Champaign-Urbana has a fantastic selection of breweries in town, or a short drive away, to enjoy what is on tap
Many of the brewery experiences near Champaign-Urbana are family-friendly, as an added bonus
We have a number of great breweries that come with quite the reputation here in Champaign-Urbana. There is more than one reason to visit a brewery or brew pub, as many people visit these establishments for awesome food truck schedules, live music, board games, yard games, gathering spaces for large groups and more.
Many of us have not had the opportunity to travel to Europe with our young children, but if we had, we would have had a chance to experience some of the subtleties of daily life that seem foreign to us here in the U.S. One of these things would be the integration of life with kids into spaces in which adults would like to be spending their time; as a couple, with friends or family, multi-generationally and the list goes on and on. Playgrounds next to cafes, pubs or beer gardens are commonplace.
Enter, Champaign-Urbana breweries we want you to know about.
Of course, read about these locations before you visit, check websites for food truck schedules — and to make sure they are open at the time you desire, since some of them have interesting hours — and decide for yourselves whether this is an adult outing or one for the whole family. We can, however, vouch for taking kids of all ages to several of the stops on this list.
Riggs Beer Company
1901 S. High Cross Road, Urbana
The first stop on our list for about a zillion reasons (read more about those here). Highlights include a full food truck schedule during peak hours, nearly year-round, a German Christmas market between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a kids’ playground and great green-space to play yard games and free table reservations for a gathering of a larger group.
Triptych Brewing
1703 Woodfield Dr., Savoy
Close to the heart of Champaign-Urbana, Triptych is a popular spot for Savoy residents that can walk right over. It has a cozy beer garden and a comfortable taproom. Play games and unwind with friends while enjoying beers on tap (from neighboring breweries too).
Blind Pig Brewing
Coming soon to 301 N. Neil St., Champaign
The Blind Pig long lived in Downtown Champaign before closing its storefront locations (but continued to produce its much-loved brews). Now, it is returning to the downtown scene at a new location, in the space formerly known as Destihl. Details are still unknown, but we know the beer will be on tap and eventually, food will be a part of the establishment too. We cannot wait and will update with info once we confirm details.
Artesia Brewing
384 E 1200 N Road, Thawville
If you have never found yourself with a reason to visit Thawville, now you have one. Artesia’s rural location lends itself to a picturesque back drop, among other highlights. Horsch Radish frequently serves up food here, making for an authentic German food experience regularly available (but do check the schedule on its social media channels to confirm times).
About 45 minutes from Champaign-Urbana, between Paxton and Gilman, Artesia is worth the drive one weekend you are looking to switch things up!
Big Thorn Farm & Brewery
14274 East 600 North Road, Georgetown
Our team hasn’t actually visited this brewery yet, but it is a must-visit for us this season. We hear this off-grid brewery (and outdoor taprooms) is not to be skipped. It is off the beaten path from a drive down 74 (head south past Georgetown) but not too far from Forest Glen Nature Preserve, which is a favorite stop of ours in this part of Central Illinois.
As far as food goes, Big Thorn offers both a truck and a seasonal “tree bar,” which means its menu of food offerings is a long list. Dress for the weather because it is our understanding that everything is open-air. This is a family-owned brewery, and we can’t wait to see the operation in-person.
Bloomington-Normal Area Breweries
There are so many breweries in Bloomington-Normal that they deserve a section all their own. You can make a day of visiting the different options, as they are relatively close to one another.
Destihl
Beer Hall and Barrel Room located at 1200 Greenbriar Dr., Normal
Destihl also has a restaurant at 318 South Towanda Ave., Normal (and yes, the restaurant is very similar to what we had in Champaign at one time).
You can get food and a huge variety of delicious brews on-tap at both locations, but our favorite is the Greenbriar Drive location. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are vast, and the food is delicious.
You never need a reservation for the Beer Hall and Barrel Room, you walk up to a counter to order your food and sometimes there’s music and other events happening. It overlooks a pond and has a convenient location to other Bloomington-Normal shopping attractions. We’ve even stopped in during a workday when meetings of all sizes were present in a big, open space. Non-beer drinkers can enjoy sangria or you can try a “beertail.”
One final word — brunch. If you are picking one meal to enjoy here, make it brunch and order the steak and egg tacos.
Fiala Brothers Brewery
127 E Beaufort St, Normal
This is located just footsteps from the Children’s Discovery Museum, which is a favorite stop for our team when we are in Bloomington-Normal with our kids. This brewery makes you feel like you’re in a big city; think a warm summer day in Chicago, with the garage doors facing the street rolled up and tables overlooking pedestrians.
We did see some older kids here for the food while we were visiting but wouldn’t recommend this location for babies/toddlers, due to all the stairs and such.
White Oak Brewing
1801 Industrial Park Dr., Normal
This microbrewery has some outdoor tables and an indoor bar. Its beers are delicious and you’ll find many on tap and in cans. It may be challenging to find in the industrial park — you’ll ask if you’re going the right way — but it is worth a stop for a refreshing drink. Kids were present when we stopped in, but there’s not really much to do here other than sit outside and hang.
Lil Beaver Brewery
5 Finance Dr., Bloomington
In addition to the beer brewed here, there’s a full food menu. It is obvious the food is just as much of a draw as the beer is for some families! Sit inside or sit outside, grab a bite or just enjoy a drink, this is a place you can visit any time you’re looking for some place to land for a bit during your Bloomington-Normal adventures with kids.
Looking for more info on where to eat and drink around Champaign-Urbana?
