DREAM BIG & Work Hard
BuckleDown Brewing was originally conceived in the summer of 2012. Ike, a long-time homebrewer, was ready to take the plunge into brewing professionally. And after a crash-course in production brewing courtesy of Haymarket’s Pete Crowley, the BuckleDown dream came to life. Months of planning, bank meetings, carpentry, welding and plumbing work culminated as we opened our doors in December 2013.
Ike continues to have a hand in all brewing operations. A huge fan of classic beer styles, Ike’s influence is on display everyday with our taproom beer list. From hoppy IPAs to clean-drinking lagers, we put an emphasis on consistently flavorful beers brewed with dedication and skill. None of this would be possible without the other pillar of BuckleDown, Michelle Orcutt. A long-time entrepreneur, Michelle closed her flower business to take over the business operations of BuckleDown. From managing inventory to negotiating lease extensions, Michelle keeps the business on a solid path and makes sure the beer keeps flowing.
Our hand-built taproom is open 7-days a week and is the best place to experience what BuckleDown is all about. Our amazing staff will take great care of you…and if you happen to visit on a Saturday afternoon, you’ll probably get to meet the whole Orcutt family.
Cheers! We can’t wait to see you!
Ike and Michelle
MARY KATE
Meet Mary Kate, one of our Buckledown bartenders!
Mary Kate has been working in the service industry for almost 10 years, and is so excited to finally be on the craft beer side.
Mary Kate can be found working the football games and taking care of our first responders and fellow service industry workers. She especially loves helping those who are new to craft beer find their new favorite brew!
Speaking of helping people learn, outside the taproom Mary Kate is a full time middle school teacher and can be found grading papers, spending time with her family, or hanging out with her two crazy cats.
So next time you are in, say hello to Mary Kate!
LAURA
Laura has been with BuckleDown for a few months now, and is loving every minute of it. She has enjoyed getting to know the BuckleDown crew and our incredible customers, both old and new, and is grateful for the warm welcome. One of her favorite things about bartending at BuckleDown is helping first-time taproom visitors pick out a flight of beers to try... bonus points if a non-beer drinker finds a beer they love!
When she isn’t at BuckleDown, Laura can be found taking her dog on adventures throughout the western suburbs or working for her other job in the water quality industry. She loves traveling, reading, concerts, and her newly-found quarantine hobby: cooking
