lakefront brewery tour milwaukee wisconsin

Lakefront Brewery

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Lakefront Brewery - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.06 mi) Best location in Milwaukee! Lower Duplex Unit - long term stays welcome
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Lakefront Brewery – Everything you need to know before you visit

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: March 16, 2022

One of the original craft breweries in Milwaukee Lakefront Brewery has been brewing long before it was the cool thing to do. With 18 great beers on tap, a fun brewery tour, and some excellent traditional Milwaukee foods – you need to put this place on your list if you are visiting from out of town.

The History of Lake Front Brewery

This brewery has been around since 1987, it is a Milwaukee landmark with humble beginnings. The brewery was started by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch. They started brewing for family and friends, then were encouraged to set up a location which led to a lot of success. The current building is filled to the brim with Milwaukee history having been a government building that housed the cities coal power plant in the early 1900s.

The Beer and Service

The Lakefront Brewery has a huge selection of beer available every day. They also have fun seasonal options. What is really great are the organic and gluten-free options available. Finally, they offer limited releases of very special beers. Some of their most popular beers on tap include the Lakefront Fuel Cafe, an organic coffee stout. The Lakefront IPA, which is an India pale ale that is delicious.  There are also the Lakefront Pils, a German Pils which is a favorite.

The Famous Lakefront Brewery Tour

The tour at the Lakefront is unique compared to other tours and they come packed with freebies and a great time. The tour currently comes with a free pint glass, and 2 – 16 oz pint pours. In the past, there was more beer, but too many people had too much fun – and they’ve had to scale it back a bit with the beer. However, the jokes and fun are still very much a part of the experience and this tour is still one of the best brewery tours in Milwaukee .

First, this brewery is family-friendly but if you choose to bring anyone under 21 you’ll have to be their legal guardian. This means that brothers and sisters, as well as aunts, uncles, or grandparents, do not count. So plan ahead if you are bringing kids.

For those under 21, they have ways for you to participate too. They have their very own house-made Maple Root Beer and sodas like Coke and Sprite as well.

The tour will last about 45 minutes. This length may not be suitable for smaller children. It is geared to adults even though families are welcome. A great benefit is that kids 12 and younger will not be required to have tickets

Buy Tickets for the tour online

If you are going to go, definitely buy the tickets online. They presell 45 tickets online and will only take 15 people as walk-ups for every tour. If you don’t pre-buy your tickets you’ll risk not being able to go on the tour.

If you do walk up for tickets know that everyone has to do so. They won’t issue tickets unless there is a person for every ticket. Consider your plans when buying tickets because they don’t offer refunds.  You can call early to see if they have tickets available and for when so you’ll only have to take one trip.

The tours from Monday through Thursday are only $11. This would be the best time for kids. That’s because the tour will be briefer due to the production of beers and drinks that happen in the brewery. The price is a bit cheaper as well as the smaller crowds will make it easier to do with a smaller crowd.

Mini Tour (currently not running)

Another option is their 8 dollar mini-tours on Saturdays that happen 5 minutes after every hour. They have the same free items but its brief and does not include a full tour of the brewery, instead, you can look through large windows as your guides explain. These tours aren’t always offered, just when the regular tours are full. However, if you have the chance it can be a great option.

The weekend are $12 and are going to be busier. If you are going on the weekend it is even more important to buy your tickets online. Otherwise, you’ll have to come really early to get those walk-up tickets.

Something really unique to the lakefront tours is that they give full tours in Spanish. They do have to be arranged in advance, but that is a really great option.

Technical Tour (not currently running)

The technical tour is a newer option on Saturdays at 11:00 AM, however since covid this has been suspended indefinitely. This is for the homebrewers or those really enthusiastic beer drinkers wanting to learn more. You will learn the actual process of beer making. This tour has a special tasting that pairs food like especially meats cheeses, fruit, and chocolate with the beers. It is a small tour that has tickets that must be purchased in advance online.

If you are going on this tour make sure to wear closed-toe shoes! If you have a group of 20 or 50 you can arrange a private tour.

Lakefront Brewery Food

The food options at the Lakefront are what most would consider to be upscale bar food. They have pretzels, chicken strips, chili cheese fries, mac and cheese that can come in several ways.

On Fridays, they fry up a lot of fish putting on one of the best fish fries in Milwaukee . For both lunch and dinner, you can grab a basket of freshly fried cod. If you happen to visit on a day other than Friday, you can still get a beer-battered fried fish taco, while not the same – it’s still pretty darn good.

In our humble opinion, Lakefront has some of the best cheese curds in Milwaukee. Fresh, gooey white cheese in a thin crispy batter.

They also have tacos, sandwiches, sausages, and salads of all kinds. Their vegetarian options are great too.  Oh and ice cream sundaes made with beer caramel and candied pecans!

See The Current Menu Here

Lakefront Brewery Hours of Operation

• Monday – Thursday:  4:00-9:00pm
• Friday & Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm.
• Sunday’s 11:00am- 5:00pm.
• 1872 N. Commerce Street

The space inside the brewery is large enough for any big group to feel comfortable. Their beer hall is lively and fun.  Even with the larger crowds, it’s family-friendly.  Lakefront Brewery a perfect place to have a couple of beers with some great snacks. The parking is fairly abundant.

ROBERT W SLACK

Wednesday 18th of October 2023

For many months, I enjoyed your New Grist Gluten Free Beer. When I needed to go Gluten Free it was the only such beer that I found to my liking.

Unfortunately, the canned product that I can now find is not the same.

I will not be buying more of the canned New Grist unless it returns to the very likeable nature of the bottled product.

I live in Orangeville, Ontario, Canada.

Hop Head Tours

Beer & Brewery Tours

Milwaukee Bus Brewery Tours

Start your BEERCATION off right by joining us for our Milwaukee bus tours! Every small group tour includes “Beer Capital of the World” history narration while enjoying a driving tour of Pabst, Blatz and Schlitz breweries on our comfortable 14 passenger bus. Each tour itinerary includes three stops that include history, tours, tastings and/or samplings at local craft or historic breweries, distilleries and related attractions. Our well trained, passionate and friendly Tour Ambassadors will curate your experience throughout the day making sure you feel like you’ve really gotten to know the “Beer Capital of the World!”

Come on out and join us for our new Milwaukee bus tours! We’re launching our Milwaukee expansion with two new and unique tour offerings. We’ll show you around the beer sights with our comfortable 14 passenger bus with three stops on each including tours, tastings, and samplings. Our friendly and knowledgeable Tour Ambassadors will usher you through the tour with commentary on beer history and Milwaukee’s German brewing heritage.

Milwaukee Beer Experience Tour

$65.00 DETAILS, DATES and TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

12:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Departs Lakefront Brewery at 1872 Commerce Street, Milwaukee WI.

Get the full experience of the “Beer Capital of the World” on this special tour! Enjoy history narration on the bus as we visit the sites of the old Beer Barons including a stop for a tour at the Best Place at Pabst Brewery. You’ll be led on a history tour of one of the former largest breweries in the world with a pint of beer in hand. Back on the bus and we’ll head to Good City Brewing or Milwaukee Ale House where our Tour Ambassador will lead you on a guided beer tasting exploring the origins of historic beer styles that they brew. From there, we’ll take you to Lakefront Brewery for their famous, and hilarious, brewery tour with sampling throughout and a souvenir pint glass to take home. You’ll finish the tour just in time for their Friday Night Fish Fry!

