Welcome to the heart of culinary and craft beverage excellence in Collinsville, Illinois. The Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is celebrated for its unique blend of historic charm and modern innovation, offering visitors a memorable dining and drinking experience.
Whether you’re a lover of handcrafted beer, house-distilled spirits, or fresh, locally inspired fare, the menu at Old Herald is designed to delight every palate. Each dish and beverage showcases the creativity and dedication of the team, all within a historic setting that pays homage to the building’s roots as a newspaper printing house.
“At Old Herald Brewery & Distillery, every sip and bite tells a story—one rooted in local tradition and elevated by contemporary flavors.”
House-Brewed Beers
Beer lovers will find themselves at home with the impressive selection of house-brewed beers. Each brew is expertly crafted on-site, ranging from classic lagers and hoppy IPAs to unique seasonal offerings.
The brewery prides itself on using both traditional techniques and creative experimentation to produce beers that are both approachable and unforgettable.
| Beer Name | Style | ABV | Tasting Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Printer’s Ink Porter | Porter | 6.5% | Rich chocolate, roasted malt, hint of coffee |
| Copy Editor Kölsch | Kölsch | 5.2% | Crisp, refreshing, subtle fruitiness |
| Deadline Pale Ale | Pale Ale | 5.8% | Bright citrus, balanced bitterness |
| Headline Hefeweizen | Hefeweizen | 5.5% | Banana, clove, smooth wheat finish |
| Night Shift Stout | Stout | 7.0% | Dark chocolate, oatmeal creaminess, roasted finish |
| Special Edition IPA | IPA | 6.8% | Pine, tropical fruit, assertive hops |
Sample flights are available for guests who wish to explore multiple beers. The knowledgeable staff are always ready to recommend a brew that matches your taste or complements your meal.
Signature Spirits
Old Herald stands out as both a brewery and a distillery. The distillery’s small-batch spirits are crafted in-house, with a focus on quality and distinctiveness.
From gin infused with local botanicals to robust whiskey aged on-site, the spirits menu offers something for every enthusiast.
| Spirit | Type | Tasting Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Old Herald Gin | Gin | Bright juniper, citrus zest, floral undertones |
| Pressman’s Rye Whiskey | Rye Whiskey | Spicy rye, caramel, oak finish |
| Typesetter Vodka | Vodka | Crisp, clean, silky texture |
| Printer’s Rum | White Rum | Light molasses, vanilla, smooth finish |
| Compositor’s Bourbon | Bourbon | Rich caramel, toasted oak, vanilla spice |
Cocktail lovers can enjoy these spirits in creative house cocktails or as straight pours. The bartenders are always happy to share stories about the distillation process and the inspiration behind each spirit.
Starters & Small Plates
Begin your culinary adventure with a tempting selection of starters. Each small plate is crafted to share or savor solo, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The menu highlights both classic bar favorites and inventive creations inspired by local and seasonal produce.
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spent Grain Pretzels | House-baked pretzels using leftover brewery grains, served with beer cheese and mustard | $8 |
| Loaded Tots | Crispy tater tots topped with bacon, cheddar, scallions, and house-made ranch | $9 |
| Buffalo Cauliflower | Breaded cauliflower bites tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, served with blue cheese dip | $10 |
| Distiller’s Charcuterie Board | Selection of cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and house-made crackers | $16 |
| Fried Pickles | Local pickles battered and fried, with spicy aioli | $8 |
“Every small plate is a celebration of Midwest ingredients and the creative spirit of our kitchen.”
Salads & Soups
For a lighter option, explore the fresh salads and hearty soups. Each salad is constructed with crisp greens, vibrant vegetables, and house-made dressings.
Soups change seasonally, reflecting the produce and flavors of the region.
| Dish | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Farmer’s Market Salad | Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, radish, toasted seeds, lemon vinaigrette | $11 |
| Old Herald Caesar | Romaine, Parmesan, house croutons, signature Caesar dressing | $10 |
| Seasonal Soup | Rotating selection using market-fresh ingredients | $7 |
| Brewmaster’s Chili | Hearty beef and bean chili, finished with cheddar and scallions | $9 |
Handhelds & Sandwiches
The sandwich section features inventive takes on classic comfort foods, with a focus on quality meats, fresh breads, and house-made sauces. Each handheld is served with your choice of fries, house salad, or slaw.
| Sandwich | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Herald Smash Burger | Double beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, Herald sauce, brioche bun | $14 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | Buttermilk fried chicken breast, spicy slaw, pickles, chipotle mayo, potato bun | $13 |
| Distiller’s Reuben | Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss, Thousand Island, marble rye | $15 |
| Veggie Press | Grilled seasonal vegetables, goat cheese, pesto, ciabatta | $12 |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Slow-roasted pork, house BBQ, slaw, pickles, toasted bun | $13 |
Gluten-free buns are available upon request, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious creations.
