The First Non-Alcoholic Brewery In Illinois Has Quickly Become A Local Hotspot
By Linze Rice|Published July 31, 2023
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Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Illinois is a great state for beer lovers. In fact, its capital Springfield is actually considered the best city in the state for beer drinkers. Even the small town where I grew up has its own award-winning local winery. And while all these places find a way to distinguish themselves, only one brewery so far has gone where no other in the state yet has. Let’s take a look at the very first non-alcoholic brewery in Illinois!
Go Brewing, 1665 Quincy Ave. #155, is located in an industrial strip tucked away in a parking lot in suburban Naperville, about 40 minutes west of Chicago.
The space also has a stage for open mic nights, live music, and health and fitness-related demonstrations. The brewery works to not only be a place for delicious drinks, but also a community for people who want to have a great time, without the negative effects of alcohol.
A common motto used by the brewery is, "Remember Tomorrow." According to the company, "There’s always something to celebrate. You want to grab drinks with friends. You don’t want to wake up feeling like crap. And the two shouldn’t be mutually exclusive."
A refreshing beer without the hangover (while hanging out in this sweet taproom)? Yes, please!
Since 2021, the brewers have been working to perfect its beer line with a focus on "people just like you [who] enjoy brews that taste good and are better for you."
The brewery also showcases a fun list of new, seasonal, and rotating flavors — meaning there's something for everyone. I'm practically obsessed with the Sunshine State Tropical IPA, which has juicy notes of mango and peach.
Most of the beers are under 0.5% ABV, though there are also sometimes low-alcohol choices as well as guest spots on the tap from other local breweries — such as Noon Whistle and Two Fools Cider.
Fans of the brewery also love the frequent events and special themed nights held there. From bag tournaments to casino night to makers markets to Valentine's Day specials, there is usually something fun on the schedule.
Health and fitness is another major component of the brewery, with regular yoga sessions, a run club, and workouts on the patio. The post-workout reward? An ice-cold beer, of course.
So, would you check out the first non-alcoholic brewery in Illinois? Where’s your go-to brewery, winery, or bar in the Prairie State? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by visiting the Go Brewing website and the Go Brewing Facebook page. And while you’re in Naperville, make an afternoon out of it! It’s one of the best places in Illinois for a day trip.
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