Great wild ales and sours are not so easy to come by. I have traveled five hours south to St. Louis for the perfection that is Side Project more often than I'd like to admit. When in Denver, I've taken the beautiful three-and-a-half hour trek to Glenwood Springs for Casey Blending. Who knew I only needed to drive 14 minutes south for beers that are about on par with those giants?! If you know Off Color, you probably know Apex Predator, or one of their many "Beer for..." series offerings. Solid, Chicago staples like Half Acre's Daisy Cutter or Revolution's Anti-Hero. But, where Off Color really shines is in their taproom exclusive barrel-aged wild ales. The Mousetrap is a cute, mice-themed taproom surrounded by Off Color's production facility. The white subway tiles and decorated with mice doing all sorts of things - the coolest ones are the wooden overlays over the speakers. Sit at the bar and try to chat with a bartender (if you can), or enjoy one of the many community tables. Back to those barrel aged foeders/wild ales/sours. These are some heavy hitters, wonderfully tart and complex without being too puckery or sweet. The April Rain has long been a favorite, just the most delicate, exquisite flavors unlike anything I've ever had. The Fox in the Snow is a barrel-aged, cherry foeder that is so nuanced and well-balanced, just as the Avec le Guilletine is a flavorful, complex, and unique barrel aged dopplebock that invites several revisits. This is craft beer at its best, with prices that won't break the bank. I can't wait to go back and see what they have in store next month...or maybe I'll just go back next week for some more April Rain while it's still on draft. Cheers! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - a glass of beer and a bottle of beer - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Swung by Off Color on a warm spring day to cool off with some great beer and hangout with friends. They have a lot of outdoor seating. They also have an indoor taproom called the mousetrap. The indoor seating area has lots of space too. Did I mention that they are dog friendly? Pretty cool, right? For ordering, we need to go to the bar and place the order ourselves or place an advanced order online. The beers are available in beer glasses of 8oz and 12oz. The menu is very interesting. They have beers names after the activity that they would be apt for. For example, they have beer for beaches, beer for golf, beer for pizza, etc. We tried the beer for pizza, beer for golf and beer for ball games. All were really good, especially the beer for pizza. They also sell cans of beer at the taproom. They also have other cocktails. My friend tried the margarita and red wine float, and it was a weird combination for me but she loved it. We didn't try any food so I can't really comment on that. They also have lots of games at the taproom that you can borrow and play while you sip on your beer. We played exploding monkeys and it was rather fun! Such a great brewery! A must visit! read more

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Tried the Mousetrap/Off-Color Brewing patio, and was really impressed with the service and variety! I was able to sit at the patio on a Thursday night with no wait. The patio is dog friendly, and there were three other well behaved dogs which the staff offered water bowls. I love their variety of "Beers for" collection. They are fun beers that are perfect for summer, and the beer for golf was super tasty! They also have a full cocktail menu for craft cocktails, as well. The taproom is large and perfect to hang out, catch up, play a board game, etc. Very spacious and easy to find your own spot to chat. They also offer "express" ordering from Forastero, but I would avoid that at literally all costs! We were so excited to try it because we were starving and they have a fun fusion menu, but we're super disappointed to receive our food over an hour after ordering, and to receive it lukewarm/soggy from condensation from a bike carrier. The delivery time when we ordered said 20 minutes, so that was grossly incorrect. Not deducting stars for this given it's out of the brewery's control I'm sure, but don't make the same mistake we did! Overall, would return for the patio and service but would definitely bring my own food!! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Pisco Sour & Beer for Golf - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Great beer, great vibes, and amazing service! Jacob is the man. He was very knowledgeable about all the beers and had great recommendations. Thanks for the great experience. Will definitely be returning when we come back into town! read more

