Lakefront Brewery
Historic Milwaukee brewery offering engaging tours, delicious cheese curds, and a wide range of craft beers, including gluten-free options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trivia night fun!
Lakefront Brewery
Best Time
Trivia night fun!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Milwaukee brewery offering engaging tours, delicious cheese curds, and a wide range of craft beers, including gluten-free options.
"The tour really showcases the history and heart of the brewery—you get to see the tanks up close and learn about the process."
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🧀 Don't Miss Cheese Curds
A Wisconsin must-try! Crispy, melty, and served with great dipping sauce. :foodie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Brewery Tour Experience
Brewery Floor
Engaging and humorous tours showcasing brewing history and Milwaukee culture. Includes beer samples!
Fried Cheese Curds
Beer Hall
Crispy, melty, and served with delicious dipping sauce – a true Wisconsin delicacy.
Riverside Patio
Outdoor Patio
Enjoy a pint with scenic views of the Milwaukee River and passing boats.
Gluten-Free Beer Options
Tap Room
Explore unique gluten-free brews like New Grist, a pioneer in the market.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Brewery Tours in Advance
Embrace the Cheese Curds!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🧀 Don't Miss Cheese Curds
A Wisconsin must-try! Crispy, melty, and served with great dipping sauce.
🍺 Tour Includes Beer!
Your tour ticket often includes several beer samples or a pint glass. :beer_mug:
🚶♀️ Explore Third Ward
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Historic Third Ward. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Ahead
Tours are popular! Book online in advance to guarantee your spot. :ticket:
🧀 Don't Miss Cheese Curds
A Wisconsin must-try! Crispy, melty, and served with great dipping sauce.
🍺 Tour Includes Beer!
Your tour ticket often includes several beer samples or a pint glass. :beer_mug:
🚶♀️ Explore Third Ward
Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Historic Third Ward. :walking:
🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky
Street parking is available but can be limited; consider arriving early. :car:
🎶 Trivia Wednesdays
Join the fun with trivia every Wednesday evening for a lively experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lakefront Brewery is celebrated for its engaging tours, delicious food (especially the cheese curds!), and diverse beer selection, including pioneering gluten-free options. Visitors praise the friendly staff and the lively atmosphere, particularly the scenic riverside patio. While parking can be a challenge and some food items might miss the mark for certain diners, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive and highly recommended for anyone visiting Milwaukee.
"Lakefront Brewery is an absolute gem and such a fun experience from start to finish! The tour really showcases the history and heart of the brewery—you get to see the tanks up close and learn about the process, but it never feels boring. The guides keep it lively, funny, and full of personality. The nods to Milwaukee culture (like the Laverne & Shirley) make it feel extra special and unique to the city.
The riverside patio is a highlight—it’s such a perfect spot to enjoy a fresh pint while watching the boats drift by. Inside, the atmosphere is just as memorable, with character-filled spaces covered in guest signatures and a cozy vibe that makes every corner feel like it has a story.
And of course, the food and beer did not disappoint! The cheese curds were absolutely spot on—crispy, melty, and delicious with the dipping sauce. Pair that with one of their local brews and you’ve got a true taste of Milwaukee.
What really sets Lakefront apart, though, is the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
If you’re in Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery is a must. Between the history, the river views, the food and drinks, and the incredible staff, it’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to again and"
Jonathan Leonard
"So many things to love here! Ahead of our tour we enjoyed some incredible fried cheese curds and a giant pretzel -- we loved both of them. Then onto the informative tour with JD who was funny and knowledgeable and did a great job keeping control of the group. The $17 tour price is a bargain since it includes 32oz of beer as well. (Tip: I'm not a beer drinker but I enjoyed their Shandy, a mead, and their highly delicious root beer.)"
Heather Foeh
"The brewery was great, the atmosphere was amazing and the cheese curds were fantastic. They were super chewy and had a little grease on the outside. The downside is you can’t eat a lot of them at the same time because of the cheese and grease. They don’t offer flights on the weekends but I got the dive beer and it was a nice light beer. You have to pay for the brewery tours and they are only available on the weekends."
Andrew
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lakefront Brewery is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It's accessible by car, with street parking available, though it can be competitive. Public transportation options also serve the area.
Parking is available on the street surrounding the brewery. It can get busy, especially during peak hours and weekends, so arriving early or considering ride-sharing is a good idea.
Yes, rideshares like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to Lakefront Brewery, especially if you plan on enjoying multiple beers.
