This Extraordinary 1800s Opera House Is Now The Best Brewery In Illinois
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published March 09, 2019
×
Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
If history and craft beer sound like the perfect combination, there’s a hidden brewery in Hillsboro, Illinois you’ll want to visit right away. This opera house bar is the perfect place to bring your friends.
This place will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule. Scroll on to check it out.
In business since 2018, Opera House Brewing Company is one of the most historic places in the state to enjoy a craft beer. It is located in southern Illinois and is known for promoting an assortment of local breweries.
Built in the 1800s, this big brick building was once an actual opera house, and the current owners did not want to lose that history. The structure sat boarded up for more than 40 years before being restored and opened as the bar it is today.
The owners kept the space very rustic and primitive. Large window fronts let in stunning natural light while brick walls and wooden floors provide vintage charm. This is a wonderful spot for date nights, drinks with friends, or parties.
Though the first batches of beer produced by this place were made in Edwardsville at Recess Brewery, all the house beers, including their flagship beer, are currently made on-site at this opera house bar.
You'll find IPAs, ciders, and even cocktails to satisfy any taste. In addition to their own brews, the bar also features guest taps from other breweries in the region.
Opera House Brewing is open Thursday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., Friday between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m., and Saturday between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Stop in for the brews and stay for the history and cozy atmosphere.