Solemn Oath Brewery — Restaurant in Naperville

I find myself at Salem Oath Brewery in Naperville, Illinois, a pocket of rebellion amidst the suburban sprawl—unexpected, almost subversive. This is the kind of place you don’t expect to find out here, the kind of joint that has no business existing in a town best known for cookie-cutter homes, strip malls, and places with “family-friendly” in the tagline. But here it is, dark, atmospheric, with the energy of a punk bar that somehow wandered into a Norman Rockwell painting and decided to stay.

The first thing you notice is that it’s unapologetically itself. The décor is all dark wood, steel, and minimalist lines, equal parts Midwestern grit and industrial chic, and there’s an undercurrent of irreverence in everything from the murals on the wall to the beer names scrawled on the chalkboard menu. You don’t just wander into a place like this—you seek it out. And you know you’re in for something interesting.

I scan the tap list. It’s clear this place knows its craft: no mass-produced, uninspired nonsense here. They’re pushing boundaries and making you question what beer can be—big flavors, bold experiments, and not a trace of pretense. I go for the “Devil’s Advocate,” an imperial stout that’s thick, inky, and dark as a moonless night. First sip, and I’m hit with layers of chocolate, espresso, and just the faintest whiff of smoke. This is not the kind of brew you drink lightly. It’s almost intimidating, a beer that dares you to take it on, and if you don’t respect it, it’ll humble you fast.

There’s something deeply satisfying about finding a place like this, especially here, in Naperville—a town that could be the poster child for safe, sanitized living. Salem Oath stands out like a black sheep, a beacon for those who crave something offbeat, something that doesn’t fit neatly into the expected. The people here get it. You can see it in the crowd—local misfits, craft beer obsessives, and a few adventurous suburbanites clearly out of their comfort zone, trying to make sense of the intensity in their glass.

They could coast by playing it safe, but they don’t. There’s no attempt to dilute the experience, no concessions made to those who might want their beer a little lighter, a little sweeter, a little less… dangerous. And that’s rare. That’s something to be celebrated. Because when you stumble onto a place that embraces being different, that refuses to compromise on what it is—whether that’s a brewery, a dive bar, or a tiny ramen joint down an alleyway in Tokyo—you know you’re onto something real.

So, is Salem Oath Brewery for everyone? No, and thank God for that. It’s a place for the wanderers, the curious, the ones who want to taste something that forces them to sit up and pay attention. And if that’s you, then this place, this unassuming little brewery in the middle of the Illinois suburbs, might just surprise you. But then, isn’t that what life is all about? Finding the unexpected in the most unlikely of places, and letting yourself be...

Worst Experience with bartenders

Note: First bad review ever on a brewery[Decent beer but unprofessional staff]. And I have been around.

We went to have a beer in with the food which we ordered from a Restaurant (worth of $60 food) and while having beer we just went for a fresh air for 2-3 min where they can see us clearly[they clearly know that we didn’t leave the place] and while we returned to our table our unfinished beer and unopened food are thrown into the thrash. When asked about it to the bar tenders working during the time of 9:30 to 10:00 a female and male employees just responded so arrogantly that “ you are not at the table and we throwed away everything” and also the female employee mentioned that she had a hardtime with asians last time and when asked what was happend. she was like ok I cannot do anything now. Very disappointing, they should learn some manners first. Throwing a food is not at all acceptable[I don’t think they know the value of food]. Being rude is not a great thing. Being friendly or being polite or being good is something.

The reason for writing this is not to get a refund or apologies for the incident happend. But we want to let the management know that the male and female working during the hours 9:30 to 10:00 PM CST on November 11th are so rude and they need to learn some courtesy. If possible please check the camera survillence between the 9:30 to 10:00 PM CST for your reference

Very very disappointed.. and I dont suggest this place. Everyone please think before...

First and foremost, the tough criticisms are, 1) the cozy sized taproom will become over congested at peak hours; 2) that the three-beer limit keeps my ability to pack-it-up and roll out for Naperville in measure (I live about an hour away). 3) their plastic only operation did pose a slight problem for my first visit. (These issues in no way reflect on the value of this brewery to me. Look into the commute and plan accordingly.)

Solemn Oath is on par with the behemoths and is certainly in the conversation for Chicago’s best, IMO. The brew master, Marshall, had previously worked alongside the fine gentlemen-of-beer that have gone on to crafting ale for Surly and Three Floyd's. Regardless of the beer style, all their beer offerings are evocative and huge (I'm not talking about alcohol %), while dangerously eligible for pure crush. Their annual festival, Oath Day, is FUN as hell (mechanical shark, blow-up obstacle shtuff, vinyl DJ, bags, SOB BEER). Their frequent hosting of heady food trucks is always a blissful mix with their glorious swill (large wash-down of ale)!

Their coffee beer collaborations with Intelligentsia Coffee have been my single favorite thing to look forward to in beer over the past two years (which is as long as I've been aware of said beers). Do yourself a favor and GO! Viva La...