Brewed & Local: Five Milwaukee Breweries Worth Raising a Glass To
A casually obsessive guide for beer lovers, soft pretzel romantics, and anyone who thinks “just one” is a cute little lie we tell ourselves.
Milwaukee doesn’t just know beer — it practically is beer. The city’s brewing legacy still echoes in its grand old halls (yes, we’re looking at you, Schlitz and Miller), but today the real magic bubbles up in taprooms where tradition collides with a bit of chaos — and a generous dose of hops.
I’ve sampled more than a few pours - for research, of course. What follows is my flight of Milwaukee favorites: taprooms worth lingering in, beers worth ordering twice, and the kind of atmospheres that make you want to clock in and never clock out.
🌿 Indeed Brewing Company
Best for: Thoughtful pours, rooftop sips, and accidentally discovering your new favorite beer
Indeed’s Walker’s Point taproom is one of those spots you think you’ll just pop into — and then suddenly it’s two hours later and you’re deep in a conversation about hop profiles with a stranger named Greg. The vibe is smart but unpretentious, and the beer lineup strikes that rare balance of playful and polished.
If the sun’s out, don’t miss the rooftop patio— it’s hidden around the corner and easy to miss, with a sneaky good skyline view. Grab a pint, claim a spot, and let the afternoon handle itself.
Location: Walker’s Point
Order This: Pistachio Cream Ale — smooth, nutty, slightly sweet. It somehow hits the spot in both July and December. My personal favorite beer in Milwaukee.
Pro Tip: Head up to the rooftop patio tucked around the corner. It’s like a secret level in a video game, but with better beer.
Vibe: Industrial-chic with a little whimsy. Great place to play a slow game of cribbage or pretend you’re good at shuffleboard.
🛶 Lakefront Brewery
Best for: Riverfront views, classic styles done right, and that cheese curd energy
A Milwaukee icon — and for good reason. Lakefront is where you go for tried-and-true craft beers. The lineup spans lagers, IPAs, amber ales, and seasonal one-offs that rarely miss The brewery tour is a must: tour guides are part stand-up comedian, part beer historian.
In warmer weather, grab a seat on the riverside patio and let the breeze and bratwurst smells wash over you. In colder months? Park yourself inside the beer hall with a pint and some cheese curds.
Location: Lower East Side / Riverwest
Order This: Riverwest Stein — a malty amber that goes down dangerously easy.
Snack Situation: The beer-battered cheese curds and giant soft pretzel are a can’t miss - you’re in Wisconsin, after all.
Vibe: Loud and chaotic in the best way. Riverfront patio in summer is peak Milwaukee.
Extra: Go for fish fry Fridays, polka dancing optional but encouraged.
🍻 Eagle Park Brewing Company
Best for: Milkshake IPAs and ordering the weirdest thing on the menu
Eagle Park is where things get a little wild — in the best way. It’s got major mad-scientist energy, but make it cute. These folk don’t just brew beer - they invent it. Think piña colada hard smoothies, peach-ring sours, and koolers available in every color of the candy aisle. You’ll stare at the tap list for a solid minute, say “okay wait,” twice, and then just go for it. And honestly? You should. It’s craft with a wink, and somehow, it all works.
The taproom itself is equal parts brewery lab and hangout spot. Loud, friendly, full of people trying to decide if they’re brave enough for a beer that tastes like figgy pudding (spoiler: they are). Come thirsty, leave mildly confused and completely delighted.
Location: Hamilton St, East Side
Wildcard Order: A hard smoothie seltzer. Feels like a dare. Tastes like victory.
Vibe: Loud, fun, and not trying to be minimal. Music venue energy with brewery-level hospitality.
Soundtrack: Bowie, Queen and whatever the guy at the bar is softly humming while scrolling Untappd.
Bonus: They also distill their own spirits — cocktails, anyone?
🪵 Central Waters Brewing – Milwaukee Taproom
Best for: Barrel-aged beauties, deep malts, and a slower sip kind of night
Central Waters feels like the grown-up in the group — but like, the cool older cousin who knows a thing or two about barrel-aging and brings the good snacks to game night. The Milwaukee taproom is nestled inside a historic church right in the heart of the Old Pabst District. High ceilings, warm wood, and beer that makes you think “ah, so this is what a porter is meant to taste like.
If you’re into darker styles or anything that’s been patiently aging in a bourbon barrel, this is your spot. Don’t miss the mezzanine upstairs — it’s a tucked-away gem with cozy seating. Perfect for playing cards, sinking into a good conversation or just watching the buzz in the beer hall below without being in the thick of it.
Location: Near Deer District
Vibe: Historic yet cozy — vaulted ceilings, original details, and just enough “beer is my religion” energy. Beers far too good to chug.
Cool Factor: One of the most eco-friendly breweries in the Midwest — sustainability without sacrificing flavor.
Snack Situation: Rotating food trucks + simple snacks at the bar.
Secret Spot: On a good-weather day, head to the back beer garden — a quiet refuge when the city feels too loud.
🏰 Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
Best for: History lovers, lager drinkers, and anyone who wants to drink beer in a castle (basically)
Best Place is where Milwaukee’s beer-soaked past comes to party. Once the headquarters of Pabst (yes, Captain Pabst himself walked these halls), it’s now a glorious mash-up of beer memorabilia, stained-glass windows, and vintage grandeur that makes you want to raise a toast to your great-grandfather. The draw here? A crisp, cold PBR poured with genuine reverence in a wood-paneled hall that feels more like the lobby of an old European hotel than your usual beer stop.
There’s local beer on tap, a sunlit courtyard for lazy sips, and enough history on the walls to convince you to take the tour. You should — it’s quirky, charming, and the ticket comes with a beer. Think of it as a historical experience, pint included.
Location: Downtown Milwaukee / Pabst complex
Order This: PBR on tap — trust, it hits different here
Vibe: Vintage grandeur with a side of “wait, is this place haunted?”
Where to Sit: Courtyard for sunshine and people watching; great hall if you’re feeling fancy
Bonus: It’s probably the most photogenic place you’ll ever drink a PBR.
Make It a Tour
Each of these taprooms brings its own flavor to Milwaukee’s evolving beer scene. String them together and you’ve got the makings of a very drinkable day — a pub crawl that feels more like a master class in Milwaukee beer.
Start at Indeed → Kick things off with a Pistachio Cream Ale and a round of shuffleboard — it’s light, playful, and the perfect warm-up.
Hop over to Lakefront → Grab a flight and an order of cheese curds on the riverside patio. Classic Milwaukee vibes.
Walk to Best Place → Meander along the Milwaukee Riverwalk, stroll past the Deer District, and land at Pabst. Toast with a crisp PBR in the grand beer hall where Captain Pabst once held court and catch some live music if you’re lucky.
Finish at Central Waters → Settle into the mezzanine with a bourbon barrel stout. Slow, rich, and the perfect finale to a very Milwaukee day.
Cheers, Old Sport 🍻