2024 guide to Milwaukee-area beer gardens
The Milwaukee area actually has five seasons: Longgg winter, wet spring, way-too-short summer, stunning fall — and beer garden. ● Some local beer gardens have made their season debut, some have their opening dates set and others still are working out their deets. ● From the uber-popular South Shore Terrace to The Traveling Beer Garden Tour, here’s your 2024 Milwaukee County beer gardens guide. Go to jsonline.com to see the full beer gardens guide for the Milwaukee area, including Waukesha and Ozaukee counties:
Traveling Beer Garden Tour
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Traveling Beer Garden Tour includes eight Milwaukee County park stops from mid-May through the beginning of September, including a new one: Kops Park. This is the 11th season Milwaukee County Parks and Sprecher Brewing Co. have partnered to put it on. “This unique tradition in our community brings people together, generates revenue for County operations, and fosters positive activity in our Milwaukee County Parks,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said in a statement. Expect a rotating selection of Sprecher craft beer on tap, as well as options from City Lights, Lakefront and Eagle Park breweries. There will also be cider, gluten-free offerings and nonalcoholic beverages, including Sprecher soda, the beer gardens’ website said. Food offerings will include brats, hot dogs, Bavarian pretzels, nachos and chips. Plus, root beer floats.
DATES AND LOCATIONS
May 15-27: Greenfield Park, 2028 S. 124th St., West Allis May 29-June 9: Froemming Park, 8801 S. 51st St., Franklin June 12-23: Cooper Park, 8701 W. Chambers St., Milwaukee June 26-July 7: Grant Park, 100 E. Hawthorne Ave., South Milwaukee July 10-21: Kops Park, 3321 N. 86th St. July 24-Aug. 4: McCarty Park, 8214 W. Cleveland Ave., West Allis Aug. 7-18: Doctors Park, 1870 E. Fox Lane, Fox Point Aug. 21-Sept. 2: Sheridan Park, 4800 S. Lake Drive, Cudahy
HOURS
5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays.
MORE INFO
travelingbeergardens.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
At the uber-popular South Shore Terrace Kitchen and Beer Garden, guests can expect views of Lake Michigan and the city’s skyline, gas fire pits and lakefront seating, according to a news release. The beer garden has 20 tap beer lines with an array of offerings, including from Miller, Leinenkugel’s, Blue Moon Brewing Co., Terrapin Beer Co., Hop Valley Brewing Company and Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma S.A. de C.V., per the beer garden’s website. Other alcoholic drink options include Simply Spiked in a variety of flavors, hard cider, a michelada, a beer’mosa and “Park’s Punch.” Nonalcoholic beverage options include nonalcoholic Blue Moon, Sprecher root beer, gourmet sodas, Pepsi products, Bubly sparkling water and bottled water. The food menu includes shareables such as hand-breaded Clock Shadow Creamery cheese curds, sidewinder fries and Milwaukee Pretzel Co. soft pretzels; sandwiches like the Buffalo & Bleu Burger and Milwaukee Melt; bratwurst and Polish sausage; salads; a Friday fish fry; and desserts. There’s also a kids menu. Proceeds from both the bar and kitchen support future park projects, according to the release.
LOCATION
2900 South Shore Drive, Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS
It opened for the season April 4. Its hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. The beer garden can be reserved for private events on Mondays and Tuesdays.
MORE INFO
southshoreterrace.com
Whitnall Beer Garden, Greendale
WHAT TO EXPECT
Whitnall Beer Garden will feature 24 craft beer handles with brews from several local breweries, according to a Milwaukee County Parks news release. There will again be food from Gift of Wings, including fish fry dinners Wednesdays and Fridays, and Taco Tuesdays. Pig roasts will be held June 9 and 16, July 7 and Aug. 18. There will be live music from local musicians Friday nights, Saturday afternoons and during each pig roast.
LOCATION 8831 N. Root River Parkway, Greendale
DATES AND HOURS It opened for the season May 1. Its hours will be 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
MORE INFO whitnallbeergarden.com
Juneau Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT
Last year, the Juneau Beer Garden became one of the county’s permanent, seasonal beer gardens after its success on the Traveling Beer Garden Tour. The beer garden will be back again this year, though not many details have been released yet.
DATES AND HOURS
To open in late June, tentatively.
LOCATION
Juneau Park, 900 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee
MORE INFO
juneaubeergarden.com
The Vine Humboldt, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Vine Humboldt — located at a historic farmhouse in Bay View’s Humboldt Park — features craft brews, hard sodas, cider and NA beverages, according to its website. The park is also home to the popular Chill on the Hill and Jazz at The Vine.
