Public Chicago Brewery Tour

Immerse yourself in Chicago’s craft beer scene with this all-inclusive journey featuring curated tastings at three premier breweries. Your experience begins the moment you step through the speakeasy-style door of our Prohibition-era styled Barrel Bus.

Each stop showcases a unique side of the city’s brewing culture, from intimate craft operations to expansive modern production facilities. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy a diverse selection of samples—totaling approximately 45–55 ounces of craft beer—complemented by an exclusive behind-the-scenes production tour.

The Blueprint

Tour will visit 3 of our most popular destinations, ranging from: Lake Effect, Revolution, Goose Island, Burning Bush, Pilot Project, District Brew Yards, Forbidden Root, Haymarket, Industry Ales, and more.

$89.00 / Adult (ages 21+)

3.5 Hour Excursion

Visit and Taste at 3 Locations

This is one of our most popular tours, and availability is limited. Reservations are required, so be sure to book early.

What to Expect

Uncover the authentic spirit of Chicago as we navigate legendary neighborhoods to explore a diverse range of innovative taprooms.

What's Included

This all-access pass offers a deep dive into Chicago’s heritage, blending educational storytelling with a high-end social atmosphere found nowhere else on the streets.

Crafted Itinerary

We move beyond the typical tourist path to navigate multiple neighborhoods, hand-selecting a diverse mix of hidden gems and world-class taprooms that define Chicago’s brewing heritage. From our initial planning to your final pour, every journey is a seamlessly coordinated adventure.

Our expert guides provide a dive into the city’s notorious bootlegging history, bringing the grit and glamour of the Prohibition era to life. More than just a tasting tour, this is a fully immersive experience where our operators lead your group through every location, providing front-door access and insider navigation at each stop.

group of people standing looking at brewing equipment on Chicago brewery tour
the barrel bus from the side with buildings in the background on a bourbon bus tour

Engineered Ride

Where innovation meets the open road, our fleet of meticulously engineered Barrel Buses® / Barrel Trolleys® stands as a masterpiece of mobile craftsmanship. Our vehicles are intentionally styled to mirror the artistry of a traditional barrel, featuring authentic wood staves, rugged steel hoops, and a curved shape.

From the exclusive “secret cellar” vertical door to the iconic, trademarked silhouette, every detail provides an immersive environment that honors the heritage of classic craftsmanship. Far more than simple transportation, our Barrel Buses offer a high-end social lounge on wheels, ensuring the journey between destinations is just as memorable as the stops themselves.

Real Reviews from our Customers

Hosts Were Very Nice & Friendly

We had such a great time on the brewery tour. Our hosts were very nice and friendly. Between the beer and the transportation in a barrel bus, it was 100% money well spent. I highly recommend it!!

I Would Pay an Admission Fee Just to Ride in it

This is like stepping onto a barrel time machine made by Doc Brown. The door opens just like Doc's train at the end of Back to the Future III. This bus is a piece of sheer beauty alone before a tour even starts. I would think this could be showcased in a freaking movie since the craftsmanship is out of this world. I would probably pay an admission just to ride in it...... oh wait, you're telling me my admission brings me to a place with booze and free samples?!

Truly an amazingly unique experience that I recommend for everyone to consider taking part of. I had the pleasure of being able to organize a private personalized tour with a group of friends from all over coming into to celebrate my birthday. Outstanding hospitality from my initial inquiry, through the actual experience and on to the post experience follow up. A highly recommended addition to any Chicago must do list. CHEERS!!!

Some Great Chicago History

The Barrel Bus was great! Three different fun breweries in Chicago with a tour at one, and some great Chicago history from our tour guide, Ted! Would highly recommend to any Chicago visitors or locals. 

Definitely Recommend This Experience

If you're a beer lover, then this is for you! The bus was incredible, our tour guide was funny and informative, and the beers/breweries were great. Definitely recommend this experience.

Great Afternoon Outing

The tour was a great way to see different places in the city, learn a bit of Chicago history, and meet like-minded beer drinkers! Ted was a great guide, and each brewery stop offered their own unique spin on craft beverages. Great afternoon outing!

4.9 Stars • 310 Reviews

4.8 Stars • 176 Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Our tours start and end at 600 N Clark Street – near the intersection of Clark and Ohio Streets.

Please be standing in line to check in no later than 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. Our tours must depart on time, and we cannot wait for late arrivals.

No, gratuity for your operator is not included, but is appreciated. We recommend tipping your operator at least $10 per guest in your party.

Yes, guests will receive tastings at three locations, totaling approximately 50oz in craft beer throughout the journey

Yes, your experience includes a production tour at one facility

Food is not included. However, there will be opportunities throughout the experience for you to purchase your own food.

angle of The Barrel Run Chicago bus with tall buildings in the background

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Create Your Own Private Tour

No two groups are the same. Tell us what you’re celebrating, and our team will design a one-of-a-kind itinerary—custom routes, handpicked destinations, and a ride unlike anything else.