I went to Schuba’s on Saturday for a final pint of Schlitz — they were long out. As soon as news broke that Schlitz production had ceased, patrons flocked to bars associated with the classic beer.
“People were stealing the Schlitz glasses!” my bartender Michaela told me. I get the hype. Not only is Schlitz cheap, it’s embedded in Chicago history.
The Schuba’s building is a former tied house: bars that, once upon a time, could only serve one kind of beer. In Chicago, it was usually Schlitz — you might recognize those sites by their iconic globes.
There were once over 40 Schlitz tied houses in Chicago. Today, eight are landmarked. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago)
The Olden Days of Schlitz in Chicago
After the Great Chicago Fire, the Schlitz plant in Milwaukee sent down clean water. Soon, they were sending beer, too. The brewery’s first Illinois distributor opened in 1888 with the help of Charles Wacker — yes, that Wacker. The famous businessman lent money to Louis Glunz to start up distribution and open House of Glunz on Wells Street, which still stands today.
During World War II, Schlitz sent one-fifth of the cans they produced to soldiers. They came back with a taste for it, according to Louis Glunz Beer Inc. president Jerry Glunz. “For many of them, it was the first beer they tried.”
Glunz is the fourth generation of his family to distribute Schlitz across Chicagoland. Simon’s, Long Room, and Green Mill are among his beloved customers.
Louis Glunz’s son Louis Jr. stands in front of a Schlitz delivery cart outside the House of Glunz. The boy was born in the shop. (Courtesy of Glunz Wines Inc.)
Is Schlitz Gone Forever?
Schlitz is technically on hiatus — Pabst, which absorbed Schlitz in 1999, could brew it again. For now, as the company cuts costs, Chicagoans are fighting for their fill. Friends of Friends recently held a Schlitz funeral. This Friday, there’s a final brew party up in Milwaukee.
But Schlitz mementos will remain in Chicago — globes, maiden tap handles, and glowing signs. “Schlitz is ingrained in us,” said Glunz.
For decades, my mom Chris worked for the distribution company. We even sang a special Schlitz song growing up that came right after “Happy Birthday”: “Birthdays come but once a year and when they come they bring Schlitz beer!”
I’ll think of it longingly next time I’m forced to drink PBR 🙄
