Al Ringling Brewing

 

This is ground zero for much of the town’s Ringling Brothers circus theme. Historic, a bit charming, with a bar, tables, and an outdoor Biergarten, though we stayed inside on this warm, humid, and somewhat rainy evening.

Service was fast and friendly. The beer selection was good; and the beer quality was adequate, though nothing to write home about.

It was Thursday “Dance Night,” and those who were dancing to the recorded music appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it!

We’d hoped to have dinner, but the grill had already closed, though we arrived an hour before the closing time listed on the website. All they could serve us was huge pretzels, which were quite good, especially with the sweet butter dip; but yes, we did leave hungry (!).

I was surprised to be hit with a 20% “Large Party Gratuity” in that our group was four adults and three kids all under age 4, and all we were served was beer and pretzels.

 

Semi-annual "Escape from the Dells" trip. This is a cool space, and would probably be more interesting as a historical tour than brewpub visit. The beer was honestly nothing special, and one was downright undrinkable, their "family recipe" historical ale which was heavy on the sulfur.

Large red stone mansion with grandiose entrances and fineries abounding in the decor. Gold leafed this and that, gaudy remnants of the Gilded Age. Large portrait of Ringling on the wall walking in. You'd think this guy discovered the polio vaccine or something, but his family just started a circus.

Giant space with a long bar to one side and communal seating in the middle similar to a high school cafeteria. Up on the stage was the brewhouse with interesting murals. It sort of felt like an old gymnasium. There was a beer garden outdoors with picnic tables.

Service was timely at the bar, though the tender didn't really understand why someone would collect beer coasters when I offered to buy one, then handed me a wet one off the top of the pile. Paired well with their soggy flight boards, the tiny pilsner glasses were all sitting in a half inch of beer, which then dripped all over everything. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine. They haven't heard of rinsing glasses I guess.

Beer quality was average to below average. There was the aforementioned undrinkable "historical ale", and an average Kölsch, Porter, and a decent fruit beer. Might give them another chance some other time to try different beers, but it wasn't really a promising first experience here. Tumbled Rock is the better brewpub in town. Check out the Man Mound Park outside of town for a cool piece of ancient history.

This is a pretty cool spot. It is a large beer hall located in a gilded age era mansion owned by one of the Ringling Brothers from the circus fame. It is located just off the town square.

As you enter, the ordering station for the food is to your left. It looks like an interesting menu, but we just had a dessert empanada, so I will wait till I have full meal to review that portion of the brewery.

The beer hall is huge and I am guessing it used to be the ball room for the mansion. The long bar runs along one wall and along the opposite wall is balcony seating that is maybe 15' wide.

There is a stage at one end and at the back of the stage is a huge multi colored Wurlitzer circus organ. At the other end are the brewing kettles and tanks.

There are long community tables and some smaller ones as well. They have both circus and beer memorabilia on display.

At least during my visit, there was no table service so went to the bar for beers. They had about 7 house beers and a couple of guest taps. I really enjoyed the Alt and the porter. Full pints are $5 and you can also get 4 and 10 oz sizes.

They have live entertainment several night a week and guy we saw was very good.

I will return and look forward to checking out their beer garden. They are also going to have part of the mansion as a boutique hotel which should be a nice addition to downtown Baraboo.