1. Moody Tongue Brewing

1. Moody Tongue Brewing

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Chicago, IL

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Moody Tongue Brewing

4.4 (406 reviews)
Open 4:30 pm - 10:00 PM
Updated 1 month ago

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Recommended Reviews - Moody Tongue Brewing

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The entrance!
Rudiger S.

This establishment is outstanding and worth visiting. The beers were some of the best and original microbrews that I've tasted. The food was outstanding on every level. The service was first class all the way and the setting is so damn comfortable with an excellent bar. My son and I have a long tradition of dining out before we go to a concert. The concert on this occasion was Rush. We've eaten and drank at some of Chicago's finest and this is in the top 5. Even if you think you don't like beer I know that Moody Tongue will have something for you in addition to other beverages. I flew in from LA for this epic evening. Cheers!

Burrata
Daniel Y.

Moody Tongue is Michelin rated and it shows in every aspect. Had a reservation and glad I did because it gets crowded pretty quickly. The service was friendly, welcoming, and knowledgeable. Our waiter answered all our questions without judgment and offered insight as to what we might like. We had to get some bread to start, but decided to try some of the seasonal oysters. The bread was a good start, and the oysters were something I'd skip next time. Not much brine or flavor. The softshell crab was fried to perfection and paired with broccolini. Definitely an item I'd order again. The 12 layer German chocolate cake is a hallmark of Moody Tongue so don't skip it. Certainly shareable but not as big as you would imagine. The beer list always has plenty to choose from and I'm a sucker for anything that has some Asian influences like the toasted rice lager or lychee IPA. This was a pleasant experience and love that there is a good assortment of bites and eats to go with their rotation of well drinks.

Pilsner bubbles for our anniversary!
Frances S.

We came to Moody Tongue for our 10 year wedding anniversary celebration and it was an absolute time! We sat at the bar and Zack took excellent care of us -- he went above and beyond and made our celebration very special. He started us off with Pilsner bubbles in champagne flutes that was on the house, and then explained the concept of the bar/restaurant to us. We have never been to a restaurant that specializes in craft beer pairings with Michelin star dishes so the concept really intrigued us. We ordered the Moody Tongue Caesar salad, Soft Shell Crab, Duck Breast, and American Wagyu Filet. Everything was absolutely delicious!! We can't remember the last time that every single dish hit! And the beer pairings that Zack paired were phenomenal. Some standouts included the Toasted Rice lager and a hoppy Cherry beer which almost tastes like a Lambrusco. We ended off the meal with a 12 Layer German Chocolate Cake and Zack paired dessert with two spirit forward cocktails which accompanied the cake perfectly. All in all, we had a wonderful time celebrating our anniversary here and we even plan to bring our friends back the next time we're in town. Thank you, Moody Tongue, for making our 10 year one to remember!

Crab Angel Hair Pasta
Crystal C.

Moody Tongue is tucked away in a pretty hidden area, so parking can be a bit tricky. That said, once inside, the ambiance is great. It feels like an upscale brewery with a cozy but refined vibe. Portions are on the smaller side, but the flavors were thoughtful and well executed for the most part. The crab angel hair pasta was creamy and comforting, with a decent amount of crab throughout. The foie gras and French toast was the standout dish. The milk bread was incredibly soft and paired beautifully with the rich foie gras, and the orange marmalade added the perfect sweet, bright balance. The Hokkaido sea scallop was just okay, a little fishy. The wagyu beef was also fine but not particularly memorable compared to the other dishes. I highly recommend getting the beer flight to sample a few brews alongside your meal. Service was smooth and the food came out at a nice, steady pace. Overall, a great spot for a special night out or a unique brewery dining experience.

Cheese plate
Sydney B.

