Microbreweries
Anvil & Forge Brewing and Distillin
619 E. Washington St. (downtown)
217-679-1195
anvilandforge.com
One of a burgeoning number of craft breweries in the capital city, Anvil & Forge opened in late 2018. The place has a no-nonsense vibe, with walls made from metal siding and reclaimed barn wood, a cement floor and a mix of fluorescent and incandescent lighting. There's as much space devoted to brewing and planned distilling operations, and you can see it all from the bar. Early offerings have featured off-the-beaten path versions of IPAs and wheat beers.
Buzz Bomb Brewing Co.
406 E. Adams St. (downtown)
217-679-4157
Buzzbombbrewingco.com
Buzz Bomb opened in 2018 to bring together art and science to create delicious tasting craft beer that is both sophisticated and accessible to everyone. A selection of 10 or so beers runs the gamut from IPA to milk stout. The tastefully decorated place features DIY steampunk-inspired lighting, a gorgeous antique tin ceiling and beer served in beakers, like the kind you used back in high school chemistry class. A fantastic place to sip a cold one while taking a break from seeing the downtown sights.
Obed and Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery
500 S. Sixth St. (downtown)
217-670-0267
connshg.com/obed-and-isaacs
Obed and Isaac's opened in 2012 and proved that brewpubs could be as popular here as anywhere else. Housed in an historic mansion nestled against a sizeable outdoor beer garden to accommodate summertime crowds, Obed's is a comfortable walk from Lincoln's Home and other downtown historic sites. Most of the inside is used for restaurant space, but there is also a good-sized bar inside and plenty of outdoor seating. The food is excellent and affordable, with lunches in the $8 to $10 range and dinner offerings less than twice that. Tap offerings are expansive and often adventuresome. Try a flight of micro brewed beers, and be sure to sample the flatbread pizza, made from grains left over from the brewing process. The atmosphere is laid back, with the beer garden featuring bocce ball courts and welcoming dogs.
Engrained Brewery and Restaurant
1120 W. Lincolnshire Blvd.
217-546-3054
engrainedbrewery.com
Located conveniently at the Interstate 72 and MacArthur Boulevard interchange, Engrained opened in 2013 and has become a must-stop for anyone who appreciates fine beer served tastefully. The oatmeal stout at Engrained is beyond exquisite, one of a half-dozen selections brewed and offered year-round, augmented by five or so offerings that come and go. It's also a farm-to-table restaurant with food offerings that range from hamburgers and entrees that cost around $10 to steaks, pork and salmon that top out at $25 or so. Great surroundings with soft lighting that makes you relax even before the first glass.
Hand of Fate Brewing Co.
107 E. Douglas St., Petersburg
217-691-1098
handoffatebrewing.beer
This place is run by a former funeral director who parlayed a home brewing hobby into statewide fame by winning a competition in 2017 to receive the honor of producing Illinois' official bicentennial beer. What The Fuzz, the winning beer that's a Hand of Fate staple, is a cream ale infused with ginger, peaches and tea, which is as perfect for the summer as it sounds. The brewery, a few miles from Springfield, is a destination beer parlor that employs such ingredients as cucumbers and honey for adventurous drinkers who aren't afraid to stray from traditional stouts and ales. The food is good and simple – nothing fancier than salads, sandwiches and flatbread pizza – and cheap, with everything priced below $10.
Rolling Meadows Farm Brewery
3954 Central Point Road, Cantrall
217-725-2492
rollingmeadowsfarmbrewery.com
First things first, you can't just show up and there's no food service. Rolling Meadows is not open to the public, per se, just to those who call ahead and arrange tours at $10 per person, which includes a tasting glass and a presumption that you'll know how to use it. Established in 2011, Rolling Meadows is one of the area's oldest craft breweries, and it has survived for good reason. With no restaurant or barroom to get in the way, this family-owned operation concentrates on making the best beer possible that pairs remarkably well with both local foods and climate. Available in local bars, restaurants and supermarkets, it's worth both a taste and a visit to the source.
Sangamo Brewing Co.
109 E. Mulberry St., Chatham
217-697-8026
Facebook.com/SangamoBrewing
The newest addition to the craft brewing scene, Sangamo Brewing Co. combines the concept of a craft brewery with a living history museum of beer advertisement known as "breweriana." The memorabilia highlights brands from across the U.S., with a special focus on historic Illinois beer brands. There are also plenty of family-friendly collectibles, including historical sodas and trains. A full menu is available, ranging from appetizers and tacos to salads, horseshoes and sandwiches.
Springfield Beer Co.
3788 W. Wabash
217-441-2780
spfldbeercompany.com
A locally owned microbrewery with a tasting room serving award-winning beer brewed on-site and available on draft or in growlers to go. No food service, but feel free to bring your own.
Wineries
Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurant
2501 W. Wabash Ave., White Oaks Mall
217-321-9100
chwinery.com
This upscale casual restaurant offers a signature menu featuring dishes designed to pair perfectly with Cooper's Hawk wines. You can also sample the wines in the tasting room and take home a bottle of your favorite from the gift shop.
Danenberger Family Vineyards
12341 Irish Rd., New Berlin
217-488-6321
danenbergerfamilyvineyards.com
Bring your picnic basket or enjoy appetizers and wood-fired pizzas prepared on site. With live music, outdoor movie nights, bocce ball courts and special events throughout the year, there are plenty of reasons to spend time here.
Hill Prairie Winery
23753 Lounsberry Rd., Oakford
217-635-9900
hillprairiewinery.com
Located just 30 minutes north of Springfield on Route 97 near Oakford, Hill Prairie is nestled among a vineyard and native Illinois prairie grasses. The winery, tasting bar and banquet facility are housed in a renovated barn, circa 1911. Hill Prairie has live music every Sunday, festivals, murder mystery dinner theaters and more, plus award-winning wines to sample.
Sheedy Shores Winery
10300 Johns Creek Rd., Loami
217-624-2024
sheedyshoreswinery.net
Enjoy the countryside and lake view while sipping on a glass of wine and listening to live music on the outdoor patio.
Walnut Street Winery
309 S. Walnut St., Rochester
217-498-9800
walnutstreetwinery.com
Walnut Street Winery makes fine wines in small batches using the best raw materials available. Amenities include a wine garden, food and a bocce ball court.
West of Wise Winery
14096 State Highway 97, Petersburg
217-632-6003
westofwise.com
This small-batch winery located south of Petersburg near Lincoln's New Salem features wines produced on-site from locally grown grapes. Food is available during musical events, otherwise, bring a picnic basket and enjoy the scenery.
