If you love craft beer and pinball, Illinois is a dream. The state has quietly built one of the best pinball scenes in the Midwest, and a surprising number of breweries are investing in great games, monthly tournaments, and a community vibe that makes you want to stick around for one more pint and one more game.
Here are our top picks for the best breweries and taprooms to play pinball in Illinois.
1. Noon Whistle Brewing Lombard, IL
Website: https://www.noonwhistlebrewing.com/locations/lombard-brewpub/
Noon Whistle Lombard is one of the most active and welcoming brewery pinball spots in the Chicago suburbs. They host a monthly tournament that brings in players from Downers Grove, Westmont, and Elmhurst. The location is clean, laid back, and has some of the best brewery food around. Their pizza is incredible and honestly worth the trip even if you weren’t playing pinball.
If you want a place that balances competitive pinball with a friendly crowd, this is a strong pick.
2. Mikerphone Brewing, Elk Grove Village, IL
Website: https://www.mikerphonebrewing.com/mainstage
Mikerphone Brewing is a must-visit for anyone who loves great craft beer and great games. They run monthly tournaments that are always well attended, and the taproom is just a few minutes from Stern Pinball headquarters. That adds a little extra fun, knowing you might be flipping on machines built right down the road.
Their beer menu is consistently creative, and the atmosphere is relaxed enough that new players feel welcome.
3. Noon Whistle Brewing Naperville, IL
Website: https://www.noonwhistlebrewing.com/locations/naperville-production/
The Naperville location brings the same positive energy as Lombard, along with an even bigger production space and a steady rotation of food trucks. They host a monthly pinball tournament and always keep their lineup in solid condition. If you want a brewery with a comfortable layout, great beer, and a scene that grows month after month, this is a great choice.
4. Pour Bros Taproom, Bloomington, IL
Website: https://www.pourbrostaproom.com/
Pour Bros is the heart of the Bloomington pinball scene. They offer a massive selection of Illinois craft beers on their pour-your-own taps, so you can explore a ton of local breweries in one spot. They also host a monthly IFPA tournament on the second Sunday of each month.
Full disclosure, the monthly tournament is hosted by us, Mike and Steph from Punk Rock Pinball, and the community vibe here is something special. If you want a friendly and competitive pinball crowd in central Illinois, this is the place to be.
5. Triptych Brewing, Savoy, IL
Website: https://triptychbrewing.com/
Triptych is one of the most beloved breweries in central Illinois, known for an incredible beer lineup and a steady flow of excellent food trucks. They usually have a great mix of machines and a loyal group of local players who show up for their monthly pinball tournaments.
Steph and I play here often, and it’s one of our favorite environments for low-key competitive play with great people and even better beer.
Keep Exploring the World of Pinball
If you want to keep building your pinball knowledge, we’ve got plenty of resources to help you out. Listen to the Punk Rock Pinball Podcast for weekly conversations about tournaments, machines, and the community that keeps this hobby growing. New to competitive play? Read our Beginner’s Guide to Pinball Tournaments to get comfortable with rules, formats, and what to expect at your first event. If you’re thinking about starting or expanding your home lineup, check out our breakdown of Our Favorite Pinball Manufacturers and see which builders fit your style and budget. If you’ve over-indulged at the brewery the night before, and need a pick-me-up, check out our favorite coffee for pinballers.
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