Lakefront Brewery
Lakefront Brewery
4.5
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
2:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
3:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
On December 2nd, 1987, brothers Russ and Jim Klisch opened Lakefront Brewery and sold their first batch of Riverwest Stein Amber Lager to a neighborhood tavern in Milwaukee. We have grown to brew 46,848 barrels of beer in 2017 and distribute our products to 35 states, Canada, Ukraine, Japan, Korea, Sweden and Australia. Lakefront Brewery was the first certified organic brewery in America, the first brewery to produce a government-approved, gluten-free beer and the first indigenous beer using all Wisconsin grown ingredients. We currently produce 20+ year-round and seasonal beers as well as our innovative one-off My Turn Series which gives each of our full time employees a chance to choose a style we've never brewed. Beer aside, Lakefront is also known around the country for their highly entertaining and sought-after brewery tours.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- mississaugatravellorMississauga, Canada17 contributionsGreat beer selection, something for everyoneGreat brewery with quite nice food. The atmosphere was busy, but not too loud. It was an open room with a seat your self policy. Guest share large tables, which have been sectioned off. The staff were really friendly, the beer was really good and the food was decent. I had the fish tacos and they could have used a bit of spice or sauce, but tasted fresh and somewhat healthy (which is a good thing). We visited on a warm day in December and the walk there was really nice. The highlight was the beer - there was nothing wrong with the food.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten December 30, 2022
- RecreationVNew York City, New York384 contributionsA Bit Of Laverne and Shirley MemoryWe wanted to check out a brewery, and memories of the TV show Laverne & Shirley prompted us to head here. The tour guide (Greg) was both entertaining and informative, making this one of the most fun tours we've done. We couldn't walk through the brewery itself, but there was a lot to see from a distance and through some large glass windows. A few jokes along the way and a finish with the whole group singing the theme song (as a tribute) to Laverne & Shirley made this a most memorable tour. Then off to get a couple of beers (or non-alcoholic soda) which is included in the tour price. Thoroughly enjoyable.Visited June 2022Written May 15, 2023
- karouselkidAbilene, Texas222 contributionsCan’t believe people like their beer.Make no mistake, you’re here for the ambience not the beer. Food was traditional pub fare. Beers were meh. We tried many samples and really couldn’t find one that tasted good.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2023
- Diana PChicago, Illinois3 contributionsWe loved it!I went with my sister's family and my family. I would recommend getting there before noon. When we got there, it wasn't too busy and we had our choice of where we wanted to sit. It was a nice day so we sat outside. The kids had kids' meals and root beer. They servers behind the bar were really friendly and even as it was getting busy let me sample a beer and were very kind to my kids. Everyone in our group had a good time and it was a great way to start off our weekend in Milwaukee.Visited June 2023Written June 14, 2023
- Lauren S1 contributionTake the tour! Perfect way to spend an afternoonTake the tour!! Our family was in town for the weekend so we went for the afternoon. Justin was our tour guide and he was absolutely fantastic! Be ready to sip, learn and laugh a ton (and just know some of the jokes aren’t kid friendly.) The beers are so good I’m checking a bag to bring some home, and the food hit the spot. Best cheese curds around, and great service. We’ll absolutely be back, and probably take the tour all over again, just for fun!Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2023
- kaceykam2 contributionsGreat tour and awesome valueI can’t recommend this tour enough. You get generous beer tastings and an incredibly entertaining tour. The beer is great and for $15 you more than get your money’s worth - four tastings plus a souvenir pint glass and a coupon for a free pint at a local restaurant. Justin was a fantastic guide - so funny! Location on the river is also great. A great time was had by all!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 15, 2023
- Dazyz03Arnold, Missouri16 contributionsTour is worth your time and money!Wonderful experience! The tour is definitely worth your time and money. You get 1 hour tour, 2full size beers, and a pint glass to take home. Sergio was our tour guide and tons of fun! The patio made for an enjoyable experience on the river. Try the cheese curds, you won’t be disappointed.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 20, 2023
- dsj019Carrollton, Ohio31 contributionsPiece of tv history GONE.Took this tour today, 8/2/23. Parking is up and down the street if you cannot find a space in the limited lot. Apparently if you have a Kia or Hyundai, these are high theft items in this area. I do not (have a Jeep), this made me question the safety of my vehicle and the contents in the street, which it turned out fine, no one bothered it. We did not book online and were able to get on the next hours tour. I felt this was a generous tour, you get four generous half pours of the beer of your choosing (can have before, during and after the tour) and receive a free pint glass or bottle opener with your wrist band. The tour was $12 per person. We tasted the cheese curds and enjoyed some beer while waiting for the tour. Curds were good and the beer was fresh and cold! Now for the actual tour. We stood in a warm room with a window that showed the brewing room. Our guide thoroughly walked us through the process and was very humorous through the tour. We walked down the steps and into a loading area where we learned about the bottling process. We had watched several videos on YouTube before coming and this tour WAS NOT the same tours others have experienced. We were really disappointed to learn that they had sold a piece of Milwaukee history AND it’s not even in Milwaukee anymore (shame on you Lakefront for not keeping that treasure local - but money talks, I suppose), the bottling line from Laverne and Shirley (old Schlitz factory) is now in Mexico City, this was something we were really looking forward to seeing. We did sing the song with the group, which was fun.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 2, 2023
