Best WI destination breweries

NEW GLARUS. End of story.

 

X2

 

Was just there, NG is great. Ale Asylum was nice too, just opened up their new brewpub not too long ago.

 

Find a way to visit Dave's Brewfarm.

 

could not agree more.

if you are looking for other options lakefront in milwaukee is a good one too but nowhere close to new glarus in competition

 

Lakefront is a cool place, IMO the beer isn't as good as a New Glarus but the tour and building are cool and it is right in the middle of Milwaukee. Try for a Friday fish fry. I haven't been but as mentioned Ale Asylum just opened a new tap room which looks really nice. They also make some awesome beers.

 

To add to the recommendation, New Glarus *Hard Hat Tour* on Fridays.

 

Agreed - Lakefront can't compete with New Glarus in terms of beer quality, but they offer a really entertaining tour and a good location in Milwaukee. If you're hitting up the fish fry, I recommend getting there pretty early because the place fills up fast.

 

I've toured quite a few micro-breweries in Wisconsin and they've all been good; New Glarus, Capital, Lakefront, Sprecher (old and new breweries). Can't go wrong -- make it the trip.

 

Also a fan of the Lakefront tour. Took this a few years back and trying the IPA in the brewery really opened my eyes/tastebuds to the style. Now I can't get enough hops (used to like malty beers). I also thank them for that.

 

New Glarus is the best destination place. Several responses mention the tour at Lakefront, and I agree it is a fun tour, but check on whether you need to reserve a spot in a tour group ahead of time because the demand is high for this one. A visit to NG can also include a self-guided tour (eye-popping modern set-up) while you're sipping some of their eye-popping beer from the tasting room. A beer carry-out store is in the lower level, and sometimes they have stuff there that does not get into distribution.

If you are looking for food too, neither brewery offers much, or at least they didn't when I visited them a couple years ago. Lakefront had a vendor that offered some light food items, but I don't know what the 'fish fry' comment above is all about.

 

The Friday fish fry at lakefront is considered one of the best in Milwaukee. Good food, good beer, good polka. It's a great time. I also really like the early day tours (before 4pm). Generally less crowded and they give you a coupon for a free pint at one of several nearby bars, in addition to the tastings you get at the brewery.

http://www.lakefrontpalmgarden.com/Captain-Rusty-s-Fish-Fry.html

 

I would have to throw in the Milwaukee Brewing Co tour. You get good info on the processes, where their equipment came from and unlimited pours. Afterwards you can enjoy Milwaukee. I'd say that's a good destination.

 

If you are looking for some that are near by each other, I would suggest Ale asylum and Capital brewery. Capital used to be better as they had a guy walking with pitchers pouring you samples multiple times during the tour plus 3 tokens for beer in the pub. Now they just give you the tokens to drink after or before the tour starts.

 

i'd throw O'so out there. 40 taps, all wisconsin beer. O'so's lineup is solid across the board. cheap. growlers on many of the available taps.

not an elaborate or eclectic space but worth it if you want to knock out a bunch of different WI breweries in one shot

 

Lakefront (Milwaukee) is good on a Friday if you want a beerhall type of experience. Nice beer, oompah band, communal seating, but sorry to say that the fish fry is only "ok". Lots of better places for a Friday fish fry in Milwaukee! But the atmosphere is what draws 'em in. Highly recommended (as long as you are not looking for a GREAT fish fry). Make reservations for the brewery tour on-line ahead of time.

Also, I think that the Milwaukee Brewing Co. has been putting out some really good stuff. Generous on (and before) the tour. I love it. Tour it and let me know what you think.

 

It's been years since I have been there, but I always like the Water Street Brewery in Milwuakee.

 

I imagine you could fit Great Dane brewpub in there as well, even Great Dane.