Summer sipping is here. Part 2 of the Milwaukee brewery series takes beer lovers to a few more unique brewery options, catering to every taste in town.
Check out the Milwaukee Brewery Series: Part 1 here.
Black Husky Brewing
Riverwest
Can’t make it “up north” this summer? No problem! Stop into Black Husky’s Riverwest location to experience all the woodsy décor and hip rustic brewery vibe you need. Black Husky Brewing got its start in 2010 in a small log cabin in Pembine, and the name was inspired by owners Tim and Toni Eichinger’s beloved husky, Howler. Tim tells us “craft beers are all about the story.” He loves brewing beer, and his enthusiasm about it is contagious. Black Husky Pale Ale is the Milwaukee brewery’s flagship beer, but there are usually about 12 delicious brews on tap like Spoose, a double IPA brewed with hits of spruce, or seasonal and special offers like Big Buck Brown, an ale brewed with maple syrup. We love the community-driven special events like weekly trivia, Strong Man competition, Big Wigs Cancer research fundraiser as well as “orphan” Thanksgiving where 50 to 60 guests gather to share in a potluck-type Thanksgiving meal. The fun, quirky and self-proclaimed “Milwaukee’s Worst Brewery Tour” takes place Saturdays at 12:30 p.m., and advanced sign-up is encouraged. Of course, bring your pups – Black Husky is family- and dog-friendly, and seating is available on the outside patio or indoors.
Bonus Beer Fun: All of the beers are named after or associated with dogs from Tim and Toni’s life – a tribute to their companionship over the years.
Black Husky Brewing is open Monday to Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. For more information, visit blackhuskybrewing.com.
Amorphic Beer
Riverwest
Beer-making requires a lot of science, so it is no surprise that a group of engineers who used to design turbine engines and submarine components are now refining the art of beer at Amorphic Beer. The beer-making scientists are just that, developing models, equipment and recipes to brew the best beer possible. The Milwaukee brewery is off the beaten path in Riverwest and the vibe is science-y but in a cool way. Amorphic is known for its hop-forward, Czech lagers and self-proclaimed “weird shit” combining many unique flavors. Try the summary Hendrix & Cuke, a Kölsch with tastes of cucumbers, gin botanicals, lemon and sea salt. Sour lovers will enjoy the Blue Glenn loaded with blueberries, lemon and basil, which is also vegan and gluten-free. It is all-inclusive and welcoming to all “well-behaved beings of all species and ages.” There is plenty of space to gather inside, on the front patio, or in the funky outdoor beer alley. Cranky’s frozen pizza and a few snacks are available, and outside food is welcome.
Beer Bonus Fun: Check out Nerd Bingo at 7 p.m. on Thursdays and enjoy $2 off full draft pours Tuesday to Thursday if you arrive on a bicycle.
Amorphic Beer is open Tuesday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday, 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.amorphicbeer.com.
Dead Bird Brewing Co.
Halyard Park
With the motto “Outstanding Beer by Upstanding Gentlemen,” you know you’re in for a fun time at Dead Bird Brewing Co. Founded in 2015 in the Halyard Park area of Milwaukee, Dead Bird specializes in high-ABV craft beers with a special focus on unique and locally sourced vegan ingredients. In fact, it’s the only vegan brewery in the state. Housed in a century-old warehouse building with cool lighting, relaxed seating and retro arcade games like Atari, Tetris and Millipede, Dead Bird had a chill, unique vibe. Choose from the stacks of old-school board games, grab a cold brew and enjoy the company of friends or make some new ones. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available. The brewery has a small menu of delicious food like street tacos, loaded nachos, sexy chips (potato chips tossed in truffle oil, parmesan, parsley and red pepper flakes), soft pretzels with a house beer mustard, fire-roasted queso and a selection of 12-in. homemade pizzas
Bonus Beer Fun: Stop in on Thursdays at 7 p.m. to watch the brewery’s bumper shuffle league.
Dead Bird Brewing Co. is open Thursday to Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit deadbirdbrewing.com.
1840 Brewing Company
Bayview
Located in Milwaukee’s hip Bay View neighborhood, 1840 Brewing Company is a welcomed addition to the city’s craft beer scene. Open since 2017 in an old warehouse building, 1840 Brewing Company is a traditional urban farmhouse brewery, meaning many of its creations can take up to 24 months to brew and age. Even its name pays homage to the city’s brewing history and techniques as 1840 was the year the first commercial brewery started in Milwaukee. 1840’s space is hip and relaxed, offering both bar and table seating and is also family- and dog-friendly. Hang out in the corner with a book, bring along a card game or simply catch up with friends at this welcoming spot. The brewery supports local artists and photographers by displaying their work on the walls, all of which patrons can purchase. The beer menu is always changing, but be prepared to be wowed by the rotation of eight taps ranging from Kölsch and double IPAs to Farmhouse Ale Saison and wheat beers available in full- or half-pour sizes. The brewery also has a selection of bottled and canned brews including a non-alcoholic lager. A short list of snacks is available in addition to food from local vendors including Flourchild Pizza, Lumpia City and local food truck Tots on the Street. The brewery hosts trivia at 7 p.m. every Wednesday and also takes its beer on the road to various summer beer gardens. (For a full list of locations, visit www.1840brewing.com/#events.)
Bonus Beer Fun: Check out the VIP membership loyalty program to earn points for free stuff and $1 off all pours in the1840 tasting room.
1840 Brewing Company is open Monday to Wednesday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday to Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.1840brewing.com.
Wizard Works Brewing
Historic Third Ward
Down a few stairs, guests will “disappear” into the basement space of Wizard Works Brewing, serving up magic-inspired craft beer. Focusing on traditionally styled, handcrafted beer, guests can enjoy around a dozen rotating taps including IPA, sours, lagers, Hefeweizen and red ales all with kitschy theme names like Abracadabra, Smoke & Mirrors and Secret Handshake. A must-try is the root beer with butterscotch and whipped cream called I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butterbeer. The Milwaukee brewery’s vibe is cool, laidback, cozy and enchanting. With posters of illusion, wizardry and Houdini decking the space, this 2000-sq.-ft. area is a fun stop in Milwaukee to watch your “beer disappear” (and a quote etched on their pint glasses).
Beer bonus fun: Brewery owner Chris Ivanovich not only brews great beer, but he’s also an award-winning magician and will wow you with magic every Friday night starting at 5 p.m.
Wizard Works Brewing is open Tuesday to Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 2 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit wizardworksbrewing.com.