Entrees
For guests seeking a more substantial meal, the entrees at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery showcase the kitchen’s range and creativity. From Midwest classics to globally inspired favorites, each dish is crafted with care and presented with flair.
| Entree | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Steak Frites | Grilled 10oz sirloin, herb butter, house fries | $27 |
| Fish & Chips | Beer-battered white fish, fries, malt vinegar aioli | $17 |
| Herald Mac & Cheese | Cavatappi pasta, creamy cheddar sauce, toasted breadcrumbs | $13 |
| Brewmaster’s BBQ Ribs | Half rack, house-made BBQ sauce, slaw, fries | $23 |
| Seared Salmon | Pan-seared salmon fillet, lemon dill sauce, seasonal vegetables, rice pilaf | $21 |
“Our entree selections are inspired by the bounty of the Midwest and the heritage of our historic location.”
For the Little Newsies (Kids Menu)
Families are welcome at Old Herald, and the kids’ menu ensures that younger guests have delicious options of their own. Each kids’ meal includes fries or fruit and a small drink.
| Kids Meal | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Burger | Plain cheeseburger on a slider bun | $7 |
| Chicken Tenders | Crispy chicken strips, ranch or BBQ sauce | $7 |
| Grilled Cheese | Classic American cheese melted on white bread | $6 |
| Kraft Mac & Cheese | Creamy macaroni and cheese | $6 |
Desserts
No meal is complete without a sweet finish. The dessert menu features house-made treats that perfectly complement your meal or beverage.
Each dessert spotlights local ingredients and the culinary team’s passion for baking.
| Dessert | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate Porter Cake | Moist chocolate cake made with Printer’s Ink Porter, topped with ganache | $8 |
| Apple Crisp | Warm spiced apples, oat crumble, vanilla ice cream | $7 |
| Bourbon Pecan Pie | Traditional pecan pie with a bourbon-infused filling | $8 |
| Salted Caramel Bread Pudding | House-baked bread, rich caramel sauce, whipped cream | $7 |
“Sweet endings are best enjoyed with friends—and maybe a splash of our house bourbon.”
Special Diets & Local Sourcing
Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is committed to accommodating guests with special dietary needs. The menu clearly marks vegetarian and gluten-free options, and the kitchen team is happy to adjust dishes whenever possible.
Many ingredients are sourced from local farms and producers. This commitment to freshness and sustainability is evident in every bite and sip, as the restaurant supports the surrounding community and minimizes its environmental impact.
Events, Pairings, and Chef Features
In addition to the regular menu, Old Herald frequently hosts special events, beer and spirit pairing dinners, and chef-feature nights. These experiences invite guests to explore new flavors, learn about the brewing and distilling process, and engage with the passionate team behind the menu.
For those interested in expanding their knowledge, guided tastings and tours of the brewery and distillery are available by reservation. These immersive experiences provide a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that defines every aspect of Old Herald.
Atmosphere and Service
Dining at Old Herald Brewery & Distillery is about more than just great food and drink. The space itself is a celebration of history and community, with exposed brick, vintage newspaper memorabilia, and warm, welcoming staff.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, or a night out with friends, the attentive service and inviting ambiance make every meal memorable. The team’s genuine hospitality ensures that every guest feels like part of the Old Herald family.
“We believe that sharing a meal and a drink is the best way to bring people together—just as the old newspapers connected our town.”
Visit and Enjoy
The Old Herald Brewery & Distillery menu is a testament to the power of tradition, innovation, and community. From expertly brewed beers and distinctive spirits to a culinary program that honors both the past and the present, every visit is a new adventure.
Reservations are recommended for weekends and special events. Takeout and catering options are also available, perfect for enjoying Old Herald’s flavors at home or at your next gathering.
Contact & Location
Address: 115 E Clay St, Collinsville, IL 62234
Phone: (618) 855-8027
Website: oldheraldbrewing.com
Discover why locals and visitors alike consider Old Herald Brewery & Distillery a must-visit destination for food, drink, and hospitality in the Metro East. Experience the flavors, stories, and warmth that have made this historic spot a new classic.
