Newest Guinness Open Gate Brewery Opens in Chicago

The wait is over, Chicago! Guinness brings the perfect pint to the Windy City with the highly anticipated grand opening of its new Guinness Open Gate Brewery (OGB), officially open to the public on Thursday, September 28th. Nestled in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood, the revitalized historic rail depot now consists of a brewery, taproom, restaurant, and bakery housed in a 15,000-square-foot newly transformed space. 

Following the opening of the Guinness OGB Baltimore in 2018, Chicago is the brand's second brewery facility in the United States and its very first bakery globally. The new facility will blend more than 260 years of Irish brewing heritage with cutting-edge American brewing innovation to create a unique Chicago experience.

“This is an exciting step in the continuing evolution of the Guinness brand in America. It’s been a long journey, but we are so thrilled to be opening our doors this week and to contribute to Chicago’s world class food and beer scene,” said Rodney Williams, President of Diageo Beer Company. “As a Chicago native, I can confidently share that we aim to celebrate and showcase this great city and make a positive impact in the community, all while serving great beer.”

Brewery guests can enjoy 12-16 rotating experimental draughts, most of which will be brewed on site and exclusively available in the taproom, alongside signatures like Guinness Draught Stout, Guinness Extra Stout, and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, which will be specially brewed and shipped from Dublin. For visitors looking for that same beautifully smooth Guinness taste but with zero alcohol, Guinness 0 Non-Alcoholic Draught, a flavorful non-alcoholic brew, will also be available on-site.

The food certainly won’t disappoint either! Led by Dream Team Hospitality, a joint venture by local industry veterans, with chef Taylor Bischof at the helm, the food menu draws inspiration from the brand’s Irish roots and global footprint, alongside reimagined Chicago classics. The site will offer morning bakery and café service daily as well.

“Open Gate Brewery is the center of innovation and creativity for Guinness, particularly when it comes to beer,” said Ryan Wagner National Guinness Ambassador and Head of Marketing. “Opening in Chicago allows us to be a part of one of the most storied and celebrated beer communities in the United States – and we can’t wait to bring the unique flavors and heritage of Guinness brewing to an exciting tap list that will appeal to every kind of beer drinker. Our brewers Megan and Nate are among the best in the industry, and we’re stoked to share their beers with Chicago and beyond.”

In keeping with Diageo’s commitment to the environment, Guinness OGB Chicago will implement sustainability elements, such as: sourcing 100% renewable electricity from onsite solar panels and renewable energy credits, utilizing a 100% electric boiler in the brewing process to generate steam used to heat the mash and boil, and operating as a zero waste to landfill facility.

The site will also focus on giving back to the community through an annual donation of 10,000 loaves of Brewers Bread to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, partnering with local non-profits to support an Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Apprenticeship Program and taking part in Learning Skills for Life in partnership with YWCA of Chicago.

Read more about Diageo’s Society 2030: Spirit of Progress Goals

“I extend our warmest Illinois welcome to Guinness as they join the Chicago brewing family, continuing centuries of tradition right here in the heart of the West Loop,” said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.“Guinness’ commitment to community engagement and sustainability is admirable, and I’m pleased that both locals and visitors alike will have access to yet another unique cultural and culinary opportunity while in Chicago — a city with a proud history of both.”

Download B-roll and images of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago