Grand Opening Of Ravinia Brewing Company's Highland Park Taproom

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Ravinia Brewing Company holds a grand opening of its new taproom at 582 Roger Williams Ave. in Highland Park. The all day celebration Sunday features a new limited release beer, live music and food specials throughout the day.

The taproom showcases RBC's lineup of brews, a menu of Mexican street food and an outdoor bar and kids play area behind the bar with a recycled football field at the former site of Billy Corgan's tea shop Madame Zuzu's.

“There is even a 3-yard line marker out back near the outdoor games area that just really reflects what this company is all about – community. The construction of our new taproom was supported by so many members of the community who put in hard work, late nights, and constant words of support and encouragement," said co-owner Kris Walker. "On the night we had the turf delivered we probably had 15 people from around the neighborhood come out and help us roll out the lawn. It was a special moment, and a real reflection of why we are so proud to be a part of this community.”

Sunday's new release will be a barrel-aged Saison called "Drunken Rooster" and available in 4-packs of cans and on draft while supplies last.

The brewery's main offerings are: “Steep Ravine” IPA, “Flight of the Rooster” Saison, “Grunsfeld” Lager and “Food Truck” Pilsner. It also offers small batch seasonal offerings, currently including: Blackberry “Four-Shore” Belgian Wit, “Baldwin” Porter and “Fancy Bounce” Gose.

“Our beers have been served across the broader Chicagoland area for the past year, and despite a crowded marketplace, have received outstanding feedback," Walker said in a release. He said the opening was extra special for him and his partners as Highland Park residents and members of the Ravinia community.

General Manager Paul Bumbaco said he's looking forward to Ravinia Brewing becoming a neighborhood fixture for live sports, evening drinks or a beer and a few tacos.

"We can’t wait to really dive in and become an everyday part of the life of Ravinia and the North Shore."

The taproom also offers a daily "fresh-infused" option allowing customers to try out a different variant of its creations.

“Our favorite fresh infusion currently is to push our Steep Ravine IPA or our Grunsfeld Lager through freshly picked hops. The aromas from the fresh hops and new flavors produced from the added hop varieties are just really something special,” Bumbaco said.

In addition to beer, the Ravinia Brewing Company Taproom a full bar and promises options for craft cocktails and wine.

Daily specials include $5 Pilsners on Monday, $2 tacos on Tuesday, fresh infusions on Wednesday, Thursday Happy Hour specials, live music on Fridays and more.

An outdoor projector will include sports on a large screen and the brewery plans movie nights when the weather allows.

Saturday's live music schedule:

• 3 p.m. “Off the Wagon” a local act blending Brazilian Choro, Gypsy Jazz, Texas Swing, Blue Grass, New Grass, Country Rock, and other musical styles.
• 7:30 p.m. Bono Bros Band will headline with an “Americana Rock n Roll and Blues music experience.”

The Ravinia Brewing Company taproom will be open 7 days a week, opening at 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Earlier:

• Billy Corgan Closing Madame Zuzu's Tea House In Highland Park
• Statements Suggest Agreement Between Ravinia Brewing Company, Festival
• Ravinia Festival, Brewing Company To Return To Negotiating Table
• Festival Blocks Brewpub From Opening Over Trademark Claim