Ravenswood

Why we love it

Chicagoans love craft beer, and with a slew of well-known breweries all in one area, you can bet we’re making a beeline for Ravenswood.

Explore like a local

• Try adventurous cocktails at Rojo Gusano, like the Mezcal-infused Chapulin made with sun-dried grasshoppers.
• Sip locally made brews while playing a few rounds of skeeball at Begyle Brewing.
• Binge on raspberry caramels and other sugary treats at Amy’s Candy Bar, a boutique for all things artisanal and sweet.

Insider tips

Sip your way through Malt Row: If you love microbreweries as much as we do, then you won’t want to miss some of the city’s most prolific producers who have made their home along Ravenswood’s “Malt Row.” Sample some brews at laidback Begyle Brewing, Old-World-inspired Dovetail Brewery, and botanical-focused Cultivate by Forbidden Root.

If spirits are your thing, venture to KOVAL to taste the goods from Chicago’s first craft distillery (it’s particularly famous for its vodka and award-winning whiskey). You can also take a cocktail-making class with the expert staff.

Grab a bite: After all that beer, you’re going to want something to eat. Spacca Napoli Pizzeria is known for its authentic Neapolitan pies. Check out Bayan Ko for Filipino-Cuban fusion. Enjoy seasonal, locally sourced fare at the welcoming Farm Bar. Finish at Margie’s Candies, a vintage ice cream shop with all your favorite old-school treats.

Explore the area: Outside Malt Row, walk through Ravenswood to discover the neighborhood’s cool mix of urban and family-friendly.

Artifact Events hosts a full calendar of public events, including live music and pop-up markets for artisans, vintage sellers, and more. Lillstreet Art Center is worth a visit, whether you’re shopping for gifts made by local artists or you’re in the mood for a ceramics or sculpture class. Or take a walk through sprawling Winnemac Park, one of the area’s many green spaces.