LOCATION
Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS
To open in late June, tentatively.
MORE INFO
thevinehumboldt.com
The Landing at Hoyt Park, Wauwatosa
1840 Brewing Company’s Beer Garden Road Show at Liberty Heights Park, Milwaukee
Estabrook Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Estabrook Beer Garden, modeled after Munich beer gardens, serves Hofbräuhaus and local craft beers, wine, cider, hard seltzer, draft root beer and Pepsi products, according to its website. “Beer garden basics” such as bratwurst, hot dogs and giant fresh-baked pretzels are also available. Note: The beer garden is cashless. Park amenities include trails, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a dog park, soccer fields and a riverwalk.
LOCATION
4600 Estabrook Drive, Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS
The season opened April 26. The beer garden will open at noon daily, weather permitting. With Estabrook Park closing at 10 p.m., last call for the beer garden will be at 9 p.m.
MORE INFO
estabrookbeergarden.com
Hubbard Park Beer Garden, Shorewood
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Hubbard Park Beer Garden, which is open year-round, serves German and domestic craft beers, wine, specialty drinks and soft drinks. Food options include Usinger’s sausages, a giant pretzel and a Friday fish fry. Private cabanas are available to rent and feature beer garden offerings, the Friday fish fry and special packages. The Lodge offers fish fry seating as well, plus a Sunday lumberjack buffet brunch.
LOCATION
3565 N. Morris Ave., Shorewood
DATES AND HOURS
Open year-round. Summer hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 9 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO
hubbardparkbeergarden.com
The Beer Garden in Deer District, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Beer Garden, located in Deer District, features a 40-foot screen to watch sporting events. The Tap Room features domestic and craft beers, seltzers, ciders and more, per its website. Food can be ordered from The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill and The Cluckery.
The Beer Garden will be hosting a “Summer Concert Series,” presented by Deer District BID 53. All concerts are free and open to the public. They take place from 6 to 9 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
SCHEDULE
May 31 - Classic Alice
June 7 - Latin Swing Factor June 14 - Wire & Nail
June 21- Barbara Stephan Peter Mac Duo
June 28 - Bruce Humphries and The Rockabilly Rebels
July 28 - Shattered: A Rolling Stones Tribute (1 p.m.)
Aug. 2 - Soul Patrol
Aug. 16 - Chris Haise Duo
Aug. 23 - Joe Wray
Aug. 30 - Cigarette Break
Sept. 6 - Listening Party (4 p.m.) Sept. 13 - Mixtape
Sept. 20 - Xeno & Joe
Sept. 27 - Deep Pockets
HOURS
The beer garden opened May 3. Its hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. It’s also open on Fiserv Forum event days and for special events.
LOCATION 1133 N. King Drive, Milwaukee
MORE INFO thebeergardenmke.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Kegel’s Inn Beer Garden, open year-round, features authentic German food, live music and outdoor seating. Most of that seating is self-serve, but some tables can be reserved at exploretock.com/kegelsinn.
Also worth noting, Kegel’s is celebrating its 100th anniversary with more than 100 events and a lineup of new Kegel Brau prohibition-themed beer releases, according to owner Julian Kegel.
LOCATION
5901 W. National Ave., West Allis
DATES AND HOURS
Open year-round. 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and 4 to 8 p.m. Saturdays.
MORE INFO
kegelsinn.com/milwaukee-kegel-sinn
War Memorial Beer Garden, Milwaukee
WHAT TO EXPECT
The War Memorial Beer Garden, operated by Kegel’s Inn, will have a walk-up shipping container bar. It’ll serve up German beers, Nitro Old Fashioneds, Nitro Cold Brew Coffee, gluten-free options, soft drinks and water, according to its website. Food offerings will include appetizers, like huge pretzels; loaded brats; and desserts. Beer garden tables are first-come, first-served, but there is also a lot of green space. On-site parking costs $8 per vehicle, and parking stubs can be redeemed for one free half-liter beer at the beer truck. Dogs are welcome. There will also be a variety of live music from 1 to 4 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Proceeds benefit the War Memorial Center.
LOCATION
The War Memorial Center, adjacent to the Milwaukee Art Museum, is at 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive. The beer garden will be in the center’s north parking lot.
