It’s been four years in the making, but Howard Street Brewing Company is officially open! As the first brewery in the neighborhood, the craft beer destination has been perfecting its menu to bring the best of the best to the local clientele.
Founded by Chuck Patella, who has been a home brewer for 10 years, Chuck set up shop right next door to his wife, Shannon O’Neill, who is the co-artistic director of Factory Theater. The small brewery hangs its hat on being Chicago’s northernmost beer producer. It initially started as a small gathering space in a vacant rehearsal space and now shows off nicely with a sleek wood-paneled bar and plenty of beer options.
Using a one-barrel system that produces small batches allows for more freedom to experiment. They’re currently brewing nine beers on tap co-brewed by Chuck and his partner Dexter Ellis. Included on this list is a sour India pale ale, a wheat ginger beer and a decadent chocolate porter. There’s a collaborative spirit amongst the businesses in the area, with food provided by nearby Sol Cafe.
Howard Street Brewing Company currently only seats 37, but the hope hope is to keep growing bigger, so Patella can scale up the business and start distribution to bars and restaurants in the area. Howard Street Brewing Company is open from 3-11 PM on Thursdays, 3 PM-midnight on Fridays, noon-midnight on Saturday and noon-8 PM on Sunday.
Address: 1617 W. Howard St. Chicago, IL 60626