Illinois Beer Buying: Where To Buy Your Brews

Illinois has a thriving craft beer scene, innovative distilleries, and award-winning wineries. The state's local craft beer and spirits blend Midwestern ingenuity with artisanal techniques, utilising regionally-sourced grains and ingredients. The state's liquor laws are enforced to avoid the illegal transportation of alcohol and alcohol-related mishaps. In Illinois, you can buy beer for off-premise use from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Illinois is an open state, meaning private entities handle the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages but are still regulated by state legislators. The state does not set any particular hours when alcohol sales are illegal. Instead, it is up to the county. The time and type of liquor you can buy vary depending on the city or village. Illinois is one of the few states that allow the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores. This makes liquor more widely available compared to many other states.

Buying beer in Illinois grocery stores

Illinois is not a dry state, and alcohol is available for purchase every day of the week, including Sundays. The state does not set any particular hours during which alcohol sales are illegal, leaving this up to individual counties and municipalities. This means that the specific times during which you can buy beer in Illinois will depend on where you are in the state.

In Chicago, you can buy beer from grocery stores between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Sunday. Retailers can also extend their closing time by two hours if they are granted an extended hours permit.

Counties outside of Chicago may have very different hours. For example, in Grand Tower, you can buy alcohol as early as 6 a.m. on Fridays, while in Hampshire, you can only buy alcohol from 9 a.m. on the same day.

It is important to note that the hours listed above are for off-premise consumption, meaning you are buying beer to take home from the grocery store. If you are buying beer to drink within the premises of a bar or restaurant, the hours are slightly different. In Chicago, this is allowed between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Beer delivery services

There are several options for beer delivery in Illinois. Drizly is a national service that offers a large variety and the ability to compare prices. It guarantees delivery in under an hour. Minibar has a robust selection of fine wines and spirits, as well as beer and CBD-infused products. For craft spirits, Spirit Hub offers an extensive selection from independent distilleries across the country.

For those in Chicago, there are additional options for beer delivery. Binny's Beverage Depot has an extensive inventory available through Instacart, which will also show you what's on sale. Postmates, Uber Eats, and Amazon Prime Now will also deliver alcohol, with the added convenience of already having a subscription for some users. Instacart works with local retailers to deliver beer, wine, liquor, and extras like mixers and soda.

Liquor stores in Illinois

In Illinois, liquor stores are not run by the state, and each town, city, or village makes its own rules and issues liquor licenses. The state does not set any particular hours when alcohol sales are illegal, instead leaving this up to the county.

In Illinois, you can buy beer from retailers like liquor stores from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. until 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 8 a.m. until 2 a.m. on Sunday. You can also buy beer from bars between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. on Sunday.

Some popular liquor stores in Illinois include Binny's, Friar Tuck, Randall's, and Dierbergs. Binny's has been described as an "adult beverage Toys R Us with an insane selection of craft beer, wine, and liquor". Friar Tuck has also been praised for its huge selection. Randall's and Dierbergs both have solid selections of whiskeys and bourbons.

Buying beer in bars and restaurants

In Illinois, you can buy beer from bars and restaurants between 7 a.m. and 2 a.m. from Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. through 3 a.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. through 2 a.m. on Sunday. These hours are the same across the state, including in Chicago.

However, it's important to note that the specific times for buying beer in bars and restaurants may vary depending on the individual establishment and local ordinances. For example, some bars and restaurants may choose not to open for alcohol service during the early morning hours allowed by the state.

Additionally, the legal drinking age in Illinois is 21, and it is illegal to serve or sell alcohol to anyone under that age. Minors are also prohibited from purchasing alcohol.

Illinois has some restrictions on happy hours. Bars and restaurants are prohibited from serving two or more drinks to one person at the same time. They also cannot offer an unlimited number of drinks for a fixed price or increase the volume of alcohol in a drink without increasing the price. Any promotions or discounts on alcoholic drinks must be offered for a maximum of 15 hours per week, divided by four hours per day.

When buying beer in bars and restaurants in Illinois, it's important to be aware of the state's public drinking laws. Illinois law prohibits the open carry of alcohol containers in public spaces, and alcoholic beverages must be kept in sealed containers when outside. However, there may be exceptions for specific events with permits.

Buying beer in breweries and taprooms

When it comes to buying beer in breweries and taprooms in Illinois, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, Illinois is not a dry state, and alcohol sales are generally allowed from 6 am or 7 am to 2 am the following day. However, it's important to note that the specific hours during which alcohol can be sold may vary by location and the type of establishment. For breweries and taprooms, the hours are typically from 7 am to 2 am Monday to Friday, 7 am to 3 am on Saturday, and 11 am to 2 am on Sunday. These hours refer to both on-premise consumption, where you can enjoy a beer on-site, and off-premise consumption, where you can purchase beer to take home.

Breweries and taprooms in Illinois offer a wide range of beer options for visitors. Most taprooms are not limited to just the brewery's beer and often feature guest taps, providing a diverse selection for customers. Whether you're looking for a crisp lager, a fruity ale, or a robust stout, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. In addition, many breweries and taprooms in Illinois have extended hours permits, allowing them to stay open later than the standard closing times. This provides beer enthusiasts with even more flexibility to enjoy their favourite beverage.

When visiting breweries and taprooms in Illinois, it's important to be mindful of the legal drinking age, which is 21 years old. Establishments will typically require proof of age before serving alcohol, so remember to carry a valid ID. Additionally, while Illinois allows for the sale of alcohol on Sundays, some localities may impose further restrictions. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations in the area you're visiting.

Another aspect to consider is the availability of growlers, which are refillable containers that allow you to take beer home from breweries and taprooms. While not all establishments may offer this option, those that do provide a great way to enjoy your favourite brew at home. Growlers can typically hold a generous amount of beer, making them perfect for sharing with friends or savouring over time.

Lastly, when it comes to buying beer in breweries and taprooms in Illinois, it's worth noting that the state has some business-friendly liquor regulations. Illinois is one of the few states that allow the sale of alcohol, including spirits, in grocery stores. This makes beer more widely available and provides consumers with a range of purchasing options beyond just breweries, taprooms, and liquor stores. So, whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the breweries and taprooms of Illinois is a great way to discover new beers and support local businesses.

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