Native brews
With patience comes rewards. Look no further than beer.
It has taken a while for local brews to catch on in Springfield and central Illinois. A taste for something beyond corporate suds has long been established, and so imports, either from other states or other countries, were, and still are, available by bottle or can in myriad locations. But establishments that brew here, particularly those that sell on premises, are a relatively new proposition that has, joyously, taken hold and promises to grow.
Proof positive, the state fair, held each August, has in recent years offered an impressive mix of craft beers to augment products from national brewers that had long been the only choice at fair venues. In 2017, a cream ale brewed by a tiny brewpub not far from Springfield bested 18 other outfits from throughout the state and was judged best in Illinois, which gave the then year-old brewery the honor of producing the official state bicentennial beer in 2018.
“Frankly, a good beer is part of a good life,” Gov. Bruce Rauner proclaimed when announcing the winner and proving that there are some things that everyone, regardless of politics, can agree on.
Love is any beer’s most important ingredient, and local brewers provide as much of that as any beer maker in the world. You can taste the care in every sip – even if you’re not fond of, say, Hefeweizen, you might just say, “Golly, gee – this one’s amazing,” and have a second instead of opting for an IPA. It has happened to us more than once, usually on sweltering summer days when fresh strawberries are offered as a garnish. We’re equally blown away by porters that show up each autumn. And so, no matter the season, beer lovers will find something worth sipping here.
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery
500 South Sixth Street Springfield 217-670-0267 The granddaddy of them all, Obed and Isaac’s opened in 2012 and proved that brewpubs could be as popular here as anywhere else. Housed in an historic mansion nestled against a sizeable outdoor beer garden to accommodate summertime crowds, Obed’s is a comfortable walk from Lincoln’s Home and other downtown historic sites. Most of the indoor premises are consumed by restaurant space, but there is a good-sized bar inside and plenty of outdoor seating. As with other local brewpubs, the food is excellent and affordable, with lunches in the $8 to $10 range and dinner offerings less than twice that. Tap offerings are expansive and often adventuresome. The atmosphere is laid back, with the beer garden featuring bocce ball courts and welcoming dogs.
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
1120 West Lincolnshire Blvd. Springfield 217-546-3054 Located conveniently at the Interstate 72/ MacArthur Boulevard interchange, Engrained opened in 2013 and has become a must-stop for anyone who appreciates fine beer served tastefully. We promised ourselves that we would not blather on about any particular recipe when writing this overview, but the oatmeal stout at Engrained is beyond exquisite, the sort of stuff that makes you go “What the…” (in a good way) upon first sip. It’s one of a half-dozen selections brewed and offered year-round, augmented by five or so offerings that come and go. Food offerings range from hamburgers and entrees that cost around $10 to steaks, pork and salmon that top out at $25 or so. Great surroundings, with soft lighting that makes you relax even before the first glass.
Hand of Fate Brewing Co.
107 E. Douglas St. Petersburg 217-691-1098 This place is run by a former funeral director who parlayed a home brewing hobby into statewide fame by winning a statewide competition in 2017 to receive the honor of producing Illinois’ official bicentennial beer. What The Fuzz, the winning beer that’s a Hand of Fate staple, is a cream ale infused with ginger, peaches and tea, which is as perfect for the summer as it sounds and so was a wise choice to present to judges, who made their decision in August. The brewery, a few miles from Springfield, has created a concoction dubbed 1818 Prairie State Farmhouse Ale to celebrate the 200 th birthday of Illinois. Unlike other offerings from the tiny brew parlor, 1818 will be bottled, canned and sold statewide during the bicentennial year. Not bad for a place that opened its doors in 2016. This is a destination beer parlor that employs such ingredients as cucumbers and honey for adventurous drinkers who aren’t afraid to stray from traditional stouts and ales. Food is good, simple – nothing fancier than salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizza – and cheap, with everything priced below $10.
Rolling Meadows Farm Brewery
3954 Central Point Road Cantrall 217-725-2492 First things first. You can’t just show up, and there’s no food service. Rolling Meadows is not open to the public, per se, just to those who call ahead and arrange tours at $10 per person, which includes a tasting glass and a presumption that you’ll know how to use it. Established in 2011, Rolling Meadows is one of the area’s oldest craft breweries, and it has survived for good reason. With no restaurant or barroom to get in the way, this family-owned operation concentrates on making the best beer possible that pairs remarkably well with both local foods and climate. Available in local bars, restaurants and supermarkets, it’s worth both a taste and a visit to the source.
Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.
406 E. Adams St. Springfield 217-679-4157 The newest entrant to the area’s craft beer scene opened in March of 2018 to thirsty folk who crowded three deep along the bar to sip from a selection of 10 or so beers that ran the gamut from IPA to milk stout. This is a nothing-fancy but tastefully decorated place that features DIY steampunk-inspired lighting, a gorgeous antique tin ceiling and beer served in beakers, like the kind you used back in high school chemistry class. A fantastic place to sip a cold one while taking a break from seeing the downtown sights.
