Chicago: Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour with Tastings

Summary

Barrel bus rides chicago brewery tastings with local guide

You’ll ride through Chicago on a barrel-shaped bus with a local guide, sampling craft beers at three unique breweries. Get an inside look at production (if you remember your closed-toe shoes), taste plenty of local brews, and share laughs with fellow travelers along the way. It’s less about ticking boxes than soaking up stories — and maybe discovering your new favorite pint.

What’s the experience like?

"You guys ever tried a peanut butter stout before?" That’s how our guide, Marcus, greeted us as we climbed into the Barrel Bus outside the Rainforest Cafe. He was already grinning like he knew what was coming, and I guess he did — because by the end of the night, I’d tasted things I didn’t even know counted as beer. The bus itself looked like it rolled out of a cartoon, all rounded wood and metal bands, and inside it smelled faintly of hops and whatever polish they use to keep the seats shiny.

The first stop was maybe fifteen minutes away (I lost track chatting with the couple next to me about their favorite breweries back home). We got to see behind-the-scenes at one spot — you have to wear closed-toe shoes for that part, which I almost forgot — and there was this moment where the air was thick with malt and yeast. Our guide pointed out tanks bubbling away and explained how Chicago’s beer scene exploded in the last decade. There’s something about standing in that warm, slightly noisy space that made me appreciate every weird little flavor in my glass. Someone spilled a little on their shirt; nobody cared.

We hit two more breweries after that, each one with its own vibe. At one place, I tried saying “thank you” in Polish to the bartender (Li laughed when I butchered it), and at another, someone started debating which IPA tasted most like grapefruit. The samples added up fast — 45 or maybe 50 ounces total? — but it never felt rushed or pushy. Marcus kept us moving but let conversations drift naturally. By the time we rolled back toward downtown lights, my head was fuzzy in that good way and I found myself thinking about how different Chicago looks through a frosted glass window at night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chicago craft brewery barrel bus tour

• Meet across from Rainforest Cafe
• Check in at The Barrel Bus
• Travel in barrel-shaped bus
• Visit three craft breweries
• Tour one brewery production facility
• Enjoy samples of local brews

Top questions

Where does the Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour start?

The tour starts across the street from the Rainforest Cafe in Chicago.

How many breweries do you visit during this tour?

You visit three different craft breweries during the tour.

Is transportation included on the brewery tour?

Yes, transportation is provided by a climate-controlled barrel-shaped bus.

Are beer samples included on this Chicago brewery tour?

Yes, 45-55 ounces of craft beer samples are included for each guest.

Do you get to tour a brewery production facility?

Yes, one of the stops includes a behind-the-scenes production facility tour (closed-toe shoes required).

What is the minimum age for this brewery tour?

The minimum age to join is 21 years old.

Is there live commentary from a guide?

Yes, your professional guide provides live commentary throughout the tour.

If not enough people book, does the tour still run?

No, there is a minimum number of travelers required; if not met you'll be offered another time or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup across from Rainforest Cafe in Chicago, all transport on a climate-controlled barrel bus with live commentary from your professional guide, entry to three craft breweries with 45-55 ounces of beer samples per person, plus an insider’s look at one brewery’s production facility if you’ve got closed-toe shoes handy before heading back downtown together.