If you do one brewery tour in Milwaukee, make it Lakefront. The brewery sits on the banks of the Milwaukee River at 1872 North Commerce Street, just north of downtown, and its tour has a reputation that reaches well beyond Wisconsin for being as entertaining as it is informative. Guides walk groups of up to 35 people through the brewhouse in about 50 minutes, telling the story of how two brothers started the business and how it grew into one of the city's best-known independents, with plenty of jokes along the way. The tour includes four 8-ounce pours, a Lakefront souvenir pint glass to keep and a coupon for a free beer at participating local bars, valid for three days. Lakefront is known for pioneering work in beer, including the country's first certified organic beer and the first government-certified gluten-free beer. Afterward, the Beer Hall is a classic Milwaukee experience in its own right, above all on Friday nights, when the fish fry is served from 4pm and the Brewhaus Polka Kings play from 5pm to 8pm.
Booking and timing: tickets are sold online through the brewery's website, priced in the low to mid teens in dollars depending on the day, and children 12 and under do not need a ticket. Tours run on weekday evenings from Monday to Thursday, several times on Friday afternoon and evening, through the day on Saturday, and twice on Sunday afternoon, though the schedule varies by season. Tickets are released in two-month blocks on the first of the month at 9am, weekend tours often sell out, and all sales are final. Unsold places may be offered as walk-up tickets.
Who can go: guests must be 21 with valid ID, or under the supervision of a parent or legal guardian; the tour is aimed at adults, but families are welcome at their discretion. Aunts, uncles and siblings do not count as guardians, a rule that catches some groups out.
Making it count: book a Friday tour around 5pm and stay for the fish fry and polka in the Beer Hall, which is open from 11am on Fridays and Saturdays and from 3pm on weekdays. Arrive early on Fridays, as the hall fills up. The brewery is a short ride from downtown hotels by car or taxi.
What to expect
The experience
A guided walk through a working brewery with four beer pours, plenty of humor and a souvenir pint glass, followed by optional food in the Beer Hall.
Best time
A Friday around 5pm, so you can stay for the fish fry and the polka band.
How long
About 50 minutes for the tour, and an hour or two more if you stay to eat.
Tips
Buy tickets online when the two-month blocks are released, bring ID, and remember all sales are final.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Beer lovers and first-time visitors who want the most Milwaukee evening possible.
- Families
- Families are welcome with a parent or legal guardian, and children 12 and under do not need a ticket.
- Couples
- A fun evening date, with the fish fry and polka afterward for a true local Friday night.
- Pair with
- The Harley-Davidson Museum during the day and a guided brewery crawl on another afternoon.
- Time needed
- An hour for the tour, or most of an evening with dinner in the Beer Hall.
Good questions
How long is the Lakefront Brewery tour?+
The tour lasts about 50 minutes. Many visitors stay afterward for food in the Beer Hall.
What is included in the Lakefront Brewery tour?+
You get four 8-ounce pours, a souvenir pint glass and a coupon for a free beer at participating local bars. The coupon is valid for three days.
Can children go on the Lakefront Brewery tour?+
Yes, with a parent or legal guardian, and children 12 and under do not need a ticket. The tour itself is geared toward adults.
Does Lakefront Brewery have a fish fry?+
Yes, the Friday fish fry starts at 4pm in the Beer Hall. The Brewhaus Polka Kings play from 5pm to 8pm.
Do Lakefront Brewery tours sell out?+
Weekend tours often do. Tickets are released in two-month blocks on the first of the month, so book early for Friday and Saturday.