We were meeting a group of people here and all of us had such a good time. I feel like most breweries that I go to are more loud and bright but Moody Tongue intimate. They have dim lights and it's very spacious so I felt like we had a lot of privacy. The table split the charcuterie board and we loved it. There were a nice variety of cheese. Some charcuterie boards at restaurants tend to be more on the plain side. I could not decide what beer to order so I went with a flight of 3 different beers. Each beer was great (even though I don't remember the names). I'm so glad my friend suggested Moody Tongue. It's now one of my favorite drink spots in Chicago

Deepali P.

Amazing meal! Loved the ambiance of this place and servers and everyone there was so kind. We did the beer pairing with our dishes and it was so worth it. Started with bread and butter, feta dish, Brussels sprouts, potato's, chicken and ended with one of the best cakes ever for dessert. A lot of the beers that were paired with the dishes were ones I normally wouldn't try/ think I'd like on my own but when paired with the dishes, were so good. Already looking forward to going back the next time I visit Chicago.

Fried Soft Shell Crab (charred lime aioli, peri peri sauce, rapini, XO sauce)
Matt L.

As an avid traveler and craft beer lover, the world's first Michelin-Starred Brewery has been on my list to check out the next time I was in Chicago. It's another hard reservation to grab but we were able to get some seats in the bar area and order off their à la carte menu. I started things off with a beer flight by getting the Kölsch, Summer Saison, and Oktoberfest -- the perfect start before diving into some amazing food. We started with Burrata (focaccia, roasted garlic purée, wort honey, truffle salt) and Fried Soft Shell Crab (charred lime aioli, peri peri sauce, rapini, XO sauce). Both beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Then for the main attraction we shared the 22oz Dry-Aged Cowgirl Ribeye with black truffle beef demi, beef fat carrots, potato kugel, and cultured cream. It was almost too beautiful to eat and tasted phenomenal. To finish, I had the Nitro Caramelized Chocolate Churro Porter -- Oaxacan cacao, Tahitian vanilla, and Mexican cinnamon. The perfect dessert beer to cap off an incredible meal. Moody Tongue was exactly what you'd hope for from a Michelin-rated brewery, great sips, excellent service and memorable bites.

Tiffany C.

If you're looking for an unforgettable blend of elevated cuisine and craft beer, Moody Tongue is the place to go in Chicago. From the moment you walk into the beautifully designed space -- sleek, moody lighting paired with modern, minimalist decor -- you know you're in for a special experience. The vibe strikes the perfect balance between upscale and approachable. Moody Tongue doesn't just brew beer; they craft flavor profiles with the precision of a fine dining kitchen. Def next-level. Every dish is thoughtfully paired and prepared to complement the brewery's inventive beers. Even the desserts are worthy of praise -- rich and balanced. Service is impeccable: warm, knowledgeable, and attentive without being overbearing. The staff is clearly passionate about what they do, and it shows in every recommendation and pour.

Oyster half shells
Laurynn B.

Decided to finally visit this brewery in the South Loop and wow what an experience. This place is deceiving from the outside, but the dark interior and the exposed wood gives it an intimate and moody vibe. We decided to only grab a few flights and light bites and they didn't disappoint. The burrata had the perfect texture paired with the heirloom tomatoes and the fluffiness of the focaccia. It was paired with flaky sea salt and wort infused honey. The oysters were divine. Some of the best ones I've had in Chicago. I'd definitely come back for full service. The staff was incredible and extremely accommodating. If you're ever in the South Loop, you MUST visit.

RW 2026: Trout with leeks & fennel
Jaime R.

Amazing restaurant week, liked all of the dishes but especially loved the oyster mushroom in mole entree. Service was fantastic and love the dark, intimate atmosphere. This will be a staple restaurant week spot!

Pork Belly
Nathan E.

MUST VISIT!!! My favorite restaurant in Chicago. Andrew was our tender at the bar and he was probably the best server/bartender I've ever had. He was so knowledgeable and recommended the best beers to go along with each coarse. Whatever he's getting paid, he deserves more. He truly made this experience so amazing. On top of the S tier service, every single dish blew my mind. They were so amazing, perfectly prepared, and clearly elaborately presented. You can tell that this establishment and its staff are quality, use quality ingredients, and take pride in their work. 1000/10

Jeannie Y.

