Historic Star Brewery
A historic building preserving local heritage, now housing businesses. Explore exhibits and enjoy the architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Historic Star Brewery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic building preserving local heritage, now housing businesses. Explore exhibits and enjoy the architecture.
"Historic building with exhibits, but recent health concerns and poor service are a major drawback."
⚠️ Check for Health Concerns
Be aware of recent reports of maggots in drinks. Inquire about their health and safety protocols.
🏛️ Focus on History
The brewery is gone, but the historic building and exhibits are the main draw. Enjoy the preserved architecture.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Building Preservation
Entire building
Explore the beautifully preserved historic architecture and learn about its past. A true step back in time.
Historical Exhibits
Inside the building
Discover fascinating displays detailing the building's rich history. Engaging and informative for all ages.
Riverwalk Convenience
Adjacent to Riverwalk
Conveniently located on the Riverwalk, offering easy access and public restrooms for visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Health & Safety First
Beyond the Brewery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Check for Health Concerns
Be aware of recent reports of maggots in drinks. Inquire about their health and safety protocols.
🏛️ Focus on History
The brewery is gone, but the historic building and exhibits are the main draw. Enjoy the preserved architecture.
Dubuque Trip
Does Iowa 80 sell beer or where nearby can I get authentic Iowa beer
🚶♀️ Riverwalk Access
Great spot to stop while exploring the Riverwalk. Restrooms are available for public use.
🧐 Inquire About History
Ask staff about the building's past; they often have interesting stories to share.
anybody know what beer they drank in those cool cans in the M.a.s.h series? also what beer they served Norm in the Cheers show?
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Check for Health Concerns
Be aware of recent reports of maggots in drinks. Inquire about their health and safety protocols.
🏛️ Focus on History
The brewery is gone, but the historic building and exhibits are the main draw. Enjoy the preserved architecture.
🚶♀️ Riverwalk Access
Great spot to stop while exploring the Riverwalk. Restrooms are available for public use.
🧐 Inquire About History
Ask staff about the building's past; they often have interesting stories to share.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
While the Historic Star Brewery building is praised for its preserved architecture and historical exhibits, recent reviews highlight significant concerns regarding health and safety, specifically the discovery of live maggots in drinks. Customer service in response to these issues has also been criticized for being unhelpful and unapologetic, overshadowing the historical appeal for many visitors.
"We found live maggots in our beer. We even took them out and placed them on a napkin to actually see and they were still moving. We called the server over to show her and there was no apology. She just took the beer, showed it to a coworker and responded with ‘we don’t know what that is. do you want a new drink?’ Nothing else was said which we found very odd. When brought the bills, our server did comp the beer but we expected more with that being such a health hazard. Also when we walked into the restaurant everyone just stared at us. We did not get greeted until we said hello and asked where to sit and we were the only customers in the restaurant. Our food and drinks did come out pretty quickly which was appreciated but the lack of customer service and the health hazard really ruined the experience. We will not be back and we will be telling people not to go there because of this."
Harper Linfield
"Historic brewery building with multi business on site. There is a bar there where you can order wines and beers but no actual brewery on site. They have preserved the history of the building on the inside and have leased out sections, including an event area."
CMB Caspanello
"This place is unacceptable there are maggots in the drinks and the managers and workers are unapologetic, this is ridiculous! By no means am I saying the workers put them in there but for a customer to base their concerns to not only the server and the manger.. for no one to apologize???? Absolutely not."
amera faith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Star Brewery is conveniently located on the Riverwalk, making it easily accessible by foot if you're exploring the area. Parking availability may vary depending on the time of day and local events.
Parking information can be inconsistent. It's best to check local parking guides or apps for the most up-to-date information on nearby lots or street parking.
Public transport options will depend on your starting location. Research local bus or tram routes that service the Riverwalk area for the most efficient travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the historic building and its exhibits is generally free, as it houses multiple businesses. However, specific areas or events might have separate admission fees.
Since the building hosts various businesses, hours can differ. The historical exhibits may have specific operating times, so it's advisable to check their individual schedules.
The historical exhibits within the building are typically free to access, allowing visitors to explore the history of the site without charge.
Yes, sections of the historic building are leased out for events. You would need to contact the management or specific event organizers for booking inquiries.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While the brewery itself is no longer active, you can explore the preserved historic building, view exhibits on its past, and visit the on-site bar and restaurant.
The historical exhibits are generally suitable for families. However, the bar and restaurant areas might have age restrictions or a more adult atmosphere.
Yes, public restrooms are conveniently located within the building, especially helpful for those visiting the Riverwalk.
The building is a preserved piece of local history, showcasing its past as a brewery. Exhibits detail its evolution and importance to the area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, the brewery operations have ceased. The building now houses a bar and restaurant that serves various drinks, but not their own brewed beer.
The on-site establishment offers food and drinks. Reviews suggest a bar and restaurant setting, but specific menus can vary.
Recent reviews have raised serious concerns about health and safety, including reports of live maggots found in drinks. Approach with caution.
Customer service has been described as lacking, with some visitors reporting unapologetic responses to health concerns.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic architecture of the building itself offers great photographic opportunities, especially the exterior and preserved interior elements.
Try capturing the building from the Riverwalk for a scenic view, or focus on architectural details inside the preserved spaces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful that the building now houses a bar and restaurant. While restrooms are available and convenient for Riverwalk visitors, the primary focus of the current businesses might not be geared towards young children. It's best to visit during off-peak hours and focus on the historical aspects.
🏛️ History Buffs
Take your time to read the displays and appreciate the efforts made to maintain the integrity of the historic structure. It's a chance to connect with a bygone era and learn about the evolution of the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Evolution of the Star Brewery Building
Visitors can explore the preserved architecture and learn about the building's journey through time via informative exhibits. These displays offer a glimpse into the brewery's heyday and its subsequent changes. It's a unique opportunity to appreciate a piece of local heritage that has been thoughtfully maintained for public enjoyment.
While the brewery itself is a relic of the past, the building's continued existence and adaptation make it a noteworthy destination. It serves as a reminder of the industrial roots of the region and how historical structures can be given new life.
Navigating Health and Service Concerns
Furthermore, the customer service in response to these serious issues has been described as lacking and unapologetic. Visitors have noted a dismissive attitude from staff and management when health hazards were brought to their attention. This lack of concern has significantly detracted from the overall experience for many.
Given these reviews, potential visitors should be aware of these issues. While the historical aspect of the building remains, the current operational standards of the businesses within it warrant careful consideration before a visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit