Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery

2000 W Orchard Rd, North Aurora, IL 60542, United States
+1 630-299-3977
$$$ Gastropub , Brewery , Restaurant
(1205 Reviews)

Hardware Sustainable Gastropub and Brewery in North Aurora is a spot that blends a gastropub vibe with a thoughtful commitment to sustainability, making it more than just a place to eat and drink. Situated just outside Chicago, it caters to diners who appreciate carefully crafted food and drinks rooted in local, house-grown ingredients. The atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, with a clear focus on the quality of both their dishes and beverages.

Hardware’s menu highlights a mix of elevated pub classics and inventive plates like brisket tacos, fish and chips, and house-made pasta such as linguini ragu and ravioli. For those interested in sharing, the four meat board with in-house smoked charcuterie offers a hands-on tasting experience of their craft. The bar deserves special mention — beyond a broad selection of beers and whiskeys, Hardware brews many of their offerings onsite, emphasizing seasonal and sustainable production. Signature drinks like the Espresso Bean Old Fashioned and unique whiskey flights provide a hint of the creative layering they bring to this gastropub format.

Locals and visitors alike come here for well-balanced meals that reflect both innovation and earth-conscious sourcing, highlighted by the presence of fresh microgreens, herbs, and even fruit from their own gardens. The service is attentive without being intrusive, and the environment feels family-friendly in a way that invites both casual meals and small group gatherings. It's a good spot for those who want a relaxed evening with drinks but don’t want to compromise on food quality — and families find it accommodating as well, with familiar dishes like mac and cheese and chicken tenders on the side.

The best time to visit might be on a weekend evening when the place buzzes with a crowd eager to sample a craft beer flight or a whiskey tasting. Despite some comments on prices, many customers acknowledge the care and skill behind each menu item and cocktail. The space reflects a community-focused, thoughtful approach that resonates particularly with diners who value where their food and drink come from and enjoy seeing sustainability in practice.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has fireplace
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Best for
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

Friday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Saturday

11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

1205 Reviews
James Hawks

04 Jan 2026

We visited for dinner on a Saturday. The menu and staff were very kid friendly. Service was above and beyond. The kids loved the Mac and cheese and chicken tenders. The cinnamon vanilla ice cream was a hit for desert. The manhattan steak and beef brisket were cooked perfectly and delicious. The sazerac, hardware old fashioned, manhattan and bourbon espresso martini were great. The ho ho desert was ok but lacked the rich flavor we expected. Next time we’ll skip and get the adult version of the cinnamon vanilla ice cream. Definitely recommend for either a date night or nice night out with the kids.

Charles Clark

20 Dec 2025

Five stars on quality and vibe, but they have finally raised their prices to the point of unreasonable and rather ridiculous. We love this place and always have and we’ve gone there a lot but $15-$25 for a 1 ounce pour, really? I get it… We have to pay to be able to have nice places but I don’t like walking out of a place and feeling like I’ve been taken advantage of. $60-100 for two drinks? And that’s just a pour! No craftsmanship involved. Love the place but… Too much.

Sarah Nguyen

22 Nov 2025

Hardware Gastropub is one of those rare restaurants that truly walks the talk when it comes to sustainability and creativity. Located just outside Chicago, it’s more than a restaurant — it’s an experience. They grow much of their own food, from hops and herbs to lettuces, microgreens, and even fruit and nut trees. You can taste the freshness and care in every bite. Each dish feels like a work of art — thoughtful, inventive, and beautifully presented. The menu celebrates flavor and craftsmanship in a way that clearly reflects the passion of the chef and the entire team. Every plate stands out with something unique, whether it’s an unexpected pairing or a creative twist that just works. The space itself has a warm, earthy feel that matches their farm-to-table philosophy perfectly. Hardware isn’t just a place to eat — it’s a place to be inspired by how good, sustainable food can taste.

James Melton

04 Nov 2025

This place was fantastic. Best meal my wife and I have had in a long time. Everything we had was good, and the service was excellent! Highly recommend.

Aleks Ruso

23 Oct 2025

Very innovative restaurant. They grow and make almost everything in house utilising rain water so you could not have fresher ingredients. We went in April when the weather was not as nice but I am sure it looks better in summer when everything is green. Food was absolutely delicious. Great pairings and well seasoned. Countless whiskey options that they brew as well as beer. Their alcohol is super strong so be mindful. Plenty of parking and seating area. All employees were super nice and efficient. Can answer any questions and recommend specialties. Definitely recommend

M F T

22 Oct 2025

Stepping into this cozy gastropub feels like slipping on your favorite vintage leather jacket- comfort meets class with a dash of attitude. It’s where “casual night out” accidentally turns into “I should’ve worn something nicer…but I’m glad I didn’t.” The menu reads like a love letter to refreshed American classics: fish & chips that somehow taste both nostalgic and brand-new, melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pork shoulder that should honestly come with a warning label (“may cause emotional attachment”), and then…plot twist…a zucchini lemon cake that will make you question every dessert decision you’ve made in your life up until this point. Pair it all with a whiskey lineup longer than a CVS receipt and wine options that whisper “treat yourself,” and suddenly your simple dinner turned into a flavor adventure. The atmosphere? Imagine if a jazz lounge and your favorite 90’s playlist had a stylish, slightly moody baby. One second you’re savoring your food, and the next you’re hit with a smooth saxophone version of Britney Spears- nostalgia so strong you’ll feel like you’re back in butterfly clips and cargo pants (in the best way). Warm service, cozy-chic vibes, food that comforts and surprises..this place doesn’t just feed you; it hugs your soul. Come hungry, leave happy, and prepare for your new favorite “just one drink” spot that always becomes three. Cheers

Carolyn Szczurek

26 Sep 2025

This is my new favorite restaurant. I can’t wait to go back again and again to try everything on the dinner and lunch menus (and it’ll never get old since the menu changes based on what’s in season). The cocktails and liquor selection was impressive. The service was perfect and my server gave great food suggestions. I ate inside at a high top since this was my first time there but the outdoor seating, sitting among the crops and pretty flowers, is where I’ll go next time (though, inside was really nice!). The charcuterie board was the best I’ve ever had with Wagyu sausage, duck bacon and delicious cheeses.

Jeremy Perigo

15 Sep 2025

Wow! Yes! Go! Now! Exceptionally fresh food and drink. Very attentive staff and great vibes inside. Locally sourced food. Some of their own veggies and hops. We enjoyed octopus and brisket tacos. Beer was very fresh and not too heavy. My wife enjoyed the best espresso martini of her life. Nice chill atmosphere too.

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