Walking into Moody Tongue was already exciting, but the entire experience in the Dining Room (they also have a Bar, but I chose the Dining Room for the full tasting menu) completely exceeded every expectation. From start to finish, it was one of those rare meals that makes you stop and think, how is this only one Michelin star? Every single dish felt like it could belong to a two- or three-star dining room. The progression of flavors was nothing short of remarkable. The king crab set the tone -- fresh, balanced, and a perfect opening. Then came the ocean trout, which was honestly unbelievable -- delicate, silky, and bursting with layers of flavor that kept unfolding with every bite. By the time the Australian wagyu arrived, I knew this was going to be a meal I'd never forget. That wagyu alone made my entire day -- tender, rich, and so perfectly prepared it practically melted the moment it touched the tongue. The ambience was also outstanding. I loved how the tables were set apart from each other, creating such a sense of privacy. It felt intimate and peaceful -- I didn't have to overhear other people's conversations or raise my voice while eating. That kind of quiet elegance made the food taste even better. Service matched the quality of the food. Our main server, Ken, was excellent -- knowledgeable, warm, and patient with all of my questions. He gave thoughtful, detailed answers without ever sounding rehearsed. The entire team carried themselves beautifully; I loved their sharp outfits and professional but friendly demeanor. Every interaction felt genuine, and I walked away not only full but also feeling like I had learned something new with each course. What really amazed me was the consistency -- every single plate was executed at the highest level. There wasn't a single "filler" dish or a course that felt weaker than the rest. That kind of quality control is rare, and it made the whole experience seamless and extraordinary. Honestly, Moody Tongue is a place I could see myself returning to every month. It's that good. For me, this was more than just dinner -- it was a culinary journey that rivaled some of the best Michelin experiences I've ever had.

Sheldon T.

What a cool spot! Great food...service and energy! Will definitely stay on my Chicago "Hot List"

April 2025

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Page 1 of 11

Moody Tongue Brewing Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Moody Tongue Brewing

What is the Dress Code?

Casual. Maybe a little upscale.

Does the bar allow walk ins? Or reservation only?

We walked in without reservations and were seated by the fireplace. Unless it's super busy, you should be ok walking in.

Do they have TVs?

Yes, only in the bar area.

Do they sell wine?

Yes

Where is the most lively place to sit? The dining room, lounge or bar?

The bar

How much was the 12 course tasting meal and should we make a reservation for it?

I believe it's $155 and yes, reservations are needed

Do they accept reservation?

Yes they do through their website. I recommend it if your certain that you are coming, so you don't have to wait for a table.

View All 11 Questions

Review Highlights - Moody Tongue Brewing

We finished with two over the top desserts, the chocolate cake and a seasonal apple dessert with miso butter!

Mentioned in 62 reviews

Read more highlights

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Was craving a burger and a beer and with such a cool name, how could I not check this place out! I…read moresat at the bar around 5pm and it wasn't very busy. They played good music and wasn't too loud. You could easily carry on a conversation or , like me, continue listening to a podcast. By the time I finished, the place was completely full and a bit noisy, but not bad. I started out with a 10oz Birds of Prey Pilsner. It was very nice. Light and crisp and very easy to drink. I followed that up with Melodious Maibock and ordered the CBG burger with fries. I didn't have lunch so I dove right in and forgot to snap a photo. It was a very good smash burger. It was cooked well and I really liked the combination of pickled onion and caramelized onion. I didn't see it until later but you can add bacon. As much as I loved this burger, bacon would totally take it up a notch! I started chatting with the bartender about their different beers and decided to have the Super Melodious Jalapeño Maibock with the burger. It's soooo different, but in a good way. It paired so well with the burger. You get green bell pepper on the nose and a hint of it on the palate. When you swallow you get a little heat at the back of the throat. It was so good! Great bar. Great food. Great beer. Go check them out!

