Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

 

 

On long weekend vacation, I visited this brewpub with my family. It is typical of the Rock Bottom Chain. Located on the RiverWalk, the outside seating was full, so we sat at a booth inside. Prompt service, decent beer, and just okay food. The beer selection was unambitious, but the Oktoberfest that I had was reasonably tasty. I had a chicken Caesar salad. It was lowest-common-denomination food - flavorless. Just okay.

This was our first stop on a recent group outing to Milwaukee. We went for a latish lunch and beers.

The location with the riverside terrace is awesome. Inside the space has a few different seating areas including a raised portion. The bar is along the riverside. Inside it is kind of standard RB with lots of dark wood and brass. It looks a bit lived in but I am ok with that.
Our server was super friendly but slow. Like waiting 10 minutes after we ordered beers and we were only 5’ from the serving station. Not sure if it was her or the bartender. She did give put samples of their new hazy IPA so points there.

I thought the beers were the highlight. They had the standard RB beers plus some decent specials. Their Kolsch was very good.

Food was standard RB, good but not great. It took a long time to come out and the place was maybe 15% full. Maybe they were not expecting a post lunch crowd.

I would go back for the beers and hope for better service. That patio would be great in nice weather.

 

 

 

 

 

Over on the MIlwaukee River, downtown, you get the Rock Bottom, a chain of Midwest brewpubs. Lots of old school wood trimmings for the atmosphere, sports meets pub. Large inside and patio area. Quality is average as can be. Nothing disgusting, nothing to die for.

Service seems pretty meh about their job/beer. Selection is the normal stuff. I think the pub good is slightly above average.

 

 

lots & lots Of fine Beers Ck out all the Taps and on the water too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Same beers as at most of the franchise, but the location is great, right on the river walk.Food is very good.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stop #404 on my world brewery tour.

Yeah, it's a chain - I know. Been to quite a few RB's when there's not much else to choose from. Always liked the ability of the brewer to create some of their own creations. In this case, I went with a very well done spiced pumpkin ale. Imperial pint was too much as a night cap so while it was very good, I wasn't able to drink the whole thing.

Got the fish taco small plate which was tasty.

Server was nice but as is expected, not a beer connoisseur. There was a high school team of about 40 people who came in after me and she made sure my food order got in before them.

 

 

For those passing by the river in downtown Milwaukee, this is a convenient stop. And for those who work nearby, I certainly understand the positives. It is a large, bright space, that is good for groups. And they have a full bar, so your colleagues who do not like beer, can order a scotch, cosmo or whatever.
Beer was alright, but nothing great that I tried while there. The scotch ale, I feel was one of their better offerings. A good way to start a bar crawl and maybe eat some pub grub. Friendly staff helped make the visit a positive one.

Had the Bourbonzola burger with chips and a pint of Rock Bottom IPA. Beer was good but the burger was excellent. The Jim Beam glaze was outstanding and the Gorgonzola cheese added a lot of flavor. The chips were kind of chewy and I did not finish my portion.

Service was decent, waitress recommended the burger and said it was her favorite. Atmosphere was pretty average, I went during lunch hour so there were a lot of business professionals. There were plenty of tv's to catch all the March Madness action.

The Mug Club is a pretty cool idea to sample all of their beers. I also am looking forward to their tap parties. I will definitely be back there in a couple of weeks. I will also recommend to friends and family.

This place is your prototypical chain, and even a plainer one than most. It was packed to the gills on a Saturday night, at least 40-50 people waiting, all inside because it was pretty cold out.

I just stayed long enough to finish a sampler of the 9 beers with friends. It is actually not the worst brewpub stuff but the lager was diacetyl-ridden. The ales were all done to an average quality but nothing was really terrible.

The bartender I had was attractive and attentive, there was one other there that was not so much.

Overall a weak place if you are going for beer and atmosphere but good if you want a cheap fix.

Stoped in here with a group of friends recently. It's a chain and everyone knows it. They aren't trying to be anything other than that so I give credit.

Typical brew pub. Tons of pub tables, high back chairs and booths. Smallish bar. Plenty of TV's to check the scores. We popped in downstairs to see what was happening. Unfortunately it was filled with what seemed like a frat party. Loud music, beer pong and a fullly packed bar. Immediate 180 back up the stairs we went.

Service in the main bar was decent. We didn't eat while visiting this time. However I have eaten here before and it's solid pub grub.

Overall I'm not a big fan of the place but it serves it's purpose.