Hello everyone, Just moved up to Chicago this week, and my dad is coming up soon to visit. He has a friend that lives in Wisconsin, and was wondering if we wanted to check out Madison or Milwaukee. She is not a craft beer head, so its up to us. From what I read, I'm leaning more towards Madison. Any suggestions? Pros and cons? Thanks!
Both are solid in my estimation. Madison is another hour and a half drive for ya. Milwaukee has some really, really, solid beer bars. Sugar Maple, Bomb Shelter, Romans, The Palm Tavern, etc, etc. But so does Madison. Brasserie V in Madison has a world class selection of bottles and an awesome tap list, and the Old Fashioned and Coopers Tavern are sure to be a hit, and they are all within walking distance. The Malt House is a bit further away, but probably have the best selection out of any of these. It's all up to you...you're living in Chicago, just pick one to visit, and save the other for a nice spring day after a long Chicago winter.
BTW, I noticed Romans has Enigma on tap right now, along with Dark Horse Plead the Fifth, Breakfast Stout, Monks and Duchesse...it's hard to pass that up. Plus Sugar Maple is rocking Lucie from JP on tap, with NG Raspberry Tart, and Bruery Autumn Maple.
He's right if you want beer bars come to Milwaukee, but if you want to tour breweries that make fantastic beer go to Madison. Only problem is that if you go to Madison its a lot of driving between the great breweries New Glarus is 45 mins south, AleAsylum is the north east side of Madison, Capital brewing ins in Middleton on the other side of the lake Mendota which is almost 30 mins away from AleAsylum. There are other breweries in Madison like Great Dane and Vintage, but they aren't as good. Overall my recommendation is Milwaukee you can do tours at Lakefront and Milwaukee Brewing Co. and visit some great beer bars during the evening
New Glarus is ALOT closer to Madison as well. Always a must visit as far as breweries go. Damn good dining experience and food as well.
My two cents as someone that has lived in both cities is, hands down, go to Madison. It may be an hour further away that Milwaukee but it's worth it. Make sure to hit up New Glarus on your way up or back home. While you're here I would recommend Brasserie V, Old Fashioned and Coopers (all previously mentioned). You may also want to check out the taplist at Alchemy, Dexters, and the Glass Nickel. I also recommend checking out One Barrel Brewing.
