Crystal Lake Brewing

Went on a Saturday afternoon for the release of Sherman Tingle 's Driver Nation Beer Release. There was music and food trucks. There was not much seating outside , so we sat inside. The line to order beers was anywhere from 5-10 people deep. There were one to two servers depending on the time. Since this was their Big festival , I would have expected more servers. The beers were good, and the prices were fair. We would maybe try again if we were in the area.

Beer was good but the service had a lot to be desired, they had an event outside on a hot day, suggest people bring chairs because they did not plan on it to this busy and on a hot day and when some people tried to put chairs in the shade a lady told them not to be there because food trucks were coming and needed the shady area.. really when I heard that I was floored!

Have not tried the food yet, but we were here on a Saturday afternoon with live music. There was a tent with tables under and we were encouraged to bring our own chairs because there was not enough seating. The ONLY shade out there (other than the tables which were filled) is under the trees, which was ALL reserved food trucks and vendors. It seems to me that the food trucks could be on the other side so that the customers could have some space to set up in the shade. If you're going to have an event outside on an asphalt, where 90% of your clientele is older for the classic rock event you might want to plan a little better.

Great place for local beer! You can bring your own food and then get your beer at the bar and grab a table. They have board games that you can play or a couple couches to relax on. During nice days you can sit at tables outside. I've hosted gatherings for friends from the NW suburbs which is nice as it is close to the Crystal Lake train station. Just wish they were open before 3pm on a Friday during the summer. When you have summer Fridays with your job, this would be a great meet up place if they were open at noon. The beers are great some favorites are Bleach Blonde (tame), 300 Fox Rocker. Cheers!

We stayed about a block away from this super fun brewery. The owner treated us to a special they were having that day and let us know a little about the town. They do not serve food, but several restaurants deliver or you can bring your own food. Really great space with indoor and outdoor seating with a relaxing vibe.