Breweries come in all shapes and sizes, but how often do you get to sip a beer under a grain silo gazebo? Or hold a locally-brewed craft beer in one hand while scoring a personal best pinball score? In a Chicago suburb there is a brewery where you can do all of this and more. Obscurity Brewing in downtown in Elburn is a kaleidoscope of colors, drinks and experiences that will make for a memorable afternoon or evening visit. With an ever-changing menu of brewed beers and ciders on tap, there is an endless list of food and drink combos I'd like to try here.
Obscurity Brewing is a one-stop shop for beer enthusiasts.
Since it opened in 2020, Obscurity Brewing has brewed more than 180 beers.
The inside of the brewery is an eclectic mix of styles and colors that energize the space.
Chicago artist Caesar Perez collaborated with Obscurity Brewing to create these incredible murals wrapping around the space. He also contributed several designs for Obscurity's cans too. The motif of bees and honeycombs pops up all over Obscurity Brewing.
As a brewery, draft beer is Obscurity's bread and butter.
Just across the street from Obscurity Brewery, you can find Obscurity's Mead Hall & Cidery. They recently unveiled a new line of sweet-flavored hard ciders that have been a big hit among locals.
If you go to Obscurity Brewery, you have to try their locally crafted beers.
If you are as intrigued by the brewing process by I am, be sure to come to Obscurity Brewing early in the day, around lunch. At that time, you might be able to hear grain being transferred from the silo over the roof of the dining area to the production area. What a one-of-a-kind experience getting to hear the next's day brew getting underway!
The team at Obscurity Brewing is constantly innovating with new ideas like soda pop-flavored beer.
In addition to offer dine-in services, Obscurity Brewery also sells canned IPAs, ales, sours, ciders, meads and even cold brews.
Another reason people seem to love Obscurity Brewery is their top-notch barbecue.
Their brisket and ribs are smoked over a wood-burning smoker. Whether you are opting for straight barbecue or prefer it in a sandwich, the smoky flavors will prevail. All of the barbecue dishes go along nicely with one of Obscurity's house brews.
The inside of Obscurity Brewing would be enough to entrance me, but the outdoor beer garden is where the community really comes to life.
Picnic tables and grain silo gazebos offer ample seating just steps away from the brewery.
Obscurity Brewing frequently hosts musicians and events that draw crowds from all over.
Whether supporting performances of local musicians or organizing a St. Patrick's Day celebration, Obscurity Brewery is always creating reasons for people to get together.
Inside and out, there are lots of different seating styles to accommodate couples, solo diners, families and parties.
Grabbing a seat at the bar might be ideal for a date night while staking out an outdoor gazebo would be good idea for larger groups.
For a change of pace, check out Obscurity Brewery's three pinball machines.
Mirroring the vibrant color scheme of the brewery, the pinball machines are a unique feature you won't find at other breweries.
I find that whimsical, lively environments like Obscurity Brewing make whatever you are drinking or eating taste a little bit better.
I recommend timing your visit with one of the beer garden performance to get a sense of what Obscurity Brewing is all about.
It's hard work to brew beer, cider or mead, but Obscurity Brewing has it down to a science. With so many unique brews to try, I plan to make a few visits to the brewery so I can enjoy the beer garden when it's warm out and the vibrant interiors when the temperatures are a little cooler. Be sure to check out Obscurity Mead Hall and Cidery as well when you visit.
If you don't have time to stop in there, consider trying to brew your own mead using this DIY kit. For those who love the atmosphere of a brewery but might be seeking out non-alcoholic beers, take a look at Illinois' first non-alcoholic brewery in Naperville. Do you have a favorite brewery in Illinois? Tell us about it!
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