Whether you’re looking for good ‘ole pub grub, flavorful craft beer or a fine glass of wine – Chicago Northwest’s Cork and Tap Trail delivers. From local hangouts to mouthwatering eateries, check out these must-visit stops.
Arlington Ale House
Live music. Beer. Wine. Whiskey. If you’re looking for a good time, head over to Arlington Ale House in Arlington Heights. Located on the third floor of the Metropolis building downtown, this popular hangout is the place to be any night of the week. Rock out to local bands and battling DJ sets, challenge friends to a game of pool or Jenga, or pose for a photo op with a retired vintage bumper car. Hungry? No problem. Delivery is available from multiple restaurants right to your table!
BarleyHaus by Church Street
In Itasca, BarleyHaus by Church Street is a triple threat – a coffee shop, restaurant and taproom all in one. On your way to the office? Grab a latte or plant-based energy drink with a fresh-baked pastry. For lunch, stop by for an ooey and gooey grilled cheese or gourmet burger (the Korean BBQ is a must). And at night, chill out at the rustic bar for a cold brew curated from Church Street Brewing Company. When the weather is nice, check out the outdoor biergarten for games and live music.
Beer on the Wall
Beer on the Wall in Arlington Heights lives up to its name – the retail store and beer cafe has over 600 bottles and cans lining the walls. Offering up a chill vibe and great beer, this café has 16 rotating beers on tap. Try unique flavors like the Working for Vacation – a tropical Double IPA, or the Rocket Popsicle hard seltzer that will take you back to the days of chasing down the ice cream truck. Test your knowledge on Tuesday Trivia Night, play old-school Nintendo games, and bring in a rare bottle to share twice a month.
Church Street Brewing Company
Taste lagers and ales from around the globe at Church Street Brewing Company in Itasca. Relax in the tasting room and sample over 30 beers on tap, from traditional German lagers to funky flavors like Lil Lucy – a hazy IPA with notes of pine, mango and berries. Hungry? The kitchen serves up mouthwatering grub, from pulled pork nachos to the Church Street BLT with Sriracha-maple glazed bacon. Throughout the week, enjoy various events like live bands, music bingo, open mic nights and draft release parties.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
At Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Arlington Heights, the award-winning wines are made with grapes from around the world. Stop in for a wine tasting (reservations recommended) in the Napa-style tasting room and sample eight wines as an experienced guide highlights the various flavor profiles. Sip a glass of Malbec with its rich notes of black fruits, pepper and spice. Or, try the Almond, which is reminiscent of an almond cookie. Take a bottle home and visit the gift shop before you go!
Lynfred Winery
Enjoy a tour and tasting at Lynfred Winery, Illinois’s oldest (and largest) continuously operating winery. Sample wine by the glass or flights of three or six pours, from fruity sangrias to full-bodied Pinot Noir. Elevate the experience with a cheese flight or charcuterie board. Stop in for a cellar tour on Saturdays, or make it a wine weekend with a stay in the bed and breakfast’s luxurious European-style suites.
Mikerphone Brewing
Crafting small-batch beer inspired by music, family-owned Mikerphone Brewing brews to the beat of its own drum. Rising in popularity, this brewery is swiftly becoming one of the hottest spots in Chicago. Relax on the patio and sample beers like Pass the Mic or the Pink Lemonade Parade, an India Pale Ale with notes of lemon and strawberry. Bring your own food to pair with your brews, or order snacks like cheese crackers. The brewery also occasionally hosts live music and pop-up markets.
Pollyanna Brewing Company – Roselare
In Roselle, Pollyanna Brewing Company offers a rotating tap list of 24 beers, a cozy taproom and live music in a 3,000-square-foot Biergarten. Enjoy beers like The Full Lemonty, a sweet golden ale, or the In the Cards, a Hazy American Pale Ale (both available year-round). Order off the new spirits and cocktail menu, which also features local wines. And if you’re hungry, grab some grub from the food trucks, where you can munch on everything from street tacos to good ‘ole Southern cooking.
Tuscan Market & Wine Shop
Tuscan Market & Wine Shop in downtown Arlington Heights is your one-stop shop for wine, beer and delicious eats. Offering guests a casual meets Euro-style vibe, you can pick up a bottle of wine in the retail wine shop, order a pizza or sub to go, and enjoy a six-pack of microbrews. Dining in? Enjoy wine by the glass, sip local craft beers or dine on small plates featuring Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts or Burrata and Honeycomb with crusty baguette!
Wine with Me, Inc.
Tucked away in historic downtown Itasca, Wine With Me is a must-visit for wine lovers. With over 600 wines in stock from around the world, this charming wine shop and bar is a great place to unwind with friends and taste various wines by the glass, bottle or case. Enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc from France at the tasting bar, or take home a bottle of Oregon Rose. A selection of small-batch microbrew beers is also available. And if you fall in love with the wine, join the private wine club!
