Lakefront Brewery
Lakefront Brewery
4.5
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 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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- Johnny TrekkieSan Diego, California11,346 contributionsPROST!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.Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 20 November 2023
- aviendha963Chicago, Illinois13 contributionsGreat beer great food!I was looking for something to do in Milwaukee this weekend and I stumbled across lakefront brewery. We took a tour of the brewery with JD who was absolutely amazing. He’s a fantastic ambassador for the brewery. we tried many beers and enjoyed each one. We also had lunch after the brewery tour. Fish fry, and bread amazing. The cheese curds were the best that we ever had! I highly recommend coming to Lakefront brewery be sure to do the tour and stay for lunch. You will have a ball.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 March 2024
- Katty MBronx, New York1 contributionDon't Sleep on MilwaukeeWonderful city with tons to do. Went to a Yankees vs Brewers game and really enjoyed it. Next time will do the Lakefront Brewery tour. We stayed in the downtown area area near the Third Ward. Overall awesome trip and definitely would go back.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 May 2024
- russianwulfgarMilwaukee, Wisconsin1,760 contributionsVegan Fish Fry! Thank you for offering, but it needs a bit of work.We specifically went because they offer a Vegan Fish Fry! The vegan coleslaw and vegan tartar sauce were terrific, the hand-made fish fry not so much. I don't want to give them a knock because they are doing a wonderful thing by even offering a vegan fish fry - most places don't have the guts to do so. The batter was tasty, but the interior texture needs work. It was a bit mushy and stringy. Flavor - FINE! Texture needs improvement, which I'm sure they can do and will do. I will keep coming back for the Vegan Fish Fry and tell all my vegan compadres to do the same. And the Beersicle beer was delicious!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 June 2024
- Amanda TPflugerville, Texas45 contributionsFamily friendly for adult childrenThe brewery tour was both educational and entertaining! I don’t recommend taking young children- it’s a lot of standing around and listening. They won’t understand the adult references and the content of the jokes is inappropriate for children. We took our 18 year old and it was entertaining for us. They offer a variety of beer flavors, many of which were very good. The atmosphere is comfortable and friendly. The view from the deck outside is really nice. The cheese curds were really delicious!! It was a bargain for a tour and the samples- it was about 4 hours of entertainment.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2024
- TennisgalGreenBay_WIGreen Bay, Wisconsin959 contributionsGreat Family friendly Brewery!Went with a 2 year old and 8 mo. old and 6 adults. There is a nice outside area to wait while a table is available inside. We didn't wait long. Band playing Polka music inside was fun. The walleye was good, as well as the French fries. The kids had fun and the adults as well. Our server was very friendly and attentive.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 August 2024
- Parkrunner71398 contributionsFantastic brewery tour with a very entertaining guide.The Lakefront Brewery tour is worth the admission fee based on entertainment value alone. But then factor in that you get four drink tokens to exchange for the excellent beers that Lakefront brew, plus the option of trading in your admission wrist band for a Lakefront beer glass or keyring and you realise you've got yourself an amazing deal. Our tour guide (Jack) was so funny and engaging, and he visibly loves his job. And why wouldn't he, when he gets a chance to promote and enjoy the brewery and its beers he clearly loves. Even if you don't do the tour it's well worth calling here as the venue, in its setting next next to the Milwaukee River, is vibrant and popular with the local community, including many families who enjoy the food and oompah band entertainment. If you are visiting the area, be sure to stop off at the Lakefront Brewery. I'm sure you won't be disappointed and will have a great time.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 14 September 2024
- Kim M112 contributionsA must visitTour was so much fun with our guide George. Lots of laughs and very engaging. Food - I can see why they are award winning! We had cheese curds, pretzel, sausages, Mac and cheese and all were fabulous. American Family field (Brewers) would use them as a concessionaire.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 17 September 2024
- Bunkerhill4343Philadelphia, Pennsylvania189 contributionsA Fun PlaceA fun experience. Take the "tour." It's somewhat informative but a bundle of laughs. The food at the brewery is actually pretty darn good. The beer is outstanding. A good place to spend a few hours some afternoon.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 September 2024
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4.5
1,933 reviews
Excellent
1,432
Very good
361
Average
82
Poor
32
Terrible
27
WhatBucketList
Chicago, IL
Mar 2020 • Solo
The price point of the brewery tour is very affordable and worth the time while you are in Milwaukee.
For a hour tour and a few beers at the end of the tour for $20, totally well worth your time and money.
Additionally the fried food (fish fry) is yummy.
Will and have returned when I come to Milwaukee.
For a hour tour and a few beers at the end of the tour for $20, totally well worth your time and money.
Additionally the fried food (fish fry) is yummy.
Will and have returned when I come to Milwaukee.
Written 2 March 2020
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, OH
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.
DERRICK S
De Pere, WI
Mar 2020 • Solo
I didn't take the tour this time around but I have heard great things about it! I ordered the pot roast sandwich with cheese curds and a beer and it was all amazing!! The pot roast was tender, and the sauce was flavorful. The cheese curds were some of the best I've ever had. The beer was delicious also. Everybody working there seemed friendly. Someone stopped by my table and asked me how my food was and cleared my plates. Overall, a very enjoyable experience. I will return some other time and take the tour and try something else off of the menu.
Written 9 March 2020
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.