The place is really cool love the vibe but the beers are just ok nothing that would want to buy and take home Plus they didn't do any flights so we ordered 4 beers and tried them nothing great read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - 5oz pour of a forgettable beer - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really like this place especially as a post-climbing or pre-movie watching spot in the area. They have a pretty extensive menu so I think there's really something for everyone. They have seating both inside and outside. Outside is really lovely for a Chicago spring/summer day. For me I really like how so many of their drinks infuse some tea notes to it. Last time I went with my brother we got the April Rain (Wild Ale with Sudachi and White tea) and SīFáng (Pale Lager with Black Tea and Osmanthus Flower). The latter being a collab with Qing Xiang Yuan (yes, that dumpling place in Chinatown lol). Both were solid and the tea notes weren't overpowering and pretty nice and subtle. Service is just order at the bar and seat/bus yourself. Overall, a great place to just hang and grab a few drinks with some friends for sure. Parking can be a little tricky in the area, but doable. read more

Located in the old Carbit Paint building is the Mousetrap. They have a large beer menu, at least 15 beers on tap, some cans and ciders. They are known for the design on the beer cans and the mouse. The grain mouse was selected because they can often be found in breweries. There was plenty of seating and several board and card games available to play. They do not serve food, but we went on a Thursday and Five Squared Pizza was there. We did not get any, since we just ate, but Five Squared is excellent deep dish pizza made by a husband and wife team. They offer suburban deliveries and often have pop ups. Anyway, back to the brewery, we had a few rounds and really enjoyed them all. We tried the Eat Prey Mango, Pumpkin Beer for Cafes, Beer for Lounging and the Farnum Hill Farmhouse Cider. They sell merchandise and beers to go and we did purchase a few 4 packs and bottle to go. Would like to return for the tour. read more

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Fun spot and sets itself apart by being non IPA focused! Lots of board games, a vending machine of local artisans goods. The place was hopping for a Monday night. A meeting of a club (? Maybe?) was happening next to us. Outdoor seating is ample but it covered, and indoor is big and open too. It's BYOF and there's a lot of take out and a Whole Foods nearby. The beers are fun and nuanced. Staff is very kind and friendly, fun to chat with. We got burgers from Epic Burger nearby. Food was not great. Do better than we did. They also have really fun cans with adorable artwork done by a local teacher. We brought a four pack home too. read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Current tap list May 2024 - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Off color has a wide selection of beers to choose from. I wish they had more sours but that is a personal preference. Seating is first come first serve which can be stressful! I wish they had more food options. Beer is truly good though. read more

My friends and I went on a recent trip to Chicago. We visited probably 8-10 breweries and we collectively said that Off Color had some of the best beer of our trip. The beertender was so friendly, offering us advice about other breweries to visit and giving us samples of beers he thought we'd like. This is definitely a spot you don't want to skip if you are into beer and in Chicago! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Yum! Lots of delicious flavors here. They only serve beers here but they are pretty great! Nice place to hang out with friends.

Great beer, board games available and atmosphere. However if you would please turn the heat on it would be most appreciated. It's odd to still be in jacket and scarf while indoors and still chilled. Great place in the summer but maybe their heats broken Jan 15,2024. read more

I always like supporting local breweries but Off-Color isn't one of my favorites. The actual tasting room is very small and gets way too crowded on weekends to enjoy the atmosphere. Plus, there aren't enough different types of beers on the menu. Service is friendly but that's the only real highlight of this spot. They do also have pop-up pizza on their busier days which is a nice option. read more

I don't know how many times I've walked past this taproom wanting to try it out, but I finally made it in! The space is very open and inviting, with large communal tables and a huge bar. The selection of beers is quite large, with most of them being sours and experimental. Despite not being a big fan of those styles, I was able to find a couple that I really liked. They also have a full bar, so if you're looking for a cocktail they have you covered. I think it would be great to bring a group here and play board games, or even just bring a laptop and work from here. The bartenders were friendly and down to earth, and we're fun to talk to. I do wish they had more traditional beer styles, but I will definitely be back to see what they have next time. read more

