Central Waters Brewing in Amherst

Absolutely worth diving into the specialty stuff while you're here. Happened to take a chance on a 3pm brewery tour while I was here on a Saturday... and it was actually the most informative one I've been on. Unexpected bonus!

The best place for beer! Great selection—something for everyone. Lots of patio space, dog-friendly. Excellent staff to take care of your drinking needs.

A visit to Central Waters Brewing has been on my wish-list since 2009, or maybe 2010 (when you get to be my age the years begin to blend together).  Anyway, I've wanted to visit here for a loooong time.  Yesterday, (February 18th, 2017) I finally made the pilgrimage!  My wife and I made the three-hour trek from Grayslake, and we weren't disappointed.   It was a beautiful day, and a pleasant drive.  Once we hit Amherst, a sense of excitement grew. Suddenly, we came over a ridge and I sighted the brewery.  As we drew near, we were both impressed by the size of the compound, and the sheer volume of cars in the lot (I use the term "lot" loosely).  We were lucky to find one of the few remaining spots, and I parked.  We walked in.  The place was jammed.  I took a moment to soak it all in.  Then I said: "Let's get a beer!" The bar was probably two-deep with people clamoring for a beer.  Some jackass behind me started waiving two empty glasses and calling for a bartender.  I turned around and said: "Dude, wait your turn."  He apologized and stopped waiving the glasses.  We struck-up a conversation, and it turns out he wasn't a bad guy, just thirsty.  Bottom line: they probably need to cordon-off a small area at the bar with no barstools, so patrons can form an orderly line. I had a couple of awesome brews that you can't find anywhere else in the wh...