Begyle Brewing Co.

1800 W. Cuyler Ave., 773-661-6963, begylebrewing.com
Best new: This Kickstarter-funded venture calls itself a CSB—community-supported brewer—an arrangement in which subscribers will fill their growlers with a new beer every month. Turns out, it’s also an ambitious brewery, working from a 5,000-square-foot headquarters in the Ravenswood corridor. Although the storefront is at least month away, Begyle’s beer can be found on tap at a handful of bars and in bottles at specialty shops. If Always Bet on Black, a robust black saison, and Birthday Suit, a fabulously crisp Kölsch, are a guide, the line to fill those growlers will be long.

Half Acre Beer Company

4257 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-248-4038, halfacrebeer.com
Best overall: After seven years, this small-batch brewery—which added a taproom last year—continues to set the standard for the city’s craft.