Lagunitas Brewing Company - Chicago, IL

I can't say our first stop was Lagunitas on day 1. It actually was 18th Street Brewing for a bottle release of Imperial Blud (which was all cinnamon, wasn't a fan), and Deal with the Devil Citra Pale Ale which was delicious!
After the release we moved into the city to the new Lagunitas Brewing Co...originally out of California but now operating also in Chicago. Was a little tough to find with 1 way streets everywhere, but in no time we were parked in front of this MASSIVE brewery.

Upon entering we were greeted by 4 people...1 actually working and the others lingering. Checked ID's and then on our way down a very long hallway. Can you say Willy Wonka? They had the Chocolate Factory music playing (Pure Imagination) with flashing colored lights. At the end of this hallway you are greeted by a poster made entirely of bottle caps.

You then make a left and walk down another hallway. At the end of this hallway there is another worker sitting at a desk telling you to take the stairs (a sign would do just fine, but hey not my brewery). After a few stairs, finally you get into the taproom. GIANT taproom. Lots of tables with a great view of the entire brewing process below.

We ordered our beers at the bar and grabbed a table with a nice view. A waiter came over, and sternly said if we were sitting there we should of asked because we need a waiter to be sitting there. There was probably 30 open tables...no idea we had to ask permission..but whatever.

I have had their beer before, never a HUGE fan but a fan. I got a sampler that included Born Yesterday which was a hopped up Pale Ale, Lil Sumthin' Sumthin', Sucks, and Hop Stoopid. All I can say is nothing even came close to Born Yesterday. Hands down the best beer they have ever made..it was powerful, delicious, hoppy, smelled fantastic, just wow. I then decided to get a second sampler..which is shown below also and I honestly don't even remember them. The stout was good I recall, but Born Yesterday just killed it.

Before we left we did a self tour in which you can walk all around outside the taproom and look down at the brewing process. Quick stop at the gift shop and we were on our way.

If you are in Chicago, it is worth checking this place out. They had a food menu (we didn't eat), a giant gift shop, and plenty of space. Check them out..https://lagunitas.com/taproom/chicago/