While Evanston saw multiple bar closures this year, one spot remains a local favorite.
Taking home Best of Evanston’s Best Bar title for the first time is Sketchbook Brewing Co., a taproom and brewery located on Chicago Avenue.
Sketchbook was founded by home brewers Cesar Marron and Shawn Decker in 2014 to celebrate the art of beer making. The company expanded in 2020 when the pair opened a second taproom in Skokie, which now houses its primary brewing system.
Sketchbook’s taprooms offer over a dozen different beers on tap, all brewed on the premises. Along with the taproom’s offering of light snacks, customers can select from a wide variety of traditional beer recipes, experiment with a more innovative brew or sample options with a flight if undecided.
The bar also offers a membership program, allowing its over 600 members to fill up a jug with their favorite brew to enjoy at home.
But Sketchbook provides more than just beer. The taproom also serves as a family-friendly gathering space, offering a variety of events including karaoke, trivia, live music and bingo.
Alongside these events, Sketchbook hosts pop-ups with local food vendors and offers space rentals for private and semiprivate events. In the fall and winter, customers can even sign up to pair their cold beverage with a sauna session provided by Sauna Club.
Recognized as an Illinois Green Business, Sketchbook is committed to sustainable brewing practices and waste reduction efforts. With its community-centered values, Sketchbook is a beloved Evanston gem, earning it the title of this year’s best bar.
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— Evanston trivia scene alive and well as Bob’s Tuesday Trivia Nights come to an end
— Sketchbook Brewing Company grows after five years of success
