If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a craft beer in an enchanted forest, let us introduce you to Scratch Brewing Company in Ava, Illinois. This isn’t your typical brewery—it’s a woodland wonderland where beer is brewed with foraged ingredients, pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven, and every visit feels like a mini escape.
Scratch has racked up some serious recognition over the years, catching the attention of The New York Times and earning a well-deserved spotlight on the TV show Food Is Love. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a foodie, or just someone who appreciates a truly unique vibe, this is one Jackson County spot you don’t want to miss.
Finding Scratch feels like stumbling upon a secret. Nestled in the rolling hills of Jackson County, the brewery is surrounded by towering trees, winding roads, and the kind of peaceful stillness you only find in nature. The outdoor seating is scattered across the property—picnic tables under the shade of the forest, rustic wooden benches, and cozy nooks where you can sip a beer by the fire pit. It’s the perfect place to unplug, unwind, and let time slow down.
Inside, Scratch is just as charming. The space is small but bursting with character, featuring colorful local artwork, handcrafted wooden accents, and a tap list that’s as adventurous as the scenery.
At Scratch, beer isn’t just brewed—it’s crafted from the landscape. The team forages for ingredients like wild mushrooms, tree bark, flowers, and fruits, creating some of the most unique brews you’ll ever taste. Ever had a sumac saison? How about a persimmon sour or a smoked beer brewed with toasted hickory bark? Each sip is a love letter to the region, capturing the flavors of Jackson County in a glass.
This dedication to creativity has earned Scratch a reputation far beyond Illinois. They’ve been named one of the most innovative breweries in the country, and beer lovers from all over make the pilgrimage to experience their one-of-a-kind brews.
What pairs better with beer than pizza? Scratch’s wood-fired pizzas are legendary, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and topped with the same level of creativity that goes into their beer. Imagine a crispy, smoky crust straight from the oven, topped with farm-fresh veggies, rich cheeses, and herbs that taste like they were just picked (because they probably were). Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all-in on a wild, foraged creation, the pizza alone is worth the trip.
Scratch is a place where time slows down. Maybe it’s the setting—the trees, the twinkling string lights, the crackling fire pits. Or maybe it’s the people, the kind of crowd that appreciates a slow sip and a good conversation. There’s no rush here, no distractions—just good beer, good food, and a whole lot of charm. If you’re lucky, you might catch live music, a community event, or an impromptu gathering of fellow beer lovers swapping stories over a pint.
Whether you’re road-tripping through Jackson County, planning a cozy date night, or just looking for an unforgettable beer experience, Scratch Brewing should be at the top of your list. It’s a little off the beaten path, but that’s part of the magic.
Come for the beer. Stay for the pizza. Soak in the atmosphere. And don’t be surprised if you start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your first pint.
