Nightshade and Dark's Pandemonium Brewing

This place is really fun and had anime and Japanese film playing all night long. Unique and cool. It was very laid-back. You can get drinks at nightshade or food at “up in smoke.” There are four games you can play or you can just watch movies all night while you drink and eat. Would return anytime. The owner is really nice!

I didn't stay long, I was early for a show at the Genesee. So, I stopped in to grab a beer. I'm not a big ale drinker, more into lagers. But the bartender hooked me up with a great ale. I just wish I remembered the name of it.

Amazing bbq offered in the same building as truly unique and scrumptious beers and cocktails?! And live music?! Sign me up. I’ve been here quite a few times since finding this gem and I recommend visiting frequently for mental health purposes <3

I absolutely love this place! It's laid back and chill, making it a fantastic spot to relax with a drink. The staff is exceptional, super friendly, and accommodating. We tried a flight of their 24 testers (I believe that's what it's called, don't quote me on that, haha), and every sip was enjoyable. Plus, the BBQ from the food truck on-site was simply amazing! It's definitely worth a visit.

Cool atmosphere, friendly bartender. Every beer we tried was outstanding! They had an awesome big band on a Sunday Night. Fun times ✌🏻

5+++🌟
🙈🙊🙊
Well, 🤫
it is a very eclectic establishment. It's got three different blended businesses. The liquor, the brewing, and the food! All good! Nightshade and Darks is an establishment that can remind you of some of the small city breweries, some of the ethnic type of breweries, and of course some of the best food around.

This is more of what you would see maybe in Chicago! It should be a destination. Unfortunately, Waukegan can't figure out how to promote the city and figures that a casino is going to be the end-all be-all answer.

Having a good time, spending your money on food, spending your money on some drinks, and NOT feeding the one arm bandit is going to enhance the city and not the politicians pockets!

Awesome place, clean, spacious, plenty of board games, a place of community!

Jose Cantu from "Up In Smoke" is the pit master! He knows what he's doing.

Neat brewery with classic Ray Bradbury style atmosphere. Lots of different brews so I did a flight of 6 and all were good. Service by the owner was great. They have lots of seating and a small separate cafe inside to cater your hunger.

Really nice tap room with a chill bar. Brewery had 15 or more of their beers on draft with a couple guest beers so lots of varieties to choose from. Bartender were super friendly and very helpful with beer question. If you're in the area it's worth stopping in.

Had the Illumination (cinnamon mocha blonde featuring civilized coffee), A Pleasure to Burn (jalapeno lime ale), and Helen Loomis Waits (lime vanilla wild sour). The jalapeno lime ale is top five beers I've ever had, but I personally really like spicy beer and limes. I laughed at their bathroom sign.

Love it! 1st time here. Great beer and food, got to sit outside, great experience, have some awesome Whiskey here also

Drinks were great
Asked for my "I Want You to Want Me" without Simple Syrup (hate Diabetes), and the bartender not only obliged, but found a way to make it tasty without exacerbating the sugar content.
Big thumbs up!

Love this place. Awesome local brews and down to earth kind people. They play old school Godzilla and sci-fi kinda movies! Check them out!

Always enjoy myself at Nightshades. Lots of space. Brings in great food vendors. Usually entertainment and an assortment of games to play.

Excellent food service and music - the food was from a Mexican restaurant around the corner.

friendly bartender, Mike, immediately made me feel very welcome, and one off-duty staff member and one other patron made pleasant conversation; very welcoming atmosphere. and strong drinks for a good price

Will DEFINATELY be back. Great staff, Classic cocktails made the RIGHT way. Intimate, yet casual setting. "Pop-Up" Food options when you need a bite to eat. Glad this place is in Waukegan!

I hate that I found such a cool brewery but so far from home. We were in town for a few days, and i stumbled a upon this place. Awesome Google find. The beers were great and I enjoyed chatting with the owners and even some of the regulars. I may just have to find an excuse to return but it's a long drive from colorado

Great local place with Great bbq and a awesome selection of beer and spirits! First time here and I will definitely be back

This place is great! I’d seen it when I was walking around downtown Waukegan and had wanted to try it since then, I’m glad I did. The drinks are all amazing!! Price is really good too. The vibe is super chill and they have some decent comfort food. Apparently it’s three different business—ones for the cocktails, the other is a brewery, and the third is a more traditional bar. I’ll definitely be back!!

We been coming here since they open and never been disappointed, excellent service, atmosphere and food!