Schlitz Beer, an Iconic Midwestern Pour, Runs Dry in Chicago After 177 Years. Its Legacy, However, Goes Far Beyond the Pint Glass
With significant roles in the Great Chicago Fire, 1893 World’s Fair and modern-day architecture, the beer’s impact on the Windy City is undeniable
On a Wednesday afternoon in Chicago, a final barrel of Schlitz beer, the iconic Midwestern beer that made Milwaukee famous, was emptied at Glunz Tavern in the city's Old Town neighborhood. This sent-off marked the end of the beer's 177-year run, as the Pabst Brewing Company announced it would put the brand on hiatus due to rising costs.
The tavern's co-owner, Christopher Donovan, coordinated the special send-off to celebrate Schlitz's historical significance in the city. Across Chicago, patrons paid their respects at various establishments with special promotions and merchandise sales. Schlitz's legacy extends beyond its taste, as it played a crucial role during the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, doubling its sales in the city by 1872.
The company's presence was also celebrated at the 1893 World's Columbian Exhibition, with Schlitz spending $20,000 on a pavilion inside the fair's Agricultural Building. The beer pavilion's design featured a globe and supporting figures, which later influenced architectural collaborations with renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Between 1897 and 1905, the Schlitz company built 57 brewery-tied houses across Chicago, where beer companies provided owners with everything needed to run a bar in exchange for exclusive Schlitz beer service. Today, 41 of these former tied-houses still stand, including ten designated as Chicago landmarks.
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