Beer Titans History Bus Tour

$55.00 DETAILS, DATES and TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

Discover the German brewing heritage Milwaukee has deep in it’s veins. Lakefront Brewery, at the foot of Brewer’s Hill, is the departure point every Friday. We’ll visit some historic beer sights before arriving at the Best Place at Pabst Brewery for their history tour. When you’ve finished your pint and the tour is over, we’ll head to our next tour at Miller Brewing Co. which covers the brewing process, Miller’s history and a beer tasting. We’ll depart Miller for a visit to a few more sights before finishing off the tour at the Brown Bottle Bar and Restaurant at the Schlitz Brewing complex for a pint, appetizers and history discussion. You’ll be dropped off at Lakefront Brewery after getting your fill of history so you can get with the times and try some local craft beer!

Suds and Spirits Bus Tour

Hop on the bus to experience Milwaukee’s blossoming craft beer and spirits scene! We’ll pick you up at Lakefront Brewery, at the foot of Brewer’s Hill, and start off the tour with a few history sights. Our first stop, Milwaukee Ale House, features our knowledgeable Tour Ambassador leading you through a guided beer tasting and a tour of their brewing facility. We’ll depart the 3rd Ward for a short drive to the 5th Ward, which is blowing up with beer and spirits! Next, you’ll get a cocktail, tour and tasting at Great Lakes Distillery. From there, we’ll head down the road to Brenner Brewing Co. for your choice of a pint of beer or 3 sample flight. After you’ve had your fill of local beer and spirits, we’ll drop you off at Lakefront Brewery where you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon sippin’ on their wonderful beer and who knows, maybe even order their famous cheese curds!

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Because life's too short to stay home …, mad about brew, in the town that worships beer, brewery tours draw legions of fans..

© Beth Gauper

For people who love beer, there's no better place to drink it than in a brewery.

In 1880s, beer-loving Milwaukee had more than 80 of them. Three became national giants, giving Milwaukee the nicknames Beer Town and Suds City, but only one survived.

That's Miller, acquired in 1969 by Philip Morris and now part of Molson Coors. Schlitz closed in 1981, and Pabst in 1997.

Enter the first upstarts.

In 1985, Sprecher became the first brewery to start up in Milwaukee since Prohibition. Against Miller's Lite, it put up beers with so much heft you could have them for lunch: Black Bavarian, Russian imperial stout, Doppelbock.

Lakefront brewed its first beer in 1987, after Russ Klisch bought his brother Jim a home-brewing kit and soon found himself competing to see who could make the best beer.

The brothers brewed fast and furiously-the first fruit beer since Prohibition, the first certified organic beer, the first gluten-free beer, a spicy pumpkin lager. With Sprecher, they put the love back into the beer.

All three breweries offer tours, all different but all popular: You get to drink the beer.

And when you're done with those, visit the new upstarts: the dozens of craft breweries popping up around the city. Many of them offer tours .

Lakefront Brewery

It's safe to say that Lakefront's is the most fun. I got there an hour early, riding my bike from downtown past the old Schlitz brewery and through the rejuvenated Beerline B neighborhood. Already, 15 people were in line for the 1 p.m. tour.

At 12:35 p.m., we showed our IDs and were ushered inside a cavernous hall, where we got a plastic glass, four coupons for beer and a voucher for a free beer that afternoon at one of 13 restaurants.

I could see that some serious drinking lay ahead, so I bought a slice of Meglio's pizza to have with a glass of the Rendezvous Ale, a French country ale that was light but more substantial than New Glarus' popular Spotted Cow, a Wisconsin farmhouse ale.

That went down pretty easily, so I followed it with a glass of Wheat Monkey, which our guide, Joe, said was "flying off the shelves."

Standing in front of three fermentation tanks painted with the images of the Three Stooges, Joe told us the only rule at Lakefront is to have a good time.

"There's always someone who's been here as many times as I have, and the reason is what we have in our hand, it's the beer," he said. "Okay, who's been here 25 times? 35 times? More than 100?"

He told us about the home-brewing kit that started it all and claimed that the city sold the current brewery, an old power plant, to the Klisch brothers in return for "free beer for life."

The brewing process is basically the same everywhere: In the mash tun, grain is steeped in hot water. After the grain is strained out, the resulting wort is boiled and hops are added. It's cooled and sent to fermenting tanks, where yeast is added.

But at Lakefront, Joe explained what the yeast does after it devours the sugars in the wort: "It does what we do when we eat too much. The yeast is going to poop-poop out alcohol and carbon dioxide, which creates carbonation. Then it reproduces with itself and parties."

The used-up grain, he said, is fed to worms, whose waste becomes organic fertilizer. For good measure, he added that the cups from which we were drinking were made from old plastic bags and diapers and also will be composted.

Yum! But no one stopped drinking.

Then Joe showed us the original Bernie Brewer's Chalet from the old County Stadium, which the Klisches bought as a souvenir. He pointed to its famous slide.

"Bernie would only slide down it when the Brewers hit a home run, so of course it's in perfect shape," he cracked.

In the bottling room, Joe made us sing "Making Our Dreams Come True," the theme song from "Laverne and Shirley," the TV sitcom that was based in the fictional Schotz Brewery in Milwaukee and ran from 1975 to 1983: "Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!"

"If you don't sing, we'll send you out that exit door, and that way there's no more beers," he warned.

But I made it onto the sunny riverside patio where tour guests can spend as much time as they want, using up their coupons and watching the Brew City Queen II tour boat chug up and down the river between Lakefront and two brewpubs, the Milwaukee Ale House and Rock Bottom Brewery.

I only had room for one more beer, so I tried the Riverwest Stein amber lager, which Joe said was the brewery's most popular.

"People think it's too dark, but then they taste it," he said. I could see why the brewery is so popular. Its beers are deceptively mild, pleasing to most palates yet packed with flavor.

© Milwaukee Parks

Sprecher Brewery

At Sprecher, the beers are as chewy as a slice of multigrain bread. Started in 1985 by Randal Sprecher, a former Pabst supervisor, it takes the Belgian view that beer is the bread of life.

And sure enough, on the tour, we got up close and personal with the ingredients, smelling hops pellets and tasting barley-malt grains -- yum, just like a bowl of Grape-Nuts.

Brewmasters can tinker with the beer at many points. Corn, rice or wheat can be used as grains along with various barley malts, which, when roasted, give beer color and flavor-of coffee, caramel or chocolate, for example.

The type of hops used gives it aroma, and its bitterness balances the sweetness of the malt. Like Lakefront, one of Sprecher's bestsellers is a Viennese-style lager, the Special Amber.

Its flavors span the globe-in addition to its German-style Black Bavarian and Hefe Weiss, it also produces the Belgian Abbey Triple, Irish Stout and Austrian-style Radlers.

Ironically, for the first Milwaukee brewery to open since Prohibition, Sprecher is just as well known for its delectable sodas, which are ubiquitous in gourmet delis.

On this brewery tour, you're likely to drink just as much of its root beer and cream soda, and it makes seven other soft drinks, including Orange Dream, Grape and Cherry Cola.

MolsonCoors

And then there's the MolsonCoors brewery tour. It's just as popular as the other two, because more people still drink Miller Lite than craft beers.

When I went, it was only 11 a.m. on a chilly Saturday, and already 94 people were gunning for a taste of High Life.

"Now, you all signed the Enthusiasm Clause before going on the tour," shouted a peppy young guide named Ryan. "So I'll be assessing your enthusiasm to see if you get the free samples."

We had gathered in Miller Valley, along the Menomonee River, to hear the story of Frederick Miller, a royal brewmaster in Germany who had New World-size ambitions.