- Tim CHamilton, Ohio79 contributionsWhat a fun tour!This was a lot of fun… and I don’t even like beer! Jesse was our tour guide and did a wonderful job. They explained the whole process by showing us four different sections of the brewery which even included a small tribute to Laverne & Shirley. The bar out back by the river was a lovely spot to spend some time after the tour.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2023
- AndyLube11 contributionsJD Gives Great TourSuch a cool place to take a brewery tour and throw back a couple of pints. All the staff was genuinely kind and engaged with the customer needs. I recommend the tour! Four 8 oz pours and a free souvenir glass!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,915 reviews
Excellent
1,419
Very good
358
Average
80
Poor
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Terrible
26
Johnny Trekkie
San Diego, CA9,263 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The best brewery out of the 5 we visited in Milwaukee. Right on Milwaukee River, this brewery has an amazing riverfront patio complete with a lovely view on a bright sunny day. The main building is an expansive beer hall, clean, simple, relaxed and inviting. Having been to the real Oktoberfest three times, this ambience almost take me back to Munich Germany, almost!
Unlike Oktoberfest, rather just one lager, you can choose over 20 different kinds of beer of all kinds...lager, pilsner, ales, IPAs, stouts...yes please! The food is delicious as well, and affordable! The sausages and cheese curds were great! 2 Sausages of Polish and Bratwurst and a pretzel bun costs only $11. $10 Basket of Cheese Curds was crispy, chewy, cheesy and delicious. Costs might lower due to this being a order at the counter and take a number setup, rather than a full waitstaff.
Unlike Oktoberfest, rather just one lager, you can choose over 20 different kinds of beer of all kinds...lager, pilsner, ales, IPAs, stouts...yes please! The food is delicious as well, and affordable! The sausages and cheese curds were great! 2 Sausages of Polish and Bratwurst and a pretzel bun costs only $11. $10 Basket of Cheese Curds was crispy, chewy, cheesy and delicious. Costs might lower due to this being a order at the counter and take a number setup, rather than a full waitstaff.
Written 21 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim L
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
My idea of a tour is you go through the facility to see how the product is made. This “tour “ consisted of standing in a room and listening to the guide tell worn out jokes that you might have found funny in junior high. We never saw any of the actual brewing or packaging . What exactly did we pay for? A free glass? Felt ripped off. I would like my money and my time back. Very disappointing.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca C
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
The cheese curds were drenched in oil tonight so gross there was a puddle in the basket and it was on their night to have special cheese curds. My friend was not impressed with beers he had a beer flight that had hardly any taste to the beers
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndyLube
Mass11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Such a cool place to take a brewery tour and throw back a couple of pints. All the staff was genuinely kind and engaged with the customer needs. I recommend the tour! Four 8 oz pours and a free souvenir glass!
Written 11 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MillsyTrotter
Bala Cynwyd, PA63 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
This was a great spot to come with our teenage kids while in Milwaukee. Great space, amazing beer, veg and vegan-friendly menu, and tremendous sevice.
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim C
Hamilton, OH79 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
This was a lot of fun… and I don’t even like beer! Jesse was our tour guide and did a wonderful job. They explained the whole process by showing us four different sections of the brewery which even included a small tribute to Laverne & Shirley. The bar out back by the river was a lovely spot to spend some time after the tour.
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dsj019
Carrollton, OH31 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Took this tour today, 8/2/23. Parking is up and down the street if you cannot find a space in the limited lot. Apparently if you have a Kia or Hyundai, these are high theft items in this area. I do not (have a Jeep), this made me question the safety of my vehicle and the contents in the street, which it turned out fine, no one bothered it. We did not book online and were able to get on the next hours tour. I felt this was a generous tour, you get four generous half pours of the beer of your choosing (can have before, during and after the tour) and receive a free pint glass or bottle opener with your wrist band. The tour was $12 per person. We tasted the cheese curds and enjoyed some beer while waiting for the tour. Curds were good and the beer was fresh and cold! Now for the actual tour. We stood in a warm room with a window that showed the brewing room. Our guide thoroughly walked us through the process and was very humorous through the tour. We walked down the steps and into a loading area where we learned about the bottling process. We had watched several videos on YouTube before coming and this tour WAS NOT the same tours others have experienced. We were really disappointed to learn that they had sold a piece of Milwaukee history AND it’s not even in Milwaukee anymore (shame on you Lakefront for not keeping that treasure local - but money talks, I suppose), the bottling line from Laverne and Shirley (old Schlitz factory) is now in Mexico City, this was something we were really looking forward to seeing. We did sing the song with the group, which was fun.
