Looking to try the best breweries in town? From malty stouts, hoppy ales, easy-drinking goldens and even coffee beers, here are five spots for beer lovers.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top breweries in Milwaukee, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings.
1. Lakefront Brewery
Topping the list is Lakefront Brewery. Located at 1872 N. Commerce St. in Brewer's Hill, it's the most popular brewery in Milwaukee, boasting 4.5 stars out of 1,401 reviews on Yelp.
If you're on the hunt for a malty stout or hoppy ale, this brewery on the Milwaukee River has that and more. Brews pair nicely with Bratwurst, fried cheese curds, soft pretzels and mustard or the fish fry with potato pancakes.
The brewery has live music, including a polka band on Fridays. Weekend tours are $11 and include four beers (6-ounce pours) and a pint glass to take home.
2. Milwaukee Brewing Company
Next up is Walker's Point's Milwaukee Brewing Company, situated at 613 S. Second St. With 4.5 stars out of 218 reviews on Yelp, the brewery has proven to be a local favorite.
This brewery offers weekend tours; for $12, you get a skyline pint glass, unlimited half-pours and a token for a free beer at local spot. Must-try brews include Hop Freak, an IPA with a sweet, flora scent; Polish Moon, a stout teaming with roasted malt and coffee flavors; and Weekend@Louie's, a beer infused with blueberry rooibos tea.
3. Vennture Brew
Vennture Brew, a brewery that offers craft beers, coffee brews and more in Washington Heights, is another much-loved go-to, with five stars out of 29 Yelp reviews. Head over to 5519 W. North Ave. to see for yourself.
At this neighborhood brewery, you'll find 10 beers on tap, including two saisons and a variety of ales, stouts and IPAs. The Throw Parties saison has notes of grapefruit and other citrus flavors. Critical Adjustment is a tropical stout that tastes of dark chocolate with hints of toffee. The full-service coffee bar is open at 5 a.m. and features pour-overs, espresso and standard drip coffee. View the complete menu here.
4. Urban Harvest Brewing Company
Over in Walker's Point, check out Urban Harvest Brewing Company, which has earned five stars out of 29 reviews on Yelp. You can find the brewery at 1024 S. Fifth St.
Located in a former theater, this neighborhood brewery and taproom makes fresh, handcrafted ales in small batches several times a week. Try the Black Puppy Pale Ale, Old Towne Amber or Nookie Nookie — popular beers that are available year round. Take a look at brews here.
5. Third Space Brewing
Last but not least, there's Third Space Brewing, a Menomonee River Valley favorite with 4.5 stars out of 61 reviews. Stop by 1505 W. St. Paul Ave. to hit up the brewery and beer garden next time you're looking to satisfy your cravings.
This warehouse space, once an abandoned stamp factory, has five beers on tap. Standouts include the Happy Place, Unite the Clans Scottish ale and Mochas Java, a rich porter beer with two kinds of chocolate malt. Food trucks in Third Space's parking lot offer plenty of eats to enjoy while you sip on beers. Saturday tours offer a chance to learn about the brewery's history and sample two beers. Check out what's on tap here.
