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You’ll Find Beer, Food Trucks, And Family Fun At This Charming Brewery Just Outside Urbana

Published: July 11, 2025

  • Attraction: Riggs Beer Company
  • Location: 1901 S High Cross Rd, Urbana, IL 61802
  • Industry: Brewery, Beer Garden, German Restaurant
  • Website: https://www.riggsbeer.com/

Discover Riggs Beer Company, a family-owned and operated German-style brewery situated on a farm just outside Urbana, Illinois.

This unique brewery focuses on crafting authentic lagers and other German and American-style beers, often incorporating non-GMO corn from their family farm.

It’s more than just a brewery; it’s a welcoming community hub, offering a spacious taproom, expansive beer garden, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Since its establishment, Riggs Beer Company has earned a loyal following for its commitment to traditional brewing methods and quality ingredients.

Brewery & Beer Garden Highlights

Authentic German-style Lagers: Riggs Beer Company specializes in brewing authentic German-style lagers, known for their crisp, clean, and refreshing profiles. Their dedication to traditional German brewing techniques results in exceptionally high-quality and true-to-style beers that appeal to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

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Farm-Grown Ingredients: A unique aspect of Riggs is their incorporation of non-GMO food-grade corn grown on their family’s Champaign County farm into some of their beers. This farm-to-glass approach ensures fresh, local ingredients and a distinct character in their brews.

Diverse Beer Selection: Beyond lagers, they offer a diverse selection of other German and American-style beers, including Hefeweizens, Red Lagers, and India Pale Lagers. Their year-round offerings are complemented by monthly seasonal releases, providing variety for every palate.

Spacious Beer Garden: Enjoy your brews in their expansive and inviting beer garden, which offers plenty of outdoor seating, picnic tables, and a relaxed, open-air environment. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying a sunny day with friends, family, and even furry companions.

On-Site Food Trucks: While Riggs does not have its own kitchen, they regularly host a rotation of local food trucks just outside the brewery. This allows visitors to enjoy a wide variety of delicious food options that perfectly pair with their beers, enhancing the overall experience.

Brewery Production Tours: For those interested in the brewing process, Riggs offers guided tours of their production brewery, typically on weekends. These tours provide fascinating insights into their methods, equipment, and commitment to quality, often concluding with a complimentary tasting.

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Family-Friendly Amenities: The brewery is notably family-friendly, featuring an outdoor play area specifically for kids. This makes it a great destination for families to relax and enjoy themselves while adults savor their craft beers.

Atmosphere & Vibe

Relaxed Farm Brewery Setting: Riggs Beer Company offers a wonderfully relaxed farm brewery setting, providing a tranquil escape from urban bustle. The open spaces and natural surroundings create a laid-back, inviting atmosphere.

Community Gathering Spot: The brewery serves as a true community gathering spot, attracting a diverse crowd of locals and visitors of all ages. It fosters a friendly and welcoming environment for socializing and enjoying good company.

Dog-Friendly Outdoors: The expansive outdoor beer garden is dog-friendly, making it a popular destination for pet owners to bring their well-behaved canine companions along for an outing.

Lively Yet Comfortable: The atmosphere can be lively, especially during peak hours or when food trucks are present, yet it always maintains a comfortable and unpretentious vibe, suitable for unwinding.

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Practical Information & Planning Your Visit

Mid-range pricing: Riggs Beer Company offers mid-range pricing for its craft beers, providing excellent value for high-quality, authentic brews. It’s an accessible choice for enjoying artisanal beer.

Consistent operating hours: The brewery typically maintains consistent operating hours throughout the week, extending into the evening. They are generally open Wednesday through Sunday, but always check their official website for the most current schedule and special events.

Ample parking available: You’ll find plenty of free parking available in their dedicated lot, making your visit convenient and stress-free, even on busy days.

Bring your own food or enjoy food trucks: As they don’t have an on-site kitchen, guests are welcome to bring their own food, or choose from the diverse offerings of the regularly visiting food trucks. Check their social media for the food truck schedule.

Tours available (reservations recommended): Brewery tours are typically available on weekends, but reservations are recommended to secure your spot, especially for groups.

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Outdoor and indoor seating: Both spacious outdoor beer garden seating and a comfortable indoor taproom are available, offering options for different weather conditions and preferences.


Riggs Beer Company
📍 1901 S High Cross Rd, Urbana, IL 61802

Writer: Jamie Benson
Contributor

Jamie grew up just outside of Springfield, Illinois, and has spent most of his life exploring the state’s mix of small-town charm and big-city energy. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he stuck around to cover local events, hidden gems, and the quirks that make Illinois unique. When not writing, Jamie can usually be found digging through vinyl at record shops in Chicago, hiking trails in Starved Rock State Park, or tracking down the best deep-dish pizza outside the city.