One day, he packed up his yeast and decamped to America, where, in 1855, he bought a small brewery in Milwaukee. Miller not only knew how to make beer, he knew how to make people want to drink beer.

Over the years, he and his sons gave social cachet to a workingman's beverage. They opened a beer garden and used catchy slogans — for High Life, it was "the Champagne of Bottle Beers," winner of a 1903 contest — and symbols, such as the Girl in the Moon, a coy damsel perched on a crescent.

Thus Miller beers became part of the fabric of Milwaukee, and the city's beautiful new ball park bears its name.

The nice family success story grinds to a halt in 1969, when Miller was acquired by tobacco giant Philip Morris. In 2002, South African Brewing bought it, and in 2008, it merged with Coors. In 2016, the Belgian multinational InBev acquired SABMiller, which then sold its stake in MillerCoors to Molson Coors.

Today, it's a little hard to work up much enthusiasm for a global conglomerate that's best known for making Miller Lite and 30 other brands of American-style pilsener.

The tour include a flashy video, but it's as insubstantial as the beer. We looked through a glassed-in balcony at a room full of machinery and got a dizzying 30-second explanation of brewing as we looked at a row of kettles.

However, the Caves Museum and wood-paneled Miller Inn pub, where we drank our samples, were quite atmospheric.

They should be, considering the brewery's age and history. Even if a tour guide's explanation of the brewing process makes your eyes glaze over, the story behind the beer always is interesting.

For more on breweries in southern Wisconsin, see Road trip: Breweries of southern Wisconsin .

For a list of beer festivals, see Best brew fests .

Trip Tips: Milwaukee brewery tours

Be sure to bring photo identification; otherwise, you might end up drinking root beer.

Events: Milwaukee Beer Week , with sampling and other events across town.

Riverwalk Boat Tours : On Saturdays, the Brew City Queen II or Milwaukee Maiden pontoon boats offer a 3 Pub cruise.

Lakefront Brewery : On the Milwaukee River just north of downtown, Lakefront Brewery's daily tour is very popular. Tour hours vary. All Saturday tickets are sold online; for other days, 15 tickets are first-come, first-served.

Cost is $8-$11, including a pint glass, four 6-ounce pours and a free beer at local restaurants, good only until 6 p.m. that day.

Sprecher Brewing Co. : In the suburb of Glendale, Sprecher brews artisan beers and sodas. Tour hours vary, but generally there are at least two tours on weekday afternoons and more from Friday through Sunday; check the schedule.

Cost is $8, $5 for people under 21, and includes a tasting glass and four samples. Reserve online or call 414-964-2739.

Milwaukee Brewing Co. : Now with two breweries, one in the Walker's Point neighborhood and one in part of the old Pabst Brewery complex, it supplies the beer for the Milwaukee Ale House in the Third Ward.

Both breweries offer tours, Saturdays at the original 2nd Street Brewery in Walker's Point and Fridays through Sundays at the 9th Street Brewery near Fiserv Forum. Cost of $12 includes a pint glass, samples and a token for a beer at a later time.

Miller Brewery (MolsonCoors): One-hour tours are given daily in summer and Monday through Saturday the rest of the year. It's no longer free; cost is $10, $5 for Wisconsin residents with state-issued ID.

Walk in or reserve in advance, 414-931-2337 or 800-944-5483. Saturday is busiest, though visitors won't see production that day. The plant is along the Menomonee River, west of downtown and just south of Washington Park.

Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery : This event center offers Beer History Tours that include a 16-ounce Pabst or Schlitz, $10.

For more about sightseeing, festivals and lodgings, see Milwaukee stories .

Where to drink beer

Great bars and brewpubs are legion. But one of the most popular places to drink in the summer is Estabrook Beer Garden in Estabrook Park, on the Milwaukee River and Oak Leaf Trail north of downtown.

Modeled on beer gardens in modern-day Munich, it features German beer served in half- and full-liter glass mugs, shared tables, polka music and fresh-baked German pretzels and wurst.

People also can bring their own food, and dogs are allowed. In the park, there's a dog park, disc golf and a riverfront boardwalk.

There are also beer gardens in Humboldt, Hoyt and South Shore parks. Others parks are served by a traveling beer truck from Sprecher Brewing. There's live music at each of the stops from Wednesday through Saturday.

In Glendale, the Bavarian Bier Haus has a large beer garden. On the four weekends after Labor Day, it hosts the annual Oktoberfest in adjoining Old Heidelberg Park.

Where to stay

The 90-suite Brewhouse Inn & Suites now occupies parts of the 1877 Pabst Brewery. It's built of Cream City brick and is the centerpiece of the new Brewery neighborhood around the 20-acre complex.

Getting around

It's easiest by bike. Not far from Schlitz Park, the paved, 3.7-mile Beerline Trail heads north on the west side of the Milwaukee River, passing Lakefront Brewery. The trail is lined with murals and public art.

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Best Milwaukee Brewery Tours – Local Favorites for Visitors

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Featured Image Courtesy of Lakefront Brewing .

Welcome to Milwaukee, also known as “Brew City,” – where the beer flows like the Milwaukee River (only drinkable 🙂)

With Milwaukee’s rich brewing history that includes big names like Miller, Pabst, and Schlitz, it’s no wonder Milwaukee has earned its reputation as a beer lover’s paradise. 

But it’s not just the big names that make Milwaukee special. Over 25 craft breweries call Milwaukee home, each with a unique style and flavor.

And what better way to experience all this deliciousness than with a brewery tour? Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply like to enjoy a cold one a brewery tour is one of the best things to do in Milwaukee .

Over the years, we’ve been on quite a few brewery tours. Sometimes just for fun. And sometimes to show visiting friends and family how amazing the city of Milwaukee is. 

Unfortunately, since Covid, the number of brewery tours available has decreased. But don’t worry, the best ones are still around. 

So, here is a list of our favorite brewery tours in Milwaukee for you to explore. We’ll also include a list of available brewery tours, a few beer history tours, and tours where you’ll be guided through the city, stopping at multiple breweries.

Let’s grab a pint or two and dive in!

Related Post: Best Milwaukee Tours: Top Picks for Visitors

List of Brewery Tours in Milwaukee

Best brewery tours in milwaukee, lakefront brewery.

Length: 45 min

# of Tastings: 4 – 8oz pours

If you can take only one brewery tour while in Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery is what you are looking for. 

Lakefront Brewery has been a Milwaukee staple since 1987. Founded by two beer-loving brothers, Russ and Jim Klisch, Lakefront Brewery has been bringing joy to Milwaukee with their delicious brews and fun atmosphere.

Not only do they have something for everyone (even those avoiding gluten), but their flagship beer, Riverwest Stein , is so popular it’s in almost every bar in Milwaukee. 

But let’s be real. The best part of Lakefront Brewery is the tour. It’s like a 45-minute party, complete with fun facts, jokes, and of course, beer. You’ll get to sample four- 8oz pours of their finest brews and even take home a souvenir pint glass.

And if you ask most beer-loving Milwaukeans, they’ll tell you they’ve been on the Lakefront Brewery tour several times. It’s perfect for entertaining visitors. And even without visitors, the tour is simply a good old time shared with beer-loving friends. 

Before or after the tour, don’t forget to hit up their beer hall for some delicious grub. And if you are lucky enough to be there on a Friday, their fish fry is one of the best in town. 

If you aren’t hungry, take some time to bask in the beauty of their outdoor patio along the Milwaukee Riverfront. 

