Microbreweries and wineries in the Springfield area
Microbreweries
Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distilling
619 E. Washington St. (downtown)
217-679-1195
anvilandforge.com
One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix of fluorescent and incandescent lighting. There’s as much space devoted to brewing and planned distilling operations, and you can see it all from the bar. Early offerings have featured off-the-beaten path versions of IPAs and wheat beers. The Foundry Pizza Kitchen on site serves up pizza by the slice or 18-inch pies with scratchmade crusts that utilize Anvil & Forge’s various brews. Build your own pizza, or choose from a variety of specialty pies.
Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.
406 E. Adams St. (downtown)
217-679-4157
Buzzbombbrewingco.com
Buzz Bomb opened in 2018 to bring together art and science to create delicious tasting craft beer that is both sophisticated and accessible to everyone. A selection of 10 or so beers runs the gamut from IPA to milk stout. The tastefully decorated place 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.
Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery
500 S. Sixth St. (downtown)
217-670-0267
connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs
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 inside is used for restaurant space, but there is also a good-sized bar inside and plenty of outdoor seating. The food is excellent and affordable, with entrées below $20.
Tap offerings are expansive and often adventuresome. Try a flight of micro brewed beers, and be sure to sample the flatbread pizza, made from grains left over from the brewing process. The atmosphere is laid back, with the beer garden featuring bocce ball courts and welcoming dog. Obed’s doesn’t accept reservations, and Sunday brunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) Is especially popular, so plan to arrive early.
7th Street Cidery
503 S. Seventh St. (downtown)
217-679-4726
connshg.com/7th-Street-Cidery
Located across the street from Lincoln’s Home and adjacent to Obed and Isaac’s Microbrewery and Eatery, 7th Street Cidery offers locally sourced ciders, meads and perrys. Central Illinois’ first cidery is in a former home that has an illustrious history. It was originally built in the 1850s by Isaac Lindsey six blocks down on South Seventh Street. To help cover the down payment, Lindsey borrowed about $600 from none other than Abraham Lincoln. The home later came into the possession of the Maisenbacher family, who held it for many generations. By 2008, the vacant home was in disrepair and slated to be demolished. The Conn family, local preservationists and business owners, purchased the house and relocated it to its current site, renovating it for use as a coffee shop before it became 7th Street Cidery in 2022.
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
1120 W. Lincolnshire Blvd.
217-546-3054
engrainedbrewery.com
Located conveniently at the Interstate 72 and MacArthur Boulevard interchange, Engrained opened in 2013 and has become a must-stop for anyone who appreciates fine beer served tastefully. The oatmeal stout at Engrained is beyond exquisite, one of a half-dozen selections brewed and offered year-round, augmented by five or so offerings that come and go. It’s also a farm-to-table restaurant with food offerings that 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
handoffatebrewing.beer
This place is run by a former funeral director who parlayed a home brewing hobby into statewide fame by winning a 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. The brewery, a few miles from Springfield, 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. The food is good and simple – nothing fancier than salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizza – and cheap, with everything priced below $10.
Sangamo Brewing Co.
109 E. Mulberry St., Chatham
217-697-8026
Facebook.com/SangamoBrewing
The newest addition to the craft brewing scene, Sangamo Brewing Co. combines the concept of a craft brewery with a living history museum of beer advertisement known as “breweriana.” The memorabilia highlights brands from across the U.S., with a special focus on historic Illinois beer brands. There are also plenty of family-friendly collectibles, including historical sodas and trains. A full menu is available, ranging from appetizers and tacos to salads, horseshoes and sandwiches.
Slauterhouse Brewing Co.
321 W. Madison St., Auburn
Slauterhousebrewing.com
A unique dive in the middle of a small-town square. A short drive from Springfield, this brewery has 11 beers on tap and a food truck that incorporates the homemade bourbons and beers into the food.
Springfield Beer Co.
3788 W. Wabash
217-441-2780
spfldbeercompany.com
A locally owned microbrewery with a tasting room serving award-winning beer brewed on-site and available on draft or in growlers to go. No food service, but feel free to bring your own.
