Illuminated Brew Works Looking to Open in Chicago’s Oak Park

There’s quite a difference between a microbrewery and a home brewery, but with the help of brew master Brian Buckman, the two will form a union.

What’s better though is that his vision could help brew up some fresh activity in central Oak Park.

Buckman, a Chicago resident and owner of Illuminated Brew Works, is working to bring the first ever brew pub to the village. As early as next spring, as long as the village approves and equipment comes in, the brewery could open its doors. Currently, the village is in the process of drafting a new liquor license to allow for the brew pub.

The location isn’t finalized, but after Buckman visited multiple locations around Oak Park it was determined The Avenue district, likely near South Oak Park Avenue would be the ideal location due to its neighborhood feel and proximity to the CTA.