Brewery Profile

Lakefront Brewery Inc

Milwaukee’s beer scene is shaped by both large historic producers and neighborhood-scale craft breweries, and this brewery belongs to the latter story while having operated long enough to become part of the local landscape. Its origins are in the city’s Riverwest neighborhood, where two local brothers established the business in 1987 and began brewing in a former bakery space. For a visitor, that history gives the stop a different context than a newer taproom: it is a Milwaukee brewery that started small, grew over several decades, and has remained tied to the city where it began. Walking in, the useful frame is not a single claim to fame but a sense of continuity within a city that has long treated beer as part of civic life.

Travelers coming through southeastern Wisconsin often look for breweries that connect a pint to place: neighborhood history, local production, and a chance to compare older craft operations with more recent arrivals. A stop here fits that pattern because Lakefront’s story runs from small-batch beginnings to expanded capacity over more than three decades, making it part of the regional craft beer market rather than just a one-off visit. The brewery is also associated with efforts to reduce environmental impact and with community involvement in Milwaukee, two points that may matter to visitors who pay attention to how breweries operate beyond what is poured in the glass. Specific beer names and current selections should be treated as day-of information, not assumed in advance.

For planning purposes, confirm the basics before going, since hours, service format, events, food availability, tours, and current offerings are not specified here. The taproom is the place to confirm the day’s pours and to ask what is currently being served. Visitors who want a structured experience should check directly with the brewery rather than assume that guided tours or special programming are available at a given time. Those building a Milwaukee beer itinerary can use this as a stop with an established local backstory, especially if they are interested in breweries that began in neighborhood settings and grew while remaining associated with the city’s craft beer development. Keep expectations practical: go for a Milwaukee brewery with roots in Riverwest, a long operating history, and a connection to local community and environmental concerns, while verifying all current visitor details through the brewery itself.

Lakefront Brewery Inc. operates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, originating in the city's Riverwest neighborhood. The brewery was established in 1987 by two local brothers who began their initial brewing operations in a former bakery space. Since its founding, Lakefront has emphasized reducing its environmental impact and maintaining community involvement within Milwaukee. While initially focused on small-batch production, the brewery has expanded its capacity over three decades, contributing to the regional craft beer market.

Website available

1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212-3701

Phone: (414) 372-8800

Website: http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com

Hours: Monday 3pm – 9pm, Tuesday 3pm – 9pm, Wednesday 3pm – 9pm, Thursday 3pm – 9pm, Friday 11am – 9pm, Saturday 11am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm, 12/24 Christmas Eve 11am – 3pm, 12/25 Christmas CLOSED, 12/28 Sunday 11am – 9pm, 12/29 Monday 11am – 9pm, 12/30 Tuesday 11am – 9pm, 12/31 New Years Eve 11am – 7pm, 1/1 New Years Day CLOSED

Popular Beers

A quick look at notable pours currently tied to Lakefront Brewery Inc.

Beer Styles at Lakefront Brewery Inc

Lakefront Brewery Inc brews across a range of styles. The current lineup includes Ale, Cold IPA, Hazy IPA, Lager, Amber Lager, Gluten Free, Gluten Free IPA, Gluten Free Gosa, Non-Alcoholic, Non-Alcoholic Dark, Non-Alcoholic Stein, and Seasonal Maibock. Specific pours rotate over time — check the taproom board on the day of your visit for what is currently available on tap.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming public events currently attached to this brewery.

  • Friday Fish Fry with Live Polka

    Oct 23, 2026

    Experience Lakefront Brewery's famous Friday Night Fish Fry with full table service and live polka music. Reservations are recommended for evenings after 4 PM.

  • Famous Fish Fry

    Oct 23, 2026

    Lakefront Brewery's famous Fish Fry is served every Friday evening, offering a full-service restaurant experience.

  • Friday Night Fish Fry with Live Polka

    Oct 23, 2026

    Lakefront Brewery hosts its Friday Night Fish Fry with table service after 4 p.m. Live polka is included during the fish fry evening.

  • Friday Fish Fry

    Oct 23, 2026

    Lakefront Brewery’s Friday Fish Fry is served as a full-service restaurant experience, with seating until 9:00 PM. The kitchen reopens for Fish Fry at 4:00 PM on Fridays.

  • America’s Favorite Brewery Tour

    Oct 23, 2026

    Lakefront Brewery offers its brewery tour every day of the week. The page describes it as a high-energy, entertaining brewery tour experience.

  • Current Sounds

    Oct 24, 2026

    Current Sounds is a recurring weekend event series at Lakefront Brewery running Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through September 6. The listing does not provide a specific time.

  • Specialty Technical Tour

    Oct 25, 2026

    Home-brewing enthusiasts and curious beer-drinkers can get in-depth expertise on the procedures and equipment used by the brewery. The tour concludes with a delicious food pairing…

  • Dive Beer Night

    Oct 25, 2026

    Enjoy $1 tappers of Dive Beer Milwaukee Lager every Monday, perfect for the service industry and beer enthusiasts alike.

  • Award-Winning Trivia Night

    Oct 26, 2026

    Hosted by Justin, this lively trivia night offers Lakefront cash prizes for top teams. Reservations recommended.

  • Drag Queen Bingo: Gay Halloween

    Oct 27, 2026

    Don’t miss another wildly entertaining night of number-calling fun, slick dance moves, and awesome prizes. Nominated for best Drag Show three years running and runner-up for Milwa…

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Lakefront Brewery Inc located?
Lakefront Brewery Inc is located at 1872 N Commerce St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212-3701. Use the map and directions on this page to plan your visit.
What are Lakefront Brewery Inc's hours?
Current hours are: Monday 3pm – 9pm, Tuesday 3pm – 9pm, Wednesday 3pm – 9pm, Thursday 3pm – 9pm, Friday 11am – 9pm, Saturday 11am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm, 12/24 Christmas Eve 11am – 3pm, 12/25 Christmas CLOSED, 12/28 Sunday 11am – 9pm, 12/29 Monday 11am – 9pm, 12/30 Tuesday 11am – 9pm, 12/31 New Years Eve 11am – 7pm, 1/1 New Years Day CLOSED. Hours can change on holidays and during private events — call ahead if your visit is time-sensitive.
How can I learn more about Lakefront Brewery Inc?
Visit http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com for the brewery's own information about beers, events, and operations. Beer.Social aggregates public data and visitor-facing details to help with planning a stop.