Buffalo Creek Brewing to open Alpine Biergarten

LONG GROVE - Buffalo Creek Brewing is taking a page out of its Bavarian-rooted handbook with the launch of its socially distanced Alpine Biergarten on Friday, Nov. 27.

The German-style brewery, 360 Historical Lane in Long Grove, will transform its grounds into an alpine winter retreat throughout the upcoming cold months as a way to continue serving safely during the pandemic. Set against a scenic pine forest backdrop, the Alpine Biergarten offers multiple roaring fire pits, patio and barrel table heat lamps, sheepskin throws, twinkle lighting, holiday decor, outdoor table service and more than two acres of winter wonderland to explore and stay socially distanced from others.

"We're mimicking the Europeans and creating a true alpine winter biergarten experience," says owner and brewmaster Mike Marr, who is basing the concept off his travels abroad. "The beer will be cold but the atmosphere will warm your soul!"

The Alpine Biergarten will be open throughout the remainder of the fall and winter seasons during normal Buffalo Creek Brewing business hours unless there is severe weather.

Opening weekend will be rung in with the launch of a special small batch mint chocolate cookie stout called Kringle on Nov. 27, followed by a charitable Christmas ale called True North on Saturday, Nov. 28. Buffalo Creek will donate $1 from every pint of True North poured (until the supply runs out) to YouthBuild Lake County in support of the nonprofit organization's mission of helping self-sufficient young adults thrive and improve their communities.