The Quest for the Holy Grain - Best Brew Pubs
Wisconsin

 

 

 

Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub
222 East Erie Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-6000
(414) 727-9300

The Hinterland Gastropub in downtown Milwaukee, an upscale winebar, is an outlet for the brewery based in Green Bay.  The decor ran to lots of brick and wood, and had an earthy feel. They have 6 Hinterland beers on tap.  One would think that for a brewery outlet, they would focus more on beer and less on wine, but considering this location, maybe not. The noveau cuisine was quite pricy.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Ale House
233 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI
(414) 226-2337

The Milwaukee Ale House is a large brewpub in downtown Milwaukee.  The bar area is very large, the dining area smaller, and also there is some seating on a balcony over the river.  The brewing operation is on display at the front of the bar, however, the barmaid explained that they have another brewery for beer that is packaged, or drunk elsewhere.  They have 8 of their own tasty beers on tap.  The beer is inexpensive and so is the pubgrub.  It is a comfortable place to drink.

After 25 years in business, Milwaukee Ale House closed its Third Ward Location.
There is a new location in Grafton.

 

Water Street Brewery
1101 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 272-1195

The Water Street Brewery is a large brewpub in the trendy drinking district of downtown Milwaukee. 
Although the bar itself is modest, the bar area is quite large with a seated bar rail along the perimeter and several booths.  The dining area is quite extensive and has several rooms and many little nooks.  There is also outside seating. 
There are six fermenting tanks adjacent the bar, but the rest of the brewing operation is not visible. 
They aspire to be a German brewery but with 8 beers on tap they have several other styles. 
The beers a quite tasty. 
The food is good and not particularly expensive.