Written 3 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alisone97
Hillsborough, United States476 contributions
Jul 2023
Visited here while touring the Great Lakes. Very good food and beer. Clean. Friendly service. Off the beaten path but worth the trip.
Written 23 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dazyz03
Arnold, MO16 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Wonderful experience!
The tour is definitely worth your time and money. You get 1 hour tour, 2full size beers, and a pint glass to take home. Sergio was our tour guide and tons of fun!
The patio made for an enjoyable experience on the river. Try the cheese curds, you won’t be disappointed.
The tour is definitely worth your time and money. You get 1 hour tour, 2full size beers, and a pint glass to take home. Sergio was our tour guide and tons of fun!
The patio made for an enjoyable experience on the river. Try the cheese curds, you won’t be disappointed.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kaceykam
Sacramento, California2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
I can’t recommend this tour enough. You get generous beer tastings and an incredibly entertaining tour. The beer is great and for $15 you more than get your money’s worth - four tastings plus a souvenir pint glass and a coupon for a free pint at a local restaurant. Justin was a fantastic guide - so funny! Location on the river is also great. A great time was had by all!
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ralstonChicago
Chicago, IL119 contributions
Are dogs allowed?
mikekap24
Boston, MA58 contributions
Outside on the patio there were dogs. I don't think any were permitted inside though. Fortunately there's a bar out back so you can sit out there with your pooch and live it up!
Swirlgirlchris
Omaha, NE9 contributions
Parking?
Figueroa C
Montgomery, IL107 contributions
We parked on the street and just took a short walk to get there. The lot was small and it was a weekend.
Aquatic P
17 contributions
Going in May with someone in a wheel chair. They can do 3-4 steps up or down if need be. Will they be able to do the tour?
iltrekguy
Milwaukee, WI110 contributions
I do not remember an elevator as it is an older building and narrow. I would call ahead to check. There is a ramp into the restaurant / dining hall area, but am not positive for the tour as there are stairs like in most older breweries.
WIchick
Brookfield, WI
Can my 20 year old son take the tour with us (his parents) and enjoy the samples and a beer with dinner?
KatMoran14
22 contributions
He can take the tour but they will check his ID - underage people cannot drink alcohol on the tour even when accompanied by parents.
gscs76
sterling36 contributions
Hi, gscs76. What would you like to know about this attraction? is the bar open during the comedy show. can you just sit at bar and not eat?
Mike W
Milwaukee, WI7 contributions
Our Keg Stand Up comedy showcase is a ticketed event with reserved seating and table service. If sold out, we do offer standing room tickets at a cheaper price. Those tickets utilize the bar for drink service and food counter to order food.
is there parking and what is the cost, where is parking is it on site glenn
Latoundji
Chicago, IL91 contributions
Parking is free,plentiful, and right next to the property.
Can we check a bag there if we’re coming in on the train and want to come there first?
Mike W
Milwaukee, WI7 contributions
While we cannot make any promises, we do our best to be able to hold luggage in a safe manner for those in the middle of transportation. Like others have said, it'd be best to give us a call ahead of time. Thanks for the kinds words and advice everyone, it's very much appreciated!
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Claim your listingLAKEFRONT BREWERY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lakefront Brewery
- Hotels near Lakefront Brewery:
- (0.10 km) Best location in Milwaukee! Lower Duplex Unit - long term stays welcome
- (0.27 km) Best location in Milwaukee! Upper Duplex Unit - long term stays welcome
- (0.33 km) 4 bedroom house walking distance from Milwaukee Bucks Fiserv Forum
- (0.37 km) Frontdesk | Simple 1BR near River (Dogs Welcome)
- (1.01 km) County Clare Irish Inn and Pub
- Restaurants near Lakefront Brewery:
- (0.01 km) Lakefront Brewery Beer Hall
- (0.20 km) DiModa Pizza
- (0.47 km) Sanford Restaurant
- (0.49 km) Glorioso's Italian Market
- (0.24 km) Up-Down Arcade Bar
- Attractions near Lakefront Brewery:
- (0.02 km) Hop Head Tours
- (0.16 km) The Swing Park
- (0.29 km) City Tours MKE
- (0.20 km) Trocadero
- (0.29 km) Eagle Park Brewing Company