Celebrating Craft Beer Week with the North Shore Chamber
National Craft Beer Week means a bit more to us Wisconsinites. Much of our local culture has revolved around beer, with huge names like Miller, Schlitz, Pabst, and others helping build our Brew City from the ground up. Since those eras of domestic beer, a new world of brews have emerged. Now we have IPAs, sours, wheats, belgians, stouts, porters, ales, pilsners… I could go on (split a flight, anyone?). But what makes for the perfect beer outing? With the help of these chamber members, I’ve got you covered with recommendations and a game plan.
Atmosphere
As a certified Gen Z, a beer drinking experience starts with the vibe. While any biergarten will likely do the trick, Wisconsin weather may still hinder you from bracing the elements. An indoor/outdoor establishment is a great choice so you have the option of where you sit.
The Bavarian Bierhaus offers indoor, outdoor, and biergarten seating, making it the trifecta of beer vibes. Not to mention the old-style German beer hall aesthetic, making it a top-tier option for an outing. Other finds if you want a great atmosphere is the Argo, who boasts modern, mood-lit seating both in the dining area and at the bar. MOXIE has patio seating, as well as an indoor dining room that’s close and cozy. The Brick Pub & Grill also ticks all of our boxes of indoor, outdoor, and a great pub vibe. Nice and spacious (with ample free parking, too!). Lastly, what vibe is better than the Summer fest grounds to crack open a cold one? Live music, sun setting over the lake, Saz’s sampler in one hand, brewki in the other… We cannot wait for Summerfest, if it’s not obvious.
Food
You can’t go day drinking without something else in that tum. Some pairing options are better than others (yes, you can do a food pairing with more than just wine). Most beers fare well with more robust, full-flavored foods and hearty proteins.
For the DIY at home peeps, Milwaukee Pretzel Company ships fresh pretzels (made that day) right to your home, and can also be found at most festivals or stadiums to pair with whatever drink is in your other hand. Bavarian Bierhaus has an extensive menu that lists all the essentials like cheese curds, massive pretzels, sausages of all kind, schnitzel, and more. After all, who else aspires to have their plate and their glass be some shade of brown? The Argo continues to evolve and master their menu with small bites like chips & dips and excellent smash-style sliders, along with a new Friday Fish Fry and other specials throughout the week. MOXIE pushes further with sophisticated menus and frequent specials that pair well with their craft selection. The Brick Pub & Grill does the classics better than anyone else. With rotating menu specials and soups like mom used to make, their extensive beer list matches their extensive menu.
Brews
The main event… The beer. Who carries beer!? Who??? Where???
The largest selection of beer is Bavarian Bierhaus (unsurprisingly, as beer is literally in the name). Mostly german-style brews like pilsners, ales, ambers, hefeweizen, dunkels, and my personal favorite, the Radler (like a shandy, but better, sweeter, and German AF). For at-home options, you can stock up with your favorite brews at Ray’s Wine & Spirits, whose two locations span beyond my 5’3” eyes, and they have many selections you may not have even heard of! The Brick Pub & Grill’s combination of draught, craft, import and more is impressive, and is bound to pair well with any menu item. You just can’t beat the classics. MOXIE’s cocktails and mocktails may be where they shine, but they do offer beer on tap with a decent list of craft and imports, as well. The Argo’s beer list is surprisingly extensive. Tons of locals, classics, even THC and seltzers, if you can’t find one thing to drink there, your next round is on me.
So, the best day out has a few steps, but I promise it’s all for the best. After all, preparation is the key to any successful outing! Celebrating Craft Beer Week involves these steps:
- Gather the crew.
- Find the right beer-sthetic.
- Finalize the menu.
- Na zdrowie.
Featuring: The Argo, The Brick Pub & Grill, Milwaukee Pretzel Company, MOXIE Food + Drink, Ray’s Wine & Liquor, Summerfest/Milwaukee World Festival, Inc
Author: Gwen (Operations & Engagement Manager) North Shore Chamber