The Lakefront Brewery Tour is a must-do for any Milwaukee resident or visitor. 

Related Post: Best Craft Breweries in Milwaukee: As Rated by a Local Beer-lover

Miller Brewing

Length: 1 hour

# of Tastings: 3 tastings

Touring a small craft brewery is fun, but seeing the enormous scale of a major brewery like Miller Brewing is an experience you won’t want to miss. 

Walking through Miller Valley is like taking a stroll through beer heaven. From the old-school charm of the Miller Inn to the high-tech brewing facilities, you’ll see it all on this guided walking tour.

And of course, it’s not a Milwaukee tour without a beer in hand, so you’ll start with a cold one. Hey, it’s Wisconsin, what did you expect?

But the real highlight of the tour is the underground Miller caves. These things are so cool they’ll give you chills (literally). Plus, you’ll get to see the historic Bavarian-style Miller Inn and the ginormous modern operations of the Brew House, Packaging, and Distribution Centers.

All in all, the Miller Brewery Tour is a must-do for any beer lover visiting Milwaukee. It’ll leave you with a newfound appreciation for Milwaukee’s rich beer history. 

One-day in Milwaukee: Itinerary Suggestions From a Local

Beer History Tours

Best place beer history tour.

Length: 1 – 1.5 hours

# of Tastings: 1 pint

If you’re a history buff who loves a good brew, the Best Place Beer History Tour is the bee’s knees . Trust us, it’s not your typical snooze-fest.

To kick things off, you’ll get a refreshing beer or soda. Then, get ready for a quick video on the history of Best Brewery, which later became the iconic Pabst Brewery.

The tour takes you through some of the remaining buildings that once made up the Pabst Brewery complex, and let me tell you, the folks at Best Place have done an amazing job restoring them. It’s like stepping back in time, but with better beer.

And don’t miss your chance to sit at Captain Pabst’s desk in the main wedding hall. You might just feel like a captain yourself (no judgment here).

But let’s be real, the show’s real stars are the tour guides. They’re witty, funny, and know their stuff when it comes to the story of Pabst beer. You’ll learn all about how it rose to fame, fell from grace, and then made a triumphant comeback to become the beloved brand it is today.

So, come for the beer, stay for the history, and soak up the friendly Gemütlichkeit. This tour is a must-do for anyone looking for an entertaining and educational experience. Prost!

Where to Stay in Milwaukee – A Locally Curated Guide

Pabst Mansion Length: 1 hour

If you’re looking for a true taste of German Milwaukee , look no further than the Pabst Mansion. It’s the real deal, y’all.

This preserved 1890s Gilded Age Mansion is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and beer (which, let’s be honest, is basically everyone in Milwaukee).

Once home to Captain Pabst, his wife, and a whopping 10 children (though only 5 made it to adulthood), this place is steeped in history. And we’re not talking about the boring kind of history you snoozed through in school. We’re talking juicy details that will make you feel like you’re part of the Pabst family.

Now, you can do a self-guided tour, but we highly recommend the guided tour. Why? Because the tour guides are passionate about the history, and they’ll give you all the deets you wouldn’t get on a self-guided tour.

The guided tour takes you through the first through third floors of the mansion and shares everything you could want to know about the Pabst Mansion, the Pabst family, and the incredible architecture and furnishings of the home. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this.

So, come get your history and beer fix all in one place at the Pabst Mansion. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the German Milwaukee experience.

Multiple Brewery Tours

Fun beer tours.

Length of Tour: 2.5 – 3 hours

Alright, beer-loving friends, I’ve got the inside scoop on one of Milwaukee’s best-kept secrets : Fun Beer Tours. These tours are truly a one-of-a-kind experience. 

Fun Beer Tours keeps its prices low by letting you choose your own drinks and snacks. That way, you can customize your experience and try all the beers your heart desires. And for all the non-drinkers out there, you won’t have to pay for someone else’s suds.

And can we talk about the options? Fun Beer Tours has tours that cater to every interest. Whether you’re all about the beer or want to learn some Milwaukee history too, they’ve got you covered.

Choose from the “Beer is Famous Tour” or the “Beer + Everything Else Tour” and prepare to have a blast. You can even ask them to create a specialized tour for a group outing like a bachelor or bachelorette party. 

But the real star of the show is your guide, Paul. He’s not just a beer history buff, he’s a craft brewery co-founder, collector of historic brewery artifacts, and a 30-year history teacher. Let’s just say he knows his stuff.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to experience Milwaukee’s beer culture, Fun Beer Tours is the way to go. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Milwaukee Food and City Tours: Craft Brewery and Distillery Tour

Length of Tour: 3.5-4 hours

The Craft Brewery and Distillery Tour is all about discovering new craft brews and spirits before they hit the mainstream. So if you want to hit multiple establishments in the comfort of a bus, this tour is for you.

The tour lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours, with 4-5 stops at some of Milwaukee’s finest breweries and distilleries. It’s the perfect way to explore the local scene and support our city’s up-and-coming stars. While learning a bit along the way.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and authentic way to experience Milwaukee’s craft brewery and distillery scene, Milwaukee Food and City Tours is another way to go.

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All-inclusive tour of Milwaukee’s best breweries

Best Experience Ever

"It was a birthday gift to remember. Awesome choices, plenty of time to explore and enjoy the other options available. Our guide was very knowledgeable and I have made changes in what we look for in beers as well as how we drink it - always in a glass. Fun and cool"

Excellent Time Had By All

"The tour was great from beginning to end. Mark was an awesome guide. Perfect man for our group. We really enjoyed his knowledge of beer and history. All the brewery stops were good, but Bantam Cider was my favorite. Will definitely be back!"

History Meets Beer

"This tour was a great way to experience the city of Boston and see what various types of beer it has to offer. The tour guide was very informative and made the overall experience fun and enjoyable. Plus, who doesn't like to sample 15-18 beers in under 6 hours? Will definitely recommend this tour to friends!"

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Milwaukee craft beer journey.

Welcome to City Brew Tours Milwaukee – your best way to enjoy Milwaukee’s growing craft beer scene. Our tours will visit 3-4 breweries where you will enjoy award-winning craft beer, learn about the history of beer and Milwaukee’s place in that history, and have a great time along the way!

learn about the

Breweries we visit.

We’ve forged relationships with some of the best craft breweries in Milwaukee and the surrounding area in order to give our guests an unforgettable experience. Our breweries have won awards at the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup, and are at the forefront of Milwaukee’s craft beer scene.

what you get

With your brew tour.

Our public tours include 3-4 stops, with up to 16 samples of beer, a snack or meal depending on the tour chosen. In addition, guests will receive transportation to all brewery locations, and a Beer Guide who will take you through the history of the beer making process and give you behind the scenes access to the facilities of our brewery partners.

Miles Traveled

Meals served, beers consumed, join the newsletter.

Lakefront Brewery

Well-loved Lakefront Brewery, across the river from Brady St, has afternoon tours, but the swellest time to visit is on Friday night when there's a fish fry, 16 beers to try and a polka band letting loose. Tour times vary throughout the week, but there's usually at least a 2pm and 3pm walk-through (and often many more).

1872 N Commerce St

Get In Touch

414-372-8800

https://www.lakefrontbrewery.com

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Here's a list of beer festivals in Milwaukee and around Wisconsin in 2024

Milwaukee has been called both Brew City and the city of festivals, so of course every summer there are multiple occasions that combine the two.

Check out these festivals to sample many different beers from around the state and the country.

Many beer fests are for folks who are 21 years and older with proof of identification, and they are held rain or shine. Be sure to check the events' websites for more information and updates.

