Samantha & Tim
Things To Do
Milwaukee Brewing Company
MKE Brewing got its start as the Milwaukee Ale House in 1997. The opening of its expansive Ninth Street location in late 2018 was a big move for one of Milwaukee’s earliest craft breweries. The modern, airy and bright space includes the Glass + Griddle restaurant and is a short walk to the Fiserv Forum. All of that makes it worth a trip.
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Take a trip back in history to a Pabst Brewing complex that almost went the way of the dinosaur. They don’t brew Pabst Blue Ribbon here, but they are recreating old recipes like Andeker and Old Tankard Ale. Those brews seem to be right at home in a stunningly renovated church that dates back to the late 1800s. The brewpub is a big part of the resurgence of an area that was nearly left for dead after Pabst pulled up stakes in 1996.
Third Space Brewing
Third Space was founded by friends Kevin Wright and Andy Gehl, both Milwaukee natives. Wright, the brewmaster, produces beer across a variety of styles. With five core offerings, rotating specialty beers, and a series of seasonal options, there’s something for every kind of drinker.
Eagle Park Brewing
Eagle Park has quickly risen to national prominence with its Instagram-worthy milkshake IPAs and fruited sours. While those styles may have been led by East Coast breweries a year or two ago, Eagle Park makes a case that the midwest is ripe for a hype takeover.
Hacienda Beer Co. North Ave Taproom
Another brewery worthy of national acclaim, Hacienda won us over with balanced yet flavorful hazy IPAs and restrained and nuanced farmhouse ales. Although they produce their beer in Baileys Harbor, the spin-off of Door County Brewing Co. recently opened a gorgeous taproom in Milwaukee proper.
1840 Brewing Company
1840 Brewing Co. confused us at first. I first tried their Peanut Butter and Jelly sour ale (which was exceptional by the way). That beer screamed new-school hype machine, but the branding felt subtle and traditional. There was a palpable disconnect. But, I soon realized that instead of being contradictory, 1840 was demonstrating their reach. They could nail a big fruited sour and a small, delicate grisette. It’s truly magical.
Good City Brewing
Rounding out our choices for the best breweries in Milwaukee, Good City Brewing sports two locations serving up delicious beer in stylish and understated cans. Plus, both locations offer mouth-watering food that pairs perfectly with whatever happens to be on tap.
Broken Bat Brewing Co.
You like baseball as much as owners Tim Pauly and Dan McElwee. The unique downstairs space in the heart of the Third Ward has Cream City brick walls and is adorned with baseball-themed beer labels made by Mindspike Design. Broken Bat has ventured into barrel aging and a slew of different styles, but pale ales are often the most plentiful tap selections.