Lakefront Brewery - Milwaukee's Beloved Brew Spot
For quite some time now, Lakefront Brewery has been a real cornerstone in Milwaukee, a place where people gather and good times happen. Since the year 1987, this spot has been crafting some of the area's favorite beers, like the well-known Riverwest Stein, and also New Grist. They have, as a matter of fact, come up with many, many other fresh and inventive kinds of beer that folks just seem to enjoy. It's truly a place that has helped shape what beer means to the city, offering a taste of Milwaukee's spirit in every glass, you know?
This brewery, located right here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a story that goes back a good ways. It's found in the Beerline B part of town, a spot that, in some respects, feels just right for a place making such interesting drinks. Brothers Russ and Jim Klisch are the ones who got it all going back in 1987, and you can see their connection to the city in the names of some of their beers. They often name their brews after Milwaukee neighborhoods, like the Riverwest Stein beer and the East Side Dark, which is a nice touch, really.
Over the years, Lakefront Brewery has really made a name for itself, becoming a true landmark along the Milwaukee River. It's a place that, honestly, feels like it's always been there, a part of the city's fabric. They have been brewing for more than 32 years now, long before making craft beer became a big trend. This industrious and inventive place has certainly carved out a special spot in the hearts of many, offering not just drinks, but a bit of local history and character too, as a matter of fact.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Lakefront Brewery a Milwaukee Icon?
- How Did Lakefront Brewery Get Started?
- What's the Story Behind Lakefront Brewery's Beers?
- Is the Lakefront Brewery Tour Worth Your Time?
- What Can You Expect on a Lakefront Brewery Visit?
- How Has Lakefront Brewery Grown Over the Years?
- The Lakefront Brewery and Bernie Brewer's Chalet
- Where Can You Find Lakefront Brewery Beers?
What Makes Lakefront Brewery a Milwaukee Icon?
You might wonder what it is about Lakefront Brewery that makes it such a talked-about spot in Milwaukee. Well, for one thing, it's been around for a long, long time, making beer before many others even thought about it, basically. They started way back in 1987, which means they were doing the whole craft beer thing when it was still pretty new, you know? This place is, in a way, a true pioneer in the city's beer scene, helping to set the standard for what good beer should taste like. It’s a leader in making some of the very best beers you can find in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, truly.
The location itself, right there on the Milwaukee River, gives Lakefront Brewery a special kind of charm. It’s become a recognizable landmark, a place that people often point out when talking about the city. You see, it’s not just about the drinks; it’s about the whole atmosphere, the history, and the feeling you get when you’re there. It’s a place that has, in a way, become part of the city's identity, a spot where memories are made and good times are shared, and that’s pretty cool, if you ask me.
And then there's the story of their dedication. Lakefront Brewery has always been focused on making good quality products, trying out new ideas, and being a part of the local community. This focus has really helped them grow, allowing them to make more beer and share it with more people. Over the years, they've really secured their spot as a top craft brewery, both in Milwaukee and beyond, by consistently putting out drinks that stand out. It’s a commitment that, honestly, you can taste in every single glass, which is pretty neat.
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How Did Lakefront Brewery Get Started?
The story of Lakefront Brewery really begins with two brothers, Russ and Jim Klisch. They had this idea, you know, to start a brewery. So, on December 2nd, 1987, they opened the doors to Lakefront Brewery. Their very first batch of beer was a Riverwest Stein amber lager, and they sold it to a local tavern right there in Milwaukee. It’s kind of a humble beginning for a place that has grown so much, wouldn’t you say?
It’s interesting how they connected their beers to the city itself. Many of their beer names are actually inspired by Milwaukee neighborhoods. For instance, you have the Riverwest Stein beer, which is named after a part of town, and then there’s the East Side Dark. This little detail, in some respects, shows how much they care about their home city and want to keep things local and personal. It’s a nice way to, basically, give a nod to the community that supports them.
What's the Story Behind Lakefront Brewery's Beers?
When you think about Lakefront Brewery, you probably think about their beers, right? They've been making Milwaukee's favorite beers for a long time, including their well-known Riverwest Stein and New Grist. But they don't stop there; they're always coming up with new and fresh kinds of craft brews. It's like they have a never-ending supply of good ideas for what to make next, which is pretty cool, you know?
