Craft brewing is a growing trend, and there’s no shortage of great breweries in the Midwest. Whether it’s sour tones of an IPA or special chocolate stouts, no trip through the Midwest is complete without a stop at one of these unique breweries. 

3 Floyds Brewpub: Munster, Indiana

An article in the Washington Post once said that the bar had “won over the beer geek elite.” It’s easy to see why: Its heavy metal vibes have sat well with customers since the brewery opened in 1996. The brewery’s signature Dark Lord beer can only be purchased once a year during the company’s “Dark Lord Day,” which is a festival limited to 6,000 attendees. The wait for the Russian-style imperial stout is worth it.

Surly Brewing Co.: Minneapolis, Minnesota

The best types of flowers are the ones that grow beers. OK, no, the beer garden doesn’t feature alcoholic beverages sprouting from the ground. Still, the “Beer Hall” is complete with food and 21 taps rotating daily. From the tart taste of the Grapefruit Supreme to the hazy ale, Rocket Surgery, this place has got something for everyone. Extra kudos for the company’s “Gives a Damn” program, which has employees volunteer for Minnesota-based charities. 

Moody Tongue Brewing Company: Chicago, Illinois

A trip to a brewery never tasted so...fancy? Executive chef Jared Wentworth has a strong culinary background and translated it nicely into a career in beer. The bar is fairly casual, but wear your Sunday Best if you’ll be eating in the dining room. A toasted rice lager and shaved black truffle pilsner are sure to bring a different taste to your brewery experience. 

Side Project Brewing: Maplewood, Missouri

When founder Cory King launched his brewery, he had come from the study of winemaking. You can taste that same love, too, as Side Project Brewing applies some of the same oak aging processes to their beers, too. Many of the bottles even look like they were plucked straight from a wine rack. Take the Unblended #40: The blond ale soaks in a Chardonnay barrel for a whole year before being bottled. 

BrewDog DogTap: Columbus, Ohio

This time, being in the doghouse isn’t such a bad thing. A brewery taproom and restaurant is accompanied by a dog-friendly hotel, and overnight guests can pay extra for access to their room’s shower beer or in-room tap. Whether you’re there for the grapefruit-infused IPA Elvis Juice or the unique flavor of the morning “beermosas,” BrewDog is definitely a good move.