Dining Out
Crystal Lake Beer Starts the Night Off Right By Pat Szpekowski hen beer aficionados want a place to whisk away and relax while enjoying a favorite drink outdoors, they often look to Crystal Lake Brewing, located in downtown Crystal Lake. A production brewery, Crystal Lake Brewing serves up world-class beer creatively produced with the freshest of ingredients and expertise on site. The tastes and aromatic expressions range from a light golden lager to powerful stouts, red ales and seasonal favorites. The company’s tasting taproom is part of the 13,000-square-foot production facility, and tours are welcomed. There’s also a roomy fenced-in patio with 16 umbrella-covered tables. “Quality and authenticity are very important to us,” says John O’Fallon, brewery co-founder with Chuck Ross. “For example, for our German-styled beers, we import all of the grains and
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hops directly from Germany. There’s even a bit of chemistry involved, as we purify and then treat our brewing water to match the origin of the beer style.” No wonder Crystal Lake Brewing has a special place in the hearts of its fans. Brewmaster Ryan Clooney has overseen the process since the company’s debut in 2014. So many favorite and seasonal beers have been meticulously brewed since then. “Our Beach Blonde golden lager is easily our most popular beer and half of all the beer we sell,” says O’Fallon. In fact, Crystal Lake Brewing’s beers are also sold in more than 800 liquor stores, bars and restaurants across northern Illinois. Beer to-go is also served at the tap room. Crystal Lake Brewing does not serve food, but guests are invited to bring in sandwiches and snacks, especially when
purchased from nearby eateries – who also deliver right to the tap room. On Aug. 14, Crystal Lake Brewing celebrates its eighth anniversary with a huge patio party. “We’ll have food trucks and music acts to add to the fun and excitement,” says O’Fallon. “We’re proud of what we have done over our first eight years. Besides the beer itself, our staff, headed up by GM Beth Alberger, is the biggest part of our success.” ❚ Crystal Lake Brewing is located at 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, (779) 2209288.
Something for every water enthusiast! From the most energetic cannon baller to the most laid-back floater. Salamander Slides: Racer Slide, Tube & Body Slides, Turbo Slide w/Freefall Launch Turtle Creek Lazy River Frog Bog Zero-Depth Entry Activity Pool Sport Spot featuring Basketball Dragonfly Den Toddler Pool Crayfish Canal with Drop Slides, Lap Lanes & Diving Boards Sand Volleyball Court Splash Park Sand/Water Play Area The Dive Concessions Family Restrooms
Special events all season long!
Open Daily through September 5 Daily Admission $16 per person
For a complete list: ottercove.org/calendar Mondays All Summer . . . Photos with Ollie & June TuTh All Summer . . . . . . . Not So Lazy River Walk July 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundae Sunday August 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Biggest Splash Contest August 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Watermelon Day August 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mermaid & Pirate Night August 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lifeguard for a Day August 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . National Book Lover’s Day
Save money with a 10-Visit Pass! In James O. Breen Community Park 3615 Campton Hills Road • St. Charles • 630-513-4377
Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Elite
July-August 2022
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