Need Wisconsin Recs (2025)

i was last there in may 2019. i was a big fan of the bocks and used to trade for them back in the mid 00's. as someone above said the beer was OFF, like not a new recipe but an undesirable flavor. across the board but especially notable in the blonde doppelbock as that was my jam and i knew the flavor well. also, it was a chilly early may day and the guy made me sit outside at a picnic table instead of inside at the pub. i was one of maybe 4 people in the entire yard.

as far as working draft goes, i do think that it is very good but definitely doesn't hold a candle to new glarus. i haven't read the reviews but if they're less than 4.0 thats nonsense. their beers are clean and crispy but some lagers i've tried seem like quick-turnaround rather than extended lagering. and i get why. on a side note, they made a hoppy belgian golden called year-round tan that is the best of that style that i've ever had.

 

so funny you say this. same trip where i had those bad capital beers is when i first visited WBC and had the vacation pilsner, which was my fav beer of the trip. they actually just replied to my DM on IG and it may be back in time for my trip in a few weeks..

 

TRIP REPORT (as promised):

i'll keep em short since i hit a lot of places. thanks everyone again for your help!

Cafe Hollander (Brookfield & Downer): Oh hell yes. Right up my alley. Brookfield was the superior location for me of the two based on size and taplists, although parking sucks in that outdoor mini-mall area. The variety of belgian beers on draft was just amazing. Wish the food was less generic but whatever. Great rec.
Tyranena (Lake Mills): beers are still as good as i remember. boy does that inside need a facelift and a paint job!! friendly bartenders got my trip started off right
Sunshine Brewing (Lake Mills): tight bar with lots of cozy seating out back. the beers were solid but more people raved about the tacos. owner was bartending and seemed really passionate. more interesting part of town than tyranena. learned about the pyramid.
BarleyPop (Madison): felt a very 'regulars rule' vibe here. taplist was fine. the outside patio is a little bit of a joke. could have skipped this stop but it's a nice walk from downtown.
Potosi (Potosi): brewerania museum made the trip out there worthwhile. really good cheese curds and friendly staff. the beers are classic brewpub beers. nothing innovative. really neat location if you're in to buildings. the driftless area was also neat to drive through
Working Draft (Madison): yeah it's amazing still. every beer was clean and delicious, knowledgeable staff. good landjaeger. comedy show was terrible but that's not their fault.
New Glarus (New Glarus): i don't mind the new/old location. it kind of makes it seem like a small regional brewery which i liked. cabin fever was delicious. bought a bunch of swag. happy to see they are still doing full pours there.. no info on the website about that
Puempel's (New Glarus): sassy waitresses, classic euro pub feel, weird but tasty cheese curds, three cold taps of NG. great place to spend the NG free beer token! best vibe of the three old taverns in NG IMO
Vintage (Madison area): hit the madison east and west locations. the places decor gives uber generic 2010 restaurant/brewpub and time keeps making that worse, but the beers are some of the best in town to me. had a great maibock as well as a killer smoked porter
Woodman's (several): still the best for hotel room food and beer stockup. also checked out sendik's and a local whole foods and Woodman's the best by a mile
Sprecher (Glendale): They got pizza now?!? Beers were better than I remember and they were sampling a 2010-ish bottled braggot that was really good as well. Still the same depressed looking crowd of old people though. Mostly soda fans I think.
Central Waters (Milwaukee): For such a beautiful old building, they really made it look super generic inside. The beers are good though and while I don't hit BA beers much, nostalgia had me doing some high ABV sampling w/ no complaints. Service was a little snooty here.
Old German Beer Hall (Milwaukee): thanks to whoever suggested this. fantastic food, clean lines and proper glassware. friendly servers. cool atmosphere. maibock for days. three brat chili insane. A+
Inventors Brewpub (Port Washington): probably the only less-than-average place i went. beer was not good, staff ambivalent, terrible country music playing the whole time. location is cool but not when foggy as hell outside.
Foxtown (Mequon): someone told me not to go here. no idea why. they had delicious lagers, a bright open space, friendly servers (the lady with the crazy hair was dope af) and the cave tour was a highlight of my trip. can't recommend it enough! beautiful dopplebock and maple amber here.
Von Trier (Milwaukee): closed until further notice. wtf. this is why i ended up at 3 sheeps.
3 Sheeps/Triple Taproom (Milwaukee): hipster spot for sure. was rather loud with a dj and lots of activity. beers were fine, food was super tasty, recommend the chips & queso. wasn't excited about a second beer but had a cocktail instead which was really good.
Hubbard Park Beer Garden (Milwaukee): hours posted on google are incorrect, it was closed at 230pm on friday when i arrived. cool spot i guess. check those hours!
Lakefront (Milwaukee): always good, every time. hofbrau collab helles and house maibock were both great. sausage sampler made for gross airplane burps. gets hella busy though!

Overall a great trip with lots of sightseeing, beer, and food. If anyone wants clarification on anything or has a question feel free!

Appreciate this community and all the advice! -JB