When we moved from California to Chicago, we loved the way the city combined a coastal lifestyle with a hardworking, Midwestern ethos.
We make beers that support that hard-working and coastal lifestyle of Chicago, slipping into and out of any moment. They’re classic in their craft, and contemporary in their sensibility—perfect for the beach, the softball game, and walking the dog.
Founders Cameron and Suzie bring a love of the laid-back, coastal lifestyle from their California roots, and found kinship in Chicago along our unique shorelines.
Starting with an Irish Red Ale kit in an apartment in San Jose, CA, in 2010, Cameron’s love for making beer and dream of his own business began with the smell of his first batch (no, really), ingraining in him a love for the classic styles of both Europe and America.
When it came time to make the dream a reality, he credits his wife, Suzie and sister, Lanie with giving the push to open. The next biggest question was “where?” Having many friends reside in Chicago and seeing it for the burgeoning craft-beer city it was in the mid-late 2010s, it seemed an obvious contender, especially with Chicago’s reputation as a hard-working city full of welcoming people who still knew how to have a good time. A true family family affair, Suzie helps behind the scenes with social and marketing, and together with Lanie they’ve designed the beautiful taproom.
We couldn’t do this without our people, from our back of house team that includes sales and operations, to our bartenders who are the face of the brewery and neighborhood and our community.
It’s an honor that so many of our staff have been with us for so many years. We strive to be a place where you feel welcomed into by a friendly face and comfortable to ask us anything about beer.
There’s also no chance we’d be where we are today without the folks who live in the neighborhood or surrounding areas or our Midwest Coastal Elite mug club members. To our regulars who helped us survive the pandemic and to those who have created memories with us, your impact is felt more than you know. We cherish being a part of your stories and lives. From those who have had first dates at the brewery lead to an engagement shower and then ultimately a baby shower to the dog regulars with their own corner of the bar (and a beer named after them!) — these are the moments, and you are the folks, Midwest Coast was made for.
We’re dedicated to our West Town community, its history, and the way people live and work here.
Our neighborhood is defined by generations of quality manufacturing. We are an active participant in a legacy urban manufacturing corridor that borders against an increasingly vibrant residential community.
We work with a variety of organizations focused on bettering the neighborhood and surrounding areas. We also support local causes close to our hearts such as dog adoption efforts, and ensure our space is more than just dog friendly, it’s celebratory.
It’s no secret that we love dogs (and they love us!) and we strive to be one of the most dog-friendly places in Chicago.
Join us for all the amazing events we’ve got coming up at the taproom!
From weekly trivia, dog-friendly events, live music, food popups, yoga, and so much more — there’s something for everyone!