Gone are the days of Bud Light quenching people’s thirst like it used to. Craft beer has drawn a cult-like following and is the latest craze. In the Springfield area, there are microbreweries, brewpubs, breweries with taprooms, breweries with restaurants… all drawing craft beer lovers and their tastebuds.
Obed & Isaac’s
500 S. 6th, Springfield, IL 62701
217-670-0627
Obed’s is one of the “older” breweries in Springfield, and arguably the first to crack the craft beer craze open in the area. Their outdoor beer garden (that’s both dog friendly and human friendly) is a hotspot in the summer months for playing bags, drinking a Strawberry Blonde, and listening to a local musician on the patio. It’s also just a block away from Abraham Lincoln’s front door.
Buzz Bomb Brewing
One of Downtown Springfield’s newest spots for craft beer, they have a multi-level taproom, and you can even BYOF, Bring Your Own Food! If you stop by on the weekends, you’re sure to find live music coming from upstairs.
Anvil & Forge
619 E. Washington, Springfield, IL 62701
217-679-1195
Anvil & Forge is run by brothers, Mark, John, and Adam Zerkle smack dab in the middle of downtown Springfield. They have a passion for all things local, and used local and American made products throughout the brewery, even down to their brewing equipment. They say, “We’re proud to welcome families with kids of all ages. Grab a board game, a pour-over coffee, and a glass of craft beer for a grand old time. Please feel free to bring in your own food, for a party or for dinner.”
Hand of Fate
107 E. Douglas Street, Petersburg IL 62675
217-691-1098
Located in historic Petersburg this brewery is not only known for its delicious beer, but also its rich history and secret lore. Legend has it, after Abraham Lincoln surveyed the land that is now Petersburg, locals Peter Lukin and George Warburton played a game of cards to settle who would get naming rights. Play trivia every Wednesday night and sip on the famous Vanilla Bean Ale.
Slauterhouse
321 W. Madison, Auburn
slauterhousebrewingco2020@gmail.com
Located just outside Springfield in rural Auburn, Slauterhouse prides itself on releasing small batch brews monthly. With flavors like Grandma’s Banana Cream Pie, the Maturation Milk Me Stout, it’s worth the drive for a delicious adventure. The Medium Rare Milkshake IPA is a nod to Route 66 with the combination of a Strawberry Vanilla Milkshake IPA and a “protein rest at 135 degrees, which also happens to be the perfect temperature for a medium rare steak.”
Sangamo Brewing
109 E. Mulberry, Chatham
217-697-8026
This brewpub is also a museum paying homage to Springfield’s brewery industry history. Not only can you sip on one of their fruity IPAs, but they also import local beers from Hand of Fate, Buzz Bomb, and Little Beaver Brewery in Bloomington. Order a Tex Mex Cheese Steak to go with!
By: John Spalding & Leah Guffey – Neuhoff Media Springfield
You can catch John & Leah on Springfield’s #1 for New Country – 104.5 WFMB‘s New Country Mornings weekdays from 6am-10am (central).
