Capital Brewery and Bier Garten
Time-tested brewery with a vast craft beer selection and a beloved outdoor Bier Garten, offering a historic tasting room and community events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for the Bier Garten
Capital Brewery and Bier Garten
Best Time
Perfect for the Bier Garten
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Time-tested brewery with a vast craft beer selection and a beloved outdoor Bier Garten, offering a historic tasting room and community events.
"The Bier Garten is a delightful summer hangout spot with plenty of shaded seating and a large bar area."
☀️ Bier Garten Bliss
The Bier Garten is the place to be on sunny days. Enjoy shaded seating and a great beer selection.
🍻 Sample Before You Commit
With so many beers on tap, ask for samples to find your perfect brew. Bartenders are knowledgeable!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Expansive Bier Garten
Outdoor Seating Area
A quintessential summer hangout with ample shade, good music, and a vast selection of craft beers.
Diverse Craft Beer Selection
Tasting Room & Bar
Sample from 15+ house brews, including lagers, IPAs, sours, and seasonal specialties.
Historic Tasting Room
Indoor Tasting Room
Immerse yourself in the brewery's past with a tasting room that holds a lot of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Bier Garten Vibe
Beyond the Beer: Events & History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Bier Garten Bliss
The Bier Garten is the place to be on sunny days. Enjoy shaded seating and a great beer selection.
🍻 Sample Before You Commit
With so many beers on tap, ask for samples to find your perfect brew. Bartenders are knowledgeable!
My favorite places to grab a beer outside
Lack of live music bar venues on the West Side is frustrating.
🚲 Join Bike Night!
Participate in Bike Night for a free drink and a fun community event.
👕 Souvenir Shopping
Consider picking up some brewery merchandise, like T-shirts, to remember your visit.
What is your favorite brewery in Madison?
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Bier Garten Bliss
The Bier Garten is the place to be on sunny days. Enjoy shaded seating and a great beer selection.
🍻 Sample Before You Commit
With so many beers on tap, ask for samples to find your perfect brew. Bartenders are knowledgeable!
🚲 Join Bike Night!
Participate in Bike Night for a free drink and a fun community event.
👕 Souvenir Shopping
Consider picking up some brewery merchandise, like T-shirts, to remember your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Capital Brewery for its extensive and high-quality craft beer selection, particularly highlighting the enjoyable atmosphere of its Bier Garten. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are frequently mentioned as a positive aspect, enhancing the overall experience. While some wish for more tour options or a larger gift shop, the core offerings of great beer and a welcoming environment make it a beloved local spot.
"Capital is an old standard in Madison brewing. 15 of there beers on tap plus a seltzer and a couple guest taps. My last stop they had Munich dunkel, IPA, Pils, lager, amber, maibock, doppelbock, sour, NE IPA, barleywine, shandy, pumpkin, kellerbier, and some ciders. All the are good. They are clean, many crisp, and tasty. Their beers generally aren't thick, creamy but if you like dark beers like I do this should still be a place to stop. There tasting room has a lot of history and the service is very friendly. They have a ton of space for events especially in the summer I have attended several charity outings. I will come back again."
Adam Derringer
"Came to grab a quick beer between activities. Bier Garten was the only section only, but very relaxing in the shade, with some good music and a great selection of beer. Sat early PM stop recommended."
Tim
"Needed to kill some time and saw the people gathered so stopped in.
Like their beer for sure and have had it at home. Didn’t know what to expect, thinking it was a beer tour but didn’t see anything like that. Just a beer garden, beers on tap to pick from and then sat down. I even bought a couple T-shirts. Hot day, fun atmosphere but wish they had had more of a gift shop or tour type experience."
DC Transitions
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Capital Brewery is located at 7734 Terrace Avenue in Middleton, WI. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available. For those looking for a more active approach, consider biking, especially if there's an event like Bike Night happening.
While not explicitly stated in all reviews, many outdoor beer gardens in the Madison area are dog-friendly. It's always best to check their specific policy before bringing your pet.
Parking is typically available at the brewery. During busy event nights, it might be more challenging to find a spot, so arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, typically entry to the Bier Garten is free. You pay for the drinks and any food you purchase.
Some visitors have noted a desire for more of a tour experience, suggesting that formal tours might not be a primary offering. However, the tasting room itself holds historical significance.
Hours can vary, especially for the Bier Garten which is best enjoyed during warmer weather. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours.
Generally, there is no admission fee to enter the tasting room. You pay for the beers you sample or purchase.
🎫 🍺 Onsite Experience
Capital Brewery boasts an impressive selection, often featuring around 15 of their own craft beers on tap, plus seltzers and guest taps. They offer a variety of styles including Munich dunkel, IPA, Pilsner, lager, amber, and seasonal brews.
The atmosphere is generally described as relaxed and friendly. The Bier Garten is a popular summer hangout with shaded seating and good music, while the tasting room offers a sense of history. +1
While the focus is on beer, some visitors mention purchasing food. It's advisable to check if they have a food menu or if food trucks are present, especially during events.
Yes, Capital Brewery hosts various events, including charity outings and special nights like Bike Night, which offers a free drink to participants.
The Bier Garten is highlighted for its ample shaded seating, relaxing vibe, good music, and a great selection of beer, making it an ideal spot for an afternoon or evening out.
📸 📸 Photography
The outdoor Bier Garten with its lively atmosphere and shaded seating offers great photo opportunities. The historic tasting room also provides a unique backdrop for pictures. +1
Absolutely! Capturing the extensive tap list is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts. The variety of beers on display makes for an interesting shot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more comfortable experience. While food options might be limited, packing some snacks for the kids could be a good idea. The key is to leverage the Bier Garten's casual vibe for a family-friendly outing.
🍻 Beer Enthusiasts
Don't miss out on trying their seasonal offerings, which add an element of surprise and delight to your tasting journey. The brewery's commitment to quality and variety ensures a satisfying experience for even the most discerning palate.
☀️ Outdoor Lovers
It's a fantastic place to gather with friends, enjoy a casual afternoon, or even participate in outdoor events like Bike Night. The combination of fresh air, good company, and great beer makes it a top choice for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Craft Beer Landscape
Beyond their core offerings, Capital Brewery also features seltzers and guest taps, further broadening the beverage choices. This commitment to variety means that even seasoned beer drinkers will find something new and exciting to try. The beers are generally described as clean, crisp, and tasty, avoiding overly thick or creamy profiles, which appeals to a broad range of beer lovers.
For those interested in the brewing process or the history behind the beers, the tasting room provides a glimpse into the brewery's heritage. While formal tours might not be the main focus, the ambiance of the tasting room itself tells a story.
The Capital Brewery Bier Garten Experience
The Bier Garten is more than just a place to sit; it's a social hub. With a large bar area and often accompanied by good music, it creates a vibrant yet laid-back environment perfect for meeting friends or simply unwinding. The friendly and helpful bartenders further enhance the experience, readily assisting guests in selecting the perfect beverage for their afternoon or evening.
Events like 'Bike Night' add an extra dimension to the Bier Garten experience. These events not only bring the community together but also offer incentives, such as a free drink for participants, making a visit even more rewarding.
A Taste of History and Community
The brewery also plays an active role in the local community, hosting various events that draw people together. From charity outings to themed nights like Bike Night, Capital Brewery fosters a sense of camaraderie. These events are a great opportunity to experience the brewery not just as a place to drink beer, but as a community gathering spot.
While some visitors express a desire for more extensive tour options or a larger gift shop, the core experience of enjoying quality craft beer in a historic setting with friendly service remains a strong draw.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit