Going to Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Chicago in late June. Can I get some brewery info? Any must sees/drinks?
I think Lazy Monk In Eau Claire is must to see.
Shameless plug:
http://www.lazymonkbrewing.com
Lakefront in Milwaukee is an absolute must-see tour. I think they have tours all day Saturdays and it’s like 5 bucks for 5 pints or something like that.
People have said similar about Sprecher but I’ve still never been there.
Goose Island is my favorite place in Chicago. I was there a couple of weeks ago and they seriously had 31 different beers to sample. A huge chunk of those were Belgians and sour ales, if you’re into that sort of thing at all.
I also love Piece in Chicago. Great pizza too (NOT Chicago-deep-dish but more of a crackery crust).
I haven’t ever really hung out in Minneapolis, sorry I can’t help much there. But definitely get some 6-packs of the Summit beers. The flagship EPA is probably my favorite.
These are awesome suggestions. Looks like I’ll have a lot of “research” to do!
I have liked the beers at Revolution and Haymarket in Chicago.
Can’t say much about the other towns. Not too far out of your way is New Glarus if you are driving.
Revolution is my favorite place in Chicago these days. Bacon popcorn, for goodness sake! It’s also outside of the tourist zone, so you can get a feel for what the rest of the city is like. And easily reached on the El.
Surly, in Brooklyn Center (north of mpls) be sure to book tours in advance. Summit was a pioneer in the craft beer scene and is a St. Paul mainstay. Harriet brewing is a one year old brewery that makes some tasty german and belgian style brews. Fulton brewing turns out some great beers too.
Revolution in Chicago is a MUST. I am still a goose island superfan but Revolution beats it hands down. Go hungry, there’s a ton of really really great food.
I’ll second the comment to visit Surly and Summit Brewing and I recommend adding Town Hall brewery in Minneapolis.
Some of the newer craft breweries with taprooms in Minneapolis are Harriet and Fulton. Harriet’s taproom is cool and laid back. You can chat with the brewers too. Fulton’s taproom is almost complete; it will be open by June.
Town Hall and Town Hall Tap are excellent. Also, there’s a restaurant that is about to open in Minneapolis called The Butcher and the Boar. It’s going to feature house smoked meats/game, charcuterie, 30 craft beer taps, a wide bourbon selection, and an outdoor beer garden. Definitely worth checking out when it opens, which should be by June.
Twin Cities area: +1 for the Town Hall. I once considered it my local and I make a point of stopping in whenever I go back (which is getting more and more rare). Great Waters in downtown St. Paul always seems to get overlooked, but I love the place. Their “thing” is cask beers and they do (or did, I haven’t been there in a while) them well. They never jumped onto the big beers bandwagon. One more is a new-ish place way the hell out in New Brighton, just off the freeway called Barley John’s. Interesting little place with interesting not-so-little beers, that one.
If they still have it, take the Miller tour. Nothing like seeing a 980bbl 4 story brewhouse!
WI:
New Glarus. Self-guided, high-tech automation for a craft brewery)
Lakefront. A bit zany and fun.
Miller. It’s free and interesting, especially if you go during production during the week.
MN: Surly
IL: Not too sure. Half Acre, Goose Island?
IN: 3 Floyds. I know you didn’t say Indiana, but if you’re in Chicago, it’s like 30 minutes away.
In Chicago, both Metropolitan Brewing and Half-Acre are pretty close to each other in the Ravenswood and Andersonville neighborhoods.
Plus Koval Distillery is right next to Metropolitan, so you might could visit them too.
And they’re walking distance from the Hop Leaf, which is one of the best bars ever if you like Belgian beers. They also have awesome mussels steamed in beer.
Lakefront (Milwaukee) - As everyone else has said.
New Glarus (New Glarus)- Out of your way but a neat place.
Capital Brewing (Madison) - Great bocks.
Ale Asylum (Madison) - Only one tour a week (Saturday) but the bar is where you want to be anyway.
Just driving though Wisconsin you will see plenty of signs for tours. Lots of small places have beer available in the local community.
Milwaukee - +1 for Lakefront and also Sprecher Brewing
Also Great Lake Distillery is close to downtown
Third that from an expat Minneapolitan.
Anyone coming to visit from Minnesota is duly instructed to bring at least a sixer of Summit.
My “Golden Triangle” of places to visit in Chicago are Goose Island, Piece, and the Maproom. If you want to take beer home there is a huge store right beside Goose Island. Also, if you have the time the Whole Foods down the street has a great tap bar inside, right by the front intrance.