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Best Craft Beer Shops In Chicago

Craft beers are on tap and served in bottles everywhere it seems lately, especially in the thriving city of Chicago. (See this list of best craft beer bars, for starters). But when it comes to stores stocking small batch brews -- whether locally sourced or internationally -- there isn't a place on every corner. Even so, these shops know their craft beers, and you can bet that when you stop in to peruse the aisles and find your newest favorite brew, a craft beer aficionado will be there to point you in the right direction.
The Beer Temple
(Photo Credit: The Beer Temple's Facebook)

The Beer Temple
3185 N. Elston Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 754-0907
www.craftbeertemple.com

This Avondale beer shop is about craft brews through and through. While the space isn't massive by any means, it does have a stunning array of options for purchase. Owners Chris and Margaret Quinn also offer daily tasting specials, sometimes even of brews that aren't available for purchase in Illinois -- they just want you to learn about the amazing craft beer scene around the U.S. Have a question about anything beer related? Ask, and anyone working at The Beer Temple will gladly help. And as if this store doesn't sound amazing enough, if you don't live in Chicago, they offer a Beer of the Month club that ships around the U.S.

West Lakeview Liquors
2156 W. Addison St.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 525-1916
www.wlvliquors.com

For one of the most unique craft beer selections in all of Chicago, look no further than this Roscoe Village shop. From local brews to European beers, the selection at West Lakeview Liquors is top-notch. To make this shopping experience even better, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and will gladly help you pick out just the right brew for your taste buds. The family-run shop also offers an array of wine and spirits in addition to their craft beers.

Bottles and Cans
(Photo Credit: Bottles and Cans's Facebook)

Bottles & Cans
4109 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 857-2270
www.bottlesandcanschicago.com

This Lincoln Square/North Center shop appropriately markets themselves as a "friendly little bottle shop." For one, they're dog friendly, so bring your canine companion with when you stroll on by to grab a wonderful array of craft brews and to partake in their samples, which they offer on a regular basis (visit their website for a sampling schedule). Their inventory, as many good craft beer shops do, is also constantly shifting; to stay up-to-date on what's available, visit them on BeerMenus.

Related: Best Resources To Brew Beer At Home In Chicago

Binny's Beverage Depot
1720 N. Marcey St.
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 664-4394
www.binnys.com

In Chicagoland, Binny's is easily considered one of the go-to liquor stores, as it has aisles upon aisles of options, from wines and liquors to one of the best and biggest selections of domestics, imports, and craft beers from around the country. As a larger store, with locations around Chicago, it also offers some of the lowest price points. You're also sure to find your new beer guy here, as -- no matter which location you choose -- they all have an in-depth knowledge of Binny's offerings.

Cardinal Wine & Spirits
4905 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 561-0270
www.cardinalwinesandspirits.com

Bar plus liquor store, what more can you ask for? Grab a pint at this dive Lincoln Square bar, and then take a six-pack (or more) home with you. While the liquor store's aisles are a tad crowded, it just means there's plenty to pick from. For those who don't live in the neighborhood, the shop offers convenient free parking lot right out front off Lincoln Avenue. Cardinal also has other locations throughout Chicagoland, but not all have a neighborhood bar to go with it.

Related: Best Bars for Craft Beer Aficionados In Chicago

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not blogging about food, she's working part-time at a culinary vacation company, The International Kitchen, based in the Windy City, as well as repping Younique cosmetics and skincare products. Some of her writing can be found at Examiner.com.
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