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Tour Stop 144 - Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery - 6/24/2023
Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery: 306 W State St, Geneva, IL 60134
Experience before you go . . . 
Geneva Illinois has a great summer tradition hosting Swedish Days. It's a five day festival that dates back to 1949 and has food, activities for kids, competitions, vendors, and beautiful weather, evidently. Our visit there was to take it all in, but we were specifically looking for the Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries! Our group of four walked down the streets with the sun shining through the canopy of tree branches covered with the their June leaves. We viewed arts and crafts, a kids basketball tournament, food tents and of course, the pancakes! Swedish immigrants settled here in Geneva a long time ago and the Scandinavian traditions continue through today. The festival is part of a larger celebration of Midsummer's Day, the Swedish celebration of the summer solstice.
 Stockholm's Restaurant & Brewery sits on State Street, which is the main road over the Fox River and through Geneva, and as fortune would have it, it was right on our walking path! Stockholm's is the oldest brewery in Geneva and we talked with the owner Michael who gave us a tour. Michael explained the brewery's old-world, cask conditioned and unfiltered process which gave the beer more flavor. The head brewer is Armando and he presented to us about 16 different beers to choose from. As I usually do, I looked for a good Ale, which was greatly anticipated after our walk. I mean, it was fun, but it was hot in the sun and our gals stopped at every tent on the way! So, thirsty and done with walking, I enjoyed the Geneva Pale Ale at 6.8% abv. The others in our group enjoyed the Nordic Blend and Loki's Pils. The notes I wrote down of the experience say "Full Flavored". They had a great taste that every taste bud enjoyed!
 We didn't have any of the food, after having just gone through stacks of pancakes like pillaging Vikings, but it all looked great! The brewery atmoshpere inside was nice. Like a friendly old tavern with history. The stainless tank up front was more than just for show. Sitting right by the sidewalk window, it was a part of their brewing process. The neighborhood outside was all Scandinavian, celebrating the festival. Flags were raised up and down the street and there is a Scandinavian gift shop two doors down. We enjoyed sitting by the front window, watching the festival goers walk by. Next time you're in Geneva, don't walk by. Come in and have some crafted cold beer at Stockholm's!
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