Yes, Lakefront Brewery is located near the Historic Third Ward, a vibrant district known for its shops, galleries, and restaurants. You can easily combine a brewery visit with exploring the neighborhood.
For brewery tours, consider rideshares or public transport to ensure you can fully enjoy the included beer tastings without worrying about driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While entry to the beer hall is generally free, tickets are required for the popular brewery tours. It's highly recommended to book these in advance online as they can sell out.
The brewery tours are a great value, typically costing around $17 and often including multiple beer samples or a souvenir pint glass.
Lakefront Brewery typically has consistent hours, but it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Yes, Lakefront Brewery has a gift shop where you can purchase merchandise like shirts, hats, and other brewery-themed items.
Lakefront Brewery hosts various events, including trivia nights on Wednesdays and seasonal festivals like Maifest, which features gluten-free food options.
🍽️ 🍺 Beer & Food
Lakefront Brewery offers a wide array of beers, including lagers, IPAs, porters, and seasonal brews. They are also known for their pioneering gluten-free beer, New Grist.
Yes, New Grist is a well-known gluten-free beer brewed by Lakefront Brewery, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
The food menu features classic pub fare with a Wisconsin twist, including their famous fried cheese curds, pretzels, bratwurst, and sandwiches.
Lakefront Brewery hosts events like Maifest that specifically highlight gluten-free food vendors, and their menu often includes options suitable for gluten-free diets.
Flights are typically not offered on weekends, but you can enjoy individual pints of their diverse beer selection.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Lakefront Brewery has a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with a beer hall-style interior adorned with guest signatures and a scenic riverside patio.
Yes, the brewery offers many photo opportunities, from the unique interior decor and Bernie Brewer's chalet display to the scenic river views from the patio.
Lakefront Brewery embraces its Milwaukee roots, including a nod to the classic sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley,' which was set in Milwaukee.
While primarily a brewery, Lakefront Brewery offers a small kids' menu with options like chicken tenders, and their root beer is also a hit with younger visitors.
Bernie Brewer's original chalet, a nod to the Milwaukee Brewers mascot, is on display at Lakefront Brewery and can even be booked for unique date nights.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or for a weekday lunch to enjoy a more relaxed experience. While tours are informative, they might be less engaging for very young children. However, the spacious beer hall and the outdoor patio offer room to move around. The presence of Bernie Brewer's chalet also adds a touch of local charm that might appeal to families.
🍻 Craft Beer Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to try their seasonal specialties and explore their core offerings. While weekend flights might be limited, ordering individual pints allows you to sample their diverse range. The brewery tours also offer insights into their brewing philosophy and history, enriching the appreciation for their craft.
🧀 Foodies & Snack Lovers
These Wisconsin classics are perfectly crispy and gooey, often served with a flavorful dipping sauce. Beyond curds, the menu includes hearty options like bratwurst and pretzels, making it a satisfying stop for anyone who appreciates good pub fare. Keep an eye out for special events like Maifest, which showcases a variety of gluten-free food vendors, highlighting the brewery's commitment to diverse culinary offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lakefront Brewery Tour: A Milwaukee Must-Do
Many visitors highlight the tour's ability to balance historical facts with lighthearted anecdotes, often referencing local icons like Laverne & Shirley.
Given its popularity, booking your tour tickets in advance is crucial, especially for weekend visits. This ensures you don't miss out on what many consider a highlight of visiting Milwaukee.
Wisconsin's Famous Cheese Curds at Lakefront Brewery
They are often served with a side of garlic ranch or other dipping sauces, enhancing the flavor. Travelers frequently mention the cheese curds as a standout menu item, with some even dreaming about the cheese pull.
While incredibly delicious, some reviewers note that due to their richness, it's hard to eat too many at once. Beyond the classic fried cheese curds, Lakefront Brewery also offers other German-inspired fare like bratwurst and pretzels, complementing their extensive beer selection.
Exploring Lakefront Brewery's Diverse Beer Selection
A significant aspect of Lakefront Brewery's beer identity is its commitment to innovation, particularly with its New Grist line. As the brewers of America's first gluten-free beer, they offer options like the New Grist Gluten-Free Beer, making craft beer accessible to those with gluten sensitivities.
Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or new to the brewery scene, Lakefront Brewery provides an opportunity to explore unique flavors. While flights aren't always available on weekends, enjoying a pint of your chosen brew, perhaps on the scenic riverside patio, is a perfect way to experience their offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit