Nightshade And Dark's Pandemonium Brewing

First off, this place was freezing and we kept our jackets on the whole time because it just wasn 't comfortable. I found this brewery via Facebook events (they don 't have a real website) and was excited about how interesting their beers looked. I love unique and strange beers, but I have to admit I was left disappointed with the execution and quality of the beers after trying them. The service was good and you can order any amount you 'd like in your flight. Some of the beers we tried included the I was in Love with You Once Cherry Limeade Sour (way too sweet for my preference), A Different Kind of Fool Black Ale with Vanilla and Natural Root Beer Flavor, Rosemary 's Baby Blood Orange Rosemary (only gave rosemary, no blood orange), Toynbee Convector Citrus Peach Saison (was giving Peach Rings candy), and Illumination Mocha Cinnamon Blond Ale featuring Civilized Coffee (SUPER cinnamon). Unfortunately the strong flavors were not supported by a full body, depth, or quality that I expect in a good beer. I would not come back for any of these beers. Thankfully the rotating food provider was Up In Smoke and we had some wonderful brisket and mac cheese to redeem our visit.

Such a unique cool brewery. Met so many of our close friends here. So many different beers to try. Love seeing some big jazz happen there as well. Such a fun ode to Ray Bradbury!

Little did I know until I walked in that this is actually a shared space among the brewery and a distillery! However, I did not try the cocktails... stuck to beer. Lots of places to sit... couches, low tables, high tables. You order at the bar. They had 20 beers on top! I stayed with some tasters, and then enjoyed the blind driver ipa pint! Absolutely delicious! A very smooth IPA for those that don't like the bitter after taste. The last behind the bar also walks around and picks up empty glasses so tip her! She is working hard! Although they don't offer food, they had a food truck outside. I enjoyed cheese curds and truffle fries! I believe you can bring your own snacks in too. The people sitting next to us had cheese, crackers, and pretzels. I would definitely recommend this as a stop before heading to the Genessee Theater... its only a block away!

Great Brewery in the heart of downtown Waukegan. Every beer on the menu is complex and tasty as hell.

So cool that we have a place like this in Waukegan, and especially fitting to take so much inspiration from Ray Bradbury 's work. First time I was in was maybe the beginning of fall last year, for one of the nights they were hosting Jazz Wave. I got a flight, and drank it while a big jazz band played. It was amazing, and the place continued to be every time I returned. I 'm not a beer guy in the slightest. But I find most of the brews here to be pretty damn good. I want to try all of them, and so far I 'm about halfway there. They obviously rotate recipes out, but I 'll take notes on any that I try. Not having the palate for brews, my thoughts range from yeah, that 's a beer to now that 's a beer. Their notes are pretty descriptive if you 're like me, and not in that wine bottle sort of way where they use frilly language. Even a beginner could pick up on the notes they point out. And so my point overall: some of the best beer around, in my humble opinion. They invite a food truck pretty regularly, always have good music playing, some old classic movies going on the TVs (which I super appreciate), and host events like live bands or trivia nights. It 's not a typical bar experience, and I love them for it. Socially-conscious and community-driven had made all the difference. And that 's about all I have to say. Thanks to Mike and Terry for bringing such a gem to Downtown Waukegan.