I'm a HUGE fan of Off Color Brewing. So excited to get to go back to the brewery (sort of-patio seating) for a fun beer tasting with a friend. I'm very much looking forward to when COVID is past us and Off Color is open again for in brewery seating. Other than this taproom, their beer is top notch. Easily my favorite brewery in Chicago. So naturally I bring my friends here again and again whenever I'm in town. Much love for Off Color! If you or beer and haven't visited or tried their beer, I question your judgement. Give it a go! read more

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The beers were excellent here and that's really the main focus. So happy to try a few if their stuff because we ended up buying a 4-pack to go. The beer for bowling? I think it's called was delicious! As far as the ambience goes, I don't love how low the ceilings are here. It gives me the vibe that a dive bar could have been in this space. There's just something about the layout, seating etc that I'm not a fan of. It's nice that they have outdoor seating though, so will have to come back in the summertime. Also, please play some music or play it a little higher at least. The energy felt dead. But yes, the beer was excellent! Will be back! read more

A cool brewery with great tables and seating. The bartender was super friendly and could tell us a lot about their beers. Their beers are definitely unique as their M.O. is focusing on the forgotten beers of the world, especially those from Germany. So, don't expect a typical menu of lagers, IPAs, and stouts. More like, rauchbier, helles bock, and other more niché beer styles. Apex Predator is one of their best year-round beers, easily available all around Chicago. Cool brewery with both indoor and outdoor patio seating. read more

Off Color is so fun, and I would visit even more often if I lived in that neighborhood. Love their beer choices, simple setup, and outdoor area in the summer. This is a perfect spot to drop in during the summer, have a couple beers, and forget the problems in your life and the world. They also have great merch - their shirts are all very cool designed, and so soft to the touch. Love Off Color and wish them continued success in a crowded craft beer market - you can see why they have stuck around for awhile now!! read more

Great beer. Nice vibe. We brought our own food as they don't have a kitchen. I only have it a 3 due to the guy at the front desk. Not friendly and a bit of a smart ass. Usually you assume the person welcoming you would be welcoming. He was not. Made a rude comment to My wife. Almost turned around and left. read more

Great pitstop between Pequod's and downtown. I've been a fan of Off Color for a long time, so was glad to stop in here and test out all their crazy beers. Lots of fermented ales, and crazy experimental flavors. I'm a big sour guy, so this right up my alley. They have backyard seating as well. read more

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I appreciate they no longer require reservations for the patio. Stopped by after I went to the beach one day to get some draft beer!! It was a weekday in the afternoon so there were some other patrons on the patio but not a ton which I like. Went with the Beer for Golf as well as the Dino S'Mores. In the past I've gotten the beer to go like during the winter. Like their beer here. The staff I've interacted with have been cool and hardworking. read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Dino S' Mores - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Not really a place for minorities. Very unwanted energy for customers of color. Not to mention the place was EMPTY and they had poor service. The man at the bar didn't engage AT ALL about their beer or location. Instead he focused on cleaning the bar which was ALREADY clean. Definitely a no for me and my partner we walked out after feeling unwanted. #LAGUANITASISBETTER read more

They have a nice amount of beers and they've all been very good. But I will say, my favorite is their beer designs! The Beer for Tacos is my favorite beer and design. Each beer just looks very unique and you could tell they put a lot of attention in each one. The inside is super spacious and their outdoor patio allows for a good amount of people to have a good time and enjoy the nice weather. The staff is very pleasant and look happy. There's parking, but I would say limited on busy days. read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Beers - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This one feels like summer. Stopped by this one a few weekends ago to enjoy a weekend afternoon brew. I'd say it's the perfect spot to hang with friends and enjoy a cold one fresh off the taps. Some notable things about this spot... it's BYOF (Bring your own food). Inside is pretty spacious, yet a little too low lit for me. On the plus side, their patio area is a great spot to enjoy the warmer weather and bring your 4 legged friend along. While the outside area is dog friend, they don't allow doggos inside... bummer. Onto the beers... they seem to specialize in farmhouse ales, saisons, gose, and sours. Kind of refreshing to be honest. I enjoyed the Tiny Pillows and Sparkles we had ordered. Awesome summertime brews! Full pours range from $6-$9. Some free street parking on the side of the building but super limited. I think that's all I got on this one. 'Til next time, cheers! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - El doggo does brewery! *note this one is only dog friendly on the patio* - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I loved Off Color! I met a friend here for drinks on a weeknight and it was a great time. It's in a location off the beaten path, but the space has a very cozy, casual atmosphere. The staff were welcoming and super helpful, recommending options for beers and answering questions. I will most definitely be back! read more

