The last couple of years my friends have taken me to a brewery for Christmas. Since Chicago has the most breweries of any city in the US we have a few options! This year we went to On Tour Brewing Co. It has the feeling of a friendly neighborhood bar that happens to make their own beer. They offer a tour of the facility, 
and it was a really nice tour led by Caeli. She was super friendly and you could tell that she really enjoyed working there! They give out samples of three different beers on the tour and even give you an On Tour pint glass at the end.
The production area is smaller, but they seem to make the best of the space they have. They have a 15bbl brewing system and several fermenters and brite tanks. The building used to be a furnace factory the ceiling is original and beautifully restored.
While we were there I joined their mug club, and got a free beer! I’m surprised that more breweries don’t do this. My friends really liked the Vienna Lager (Tell Sweet Lies). I liked the Half Step (American Pale Ale) and Black Rose (Dry Irish Stout).
If you find yourself at an event at the United Center, On Tour Brewing Co. is a convenient place to grab a well-made craft beer; although it can get pretty loud and seating is somewhat limited. Oh, make sure to bring your credit card/debit card they don’t take cash.
My Beer Life 