Ike and Oak Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in the Chicago suburb of Woodridge, Illinois. The brewery is known for producing high-quality craft beers and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. This article will provide an in-depth look at Ike and Oak Brewing, including its history, beers, taproom, events, and more.
History of the Brewery
Ike and Oak Brewing Company opened in the Seven Bridges shopping area in 2019. Since its founding, Ike and Oak Brewing Company has become a beloved fixture in the local community. The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers and has been featured in several publications.
The Brewer
Head brewer, Nathan Tertell, has been brewing professionally for over a decade. He started his career at Two Brothers Brewing Company, then joined Lagunitas Brewing Company as one of the first brewers at the Chicago location. Nathan is now thrilled to be the head brewer at Ike & Oak – the brewery has a 10 BBL brewing system, so he will be able to brew much smaller batches allowing for more creativity and flexibility than at his previous organizations.
The Beers
Ike and Oak Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers, ranging from classic styles to unique and experimental brews. Some of the most popular beers at Ike and Oak include:
Broken Carabiner: This green tea ale has complex tropical fruit flavors and is well balanced with medium bitterness to make it refreshing and crushable.
Monkey Nut: A light bodied and low hopped porter with flavor and aroma of peanut butter and Chocolate.
Gold Hill: An easy-drinking Kolsch, light gold in appearance with a light, crisp, delicate fruit aroma and flavor with very little hop character
Mount Massive: This New England-style IPA is hopped with different hops, giving it a fruity and floral aroma and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Hopper Dropper: A medium bodied American IPA with a huge floral, citrus and tropical aroma and flavor
In addition to these popular brews, Ike and Oak also offers seasonal beers and limited releases throughout the year.
The Food
In addition to their impressive beer selection, Ike and Oak Brewing Company offers a variety of delicious food options. Their menu features burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and appetizers.
One popular option is their Ike Burger, which comes with a juicy patty topped with crispy onions, house beer cheese sauce, lettuce, tomato, served on a brioche bun. They also have a variety of other sandwiches, including a black bean burger for vegetarians.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, their selection of salads is a great choice. The Lake House Beet salad has roasted beet, blueberries, artichoke, goat cheese, pine nut, golden balsamic vinaigrette, and can be topped with your choice of protein, such as chicken or salmon.
For starters, the cheese curbs and pig wings are popular choices. The pig wings are bone-in pork shanks tossed in your choice of sauce, making them the perfect appetizer to pair with a cold beer.
If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, the Mac and Cheese is a popular choice. This dish starts with Cavatappi pasta tossed in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, & house beer cheese sauce, then topped with crumbled Cheez-Its and baked in a cast iron skillet. You can even customize it by adding things like jalapenos, giardiniera, bacon, chicken, and pulled pork for an extra charge.
Overall, the food at Ike and Oak Brewing Company is the perfect complement to their exceptional beer selection. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, their menu has something for everyone.
The Atmosphere
The taproom at Ike and Oak Brewing Company is a cozy and welcoming space that features a rustic, industrial design. The space is filled with natural light and features large, garage-style doors that open. The space is unique because the brewing area is open to the dining and bar space. So you can see where your beer was made while you drink it!
Visitors can enjoy their beer at the bar or at one of the many tables and booths scattered throughout the space. The taproom also features an outdoor patio for those who prefer to enjoy their beer al fresco.
In addition to its regular hours, Ike and Oak also offers special events and activities throughout the year, such as trivia nights, live music, and more.
Events
Ike and Oak Brewing Company hosts a variety of events throughout the year, ranging from beer releases to live music performances. Some of the most popular events at Ike and Oak include:
Beer Releases: Ike and Oak releases new beers throughout the year, and visitors can be the first to try them at special release parties.
Trivia Nights: Ike and Oak hosts weekly trivia nights, where visitors can test their knowledge while enjoying a beer.
Live Music: The taproom features live music
Overall, Ike & Oak Brewing Company is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a unique brewery experience. The combination of delicious food, excellent beer, and a welcoming atmosphere makes this establishment a must-visit for beer enthusiasts and foodies alike. With an ever-changing tap list and seasonal offerings, there’s always something new to try at Ike & Oak. So, grab some friends, head over to Woodridge, and enjoy a pint or two at this exceptional brewery.
FAQ
Q: Can I bring my own food to Ike & Oak Brewing Company?
A: No, outside food is not permitted at Ike & Oak. However, the brewery offers a full menu with a variety of options to satisfy any appetite.
Q: Does Ike & Oak Brewing Company have outdoor seating?
A: Yes, the brewery has a large outdoor patio area where you can enjoy your beer and food in the fresh air.
Q: Does Ike & Oak Brewing Company offer tours?
A: No, but the brewing area is completely visible from the dining and bar areas.
Q: Does Ike & Oak Brewing Company have a private event space?
A: Yes, the brewery has a private event space and they offer different packages. Contact them directly for more information on booking your event.
Q: Is there parking available at Ike & Oak Brewing Company?
A: Yes, the brewery shares parking with the other businesses at Seven Bridges, which has plenty of spaces available for guests.
Q: Can I purchase Ike & Oak Brewing Company beer to go?
A: Yes, you can purchase beer to go in the form of cans, bottles, and growlers.
Q: Is Ike & Oak Brewing Company family-friendly?
A: Yes, Ike & Oak is a family-friendly establishment and children are welcome on the premises. They even have a kids’ menu available for little ones.