I was lured to this Mousetrap by a cool interior and a wide selection of beer with unique tap handles. Plus side, 1. BYOF, kiosk available for food 2. Spacious 3. Attentive service, no complaints Down side, 1. The beer, cider-like & very carbonated 2. No IPAs 3. Some beers only available in bottle for $20+ Cheers to Off Color Mousetrap. I love your roomy atmosphere and characteristic beer descriptions, but the unique beers were not for me. Tooth and Claw was extremely malty. Yeah, Buoy was overpowered by pineapple with little coconut taste. Wildlings could have passed for a cider. Mousetrap isn't my favorite taproom, but not the worst. read more

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Damn good beers!!! OMG the sours are amazing.. ..,........... .....................!!!!!(!!!!!!!! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Breweries are my thing and I was so happy Off Color opened Mousetrap. I was not having enough Off Color in my life when they only had their bottle shop. :P Mousetrap keeps the cute vibe of Off Color alive with a nice tap room, friendly staff and of course their tasty beers on tap. Unlike other breweries, they have a few cocktails so you can feel okay bringing non-beer peoples here. But really, why do you have friends who aren't beer people!? That's not human. Pro-Tip: BYOF! Not only is Pizzeria Bebu close but they have a direct Pizza Phone line to them to order it. Do it. Trust. No flights which always makes me sad. They do give half pours of some of the beers so that's...almost the same. Pro-Tip #2: Free tours on Sundays at 2pm & 6pm. What I drank while at Off Color: ~Coffee Dino S'mores - a 10.5% coffee twist on the classic Double Russian Stout, not surprisingly my favorite of the night ~Sibling Rivalry - very solid 8.7% Belgian Tripel ~Little Friend - 3.8% table beer they call it? I guess just meaning a session. When you need to drink light but want it to actually taste decent. ~Three Blind Spice - 8.5% Belgian Tripel,another solid brew ~Hyper Predator - 6.5% Farmhouse Ale, fairly classic in the Off Color Predator world ~15ft - 3.2% smoked beer that I started with and enjoyed but not as much as some of the other smokes I'm obsessed with. You can buy bottles to go. You can buy merch to go. But most importantly you can chill & have some beers at an Off Color taproom now! Woohoo. read more

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great beer has outdoor seating out front, and apparently in the back too. Friendly staff.. I like this spot, which is kinda tucked away from the main streets. read more

Off Color has the best beer in Chicago. The taproom is nothing special, but the patio is nice in the summer. I wish they invested a little more into making the indoor space something special, but the beer is so good, that they really don't need to. Nice staff and good no-frills service. read more

Don't forget, I don't rate breweries on beer! I'll edit this to be a *little* nicer. Service is everything. We've stayed at places whose beer isn't my favorite solely because of the vibe/bartenders. I've also left places whose beer I enjoy, because the staff is rude as shit to everyone. Off Color makes beer I'm so so on, and they have a decent patio (that fills up quickly when the weather is nice), but I've found there's only been 1 person there who didn't act like you were inconveniencing them. Dog friendly (outside only?), pretty sure you can bring food and there are free tampons in the restroom, which is maybe the second time I've seen something like that, but is pretty cool. The space itself is whatever. Some parking on the side, otherwise street parking is available (but given the area, can be a little tough). Frankly, though, this is one of those spots that I'd walk in and say "yep, not going to care for this place" and be right. I don't know how utilized their patio is in winter, probably less so with snow, but this is one brewery whose beer I'll stick to buying from the store when I spot a "beer for" that sounds good. You can order online for pickup, but again, why deal with their employees if you don't have to? read more