Good, not great, beer…read more Good, not great, service. Awesome location! We only came for beer and sat at a table (bar was full). This place seems to be much better as a dinner spot. If you want to hang out at a brewery and drink amazing beer, I'd probably choose one of the other breweries in town.

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Crushed by Giants - Double Smash Blend of Slagel Beef and Ground Bacon, American & White Cheddar Cheese, Dijonnaise, Pickled Red Onion, Sesame Seed Bun

Double Smash Blend of Slagel Beef and Ground Bacon, American & White Cheddar Cheese, Dijonnaise, Pickled Red Onion, Sesame Seed Bun

Crushed by Giants - Interior bar

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Industry Ales Brewpub - Cocktails and beer flights

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4.3(90 reviews)
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My husband and I came with our daughter here and we were blown away. The atmosphere is really cool…read more We really loved the vibes and the decor. We both got flight flights and then I had a avocado Caesar salad salad with chicken and my husband had a Smashburger. We ordered my daughter chicken burgers and fries of course lol. Everything was delicious and we would 100% go back.

Checked out this hip looking brewery. It certainly is one of the many places to go to in The Loop…read more Industry Ales is a place that has a lot more than just beers, which is a good choice, because there's all kinds of people who crowd in and want to have fun times. Amazing that fun isn't always beers and chugging. The food is actually good and can be talked about in reviews because some people actually come here to eat, which tells you how they actually have a kitchen. Believe everything is good here but we came for the beers of course. It's certainly the main product made here so why wouldn't it be important. They make more than you can believe which is impressive because there's all kinds of crowds who pass through. For sure everyone wants beer. It's $6 a pint at happy hour. Pretty great for craft beers compared to lots of places it seems. Best one we got was the Bucket Hat. This is a Belgian style witbier. Has notes of bubble gum, coriander, and orange. The food isn't an afterthought so get some of that. It's about $18 for a burger. Vegans have options. Certainly one of these is the Veggie Burger. This is an amazing thing with a spinach patty topped with chipotle tomato marmalade, cremini mushrooms, mixed greens, pickled red onions, and sweet potatoes. All on a fluffy ciabatta bun. The rest of the menu contains meaty stuff. For sure it feels like a place for the hipsters but it's pretty great for anyone. It's located at the intersection of Jackson and Wabash close to lots of fun. The brewery has food that's better than expected but many other things about this kind of stuff are typical.

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Industry Ales Brewpub - Bar area

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Industry Ales Brewpub - Flight

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Wish I could give a 3.5 stars. I applaud the true creativity. But every order was a mixed bag…read more Fried chicken sandwich - 3.5/5. Pickles are the star. Cut through heaviness. Magical first few bites. But chicken gets boring. Crispy Brussels sprouts - 3.5/5. Solid fry level. Cheesy bites are delicious. But quickly bland. Raisins is an unexpected addition but unsuccessful in my view. Kids grilled cheese - 4/5. Tasty and simple, though my kid wasn't willing to try. Duck and dumpling - 3.5/5. I can see how this is someone's favorite dish. Lovely rich broth. Crispy skin. But there was a heaviness that didn't totally work for me, especially with the bigger duck chunks. Definitely better fresh than leftover. Chocolate beer cake - 3.5/5. Slightly dense cake. Nice frosting. Beer aroma and flavor definitely comes through. Hazelnuts a nice crunch. Fun and glad to have tried, but not reaching for the next bite.

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Forbidden Root - Back of the restaurant

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Forbidden Root - Oatmeal Pie is literally hard baked oatmeal in a pie crust with Marlot meringue.

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Forbidden Root - Grapefruit Sorbet, Malort Meringue, Mint Syrup

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Au Cheval - The cooks were very attentive!

The cooks were very attentive!

Au Cheval - Crispy Fries & Potato Hash

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Moody Tongue Brewing - venues - Updated July 2026

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