgeable, friendly, and kept everything running smoothly without ever making the day feel rushed. His insights added so much to…”

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7.Chicago Local Brewery Expedition with Homemade Guacamole

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $63

Meet Ronaldo at Goose Island Beer Co. for three 5-ounce craft beer samples with Chef Carla’s homemade guacamole and corn tortillas. Then walk to District Yards Brewing and finish near four breweries in the West Loop. The 90-minute outing suits beer fans who want local guidance and a light snack.

“Ronaldo was great! Communicated all the details and followed up. Another awesome experience with Viatour”

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