Here's a list of beer festivals happening across Wisconsin in 2024.

Is your Wisconsin beer fest missing from the list? Let me know at [email protected].

Milwaukee area

April 7: pours for parks.

Pours for Parks is a new brewery festival supporting Milwaukee County Parks, held at the Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. It is bringing together more than 20 Milwaukee breweries that will offer unlimited samples at the historic brewing site.

This year's festival will support Humboldt Park Friends, specifically for educational placards and restoring the Humboldt Park pond shoreline.

Attendees can enjoy the space that was built in 1880 as Pabst Brewery's corporate office and includes Captain Frederick Pabst’s original office. It is now an events hall and includes a basement speakeasy. Food from Cafe Corazon and K&L BBQ will be available, as well.

Where : The Best Place at Historic Pabst Brewery, 917 W. Juneau Ave.

When: April 7 with two general admission sessions: noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m. A VIP session is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: General admission tickets are $60 and VIP tickets are $75. Tickets are limited to 300 people per session.

For more information and to purchase tickets: events.mketix.com/events/pours-for-parks-4-7-2024

Brewery Tours: From Pabst to Lakefront, here are 5 brewery tours to check out in Milwaukee

April 20: Joint Beer Fest

This beer festival at Eagle Park Brewing Co. in Muskego will have more than a dozen craft breweries from around the Midwest featuring unique brews created exclusively for festival attendees.

Many of the beers will be collaboration brews, according to a press release.

The festival will feature live music from Hollyy, Free Joel, UR Mom and Cruel Buddhist. Food will be provided buffet style, and will be munchie-themed in a nod to the festival's name and celebration date.

Admission includes a mixed 12-ounce six-pack of beer, and VIP attendees get two cans of barrel-aged collaboration beers. The buffet and a souvenir glass are also included in admission. Eagle Park will also throw an after-party with Wire and Nail playing from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Eagle Park Brewing, S64 W15640 Commerce Center Parkway, Muskego

When: April 20 from noon to 6 p.m. for VIP attendees and 1 to 6 p.m. for general admission

Cost: General admission tickets cost $105, VIP tickets are $125, and designated driver tickets are $40.

For more info or to purchase tickets: eagleparkbrewing.com/event/joint-beer-fest-2024

May 18: Riveredge's Frothy Forage

This Saukville festival will have samples from local breweries, wineries and cideries to be sipped while enjoying the great outdoors at Riveredge Nature Center.

Attendees can walk through the center's restored prairies, woodlands and wetlands while enjoying drinks, food trucks and live music.

Proceeds from the event support Riveredge's mission to conserve wildlife and provide environmental education to the public.

Where:  Riveredge Nature Center, 4458 County Road Y, Saukville. A shuttle service is offered from Newburg Fireman's Park, 508 Main St., Newburg, starting at 11:50 a.m.

When:  May 18 with samples available from noon to 3 p.m. Food trucks close at 4 p.m.

Cost: Early bird tickets cost $45, available until May 3; $50 from May 4 to 17; $55 the day of. Designated driver tickets are $10.

For more info or to purchase tickets: riveredgenaturecenter.org/program/frothy-forage

June 1: Wisconsin Beer Lovers Festival

This Glendale beer festival is bringing together more than 60 craft beer vendors from across the state to show off Wisconsin brews.

Local bands will perform, too, with Wire & Nail from noon to 2:30 p.m. and The Hungry Williams from 2:45 to 5 p.m.

Food truck vendors include Hot Box Pizza, Piña Mexican Eats, Tiffany's Dessert Bar and Wisconsin Fried Cheese Curds. Local restaurant and cuisine partners will serve food samples, as well.

Tickets include a tasting glass, beer samples, food and live music. VIP tickets also include a swag bag. Designated driver attendees can get samples of nonalcoholic beer and soda.

Where: 5800 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale

When: June 1 from noon to 5 p.m. for VIP and 1 to 5 p.m. for general admission.

Cost: General admission costs $65 in advance and $80 the day of. VIP tickets are $80 in advance and $100 the day of. Designated driver tickets cost $25.

For more info or to purchase tickets : wibrewersguild.com/WIBLF

July 27: Milwaukee Brewfest

This large beer festival on Milwaukee's lakefront brings nearly 100 vendors from across the country to serve samples of craft beer, cider, mead and more at McKinley Park on the lakefront.

Food vendors, games and live music will also be available on the grounds.

Tickets include samples and a commemorative pint glass. VIP members can access a lounge with seating, and others are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Designated driver admission includes a food and drink voucher.

Where:  McKinley Park, 1600 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive

When:  July 27. Gates open at 2 p.m. for VIP and 3 p.m. for general admission. Last sampling call is at 6 p.m. Attendees must exit the fenced-in grounds by 6:30. p.m.

Cost:  General admission costs $75 in advance and $85 the day of. VIP tickets cost $95 in advance and $105 the day of. Designated driver tickets cost $30.

For more info or to purchase tickets:   milwaukeebrewfest.com

More beer festivals across Wisconsin

April 27: between the bluffs beer, wine & cheese festival, la crosse.

This La Crosse beer festival is celebrating 20 years of providing tastes of beer, wine and cheese.

This year it will have 200 different brews and 60 wines from Wisconsin and across the globe.

The event will have live music from the JayR Brink Band and The Caminos, and hammerschlagen will be available to play.

The night before, attendees are encouraged to visit bars and restaurants around La Crosse for Taster's Eve, when VIP ticket holders get two free drinks at Pearl Street Brewery and a food coupon for participating vendors.

Where: Oktoberfest Grounds, 1 Oktoberfest Strasse, La Crosse

When: April 27 from 2 to 6 p.m. for general admission and noon to 6 p.m. for VIP

Cost: General admission costs $55, VIP costs $95 and designated driver tickets cost $20.

June 7 and 8: Up North Beerfest and Premier Beer Night, Eagle River

This Northwoods beer festival at a campground is a two-day event, starting with the premier beer night with 15 breweries and hors d'oeuvres, followed by the main beer fest event the next day with 25 breweries, mostly from the Midwest.

The event will have live music, and food will be available to purchase from the Eagle River Veterans Resource Center.

Tickets go on sale April 1.

Where:  Hi-Pines Campground, 1919 Highway 45 North, Eagle River

When:  Premier Beer Night is from 6 to 8 p.m. June 9. Up North Beerfest runs from 2 to 6 p.m. June 10.

For more info or to purchase tickets: eagleriver.org/events/up-north-beerfest

June 15: Door County Beer Festival

This beer festival in Baileys Harbor will have more than 40 Midwest craft breweries with more than 150 beers to sample during Father's Day weekend. The festival will also have local food and live music.

Where: Maxwelton Braes, 7680 Highway 57, Baileys Harbor; shuttles will pick up and drop off from various locations in Door County

When: June 15 starting at 11 a.m. for early access, noon for general admission; goes until 4 p.m.

Cost: $55 for general admission, $75 for early admission, $15 for designated driver

For more info or to purchase tickets:   doorcountybeerfestival.com

June 15: Taste of Wisconsin, Beaver Dam

This festival will have craft beer and cheese tasting, featuring only Wisconsin-made products. The event also will have live music from The Characters and food trucks.

Where:  The Downtown Beaver Dam Tower Parking Lot, 112 S. Spring St.

When:  noon to 4 p.m. June 15

Admission:  Early bird tickets go on sale April 1 and cost $45 for a single ticket or $225 for six tickets.

Hannah Kirby of the Journal Sentinel contributed to this report.

Wisconsin's #1 brewery—and the rest of the 29 best, according to reviews

Posted: March 23, 2024 | Last updated: March 23, 2024

Highest-rated breweries in Wisconsin

Just a few decades ago, the list of breweries to visit in any given area were small—perhaps a handful around larger metro areas and a few more tucked away in rural spots. Thanks to the craft brewery revolution, though, no one need look too hard to find a bounty of venues to visit. Retail sales of craft beer in the U.S. grew from $10 million in 2011 to $29 million in 2019, according to Statista , with the COVID-19 pandemic creating the first dip in sales in 2020 after increases every year. In 2019, small and independent brewers put 26.3 million barrels of beer into the world, according to the Brewers Association , representing inroads into the beer market share.

Most breweries don't just roll out the barrels, though. They also offer tours, which has become an increasingly popular activity for those 21 and over. Businesses capitalizing on areas where craft breweries are clustered nearby package tours and provide transport. Like wine tastings at vineyards, visitors can taste a brewery's products. In-demand beers and small-batch brews can be events in their own right, with beer lovers lining up to get limited-release beers. If nothing else, brewery tours are usually a cheap way to drink a lot of beer. Stacker compiled a list of the highest rated breweries in Wisconsin on Tripadvisor .

#29. Bullquarian Brewhouse, LLC

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (8 reviews) - Address: 1128 17th Ave, Monroe, WI 53566-2007 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#28. Rebellion Brewing

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (13 reviews) - Address: N57W6172 Portland Rd, Cedarburg, WI 53012 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#27. Sawmill Brewing Company

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (27 reviews) - Address: 1110 E 10th St, Merrill, WI 54452-1221 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. South Shore Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (55 reviews) - Address: 808 Main St W, Ashland, WI 54806-1404 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. 45th Parallel Spirits

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (65 reviews) - Address: 1570 Madison Ave, New Richmond, WI 54017-6617 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#24. Biloba Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (19 reviews) - Address: 18720 Pleasant St, Brookfield, WI 53045-3027 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#23. The Fermentorium

- Rating: 4.0 / 5 (19 reviews) - Address: 7481 State Road 60, Cedarburg, WI 53012-9702 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#22. Badger State Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (80 reviews) - Address: 990 Tony Canadeo Run, Green Bay, WI 54304-3762 - Read more on Tripadvisor

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (13 reviews) - Address: 804 Churchill St, Waupaca, WI 54981-2017 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Chippewa River Distillery & Brewster Brothers Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (39 reviews) - Address: 402 W River St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-2355 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#19. Tyranena Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (67 reviews) - Address: 1025 Owen St, Lake Mills, WI 53551-1369 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Plymouth Brewing Company

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (24 reviews) - Address: 222 E Mill St, Plymouth, WI 53073-1706 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#17. Rhinelander Brewing

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (14 reviews) - Address: 43 S Brown St, Rhinelander, WI 54501-3450 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Door County Brewing

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (278 reviews) - Address: 8099 State Highway 57, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#15. Wisconsin Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (109 reviews) - Address: 1079 American Way, Verona, WI 53593-9384 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#14. Stevens Point Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (148 reviews) - Address: 2617 Water St, Stevens Point, WI 54481-5248 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#13. Bull Falls Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (41 reviews) - Address: 901 E Thomas St, Wausau, WI 54403-6450 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#12. Westallion Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (15 reviews) - Address: 1825 S 72nd St, West Allis, WI 53214-4714 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#11. Rustic Road Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (30 reviews) - Address: 5706 6th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140-4104 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#10. Oliphant Brewing

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (18 reviews) - Address: 350 Main St Ste 2, Somerset, WI 54025-9108 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#9. Milwaukee Brewing Co

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (223 reviews) - Address: 613 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1616 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Port Huron Brewing Company

- Rating: 5.0 / 5 (85 reviews) - Address: 805 Business Park Dr, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965-9440 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. Sand Creek Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (40 reviews) - Address: 320 Pierce St, Black River Falls, WI 54615-1753 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#6. Miller Brewery Tour

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (927 reviews) - Address: 4251 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53208-3137 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#5. Minhas Craft Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (265 reviews) - Address: not available - Read more on Tripadvisor

#4. Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (698 reviews) - Address: 124 E Elm St, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729-1821 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#3. New Glarus Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (676 reviews) - Address: 2400 State Road 69, New Glarus, WI 53574-9343 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#2. Raised Grain Brewing Company

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (75 reviews) - Address: 1725 Dolphin Dr Ste B, Waukesha, WI 53186-1492 - Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Lakefront Brewery

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1875 reviews) - Address: 1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3701 - Read more on Tripadvisor

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Milwaukee Traveling Beer Garden; 2024 tour schedule

Milwaukee County Parks leaders unveiled the schedule on Thursday, March 21 for the 2024 Traveling Beer Garden.

MILWAUKEE - Milwaukee County Parks leaders unveiled the schedule on Thursday, March 21 for the 2024 Traveling Beer Garden .

This year, like in previous years, you can get free beer and free root beer for the first day of every stop on the schedule.

Traveling Beer Garden schedule: 

• Greenfield Park: May 15-May 27
• Froemming Park: May 29-June 9
• Cooper Park: June 12-June 23
• Grant Park: June 26-July 7
• Kops Park: July 10-July 21
• McCarty Park: July 24-Aug. 4
• Doctors Park: Aug. 7-Aug. 18
• Sheridan Park: Aug. 21-Sept. 2

SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News

It's Milwaukee County Parks ' 11th year partnering with Sprecher for the Traveling Beer Garden .

"There's nothing like beer garden season in Milwaukee County! This unique tradition in our community brings people together, generates revenue for county operations, and fosters positive activity in our Milwaukee County Parks. I'm looking forward to folks flocking to our parks this summer to visit one of our amazing beer gardens and enjoy a cold one with friends and neighbors," said Milwaukee County Execituve David Crowley. 

Parks officials said the Traveling Beer Garden has generated nearly $5 million in revenue, and beer gardens, in general, have generated more than $12 million in revenue since 2014.

The money helps improve Milwaukee County Parks.

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Lakefront Launches Gluten-Free Variety Pack

Plus: LP switches up food offerings, Indeed launches THC drinks and Victor's is for sale.

Gluten Free Variety. Image courtesy of Lakefront Brewery.

Lakefront Brewery ‘s newest variety pack goes against the grain.

The brewery recently announced the launch of its all gluten-free variety pack, which features three different beers: New Grist Pilsner, New Grist Gosa Rita and New Grist IPA.

The beers, while brewed without the traditional malted barley or wheat, are still full of flavor, said Master Brewer Luther Paul , who assures drinkers that the offerings taste just like any other beer. The only difference is they’re more inclusive for those with allergies.

“Our latest brewing process completely takes out any ‘ gluten -free weirdness’ and the liquid simply tastes like beer,” he said in a statement, “New Grist IPA is clean, smooth, and hoppy. I doubt anyone would think it was gluten -free from the taste.”

The same goes for the other two brews in the variety pack. The New Grist Pilsner, for example, “has been the gluten-free gold standard for years,” while the margarita-style Gosa Rita brings big flavor with a hit of lime and salt, said Michael Stodola , brewery brand manager for Lakefront.

“We’ve been constantly improving our gluten -free process, and these three beers are at the top of their game.”

But don’t just take Lakefront’s word. The beers have earned several awards in years past, with the Gosa Rita taking home top prize for gluten-free beers at the 2022 World Beer Cup. Meanwhile, the pilsner is a best-seller among Lakefront customers, while the IPA, launched earlier this year, has already made a splash in the local brewery scene.

All three beers are packaged together in Lakefront Brewery’s Gluten -Free Variety Pack — available in 12-packs wherever Lakefront products are sold.

Victor’s Is For Sale

After nearly six decades of service, Victor’s is seeking a new owner to operate the longtime tavern, or redevelop the property. Located along a bustling downtown stretch of N. Van Buren Street — across the street from the brand-new Nova apartment building and kitty-corner to Metro Market — the property is a desirable one, and hopeful buyers will have to produce a hefty sum to emerge, well, victorious. The business, furniture and fixtures are all included in the sale, along with the sprawling, one-story building that has housed Victor’s since the 1960s. The asking price is $1.9 million. The business and the building were developed by Victor Jones and his son Vic Jones , 68, has been the registered agent and lead operator for several years.

Read the full article

New Tavern, Old Time Sake, Coming to Riverwest

A new tavern planned for Riverwest would come with an air of nostalgia. At Old Time Sake , slated to open later this spring, patrons would be able to sip, socialize and sing along to their favorite throwback tunes — for old times’ sake. The upcoming bar is planned for 2221 N. Humboldt Ave. , a building that was most recently — albeit briefly — home to S-N-I Live . Owner Jimmy Simms said he hopes to curate an environment that would attract “an older, more soulful crowd.” “I don’t want it to get mistaken for a younger spot,” he said, adding that the establishment would likely enforce an age requirement of 30 years and up. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1597238472710-0'); });

‘Top Chef’ Premiere Dished Up Praise For Milwaukee, The Dairy State

Viewers across the nation got their first taste of the Wisconsin-centric ‘Top Chef’ season 21 on Wednesday evening, as fans tuned in from local taverns, restaurant-hosted watch parties or the comfort of their own living rooms — equipped, of course, with takeout to nosh during the show. But where was Milwaukee’s own cheftestant Dan Jacobs on premiere night? At Discovery World , walking the red carpet alongside his wife, Kate Riley , judges Gail Simmons and Tom Colicchio , host Kristen Kish , executive producer and showrunner Doneen Arquines and a handful of fellow competitors. The event was well-attended, with hundreds packing The Pavilion space to watch on the big screen as Jacobs and his cohort faced their first challenges. “I loved doing this, it was so much fun,” Jacobs said of his time on the show. “I can’t wait for everybody to see this. I’m so proud to be an ambassador for the city and for the state.”

New Bar and Hookah Lounge Opening Near 76th and Florist

A new bar and hookah lounge is preparing to open this weekend on the Northwest Side. Lush Social Lounge , 5938 N. 76th St. , will host a grand opening brunch on March 23, inviting guests to partake in bottomless mimosas, discount hookahs and live music. The event, set to begin at noon, will mark the culmination of several months of work from Givionte Mull , who will operate the business with co-owner Nicholas Bryant . Mull’s vision for the business has shifted over time as he’s received feedback from neighbors and, in turn, adapted his plans to align with their wants and needs.

New Cafe in Sherman Park Will Include Gathering Space

A pair of entrepreneurs are looking to venture into the hospitality industry, with plans to open a new restaurant and cafe in the Sherman Park neighborhood. But the owners hope to provide more than coffee, tea and pastries, envisioning a safe space for community members to gather, socialize, celebrate and mourn. Sherita Kelton and her sister, Candace , are working to open Lux 6 Off The Ave at 3710 W. Burleigh St. Sherita told Urban Milwaukee that the new business aims to fulfill a need in the neighborhood — one that she’s experienced personally. “We recently buried a loved one, and we had a hard time finding a space that was nice and affordable,” she said. “We believe that this restaurant can be offered as a space for that, as well as for repasts, weddings and bridal showers.” Through the new venture, the Keltons hope to provide comfort and hospitality to those who need it, so that nobody has to experience the same situation they did.

New Bar to Replace Angelo’s Piano Lounge

Angelo’s Piano Lounge is getting a fresh look and a new name, but it’ll be business as usual when it comes to tickling the ivories. That’s according to Donnie Dries , who recently purchased the former piano bar, 1686 N. Van Buren St. , with plans to open his own concept in the space. Dries, who operates his own painting and restoration company, is working to update the building with fresh flooring and minor repairs while maintaining the original feel of the piano bar, which first opened in 1989. The upcoming tavern will likely be christened Donnie’s, said Dries, though he said the name is not yet set in stone. A sure bet, however, is that the live music focus will remain. “We’re going to keep the piano deal going,” he said. “Because there’s a lot of folks who are interested in that.”

Tacos el Costeño Coming to Historic Mitchell Street

From Syria to Puerto Rico, and now Mexico, one building on Historic Mitchell Street has become a hub for global cuisine. Once the home of Damascus Gate , the building, 807 W. Historic Mitchell St., became La Ventanita , a Puerto Rican eatery , in early 2024. But the restaurant closed abruptly last month, making way for the latest concept, Tacos el Costeño . The upcoming restaurant is a project of Joaquin Vasquez Garcia , who operates a same-titled food truck near the intersection of S. 13th Street and W. Howard Avenue. The chef said he plans to offer a lineup of Mexican and American dishes at the new restaurant, with quick options including tacos, quesadillas, burritos and hamburgers stuffed with shaved meat from the trompo. The menu will also feature tlayudas (large, crispy tortillas filled with refried beans and other toppings), posole, menudo, sopes and huaraches (a thick, masa base topped with refried beans, meat, cheese and salsa).

Indeed Rolls Out THC Drinks

The launch of two new beverages has elevated Indeed Brewing Company ‘s offerings in more ways than one. THC-infused drinks officially hit the shelves in the Walker’s Point taproom last week, bringing a different type of buzz to the brewery’s lineup. The sparkling drinks are available in two flavors, each with their own dosage level. High Fiver, featuring 5 milligrams each of CBD and hemp-derived THC, offers subtle notes of citrus and lemongrass along with a gentle buzz, while the Double High Fiver brings a bigger boost with a bold strawberry flavor and 10 milligrams each of CBD and THC. Both options are available to purchase in 16-ounce cans from the taproom, 530 S. 2nd St. and online . The drinks are for to-go only. The Minneapolis-based brewery maintains a flourishing THC program at its Minnesota taproom, thanks to the state’s 2022 legalization of hemp-derived THC edibles. The rollout in Wisconsin, however, has come with unique challenges.

Two Downtown Bars Getting New Owners

For the past five years, Tim Sluga has been a friendly face at Nomad World Pub , where he serves as general manager and slings drinks during soccer matches. With additional experience at SportClub , O’Lydia’s and Monkey Bar , there’s no doubt that Sluga has found his niche in the service industry; however, he never envisioned himself as a tavern owner — much less the managing partner of two downtown bars. But that’s exactly what’s in store for Sluga, who, along with his two business partners, will purchase Duke’s on Water and the attached Scooter’s Pub at the end of the month. In his new role, Sluga said he hopes to reinvigorate the conjoined taverns, 154-158 E. Juneau Ave. , which are located at the heart of the Water Street bar district. The prospect excites Sluga, who sees endless potential in both the businesses and the broader neighborhood. “These are two bars that are sitting right there in the middle of the downtown district and we just want to kind of blow them back up again, to bring a little excitement back to Water Street,” he said. “There’s just so much opportunity there. We’re excited to get in there and get started.”

