restaurant of the month - june 2007

Water Street Brewery carries on tradition

City’s first brew pub turns 20

A NEW CHAPTER in Milwaukee’s illustrious brewing history opened 20 years ago on Water Street.

When Water Street Brewery opened its doors at 1101 N. Water St. on Nov. 11, 1987, it brought the “brew pub” concept to Milwaukee. Approximately 44,644 half barrels or 7.3 million glasses of beer later, Water Street Brewery continues to delight patrons with numerous house brews, its own root beer and seasonal specialties like Raspberry Weiss and Belgian Wit.

Over the years, Water Street Brewery has produced onsite 50 different styles of beer, including its popular, award-winning Honey Lager Light, and also has earned a reputation for quality dining.

But the locally owned establishment did more than introduce Milwaukeeans to the brew pub experience. By refurbishing an 1896 building just two blocks north of Milwaukee’s city hall, Water Street Brewery helped expand Water Street as an entertainment district adjacent to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and just a short walk from the city’s sports arenas.

To satisfy its diverse customer base and produce return visits by visitors to the city as well as residents, Water Street Brewery pays careful attention to its lunch and dinner menus. Dinner specialties include hearty portions of filet mignon, baby back pork ribs and grilled salmon, along with contemporary choices like Grilled Flat Iron Steak served with white cheddar mashed potatoes in a red wind demi-glace. And all selections include special Water Street touches like house seasonings or special sides like garlic mashed potatoes.

Lighter fare for lunch or dinner includes a wide range of sandwiches, homemade soup, pizzas and nine specialty salads. .

If you’re in the mood for appetizers, choose from customer favorites like Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in pork sausage and deep fried), which have been on the menu since Water Street Brewery opened. Also popular are Brew Tons, wontons filled with chicken, scallions, red pepper, jalapeno and Jack and cream cheeses, served with red pepper aioli and the Old World Selection of fresh Usinger bratwurst and Stuttgarter knackwurst, simmered in a Water Street brew and served with German potato salad and fresh sauerkraut.

Over the years, demand for Water Street Brewery beer has been so strong that a second Lake Country location was opened in 1999 in Delafield, just north of I-94 west. Both locations have inviting patios and interiors that bring Wisconsin’s brewing history to life. The Water Street Brewery Memorabilia Collection, on display at both locations, includes 50,000 cans, 1,400 beer tap knobs and handles and 25 exterior corner signs.

The Milwaukee and Lake Country locations are open every day at 11 a.m. A Sunday brunch is served at both locations from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Call 414-272-1195 (Milwaukee) or 262-646-7878 (Delafield) for reservations or visit www.waterstreetbrewery.com. Catering services also are available.