Yes, it’s a legitimate speakeasy. No, you don’t need to give a password to eyes glaring through a sliding peephole.
As part of the historic region of the Chicago suburb of Riverside, Quincy Street Distillery’s storefront sits shoulder-to-shoulder with similarly enchanting enterprises loyal to the area’s original, "early suburban" design created by Frederick Law Olmstead, the landscaping mastermind behind New York’s Central Park.
Small-batch whiskey recipes, concocted on the premise, speak to a special time in distilling’s history, every profile detail paying tribute to this time-honored trade. For those who prefer gin or vodka, the distillery features crafted spirits like their Old No. 176™ Railroad Gin, created from corn mash and flavored with juniper, coriander and elderberry, harkening back to the days when gin was a sipping liquor.
Cocktail selections include Whiskey Sours, Old Fashioneds and a wicked Mojito. Or enjoy neat, with a splash of piano music provided by Riverside’s Bob Opel and friends livening up the tasting with Prohibition-era tunes. Tours provide an education about distilling whiskey, and a visit to the speakeasy retail shop is a must-do for the over-21 set.
Discover more Illinois artisans at Illinois Made.
Related Reads
Sleepy Creek Vineyards
Some people once believed it was impossible to start a winery and vineyard in East Central Illinois, but Joe and Dawn Taylor overcame every obstacle and made it possible.
New Berlin's Family Vineyard
Ripping through a handful of trees and original farming structures, a tornado turned most of the farm to rubble. But buried under the disaster, Susan saw her opportunity to transform the farm into a family-first vineyard.
Alto Vineyards
After retiring from Southern Illinois University in 1978, Guy Renzaglia decided it was his civic duty as an Italian to start growing grapes.
Illinois Made Sparkling Wine
Welcome an independent craft wine maker obsessed with creating exceptional sparkling wine using the traditional method and grapes that are 100% Illinois grown.
Share your Moments
#EnjoyIllinois