Savoring the Local Pour: Champaign-Urbana Area Breweries
Across Champaign County, breweries are turning hops and grains into works of art. Whether you're a fan of a hazy IPA, a malty ale, or a refreshing non-alcoholic option, there's something here for every taste. And with scenic patios, beer gardens, murals, and taproom tours, there are just as many ways to enjoy them. From rural landscapes to urban hideaways, here’s your guide to savoring the local pour.
Triptych Brewing – Savoy
Triptych Brewing has become a staple in the local beer scene, known for creative experimentation and wildly popular flagship brews like Dank Meme, a double dry-hopped hazy pale ale. They’ve brewed over 200 unique beers since 2013, each one reflecting their passion for variety and craft. Stop into their sleek Savoy taproom to try what's new—or revisit your favorites like Really Dank Meme or Mini Meme.
How to enjoy: Grab a flight to sample what’s on tap, or fill a growler to take your favorites home.
Blind Pig Brewing – Champaign
Don’t call it a comeback—they’ve been here for years (with just little hiatus). A Champaign institution, Blind Pig Brewery’s new iteration brings back old favorites and introduces new twists. Must-tries: Raspberry Wheat, made with real fruit purée; the fan-favorite U of IPA; and I Hate Illinois Nazis, their dark Czech lager.
How to enjoy: For now, you can find them on tap at Hound’s Court and Hound’s Rest. But keep an eye out—their new taproom in Downtown Champaign is set to open soon!
Riggs Beer Company – Urbana
Rooted in German tradition and fueled by sustainability, Riggs Beer Company uses just four ingredients to brew crisp, clean lagers, including their classic Hefeweizen. Most of the grain comes directly from their family farm, and they operate almost entirely on solar power. Their scenic beer garden is family-friendly and offers views of their test plots of barley and hops.
How to enjoy: Take a weekend tour to learn about their brewing process, then kick back in the beer garden with a cold one.
25 O’Clock Brewing Company – Urbana
Tucked alongside the Boneyard Creek, 25 O’Clock Brewing offers a warm and eclectic space to try inventive brews. Their rotating menu ranges from Belgian-style ales to rich Scottish stouts, with local favorites like Blondie Johnson and Wee Heavy. Bonus: the outdoor patio features a mural by local artist Lisa Kesler.
How to enjoy: Sit on the patio with a pint and enjoy live music or community events hosted throughout the year.
Cloud Mountain Kombucha – Urbana
Prefer something non-alcoholic? Cloud Mountain Kombucha creates small-batch brews using local ingredients in seasonal and award-winning flavors like Lemon Balm Ginger, Autumn Mary, and Carrot Turmeric. Their kombucha is refreshing, complex, and packed with probiotics.
How to enjoy: With their brand-new Urbana taproom opening this summer, you can enjoy their brews in a vibrant, welcoming space. For now, stop by the new location to buy bottles or find them on tap at local bars and restaurants.
From crisp lagers and hop-forward IPAs to non-alcohol-brews with fresh botanicals, sip local and savor the scene.
Cheers from CU!
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