PERFECT FOR

Casual hangs, family gatherings, postrun rehydration

START WITH

The Mexican-style lager El Venado or the Pilsen Pils, two light, snappy beers

When Lo Rez Brewing vacated this space in late 2023, it was a loss not just for a neighborhood underserved by the craft beer scene but also for the community that had sprung up around it. Thankfully, Monochrome Brewing has picked up where its predecessor left off — and then some. You’ll find hazy IPAs, crisp lagers, draft cocktails, micheladas, and seltzers being poured in the rugged and soaring industrial loft. Brewer Luis Flores, who cut his teeth at Michigan’s Arclight Brewing and Mokena’s Brothership Brewing, brings variety to the ever-changing tap list. On a recent visit, there were families hanging out, a birthday party kicking off, beer fans sipping flights, and diners ponying up to a Heffer BBQ pop-up. Not much of a drinker? You can still swing by to take a Pilates class, meet up with the Venados Running Club, or compete in the weekly Mario Kart 64 tournament. It’s just what the neighborhood needed. 2101 S. Carpenter St.