DATES AND HOURS
Opening for the season May 24. Its hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. While typically closed on Mondays, the beer garden will be open on Memorial Day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
MORE INFO
warmemorialbeergarden.com
Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park, Franklin
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park offers a beer selection featuring Lakefront Brewery products and Croatian imports. There’s also a full-bar with wine, mixed drinks, Croatian Cordials, hard seltzer and nonalcoholic beverages. Every week, the beer garden hosts “the Happiest of Happy Hours” from 5 to 6 p.m. Local food vendor American European Foods will serve grilled items, including Croatian Ćevapčići, a twist on classic nachos, and more. There will also be a rotation of food trucks, including Rose Mob, Piña Mexican Eats, and Big City BBQ. The beer garden, located on 30 acres, offers covered and uncovered tables, and is dog-friendly. There’s a kids’ playground area, bocce ball courts, live music and more.
LOCATION
9100 S. 76th St., Franklin
DATES AND HOURS
5 to 10 p.m. Thursdays through September. Visit FranklinBeerGarden.com, or the beer garden’s Facebook page, facebook.com/FranklinBeerGarden, for the live music and food truck schedule.
MORE INFO
FranklinBeerGarden.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Third Ward Beer Garden will feature a seasonal menu of beer, wine and ready-to-drink cocktails. Expect live music Thursdays through Sundays. There will also be games like cornhole and outdoor Jenga.
LOCATION
Catalano Square Park, 147 N. Broadway
DATES AND HOURS
It opened for the season April 19. Its hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO
thirdwardbeergarden.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Landing at Hoyt Park’s beer garden features draft and packaged beer options; red, white and sparkling wine; and fountain drinks. Food offerings include pizza, pretzels, brats, popcorn and more.
LOCATION
1800 N. Swan Blvd., Wauwatosa
DATES AND HOURS
It was scheduled to open May 15.
MORE INFO
friendsofhoytpark.org/the-landing
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Pop-up Beer Gardens at Oak Creek’s Drexel Town Square will feature a variety of craft brews, food, theme nights, live music, games and kids activities, according to its webpage. An Oak Creek Idol Showcase will take place during the pop-ups as well. New this year: A beer Olympics competition, a ‘50s sock hop night, a country night and more.
Live music runs from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the exception of June 14, when it goes from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
SCHEDULE
June 13: Six Pack Sammy
June 14: Carol and the DV’8s
June 15: Ten Feet Tall
July 11: The Grimm Brothers
July 12: Conniption
July 13: Brett and the Dandy’s Aug. 15: Eric Diamond and Tony Rocker Aug. 16: Road Crew
Aug. 17: Music-Palooza
LOCATION
Drexel Town Square, 361 W. Town Square Way, Oak Creek
DATES AND HOURS
4 to 9 p.m. June 13 and 14, and 3 to 9 p.m. June 15; 4 to 9 p.m. July 11 and 12, and 3 to 9 p.m. July 13; and 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15 and 16, and 3 to 9 p.m. Aug. 17.
MORE INFO
oakcreekwi.gov/visitor/events/ beer-gardens
WHAT TO EXPECT
Bay View-based 1840 Brewing Company, an urban farmhouse brewery, is presenting The Beer Garden Road Show at Liberty Heights Park, according to its Facebook page. Expect beer, Sprecher sodas and water. While there is some picnic table seating, attendees can also bring their own chairs or picnic blankets. Entertainment will include live music and yard games with the Liberty Heights Park Neighborhood Association.
LOCATION
Liberty Heights Park, 1530 S. 62nd St., Milwaukee.
DATES AND HOURS 4 to 8 p.m. June 29 and Aug. 23.
MORE INFO facebook.com/1840brewing/events
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Tap Yard - Milwaukee, located along the Milwaukee River, features 18 craft drafts, wine, hard seltzers and canned cocktails, according to its Facebook. For food, there’s Pop’s Kettle Corn, Carrie’s Crispies, Heavenly Roasted Nuts, Cranky Al’s pizza and Milwaukee Bavarian beast pretzels with beer cheese. Games include giant Jenga, big Connect Four and bags. On select days, the beer garden hosts events, like food trucks, trivia, live music, taco fest, grilled cheese fest, paint nights and music bingo. This is a dog-friendly location, however, they must be on 6-foot leashes.
LOCATION
Schlitz Park, 1555 N. River Center Drive, Milwaukee
DATES AND HOURS
The season opened May 1. Its hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 1 to 8 p.m. Saturdays; and 1 to 7 p.m. Sundays.
MORE INFO facebook.com/thetapyardmilwaukee or thetapyards.com