Chicago's West Loop is no stranger to craft breweries, but it has recently welcomed a truly iconic guest. Today, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery officially opened its doors, making it only the second Guinness brewpub in the world outside of Dublin. The historic occasion marks a new chapter for the legendary Irish beer company as it expands its presence on a global scale.
The 15,000-square-foot facility at 901 West Kinzie Street in the Fulton Market District was once an old railroad depot, but it has been transformed into an exciting hub for beer aficionados. Employing 80 full-time staff, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery not only imports its classic beers straight from Ireland but also features exclusive brews made on-site. One such beer, made specifically for the Chicago location, is brewed using Illinois corn, according to Fox32 Chicago.
This exceptional experience doesn't stop at the beer taps. The brewpub includes a restaurant serving both classic pub food and high-end bites, and an on-site bakery that opens each morning to offer a welcoming space for people in the area to grab a cup of coffee, a bite to eat, or to work in the bar area. Maintaining its authentic Irish charm, the menu includes dishes such as corned beef, bangers and mash, and the popular Guinness Stew, as detailed on NBC Chicago.
So, why did Guinness choose Chicago, a city already bustling with craft breweries? According to Ryan Wagner, a Guinness national ambassador, Chicago has always felt like a spiritual home for the brand. "Our beer has been here since 1910 – more than a hundred years of friendship there," Wagner told Fox32 Chicago. "I think the Open Gate Brewery building this structure, or renovating this structure, gave a physical home to what has always been a spiritual home for Guinness in many ways. We love the city of Chicago and Guinness has long been a part of that beer story here."
Chicago's Guinness brewery follows in the footsteps of the company's first US venture, its Baltimore brewery, which opened to rave reviews in 2018. The presence of Guinness in the Windy City is expected to elevate Chicago's already thriving beer scene, with local politicians expressing excitement at the prospect.
"Guinness has a great brand. It's been known all over the world, so this is very exciting for the city of Chicago," said 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett Jr., speaking to Fox32 Chicago. "Folks coming from other countries who will come here, they know the Guinness brand. They'll come visit this area, and they may visit the other establishments in this community – may fill up our hotels. So I think it's just great for the city of Chicago."
With its rich history and reputation for excellence, the arrival of the iconic Guinness Open Gate Brewery is expected to attract numerous visitors, both local and international, to the burgeoning West Loop district. As the city buzzes with excitement over its new world-class beverage destination, one thing is clear – the Windy City has never tasted so authentically Irish.
