Even though I left a craft beer mecca behind in my recent cross-country move from San Francisco to Chicago, I know that Chicago is also tough to beat when it comes to cities for craft beer enthusiasts. American Craft Beer’s newest branch is in close proximity to a cornucopia of brew houses producing top-notch stuff. Despite the temps, or maybe because of them, I’m eager to jump in and start exploring the vast craft beer scene in the Windy City.

Within the city itself, you will find several fantastic breweries, including superstars Revolution Brewing and Half Acre Beer Company, with their well-known Anti-Hero IPA and Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, respectively. Looking outside of the state, you’ll find the famed Three Floyds Brewing 30 miles south, known for aggressive IPAs and their radical bottle labels. Of course, we can’t forget our neighbors to the north since we import plenty of delicious brews from Wisconsin. Chicago also stocks most choices from Michigan – Founders, Bell’s, Jolly Pumpkin – which is absolutely one of the best areas for beer in the nation.

Better yet, residing in this city are the right establishments to house the liquid once it has left the brewery. Walking into Sheffield’s for the first time, I encountered a phalanx of tap handles, each promising complete bliss compared to the wintery mix outside. Looking at the menu, I smiled when I saw that just their imperial stout selection was larger than an entire beer list at other bars. And what’s that? You just tapped your first keg of Bell’s Hopslam? I suppose I’ll stay here for a while.

Sheffield’s is just one great watering hole of many. Hopleaf, Map Room, and Fountainhead are a few of the other bars that guarantee a good time, knowledgeable staff, and an outstanding beer selection.

I’ve had so many great finds already and the bars have yet to even open up their beer gardens. That being said, I can’t wait to see what summer has in store. Currently, I’m sitting inside the neighborhood bar, my socks are soaked from trudging here through the slush, and the ABV of my beer is far higher than the temperature outside.

I savor another sip of hoppy goodness while reflecting on my decision to move across the country to Chicago. Yep, I think I’m going to love this city.