A Flavorful Journey: Discovering the Magic of Route 51 Brewing Company

Whether we’re traveling for a child’s sporting event or a quick weekend getaway, we always make it a point to seek out local microbreweries to visit. My wife and I recently travelled to southern IL and made a “pit stop” at Route 51 Brewing Company in Elkville.

Atmosphere

Route 51 Brewing Company, dubbed the “newest brewery in Illinois,” offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of seating to relax and enjoy. There’s a stage for live entertainment and a seasonal outdoor beer garden perfect for sunny days. For bigger gatherings, their massive 6,400-square-foot banquet room can accommodate up to 299 people.

Beer

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the beer! During our Saturday afternoon visit, there were 22 craft beers on tap. Route 51 Brewing Company caters to every beer lover’s palate. From light and fruity options like peach sours and vanilla blondes to bold, rich flavors with hints of coffee or caramel, there’s something for everyone. Whether you love classic lagers, hop-forward IPAs, or experimental blends, they’ve got you covered.

Food Options

The brewery’s menu offers a variety of delicious bites that pair perfectly with their craft beers. Expect a mix of snacks, tacos, loaded fries, sandwiches, and hearty entrées. Highlights include wings, pretzels, pickle fries, brisket tacos, pulled pork nachos, artisan grilled cheese, and fish & chips. Sides like fries, coleslaw, and potato salad are available, along with salads and a kid-friendly menu. If you’re craving comfort food, their loaded fries and sandwiches hit the spot.

What We Had

For drinks, my wife enjoyed a Ry-Tai, a tropical cocktail featuring rum, coconut rum, orange and pineapple juice, and grenadine. I opted for a beer flight with four of their craft brews:

Saison: A pale Belgian-style ale with yeast character and a dry finish.
Hitchhiker: A classic pale ale with citrus and melon aromas, balanced with a touch of caramel sweetness despite its bitterness.
Sir Mix-A-Latte: A malty amber ale infused with coffee, maple, and vanilla—perfect for coffee beer fans like me.
Vanilla Blonde: A light ale bursting with real vanilla, evoking the flavors of sugar cookies and ice cream.
Out of the four, Vanilla Blonde was my top pick!

For food, we shared a Smoked Brisket Sandwich with fries and beer cheese on the side. Our appetizer of choice was the cheese curds, which were absolutely delicious. While the portions were a bit small for two, they’d be perfect for one person.

Worth the Visit

If you’re in the DuQuoin or Carbondale area, make the 15–20-mile trip to Route 51 Brewing Company. Between the inviting atmosphere, impressive beer selection, and tasty food, it’s a stop you won’t regret!

An outdoor sign with hops on the bottom with Route 61 Brewing Company at the top of the sign on a building.

A painting of Bob Marley with Yellow, red and green background. 51 is in the top left of the painting.

A mural on the wall inside the brewery focusing on a Route 51 beer can pouring beer into a class. The image features hops and barley.

A flight of four beers with the name of the beers at bottom. The names of the beers are Saison, Hitchhiker, Sir Mix-A-Latte, and Vanilla blonde.

A meal consisting of Brisket, fries and beer cheese. An appetizer of cheese curds in addition to the beer flight and Ry-Tai drink are also pictured.

An overall picture of the brewery with mural and brewing equipment. The image also shows lots of available seating.

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