Came here for the free tour and loved it! Glad I RSVP'd online the week before as there was no space for walk-ins the day of. Learned a lot about the process that Off Color uses in developing wild yeast in their beers and got to enjoy an 8oz pour sample. The tour guide was very approachable and knowledgeable. He gave great recommendations for drinks to try, which I appreciated more after learning the story behind them. Would definitely recommend the Wilding with its blueberry flavors! read more

Off Color Brewing - Mousetrap - Wilding, Apex Predator, and Dino S'mores - Breweries Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Off Color is our favorite Chicago brewery hands down- from some of their classic beers offered all the time to their constantly rotating collection of new and delicious things to try, we couldn't recommend Off Color enough. We love stopping by for a pint on their two outdoor patios, or inside when Chicago weather is not its best. We recently had a small party there and their staff was so accommodating and wonderful to us- it was such a fun way to share a favorite place of ours with family and friends. read more

This is an EXCELLENT taproom. It is in kind of a weird spot in Goose Island, but the interior is really fun. It was pretty slow on a Wednesday evening, but I'm betting that's because it only recently opened and I guess not a lot of people have heard of it yet. They have really interesting and tasty beers, and the bartenders are obviously passionate about beer and brewing. Our bartender, James took a ton of time helping us pick our beers and was very attentive and friendly. They don't have any IPAs, which is usually my first choice, but they had some excellent other choices that really impressed me. I'll be back for sure! read more

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A true Chicago gem. What do I mean by that? It's chill, down-to-earth place with a great variety of beers. The bartenders were super friendly and let me sample some because usually I'm not really sure and I can't describe the taste of the beers I like for the life of me. Apex Predator is usually a safe choice and one of their most popular ones. Most people stop by before a show at iO or grabbing a pizza from Bebu. Great place to relax with friends but I recommend groups of fewer than 6. 4 is probably optimal. Otherwise, it's hard to find a good seat. read more

Although I wish they had an IPA, I had to go out of my comfort zone and was pleasantly surprised and happy that I did! The Apex Predator is hoppy like an IPA but lighter, and I really enjoyed it. They have a variety of other beers, and you can see the room they brew in from the tasting room. I appreciated the welcoming staff, and I would love to come back when it's warm out read more

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I think I've probably come here the most out of any tap room in the city since I've been back. I like it because it's generally very laid back, all the staff from the door to behind the bar staff are great. While it does get busy on the weekends; so many tables are taken up by birthday parties, no idea why that is, but I've never lacked for attention when I need another drink. I won't go into which beers to get because I've had the gamut and while you might find the occasional miss (a tequila barrel gose was not to my liking,) they're ambitious swings and still worth trying. read more

Been here a few times, great experience every time. Big beer selection that rotates quickly. You can bring outside food and games in.

Such a fun spot. If you like sour beers you have to try the market rate. So so good. Super chill vibe. All tables (in or out) are first come first serve and you order at the bar (there are no servers). They don't serve food but you can order delivery from foresters. I'd recommend going to Whole Foods next door and bringing some food in. Dog friendly patio! read more

This is a cool tap room to check out in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago. Due to the fact that this establishment does not serve food, you would be better off stopping by after dinner or bringing food with you to eat. Luckily, this place is close to several quick serve restaurants and Whole Foods. When you walk in, you can either find a seat at one of the many tables or right at the bar. Our waitress did an excellent job at giving us beer and cocktail recommendations from the menu. I ordered both the barrel aged growl (barrel aged beer) and the "PK Likes Pink Drinks" cocktail (rum, mezcal, raspberries, and several other ingredients). I would recommend both drinks. The only thing that I wish they would add to their taproom is a few light snacks. Everything else about my experience lived up to my expectations. read more