
Moody Tongue Brewing Company
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where craft brewing meets Michelin-starred cuisine, Moody Tongue Brewing Company Chicago pioneers an unprecedented fusion that elevates beer to gastronomic heights. Founded in 2014 by cousins Jared Rouben and Jeremy Cohn, this South Loop destination made culinary history as the world's first and only Michelin-starred brewery, transforming how fine dining approaches beverage pairings.
Brewmaster Jared Rouben's remarkable journey from Culinary Institute of America graduate to Per Se chef to pioneering brewer defines Moody Tongue's revolutionary concept. His "culinary brewing" philosophy applies chef-driven techniques to beer creation, crafting each brew with the same precision as a signature dish. The 2021 Michelin star recognition validated this groundbreaking approach, cementing Moody Tongue's position among Chicago's elite dining establishments. Rouben's expansion to New York and West Palm Beach demonstrates the concept's growing influence on America's fine dining landscape.
Executive Chef Jared Wentworth orchestrates New American cuisine that showcases hyper-seasonal ingredients through inventive preparations designed specifically for beer pairings. The Dining Room's fifteen-course tasting menu features sophisticated compositions like Scarlet Deep Water Crab with miso paired with yuzu lager, Razor Clam with potato mochi complemented by kölsch, and Stone Axe Australian Wagyu beef enhanced by oud bruin. Signature dishes such as Colorado Lamb Shank with chickpea purée and harissa, and the indulgent Foie Gras & French Toast, demonstrate the kitchen's mastery of balancing complex flavors with Rouben's artisanal beer portfolio. The Bar offers à la carte dining with more casual yet equally thoughtful preparations.
The 28,600-square-foot facility houses two distinct experiences within its minimalist, warm atmosphere. The intimate 28-seat Dining Room provides an exclusive setting for the prix fixe tasting menu, while The Bar offers relaxed à la carte dining with extensive beer selections. Rouben's brewing program spans pilsners, stouts, IPAs, sours, and barrel-aged styles, each crafted to complement specific dishes. The Jean Banchet Award-winning beverage program exclusively features house-made beers, eliminating traditional wine service in favor of sophisticated beer pairings that rival any sommelier-curated cellar.
Reservations for The Dining Room require advance planning due to limited seating and growing recognition among Chicago's discerning diners. This pioneering establishment offers an unparalleled experience where culinary artistry and brewing excellence converge, making it essential dining for gourmands seeking innovation beyond traditional fine dining boundaries.
CHEF
Jared Wentworth
ACCOLADES

(2025) Opinionated About Dining Casual in North America Ranked #32
