Background
Half Acre Beer Company was founded by Gabriel Magliaro in 2006. The recipes for the beers were developed in Chicago and the beer was initially brewed at Sand Creek Brewery in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
Experience
Half Acre Beer Company is another fairly pedestrian brewery; they can their beers which are sold throughout corner stores in the city. Even so, it is a fun little place to visit if you have the time. The tap room itself is fairly small, with just a few tables and a long bar. The atmosphere is cozy but at the same time fairly commercial. The beers here are mostly light, with a good variety of Saison and farmhouse ales, with some pale ales and IPAs mixed in. Their vallejo IPA is very popular. I enjoyed their Akari Shogun the most, a pale wheat style, with a good amount of hops and heavy wheat flavor. The Kolsch is excellent as well, very smooth and drinkable.
This stop is within a 5 minute walk of 2 other brew pubs as well; Begyle and Dovetail. This brewery does serve food for those that need a little padding in the stomach to take in more beers later. I only had the Octopus, which was very delicious and a good portion for the price. Accessible from the brown line Irving Park stop. No nearby lodging noted.
When in Chicago check out Begyle Brewing, Revolution Brewing & Lagunitas Brewing.
