Beer Towns » Milwaukee
DRAFT Beer Town: Milwaukee
By Tim Cigelske
Breweries, bratwurst and blue collars made Milwaukee famous. Today, the city has astonishingly more to offer, yet it stays true to its Brew-City roots.
Appeared in: July/August 2007 Issue
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Bars
Palm Tavern2989 S Kinnickinnic Ave
Milwaukee WI
A night at the Palm Tavern is a must for any serious beer drinker. This hidden gem in a humble building boasts an astronomical selection of about 200 beers, the majority of which are Belgian ales. If you get overwhelmed by the choices, the experienced bartenders will help you narrow the menu down and make the right picks.
414.744.0393.
Paddy’s Pub
2339 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee WI
Paddy’s Irish hospitality starts with the friendly owners who greet you at the gate and serve up a Guinness. The décor resembles a living room more than a bar, and the outdoor patio is one of the most festive in the city. Don’t forget to ask for the complimentary baskets of Chex mix and peanut M&M’s.
Gene and Marcy’s Holler House
2042 W Lincoln Ave
Milwaukee WI
Now in her 80s, Holler House owner Marcy Skowronski retains as much colorful bluntness as ever while serving up bottles of Miller High Life, cans of Schlitz or imported Polish beer Zywiec. Ask her nicely and she might show you downstairs, home to the oldest sanctioned bowling alley in the country.
414.647.9284.
The Jazz Estate
2423 N. Murray Ave.
Milwaukee WI
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the 1920s at this low-key hideaway. In addition to bringing in national jazz acts, the Estate is home to the electrifying Tuesday night house band, The Erotic Adventures of the Static Chicken. Their sound is almost as audacious as their name, incorporating funk, jazz, blues and rock, completely improvised.
Wolski’s Tavern
1836 N. Pulaski St.
Milwaukee WI
Wolski’s is your classic rickety dive bar that stuck around long enough to gain iconic status. The beer is cheap, the décor is nonexistent and the atmosphere is colored by salty locals. Stay until bar time and you earn the right to the famous “I closed Wolski’s” bumper sticker, worn as a badge of honor on less-than-luxury vehicles around town—and in the most unlikely locations all over the world.
Brewpubs
Lakefront Brewery1872 Commerce Street
Milwaukee WI
You haven’t lived until you’ve danced the polka alongside an old lady at Lakefront Brewery’s Friday night fish fry. Then, enjoy small-batch brews ranging from traditional (Eastside Dark) to imaginative (Pumpkin Lager) to inspired (ESB Organic Ale).
Miller Brewing Co.
4000 W State St.
Milwaukee WI
“In the beginning,” booms a manly voice, “there was Miller time.” No, it’s not the Almighty. It’s the High Life guy narrating the tour of the sprawling Miller complex. Sights of the pro-guided tour include Frederick Miller’s original Milwaukee brewery, old underground storage caves and fresh, free beer at the end.
Sprecher Brewing Co.
701 W. Glendale Ave.
Glendale WI
You’re getting a taste of Milwaukee’s brewing heritage when you tour Sprecher. Literally. The Bavarian murals, museum of breweries past and folksy tour guides make you feel like this is what Brew City is all about.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 North Water Street
Milwaukee WI
“Ale’s what cures ya” is the motto at this laid-back brewpub. Grab the signature Louie’s Demise, a Sheepshead Stout or one of the session beers with equally colorful names like the Rye I Oughta. For the best seat in the house snag a table on the riverfront patio.
Water Street Brewery
1101 N. Water Street
Milwaukee WI
Pick up a Water Street Brewery growler: Just $8 fills a half-gallon jug, and $6 refills it with brews like Honey Lager Light. The brewpub is also worth a visit solely to see its massive beer memorabilia collection, which includes cans and relics from dozens of bygone breweries.
Leinenkugel’s 10th Street Brewery
124 E. Elm Street
Chippewa Falls WI
While Leinenkugel’s major, nearly 140-year-old facility is located in Chippewa Falls, Wis., the 10th Street Brewery in Milwaukee was constructed to keep up with demand for the brewer’s beers. There aren’t organized tours, but we’ve heard if you give ’em a ring, they might let you in for a private glimpse at the operations.
Dine
Sobelman’s Pub & Grill1900 W. St. Paul Ave.
Milwaukee WI
There’s plenty of competition for the title, but it’s hard to deny Sobelman’s claim that it serves Milwaukee’s best burger. You can watch the all-beef patties being prepared on the “grill cam” before devouring the signature Sobelman Burger. Want more? It’s not on the menu, but you can order as many patties on a single bun as you can handle. Then wash it all down with a stacked Bloody Mary that’s almost a meal in itself.
www.milwaukeesbestburgers.com.
Pizza Man
1800 E. North Ave.
Milwaukee WI
Don’t let the scrolling marquee outside the building and the uninspired name fool you into thinking Pizza Man is a greasy spoon. It has both one of the best deep-dish pizzas and the largest selection of wine by the glass in town. Parking tends to be tight around this popular nightspot, but look for the free and underused library lot one block east.
Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Milwaukee WI
If you’ve yet to experience custard, you’re in for a treat—think ice cream but smoother, richer and creamier. Sample the flavor of the day at this local chain and watch the dessert being made in front of you. It’s especially delicious with a thick Kopp’s cheeseburger.
Beans & Barley
1901 E. North Ave.
Milwaukee WI
Beans and Barley was serving organic and natural food long before most people had even heard the terms. More than two decades after opening, it’s still a popular hangout for Bohemians, the health conscious and those who just like a damn tasty tuna melt on whole-grain bread.
Glorioso Brothers Co.
1020 E. Brady St.
Milwaukee WI
There’s probably no better bargain in the city than Glorioso’s Italian meatball sandwich for $2.75. Founded just after World War II by three brothers that still run the place, the grocery store and deli has an authentic Old World feel. From here you can walk to the lake and have a picnic with its delicious bread, meats, cheeses and fruit.
414.272.0540.
Do
Summer festivalsMilwaukee WI
Milwaukee is known as the city of festivals for its virtually nonstop ethnic celebrations held all summer long. The fests serve both to celebrate various cultures and to allow locals to party next to beautiful Lake Michigan. The hugely popular Irish, Italian, Polish and German festivals are the largest of their kind in the country.
Wisconsin State Fair
640 South 84th Street
West Allis WI
If you want to get out of the city and experience rural Wisconsin character, the state fair (Aug. 2 through 12) is the place to go. The hallmarks of this extravaganza are fried foods on a stick, farm animals as far as the eye can see and the ever-present cream puff. It’s hard to leave without getting your fill of all of them.
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Museum Drive
Milwaukee WI
The new Milwaukee Art Museum building is pushing to become the face of the city and with good reason. Finished in 2001, the stunning addition by architect Santiago Calatrava looks like a gigantic bird coming in for a landing over Lake Michigan. Stop by at noon to watch the impressive display of the movable “wings” closing and opening, then go inside to see art by the likes of Renoir, Picasso and Warhol.
Harley History
11700 W. Capitol Drive
Wauwatosa WI
Milwaukee is the birthplace and headquarters of the classic American bike: the Harley Davidson. Free tours of Harley’s factory are offered five days a week in the suburb of Wauwatosa. If you don’t get enough chrome and leather there, stop at the House of Harley in Greenfield. At 50,000 square feet it’s one of the largest Harley motorcycle and memorabilia merchandisers in the world.
Coffee at the lake
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive
Milwaukee WI
Alterra at the lake arguably offers Milwaukee’s best spot for people watching as well as the top locally roasted cup of coffee. The outdoor patio is packed in the summer with a melting pot of every segment of Milwaukee’s demographics. The sights also include boats docking and leaving the busy marina across the street.
Other
SummerfestMilwaukee WI
It’s the world’s biggest music festival. Period. The 11-day musical orgy (June 28 to July8) features everything from cover bands playing side stages at noon to bona fide superstars at the amphitheater to surprisingly stirring street musicians and absolutely everything in between. Oh, and one hell of a lot of beer.
Points East Pub
1501 North Jackson Street
Milwaukee WI
The Points East Pub’s brand-new stage area is carefully calibrated to have the best sound possible. It’s not wasted space, either: The bar and intimate venue consistently bring in quality acts ranging from alt-country to metal, but mostly good old rock ’n’ roll. Enjoy it with $1 PBRs on Wednesdays or the pub’s hugely popular 35-cent wings on Thursdays.
Jazz in the Park
Milwaukee WI
Nothing says summer in Milwaukee more than outdoor music concerts. Thursday night in the summer means that Cathedral Square Park teems with trendy young professionals sitting back, relaxing and taking in mellow tunes. For a less crowded alternative, check out River Rhythms at Pere Marquette Park on Wednesday nights.
Mad Planet
533 E. Center St
Milwaukee WI
This hipster club’s claim to fame includes hosting the Arcade Fire long before they became an indie sensation. The intimate venue is one of the main arteries of Milwaukee’s small but vibrant local music scene, but its biggest draw may be its crazy dance party ’80s nights.
Pabst Theater
144 E. Wells Street
Milwaukee WI
This is the go-to venue in town for “respected” artists—David Byrne, Willie Nelson and Jeff Tweedy have all played here. The gorgeously restored building, constructed in 1895 by Captain Frederick Pabst and now a National Historic Landmark, matches the musicianship perfectly.
Sleep
Ambassador Hotel2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee WI
A major renovation recently restored the nearly 80-year-old Ambassador from a landmark in decline to one of the grandest buildings in town. Now travelers visit just to check out the gleaming Art Deco décor. The weekend jazz in the bar is worth an evening in.
Intercontinental Milwaukee
139 E. Kilbourn Ave.
Milwaukee WI
Another newly refinished hotel, the Intercontinental gained a sleek makeover and a trendy new restaurant, Kil@wat. If you’re in town for business, you can’t find a better location closer to all the downtown action.
www.intercontinentalmilwaukee.com.
County Clare Inn
1234 N. Astor St.
Milwaukee WI
You’re not just getting a cozy room when you book County Clare; you’re getting a taste of the Emerald Isle. The classy downstairs restaurant and pub has authentic Irish food, bartenders with Irish brogues and traditional music on the weekends. You won’t want to leave, and the best part is you don’t have to.
The Pfister Hotel
424 East Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee WI
Even after a century, the Pfister still sets the standard for luxury Milwaukee hotels. Since 1893, the high-class hotel has hosted dignitaries, celebrities and the upper crust. Even if you’re not staying here it’s nice to stop in for a drink at the 23rd-floor bar, Blu.
The Acanthus Inn Bed & Breakfast
3009 W. Highland Blvd.
Milwaukee WI
The Acanthus Inn is one of the most interesting places to stay in Milwaukee. Located in a historic neighborhood on Milwaukee’s West side, this 1897 mansion has the usual B&B amenities like breakfast and personable hosts, but it also boasts a prime, close-to-downtown location. Plus, it’s nearly within stumbling distance from the Miller brewery tour, which could come in handy.
www.milwaukee-bed-and-breakfast.com.
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