One really special thing about Lakefront Brewery is that it was, as a matter of fact, one of the very first certified organic breweries. That means they put a lot of thought into how they make their beer, using ingredients that meet certain standards. You can find detailed information on many of their beers, too, like the flavor profile, how much alcohol is in it, and what foods might go well with it. This kind of detail, basically, helps you pick just the right beer for your taste. They have a good selection of favorites, classics, and old reliable choices, so there’s usually something for everyone, honestly.
Is the Lakefront Brewery Tour Worth Your Time?
If you're thinking about visiting Lakefront Brewery, you might be wondering if the tour is really worth the price. Well, people who have gone say it's absolutely worth it, just for the fun you have, basically. The tour guides are often described as knowledgeable and funny, making the whole experience really entertaining. It’s not just a dry lecture about beer; it’s more like a show, you know?
But it’s not just about the entertainment. When you pay for your admission, which is $13 per person during the week, you get quite a few perks. You receive four 6-ounce samples of their beers, which is a pretty good amount to try different kinds. Then, you also get a souvenir pint glass to take home, or you can choose a keyring instead. And, as a matter of fact, you even get a token for a free Lakefront beer at another location. So, when you add all that up, you realize it's a pretty amazing deal, honestly, making the Lakefront Brewery tour a very good value.
What Can You Expect on a Lakefront Brewery Visit?
When you visit Lakefront Brewery, you're in for a good time, apparently. People often talk about how much fun they had on the tour, mentioning that the guide was not only full of facts but also made them laugh. The beer samples you get are quite generous, giving you a real taste of what they offer. It's a place where you can, basically, relax and enjoy some good drinks in a friendly atmosphere.
Beyond the tour, there’s also a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs to remember your visit. And, of course, there’s the beer hall, a great spot to hang out, try more beers, and just soak in the brewery vibe. It’s a whole experience, you know, from learning about how they make beer to just enjoying a casual drink with friends. Many visitors have said they had a fantastic time at the Lakefront Brewery tour, and that the gift shop and beer hall were also very enjoyable parts of their visit, which is pretty telling.
How Has Lakefront Brewery Grown Over the Years?
Lakefront Brewery has really come a long way since those early days in 1987. Their dedication to making quality beer, trying out new ideas, and being involved in the community has, in a way, really helped them expand. This focus has allowed them to make more beer and reach a lot more people than they did at the start. It's pretty impressive to see how much they've grown, you know?
Over the years, Lakefront Brewery has, in fact, become a major player in the craft beer scene, not just in Milwaukee but in other places too. They’ve done this by consistently making beers that stand out and are well-liked. To give you an idea of their growth, in 2017 alone, they brewed 46,848 barrels of beer. That’s a lot of beer! And they don’t just sell it locally; they send their products to 35 states across the country, and even to places like Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Australia. That’s a pretty wide reach, honestly.
The Lakefront Brewery and Bernie Brewer's Chalet
One really interesting piece of Lakefront Brewery's story involves something quite unique: they own the original Bernie Brewer’s Chalet. For those who don't know, Bernie Brewer is the mascot for the Milwaukee Brewers baseball team, and he used to slide down into a chalet when the team hit a home run. When the Brewers built their new stadium, that old chalet needed a new spot. And, as a matter of fact, the Klisch brothers, who started Lakefront Brewery, wanted that chalet to come to their brewery.
So, now, this piece of Milwaukee baseball history has a home right there at Lakefront Brewery. It’s a fun little connection to the city’s sports culture and just another example of how this brewery has, in a way, become a part of Milwaukee’s story. It adds a bit of quirky charm to the place, making it even more of a landmark, you know? It’s something that, basically, makes a visit there even more memorable for many people.
Where Can You Find Lakefront Brewery Beers?
If you’re looking to try some Lakefront Brewery beers, you’re in luck, because they’ve really expanded their reach. As mentioned, they send their products to many places beyond Milwaukee. You can find their beers in 35 states across the United States, which is quite a lot of ground to cover. So, there’s a good chance you might find them at your local store or favorite pub if you’re in one of those states, which is pretty convenient.
But it’s not just within the country. Lakefront Brewery also distributes its products internationally. You can find their beers in Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden, and Australia. This means that people all over the world can, in a way, get a taste of Milwaukee’s craft beer scene. It shows just how much this brewery has grown from its beginnings in 1987, going from a local favorite to having a presence on a much bigger stage, which is pretty cool, honestly.

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