Lakefront Brewery
Born in 1987 when brothers Russ and Jim Klisch pivoted from homebrewing hobbies to professional brewing, Lakefront Brewery set up shop in a shuttered Riverwest bakery that would become an icon of Milwaukee’s craft beer renaissance. What began as two siblings experimenting with fermentation has evolved into one of the most respected regional breweries in America, a pioneer that rewrote the rulebook for what craft beer could be. The brewery’s location along the Milwaukee River—in a historic neighborhood that gave the brewery its flagship amber lager its name—grounds Lakefront in the community it has served for nearly four decades. This is Milwaukee brewing heritage in its truest form.
Step into the Lakefront beer hall and you’re enveloped in an atmosphere that feels both industrial and welcoming. Exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and the original Bernie Brewer’s Chalet (yes, the one from the Milwaukee Brewers’ old stadium) create a space that honors brewing tradition while celebrating local culture. The taproom hums with energy on Friday nights and weekend afternoons, filled with regulars who’ve been coming for decades and curious visitors discovering the brewery for the first time. It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over a pint, and the staff treats everyone like family.
“The brewery that changed what American beer could be—from its first fruit beer since Prohibition to the first government-approved gluten-free brew.”
Lakefront’s claim to fame runs deep. In 1992, they bottled the first fruit beer in America since Prohibition ended. In 1996, they became the first certified organic brewery in the entire country. In 2007, they revolutionized accessibility by creating New Grist, the first gluten-free beer ever approved by the U.S. government—a achievement that required them to petition federal regulators to create an entirely new beer category. The brewery’s commitment to innovation didn’t stop there. They pioneered an all-Wisconsin ingredient beer, launched a celebrated my Turn Series that lets employees design their own brews, and earned B Corp certification. Today, Lakefront distributes to 30+ states and beyond, yet remains fiercely independent and locally rooted. Their brewery tours—ranked among the top in the nation—are legendary for good reason: the guides are entertainers, the stories are genuine, and you get beer at the start of the tour, not the end.
Visiting Lakefront Brewery is a pilgrimage for anyone serious about Midwest craft beer. You’re not just tasting beer; you’re experiencing nearly four decades of brewing innovation, family legacy, and genuine Milwaukee character. The award-winning brewery tours are absolutely worth your time—guides deliver entertainment alongside education, and you’ll walk away understanding why this brewery matters. The beer hall serves excellent local food, the patio offers river views, and the staff’s passion for what they do is contagious. Whether you’re grabbing a Riverwest Stein after work or diving deep into a flight of their rotating specials, you’ll find yourself part of a community that’s been building something meaningful since two brothers fell in love with brewing in a Riverwest bakery.