TourGuideWannabe
Austinburg, OH
Sept 2021
We took the Lakefront Brewery tour (bought the tickets in advance) as the end point for us on the Milwaukee River Walk. I'm not sure it was a tour as much as it was a non-stop stand-up comedy routine for forty-five minutes. Our tour guide was an actor at night playing in a Shakespeare comedy (which explained why he looked like Jerry Colona), He is very talented and kept the whole group in stiches. Very entertaining. And by the way, lots of free beer comes with the tour. I thought the pumpkin beer was excellent.
Written 15 September 2021
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.
RecreationV
New York City, NY
June 2022
We 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.
Written 15 May 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.
USACorgi
Eagle, ID
Jan 2020 • Family
We were visiting family from Florida and they love this place and they dont even drink alcohol. We went on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and it was quite busy but no wait for a table. The kids were disappointed that we didnt go on Friday night because apparently there is live polka music and dancing that they love.
It set up with long tables, like you see in Germany, for the most part so it’s a very social place and a few smaller tables as well. The brewery conducts tours regularly throughout the day. Food is ordered at a counter and delivered to your table. Beer is purchased from the bar, so no table service other than delivery of food. Its a huge hall, very cool inside , complete with a gift shop. Food was excellent and of course we always judge a good Wisconsin restaurant by their cheese curds and I have to say I think these were the best we have ever had. All 7 of us loved our food and the ambience. It’s right on the river, so it’s a nice walk before or after dinner when the weather is nice out. Highly recommend this place and we will go back again!
It set up with long tables, like you see in Germany, for the most part so it’s a very social place and a few smaller tables as well. The brewery conducts tours regularly throughout the day. Food is ordered at a counter and delivered to your table. Beer is purchased from the bar, so no table service other than delivery of food. Its a huge hall, very cool inside , complete with a gift shop. Food was excellent and of course we always judge a good Wisconsin restaurant by their cheese curds and I have to say I think these were the best we have ever had. All 7 of us loved our food and the ambience. It’s right on the river, so it’s a nice walk before or after dinner when the weather is nice out. Highly recommend this place and we will go back again!
Written 27 January 2020
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, California
July 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.
Derik M
Reno, NV
June 2021 • Couples
We went to the brewery for the tour. While the tour is relatively short at about 45 minutes it is well worth your time. You get two beers included with the tour and a souvenir glass to take with you. The tour is very informative about the history of the brewery and also the process of making beer.
Written 13 June 2021
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.
Sept 2024 • Friends
The Lakefront Brewery tour is worth the admission fee based on entertainment value alone. But then factor in that you get four drink tokens to exchange for the excellent beers that Lakefront brew, plus the option of trading in your admission wrist band for a Lakefront beer glass or keyring and you realise you've got yourself an amazing deal.
Our tour guide (Jack) was so funny and engaging, and he visibly loves his job. And why wouldn't he, when he gets a chance to promote and enjoy the brewery and its beers he clearly loves.
Even if you don't do the tour it's well worth calling here as the venue, in its setting next next to the Milwaukee River, is vibrant and popular with the local community, including many families who enjoy the food and oompah band entertainment.
If you are visiting the area, be sure to stop off at the Lakefront Brewery. I'm sure you won't be disappointed and will have a great time.
Our tour guide (Jack) was so funny and engaging, and he visibly loves his job. And why wouldn't he, when he gets a chance to promote and enjoy the brewery and its beers he clearly loves.
Even if you don't do the tour it's well worth calling here as the venue, in its setting next next to the Milwaukee River, is vibrant and popular with the local community, including many families who enjoy the food and oompah band entertainment.
If you are visiting the area, be sure to stop off at the Lakefront Brewery. I'm sure you won't be disappointed and will have a great time.
Written 14 September 2024
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.
russianwulfgar
Milwaukee, WI
May 2024 • Couples
We specifically went because they offer a Vegan Fish Fry! The vegan coleslaw and vegan tartar sauce were terrific, the hand-made fish fry not so much. I don't want to give them a knock because they are doing a wonderful thing by even offering a vegan fish fry - most places don't have the guts to do so. The batter was tasty, but the interior texture needs work. It was a bit mushy and stringy. Flavor - FINE! Texture needs improvement, which I'm sure they can do and will do. I will keep coming back for the Vegan Fish Fry and tell all my vegan compadres to do the same. And the Beersicle beer was delicious!
Written 2 June 2024
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.
johnpadres
Mexico City, Mexico
Hi. Could we visit the brewery with a 2 years toddler?
Written 9 September 2021
Is the patio area kid friendly?
Written 5 September 2020
Yes, but small area. Thinking only had one 4-6 top and some small seating,counter area. Check menu for drag trivia nights if that’s not your thing.
Written 26 September 2024
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!
Written 26 June 2020
We parked on the street and just took a short walk to get there. The lot was small and it was a weekend.
Written 15 July 2019
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?
Written 20 March 2019
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.
Written 15 April 2019
WIchick
Brookfield, Wisconsin
Can my 20 year old son take the tour with us (his parents) and enjoy the samples and a beer with dinner?
Written 26 December 2018
He can take the tour but they will check his ID - underage people cannot drink alcohol on the tour even when accompanied by parents.
Written 26 December 2018
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?
Written 25 November 2018
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.
Written 28 December 2018
is there parking and what is the cost, where is parking is it on site glenn
Written 23 September 2018
Parking is free,plentiful, and right next to the property.
Written 23 September 2018
Can we check a bag there if we’re coming in on the train and want to come there first?
Written 1 August 2018
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!
Written 22 August 2018
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