If you live in Aurora, Montgomery, Oswego, Batavia, Naperville, or basically anywhere up and down the Fox Valley, check out Foreign Exchange Brewing right off 31 on Cross St. It’s a fantastic local brewery with a great menu of drinks and food.
The beer menu is about as diverse as I have seen for a brewery of this size. They have something for everyone. A limoncello ale, English pub beer, a dangerously delicious set of hazy IPAs, as well as porters, stouts, and other “winter beers”. The barrels in the photos are from Four Roses and are aging an imperial stout for this winter. The cognac barrel has IPA base in it and is fermenting into sour beer. I can’t wait to taste both of these experiments from Ricky and co. They also currently have some fantastic cocktails as well. I had a blackberry mezcal cocktail and my wife and her friend both loved the Ecto, a boozy version of our childhood favorite, Ecto Cooler.
The food. It’s some of the best “comfort food” in the area. A hybrid of Midwest classics, Mexican favorites and worldly spice. We didn’t have a single dish we didn’t all drool over. The quesabirria tacos are full of delicious flavorful meat, with the perfect blend of creamy melted cheese and vegetables. The consume was thick, and hearty and I want to dip all tacos ever in it. The birria nachos were similar but perfectly layered on house made chips that somehow hold up to the serious amount of delicious toppings. The cheese curds are unlike any I have had. They’re cubes of lightly breaded but still unbelievably crispy cheese. Perfectly fried, They’re so light that they melt in your mouth. We should have gotten more. Here’s the big twist - peri peri seasoning. And it’s not hot! (For my mom, and others like her). Just flavorful. And you can also do Masala if that’s more your vibe. Not pictured is the special, a peri peri chicken sandwich that was devoured by our friend incredibly quickly, so it got a rave review. He also made the smart choice to upgrade his side to more cheese curds.
Lastly, the vibe is very comfortable and friendly. The chairs and bar and ambiance all feel inviting and want you to stay and relax. We spent 3 hours there tonight and it felt like no time at all. And our wallets were as happy as we were. For four of us to have food, beers and cocktails was the same price as dinner and drinks for two down the street.
The owner Ricky is a Waubonsie Warrior. He’s a true Aurora native who wants to give back to the community. Go visit, have some beer, some cheese curds, and enjoy supporting a top notch new...
Read moreAurora, you've got a gem on your hands! Foreign Exchange Brewery has burst onto the scene, and let me tell you, they are hitting all the right notes. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a vibrant yet welcoming atmosphere. But let's get down to the real stars of the show: the beer and the food. The quality of the brews here is simply outstanding. Each beer I sampled was expertly crafted, showcasing a nuanced understanding of flavor profiles. Whether you're a hop head, a stout enthusiast, or prefer something lighter, Foreign Exchange has something to tantalize your taste buds. They're not just brewing beer; they're creating an experience in every glass. And then there's the food! While everything looked delicious, the Birria Nachos deserve a special shout-out. Seriously, these are next-level nachos. The perfect ratio of crispy chips to flavorful toppings, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness. They are, without a doubt, on point. Don't leave without trying them! Beyond the exceptional offerings, the professionalism of the waitstaff truly elevates the entire experience. From providing insightful recommendations about the beer to ensuring our table was well taken care of, every interaction was a pleasure. They were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely seemed to enjoy what they were doing. Foreign Exchange Brewery is more than just a place to grab a drink and a bite; it's a destination. The commitment to quality in their beer and food, combined with the outstanding service, makes for a truly memorable visit. If you're in Aurora or passing through, make a point to check out Foreign Exchange. You won't be disappointed! Welcome to the neighborhood, Foreign Exchange – you've earned this...
Read moreExcellent spot! Too many good choices for the beer selection so my friends and I got a flight each. Not a single one disappointed. My flight was 1) Amalfi Gold, a very light and smooth lager with a subtle hint of sweet lemon 2) Sandia Especial, another light and crisp lager brewed with watermelon (so refreshing) 3) Peel Party, a wheat beer with a hint of citrusy tangerine and orange peel 4) Mango swirl, a (mild) IPA with delicious mango and vanilla undertones. I also wanted to try the 'Back to the start' , to which i was pleasantly surprised about the taste. It was an English brown ale, which ive had never had one before, but it actually had a slight caramel/vanilla undertone and low bitterness. An English brown ale is like the type id like to have in the cooler seasons while sitting by a crackling warm fire.
Food was delicious, we got the elote bites, basically a fried spin on classic elote with jalapeño lime sauce and fresh cilantro. The smash burger patty was excellent, perfectly juicy and seasoned between a fluffy fresh brioche bun. Out door seating as well as indoor.
Be aware not to park right behind the brewery, as those are for the tenants who live above the brewery. You absolutely will get towed. Saw 2 people almost get their cars yanked 🫣but the waitress ran in and let them know to move their cars. The real MVP. There's plenty of street parking. 10/10 would...
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