Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, iconic skyline, and a brewing scene that’s buzzing with creativity. Unlike some cities where beer tours are a dime a dozen, Chicago offers a uniquely diverse selection of brewery experiences, from vintage-style buses to day trips that combine culture, history, and exceptional brews. One of our favorites is the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour—not only because it takes you off the tourist trail but because it gives you a behind-the-scenes look at local breweries while enjoying craft beers in style. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, rich stouts, or innovative new brews, Chicago’s brewing scene has something to offer.
If you’re short on time but want a taste of Milwaukee’s brewing heritage, the Chicago: Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour combines culture, history, and beer in one full day. And for those who want a more relaxed, social experience with a VIP twist, the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus offers an engaging, fun-filled adventure. Below, we’ve broken down the top options, helping you decide which tour best matches your interests, schedule, and budget.
1. Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
At number 1, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour stands out for its stylish vintage vibe and immersive behind-the-scenes visits. This tour lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore several local breweries that you’re unlikely to find on your own. Traveling in a Prohibition–style barrel bus, you’ll visit multiple breweries, each offering unique flavors, and enjoy detailed tours of their production facilities. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the science of brewing while sampling a variety of craft beers.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its balance of education and fun. The guide is engaging, and reviews are glowing—”Ted was fantastic! Funny, informative, helpful,” says one happy customer. With a $99.60 price, it’s an excellent value considering the number of samples and behind-the-scenes access. Guests also appreciate that the tour is suitable for both novices and seasoned beer lovers. Plus, the pick-up location is convenient, right across from the Rainforest Cafe, making logistics simple.
Bottom line: If you want a lively, stylish, and approachable way to discover Chicago’s craft beer scene, this tour offers a memorable experience with plenty of tastings and local insights.
2. Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus
At number 2, the Chicago: Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus offers an exciting ride through Chicago’s coolest breweries aboard a barrel-shaped bus. This tour lasts about 4 hours, providing ample time to visit some of the trendiest spots in the city. One highlight is the VIP behind-the-scenes tour of a top nano-brewery, which gives you a closer look at their innovative brewing process. The group size tends to be small and friendly, making it ideal for socializing and sharing a laugh over craft beers.
Guests rave about the lively atmosphere, with one reviewer mentioning how the interactive games and friendly vibe made the experience special. The tour features visits to the best breweries in Chicago, with tastings included along the way. Priced at $100 per person, it offers good value for a curated, engaging day out that emphasizes fun and discovery.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those who want a combination of beer tasting, good company, and a peek into Chicago’s innovative craft brewing scene.
3. Chicago: Milwaukee City Highlights Day Trip with Brewery Tour
Number 3 on our list is a full-day trip from Chicago to Milwaukee, giving you a broader cultural experience. Costing around $106, this tour isn’t just about beer; it combines visits to iconic sites like the Harley-Davidson Museum, a tour of Miller Brewery, and stops at the Milwaukee Art Museum and Public Market. The brewery component includes a tasting at Miller, where you can learn about the history and craft of brewing in Milwaukee, a city with a proud brewing tradition.
The tour is well-suited for those interested in both beer and culture, with a mix of museum visits, historic landmarks, and local culinary scenes. While the review scores are modest (4.1/5 from 14 reviews), travelers say the tour offers a comprehensive look at Milwaukee’s industrial and artistic side. The highlight is the combination of history, art, and beer, making it ideal for curious travelers.
Bottom line: Great for a full day of sightseeing and tasting, especially if you’re interested in combining Milwaukee’s rich brewing history with its vibrant arts and culture.
4. Chicago to Milwaukee: Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights
The longest tour at around 8 to 10 hours, the Chicago to Milwaukee: Day Trip with Brewery Tour & City Highlights offers a deep dive into Milwaukee’s best-known attractions alongside its breweries. For $125, this tour includes a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum, Public Market, and a Miller Brewery tour with tastings. It even features a stop at the stunning Milwaukee Art Museum, famous for its moving wings designed by Santiago Calatrava.
This tour is ideal if you want a full-day experience that combines culture, history, and beer. The guide’s detailed itinerary takes you through Milwaukee’s industrial roots and modern cultural sites, satisfying both history buffs and beer enthusiasts. Reviewers mention how well-organized and comprehensive it is, especially for those who want to maximize their time.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers with a full day to spare who want to explore Milwaukee’s diverse attractions along with its craft beer scene.
How to Choose the Right Brewery Tour
When selecting a brewery tour, consider your budget, available time, and interests. If you love stylish, social experiences and learning about beer in a relaxed setting, the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour offers a fun, immersive outing. Want a more comprehensive experience that includes Milwaukee’s cultural highlights? The full-day Milwaukee trips give you a taste of art, history, and beer. For shorter, lively adventures, the Barrel Bus tours are perfect, while the full-day excursions suit those eager to explore more deeply.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer, when Chicago’s craft scene is busiest. Also, think about what kind of experience you prefer—do you want behind-the-scenes access, a social party atmosphere, or a cultural day trip? Each tour provides a different slice of Chicago and Milwaukee’s beer culture, ensuring there’s something for all.
Final Thoughts
Chicago’s brewery scene is diverse enough to satisfy any beer lover. Whether you prefer a stylish, social bus tour or a full day of city exploration with beer sampling, these options deliver memorable experiences. The Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour is ideal for those wanting a fun and approachable intro, while the Milwaukee day trips offer a broader cultural adventure combined with beer tasting.
If you’re eager to explore Chicago’s craft scene or Milwaukee’s brewing heritage, it’s wise to book early—these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially in warmer months. Whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed a taste of local flavor, friendly company, and plenty of good stories to tell when you return home.