Wineries/Wine Bars
1st and 3rd Boutique & Wine Bar
105 S. Seventh St., Petersburg
217-632-7212
1stand3rdboutique.com
Choose from more than 40 wines, plus craft and domestic beers, seltzers and spirits. Seasonal charcuterie boards are offered to complement your favorite wine or spirits. Shop for clothing, jewelry, gifts and home décor in the social setting of a wine bar. The top floor of the renovated historic building offers an event space that can accommodate up to 100 guests for live music, wine tastings and special events.
Ad Astra Wine Bar & Market
308 E. Adams St. (downtown)
Adastrawineil.com
Housed in a 100-year-old restored row building, Ad Astra bills itself as a “thoughtful and inclusive wine and cocktail experience.” There are customizable drinks and light dining options, Including a build-your-own cheese board menu, pastries from local bakers and even the option to bring your own snacks. The market offers a selection of wines to purchase by the bottle to enjoy there or at home, and the gift shop features items from both area and nationally loved artists and makers.
Bloom Wine Bar & Florals
2 Old State Capitol Plaza. (downtown)
Bloomspringfield.com
Opening spring 2023
Offers wine, craft cocktails, mocktails and beer, along with floral services and a space for private events.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant
2501 W. Wabash Ave., White Oaks Mall
217-321-9100
chwinery.com
This upscale casual restaurant offers a signature menu featuring dishes designed to pair perfectly with Cooper’s Hawk wines. You can also sample the wines in the tasting room and take home a bottle of your favorite from the gift shop.
Danenberger Family Vineyards
12341 Irish Rd., New Berlin
217-488-6321
danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com
Bring your picnic basket or enjoy appetizers and wood-fired pizzas prepared on site. With live music, outdoor movie nights, bocce ball courts and special events throughout the year, there are plenty of reasons to spend time here.
Hill Prairie Winery
23753 Lounsberry Rd., Oakford
217-635-9900
hillprairiewinery.com
Located just 30 minutes north of Springfield on Route 97 near Oakford, Hill Prairie is nestled among a vineyard and native Illinois prairie grasses. The winery, tasting bar and banquet facility are housed in a renovated barn, circa 1911. Hill Prairie has live music every Sunday, festivals, murder mystery dinner theaters and more, plus award-winning wines to sample.
It’s All About Wine
1305 Wabash Ave., Suite M
217-546-9463
Itsallaboutwine.net
It’s All About Wine offers old and new world classics, including wines from newer, emerging regions at a variety of prices. You’ll also find a selection of both popular and craft spirits, beer, canned cocktails and ciders, from familiar to smaller, artisan producers. It’s All About Wine hosts live music most Saturdays from 6-9 p.m. and you’re welcome to bring food in or have something delivered. There are also complimentary tasting events as well as guided educational classes.
Sheedy Shores WineGarden
10300 Johns Creek Rd., Loami
217-624-2024
sheedyshoreswinery.net
Enjoy the countryside and lake view while sipping on a glass of wine and listening to live music on the outdoor patio.
The Corkscrew
2625 Chatham Road
217-698-1112
Thecorkscrew.com
The Corkscrew is a locally owned wine shop that thrives on the educational aspect of wine. While the retail shop offers a wide variety of wines and charcuterie from around the world, wines are sold by the glass Friday from 5-8 p.m. and at Saturday tasting events from 2-5 p.m.
Walnut Street Winery
309 S. Walnut St., Rochester
217-498-9800
walnutstreetwinery.com
Walnut Street Winery makes fine wines in small batches using the best raw materials available. Amenities include a wine garden, food and a bocce ball court.
Waters Edge Winery & Bistro
1061 E. Morton Ave., Jacksonville
217-602-2010
facebook.com/watersedgejax
Located on 17 acres of rolling hills, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro opened in 2020 and features wines from around the world, along with a wide variety of live music and special events. The Wine Barn, a 3,000-square-foot-event space, is available to rent for private events.
West of Wise Winery
14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg
217-632-6003
westofwise.com
This small-batch winery located south of Petersburg near Lincoln’s New Salem features wines produced on-site from locally grown grapes. Food is available during musical events, otherwise, bring a picnic basket and enjoy the scenery.
