Things to do nearLakefront Brewery

Lakefront Brewery occupies a striking red-brick building along the east bank of the Milwaukee River, a structure that once served as a city power plant and now channels its industrial energy into one of Wisconsin's most recognized independent craft breweries. Founded in 1987 by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch, the brewery grew from a small neighborhood operation into a nationally distributed brand without losing the community-rooted character that defines it. The taproom is spacious and lively, filled with the kind of unhurried conversation and genuine camaraderie that reflects Milwaukee's deep relationship with beer culture.

Guided tours run throughout the week and offer an honest, often humorous look at the brewing process, walking guests through the mash tuns, fermenters, and bottling lines while pouring samples along the way. The beer lineup spans a wide range, from the malty, approachable Riverwest Stein and the crisp Fixed Gear American red ale to seasonal and specialty releases that showcase the brewers' range and curiosity. Lakefront was also among the first breweries in the United States to produce a certified organic beer and to offer a gluten-free beer that earned federal approval, milestones that reflect a genuine commitment to craft and inclusivity.

The Friday night fish fry is a cultural event in its own right, drawing long lines of regulars who come for beer-battered cod, live polka music, and the kind of convivial energy that is hard to manufacture and impossible to forget. Situated along the Beerline Trail and within easy reach of Milwaukee's Riverwest and Brady Street neighborhoods, Lakefront Brewery rewards a visit not just for its beer but for the full sense of place it delivers.