Homebrew shops south suburbs of Chicago

I have been extremely busy getting ready for a move back to Illinois and I only have a few weeks to get some brewing in before I start coaching HS football.

Where are the good suppliers around the South Suburbs? I will be living in Bradley-Bourbonnais so I don't want to drive to far but you can't put a distance on the love of beermaking. Or would I be better off ordering from NOthern Brewer or other online supplier.

I like Northern Brewer myself - great prices and great selection

I'm in LaGrange and go out to Aurora (I know that would be quite the haul for you to make), but Fox Valley Home Brew in downtown Aurora is pretty decent. They also have a brewing club, and if you join it, you get discounts on all your purchases (I think 5%).

BevArt is where I shop - 101st and Western. I live in Oak Lawn and it's only a ten minute drive.

Didn't know Bev Art was so close. Do they carry grains or mainly extracts?

I was hoping to find something closer but a drive is worth it for beer!

HydroCork in Crest Hill has limited kits and supplies.

Irish1225 said:

Didn't know Bev Art was so close. Do they carry grains or mainly extracts?

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They carry grains

Demon said:

HydroCork in Crest Hill has limited kits and supplies.

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And a bit pricey too. Anyone know what the story is on the Brew And Grow that was supposed to open out in Romeoville?

I live out in Joliet and order from Northern Brewer for what it's worth.

Irish1225 said:

Didn't know Bev Art was so close. Do they carry grains or mainly extracts?

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Bev Art is a small store, but really great - pretty much anything you need! And very friendly. Lots of grain selections.

If you're brewing AG and want bulk grains, you won't beat Mid Country Malt.

BevArt is nice.
Chicagoland Winemakers in Elmhurst is satisfactory, but I would try Mid Country Malting.

I agree Bev art have pretty much everything

FlyingHorse said:

If you're brewing AG and want bulk grains, you won't beat Mid Country Malt.

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Whats the deal with them? Their website is terrible and looks like its set up for brewpubs and such.


Can you just walk in, what are their hours?

They are a wholesale supplier of malt to breweries. They have an online inventory book (in PDF format) which you can look at to see what is available. You buy in bulk, 55# bags. Call the number, order and pay, and tell the helpful employee when you intend to pick up. Drive out and pick up your giant bag o' malt.

Synovia said:

Whats the deal with them? Their website is terrible and looks like its set up for brewpubs and such.


Can you just walk in, what are their hours?

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BEVART is where my beer cherry was popped and Greg (I think) has pulled me out of a brewing pickle or two.