Some know it as “Brew City.” Others have called it “The Beer Capital of the World.” Whatever nickname you use, Milwaukee has a long history with beer. It reaches back to the 1840s, when settlers of the Great Lakes region began to brew the beers of their native countries. Fast-forward nearly two centuries and Milwaukee is home to more than two dozen breweries—including well-known brands with Milwaukee in the name. And its major league baseball team is even named for the city’s history of beer-makers. Explore these five of the great Milwaukee breweries and see for yourself.
1. Miller Brewing Co.
Speaking of a long history, Miller Brewery (4251 W. State St.) has a story that begins nearly 170 years ago. When you visit this historic city landmark, you learn about Frederick Miller and the operation that produced some of the world’s most popular beers. Along with historical stops, like a visit to caves used as beer coolers before modern refrigeration, you’ll check out the bottling facility and hit an outdoor beer garden. Check out millerbrewerytour.com to learn more.
2. Sprecher Brewing Co.
A more family-friendly experience, Sprecher Brewing (701 W. Glendale Ave.) offers a tour that not only includes four beer samples, but also unlimited soda. Sprecher Brewing Co. was started in 1985 by Randy Sprecher, a former Pabst employee. While you may have seen Sprecher beer in stores, its sodas now account for a majority of business. Suffice to say, this might be the best Milwaukee brewery tour for fans of root beer or cream soda. Find out more at sprecherbrewery.com.
3. Lakefront Brewery
Billed as “America’s favorite brewery tour,” Lakefront Brewery (1872 N. Commerce St.) prides itself on an entertaining and engaging tour experience. Visitors get to sample the brews of one of the city’s largest craft breweries, see the production facility and get an up-close look at Bernie Brewer’s chalet that was once part of Milwaukee County Stadium. For more, visit lakefrontbrewery.com.
4. Best Place (Pabst Brewing Co.)
Pabst may have left Brew City in the 1990s, but you can still sip a PBR or Schlitz and learn some of the city’s earliest brewing history in what’s known as Best Place beer history tour (917 Juneau Ave.). Pabst began in 1844 and grew to become the largest lager brewery in the world. After leaving Milwaukee in 1996, Pabst brewing returned in 2017 until operations were moved to San Antonio in 2020. Get more information at bestplacemilwaukee.com.
5. Milwaukee Brewing Co.
Milwaukee Brewing Co. launched in 1997 and grew into a beloved craft brewery. Now under new ownership, Milwaukee Brewing Co. has a taproom at 2335 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., while its production facility is at S64W15640 Commerce Center Parkway in Muskego. The facility is also home to Eagle Park Brewing Co., so the tour covers both brands. Learn more at mkebrewing.com.