LP Releases New Menu of Thai, Laotian Dishes

LP , or Local Pub, debuted a new menu of Thai and Laotian dishes last week, introducing the crowds at Deer District to an expanded world of Asian bar food. The new concept, Thip Khao , was created in partnership with Brady Street ‘s Sticky Rice . It trades smashburgers for spring rolls and po’boys for papaya to bring authentic — yet approachable — Southeast Asian street foods to the downtown bar at  1137 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. And while the offerings draw inspiration from across the globe, the chef is as local as they come. Koson Saengphaphat is a 20-year veteran of the Milwaukee dining scene whose career includes work at Screaming Tuna , Lucky Ginger and others. Most recently, he spent two years honing his craft — and cheering on the Milwaukee Bucks — as a chef at Fiserv Forum . But Saengphaphat said he missed his time in restaurants. In particular, the daily interactions with guests. When he heard about the collaboration from friends at Sticky Rice, he jumped at the opportunity.

Highlands Café Is Easy to Love

Once in a while, if you are lucky, you discover a neighborhood café where the food is delicious and the vibe is cheerful, friendly, and welcoming. This happened when friends and I made a serendipitous discovery after we took a walk in Wauwatosa and came upon Highlands Café . One visit led to two and here is what we found. In this café at the corner of 60th and Vliet, they serve unfussy meals (breakfast and lunch) made with local ingredients and if you like classic dishes in a café setting, you will be delighted with this place. It has more than a dozen tables and a bar where customers both eat and drink. We were told a group of regulars sits at the bar every Friday and as were there on a Friday, we noted they were enjoying a rollicking good time. Along with the usual list of coffee selections, there are a couple of unusual concoctions: a Grasshopper, a Turtle Mocha, and a Mexican Mocha. There is also a short list of adult beverages such as a Bloody Mary, An Apple Whiskey Old Fashioned, a Vliet Street Margarita, and a Blue Daly, a combination of Vodka, Blueberry Iced Tea and Lemonade. Or, you can have a basic Mimosa, a Beermosa, or a Peach Mango Mimosa. You might have a hard time deciding on what to order for lunch when you see the tempting choices on the menu. My Short Rib and Grilled Cheese, filled with plenty of beefy meat, melted pepperjack, and smoky onion marmalade, was rich, spicy, and juicy. The onion marmalade pulled all the flavors together into one big messy sandwich. If you appreciate a very cheesy grilled cheese, this is the one you will dream about.

Sports-Focused Tavern Slated To Replace Gene’s Supper Club

A northside bar and restaurant could get new life under a proposal from  Rickey Adams , who hopes to open a sports-focused lounge in the building. Adams, a first-time tavern owner, recently filed a license application for Power Lounge & Grill at 4323 N. 60th St. , the former site of Gene’s Supper Club . He said the establishment will provide a comfortable environment for guests to hang out, socialize and watch sporting events while enjoying a full range of alcoholic beverages and pub fare. “I just wanted to be part of the nightlife,” Adams said. “To serve food and just entertain, pretty much.”

Entrepreneurship Week Celebrates Women, Non-Binary Business Owners

Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) will return for its eighth year this spring, bringing hundreds of female and non-binary entrepreneurs together over a five-day span to share wisdom, stoke inspiration and celebrate success. This year’s event, set for May 6 through 10, triples the amount of programming from last year, offering a minimum of four sessions each day and a lineup of more than 65 speakers. Throughout the week, attendees can expect to participate in interactive workshops and listen to keynote speakers — all while networking with fellow entrepreneurs. The event’s presenting sponsor is  Summit Credit Union . With a theme of “Building the Table,” WEW 2024 plans to emphasize new connections, innovation and community growth, said Stephanie Melnick   who leads the event through her organization, She Stands Tall, LLC. Melnick is also an attorney and owner of Melnick & Melnick, S.C.

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Try these great cities for a beer-cation, from Minnesota to Memphis and in Missouri

Vacations revolve around all manner of experiences. Trips center on thrills and trust falls, landmark sites and scenic vistas. And some travelers choose to plan with great meals, unique wines or other refreshments in mind.

If you're a beer enthusiast, perhaps a beer-cation of sorts sits on your horizon line: why not visit an area with great breweries to check out between other stops — or hot spots you'll squeeze in between breweries? Here are just a few of the terrific beer destinations within a day's drive of Columbia.

Stick to Missouri with breweries in Kansas City and St. Louis

Spend less on gas or stay with a friend — saving more money for libations — by keeping your trip within Missouri's borders. Our Interstate 70 neighbors, along with the great beers right here in Columbia and elsewhere, help make this a great beer state.

St. Louis bears a number of excellent spots, including 2nd Shift, 4 Hands, Civil Life, Rockwell, Schlafly and Urban Chestnut.

To the west of us, Kansas City houses Midwest leaders like Boulevard, as well as promising places like Brewery Emperial, Casual Animal, Double Shift and Strange Days.

North to the Twin Cities and Wisconsin

The Twin Cities know good beer, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro is a lovely place to hang. In 2022, PorchDrinking.com's Adam Rozanas compiled his list of the area's best breweries . Among them: Modist Brewing, Fulton Beer ("one of the oldest and largest craft breweries in the state post-Prohibition") and Upper Midwest great Surly Brewing Co.

Of course, another of our northern friends, Wisconsin, is beer country too. Among TripAdvisor's recommendations are household names such as Miller and Leinenkugel's in Milwaukee and Chippewa Falls, respectively, as well as the glorious New Glarus in its namesake town and Lakefront, also in Milwaukee.

South to Memphis

Not just a great music city, but a quality beer city, Memphis features a number of spots worth checking out. Memphistravel.com points out the likes of Ghost River Brewing — which prides itself on brewing with local water, Wiseacre Brewing Co. and Grind City Brewing, among others. The site also offers guidance about how to visit other local landmarks while leaving time for some cold brews.

East to Indianapolis

Axios writer John Frank sold me on Indiana's capital with his brewery tour in words . Among the appealing options: the expansive Sun King campus; Metazoa — which Frank tabbed "possibly the most dog-friendly brewery you'll find with its own dog park and a pledge to donate 5% of its profits to animal and wildlife organizations"; Guggman Haus ("part racing museum and part brewery"); and Taxman City Way with its "old-world Belgian beers."

West to Denver

OK, we get it — Denver is a long day's drive (10 1/2 hours at the fastest, according to Google Maps, with a time change in the mix). But the mile-high beer is enticing. At denver.org, Visit Denver has created a beer trail map divided into neighborhoods; among the most intriguing options are classics like Great Divide and Left Hand as well as Latino-owned brewpub Raíces Brewing Co. and aviation-themed FlyteCo Brewing.

Farther-flung breweries to dream about

Some breweries might exist more than a day's drive from Columbia, but provide fodder for dream trips. If you're willing to plan a longer trek, feel free to pilfer from my running list:

• Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., located across the country from itself in Chico, California and Mills River, North Carolina, creates standards and standouts, including their classic pale ale and seasonal Bigfoot barleywine.
• A Midwest staple, Kalamazoo, Michigan's Bell's Brewery offers wondrous regulars such as Two Hearted IPA and Oberon, and limited-time brews like Hopslam.
• Brewery Ommegang calls out for at least two reasons — the great beer and proximity to the Baseball Hall of Fame, sharing a Cooperstown, New York address.
• With beer names over the years like ET Stay Home, Even More Jesus and Christmas Eve at a New York City Hotel Room, the folks behind New York City's Evil Twin Brewing just seem like a cool hang.

Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at [email protected] or by calling 573-815-1731.   He's on Twitter/X @aarikdanielsen.