Things To Do in Milwaukee for Beer Lovers
Must-visit brewery tours, craft beer and microbreweries, and the coolest bars in the area.
As a city with a rich beer and brewing history, Milwaukee has an abundance of opportunities for beer enthusiasts to explore, drink, and enjoy the city. Whether you’re visiting Milwaukee for the weekend or live in the area, we invite you to let loose and discover the breweries, bars, and restaurants that make Milwaukee a popular destination for those seeking unforgettable brews, exciting eats, and stunning lake Michigan views. Here are our picks for things you must do in Milwaukee if you love beer…
Brewery Tours and Tastings
Beer lovers, it’s time to plan your Milwaukee brewery tour map! These are some of the best-loved and oldest breweries in the city.
Sprecher Brewery
701 W. Glendale Ave. Milwaukee (414) 964-2739
sprecherbrewery.com
Sprecher Brewing Co. is known as the oldest craft brewery in Milwaukee and is famous for its fire-brewed sodas and beers, which are popular nationwide. Visit their taproom, sign up for a brewery tour, or catch them at their traveling beer garden.
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St. Milwaukee (414) 372-8800
lakefrontbrewery.com
Ranked as one of the top five best brewery tours in the country by TripAdvisor, the Lakefront Brewery Tour is a must-do if you’re in the area. Tours are offered every day and include two 16-oz. pours and a souvenir pint glass to take home with you. Visiting them on a Friday? Don’t forget to try their famous Fish Fry!
The Bavarian Bierhaus
700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale (414) 236-7000
thebavarianbierhaus.com
A German beer hall that will become your new favorite destination! Enjoy their vast menu, beer garden, free brewery tours, and variety of events hosted throughout the year.
Black Husky Brewing Company
909 E. Locust St., Milwaukee (414) 509-8855
blackhuskybrewing.com
If you’re looking for a dog-friendly taproom, you’ve found it! Black Husky Brewing was started in 2010 in a small log cabin. Inspired by the dogs in their son’s sled dog kennel, co-founders Tim and Toni Eichinger named the brewery after their beloved husky, Howler. Bring your canine friend along and try their unique and famous “Sproose 2,” a pine-flavored IPA. Tours of their craft brewery are offered on Saturdays.
City Lights Brewing Company
2200 W. Mt. Vernon Ave., Milwaukee (414) 436-1011
citylightsbrewing.com
The perfect stop for historic architecture lovers! The brewery is located in the 115-year-old Milwaukee Gas Light Company building, originally designed by architect A.C. Eschweiler, to facilitate the coal gasification process, which provided the coal gas used to light Milwaukee’s street lamps. The building offers a unique background for modern-day brewing. Visit them for a brewery tour or taproom drinks and food.
Milwaukee Brewing Co.
1128 N. 9th St. Milwaukee (414) 226-2337
mkebrewing.com
With a state-of-the art brewery on 9th Street and an Ale House on N. Water Street, Milwaukee Brewing Co. has an established, sought-after presence in the city. They’re committed to sustainability and ethics, in addition to the art of brewing tasty droughts like MKE IPA and Hop Freak. Public Brewery tours start at $15!
Third Space Brewery
1505 W. St. Paul Ave. Milwaukee (414) 909-2337
thirdspacebrewing.com
Third Space Brewing proudly wears medals like a gold and silver from the Great American Beer Festival® and Best of Milwaukee 2017-2019, and it’s easy to see why they won. Their beers are diverse and fun, with names like Happy Place and Hazetastic. Check them out and enjoy a brewery tour, their tap room, and the beer garden!
Must-Try Restaurants
Hungry for more? Head to these fan-favorite Milwaukee eateries for a good bite of Wisconsin’s best food!
Sherman Phoenix
3536 W. Fond Du Lac Ave. Milwaukee (262) 228-6021
shermanphoenix.com
A Milwaukee landmark since 1936, Solly’s “butter burgers,” have been named to USA Today’s “America’s Top 10 Best Burgers” list and featured on Food Network and the Travel Channel.
La Merenda
125 E. National Ave. Milwaukee, (414) 389-0125
lamerenda125.com
In Italian, “La Merenda” means early snack, and refers “to an Italian custom of early evening socializing and gathering to share food and drink amongst friends and family.” Can you think of anything better than enjoying locally-sourced tapas with a brew from Lakefront Brewery and your favorite people? Us, either.
Clock Shadow Creamery
138 W. Bruce St. Milwaukee, (414) 273-9711
clockshadowcreamery.com
Dubbed an “urban cheese factory,” this curd shop is best at just that—cheese curds. Clock Shadow won Eater’s coveted “best cheese curds in Milwaukee” title. Eater says, “Try the quark, the queso blanco, or a truly grown-up grilled cheese.” It’s takeout only, so grab some Clock Shadow and do a cheesy night at home with friends and family.
Historic Beer and Brewing Sites
Milwaukee is known as “Brew City” thanks to a rich history of being one of the country’s biggest beer production towns. Here’s how you can get a refreshing taste of this big beer history.
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
917 W. Juneau Ave. Milwaukee, (414) 630-1609
bestplacemilwaukee.com
Visit Milwaukee says beer lovers should definitely head to the Pabst Brewery to enjoy retro beer commercials, ice cold beer, and the former Pabst Corporate offices, which include Captain Pabst’s office, the Blue Ribbon Hall, and cozy Captain’s Courtyard.
Pabst Mansion
2000 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee, (414) 931-0808
pabstmansion.com
The Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion is a piece of both Wisconsin and beer history. Though built in 1892, it’s still capturing the hearts of brew lovers and architecture aficionados today. It’s also the only fully-restored beer baron’s home in America. Take in the Gilded Age mansion’s incredible woodwork, priceless artworks, and undeniable personality.
Love our list of things to do in Milwaukee for beer lovers? You must really be a brew fan.
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