The 2 Best Drinking Tours in Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s reputation as a beer-loving city is well earned. With over 80 breweries and brewpubs, it’s a place where beer isn’t just a drink — it’s a way of life. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a serious craft beer enthusiast, Milwaukee’s thriving brewpub scene offers plenty to explore. The city’s rich brewing history, combined with innovative new breweries and welcoming atmospheres, makes it a perfect destination for a guided beer tour. Plus, with round-trip transportation included, you can focus on tasting without worrying about driving.
If you want to learn about Milwaukee’s beer culture while sampling some of the best local brews, these two tours stand out. Each offers a different experience, from a lengthy, in-depth adventure to a quick, affordable taste of Milwaukee’s craft scene. Both tours include visits to popular breweries like Lakefront Brewing and Broken Bat Brewing Co., and they’re perfect for making new friends while discovering the city’s beer scene.
Quick Overview
This guide covers two of the best Milwaukee brewery tours available for visitors. The first is the Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner, which combines visits to four breweries with multiple beer tastings, a meal, and a longer duration. The second is the Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack, a shorter, more budget-friendly option that visits three breweries with up to 12 tastings and a snack. Both tours include round-trip bus transportation and are designed to give you an authentic taste of Milwaukee’s brewing culture.
1. Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner
For around $139, this comprehensive brewery tour is a great choice for those wanting a deeper dive into Milwaukee’s beer scene. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours and visits four different breweries, including Lakefront Brewing, Broken Bat Brewing Co, Ope! Brewing, and Gathering Place Brewing. It’s an excellent way to see a wide variety of brewing styles and learn about the city’s brewing history from knowledgeable guides.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on beer education and variety. Guests taste up to 16 different beers, sampling everything from IPAs to stouts. Included in the price is a snack or small meal, making it ideal for those wanting a little sustenance while enjoying their drinks. The tour’s itinerary is flexible, but common stops include meeting brewery owners and seeing how beer is made. The round-trip bus transportation ensures a relaxed experience without the worry of parking or driving.
The reviews highlight how much guests appreciate the friendly guides, especially Ken, who is praised for his knowledge and ability to keep things fun. Many mention the value of visiting breweries they wouldn’t have found on their own, with one reviewer calling it “one of the best experiences in Milwaukee.” With a high rating of 4.5/5 from 14 reviews, this tour is a popular pick for beer lovers.
Bottom Line: If you want a full afternoon of beer tasting, education, and delicious food, this guided tour delivers. It’s perfect for those who want to explore Milwaukee’s brewpubs thoroughly and enjoy a comfortable, organized experience.
2. Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack
At just $99 per person, this more compact and budget-friendly option offers a 3-hour taste of Milwaukee’s craft beer scene. Visiting three breweries—such as Pilot Project, Perspective Brewing, and Dead Bird—guests enjoy up to 12 different beers, along with a snack to keep you going. It’s geared toward travelers who want a shorter, more relaxed experience but still want to sample some of Milwaukee’s best brews.
The tour focuses on local craft breweries with a strong emphasis on small, innovative operations. The itinerary includes stops at popular breweries, where visitors can chat with owners and learn about brewing techniques. The round-trip transportation keeps things simple, and the shorter duration makes it ideal for those with limited time or who prefer a lighter outing.
Guests praise their guides for being friendly and knowledgeable, especially noting how personal the experience felt—particularly when the group was small. One reviewer mentioned, “Ken was awesome! So knowledgeable and had a great relationship with the breweries,” which speaks to the quality of the tour experience. The included snack ensures you won’t leave hungry after a few hours of tasting.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a quick, affordable introduction to Milwaukee craft beer, this tour offers a good balance of quality, variety, and fun in a shorter timeframe.
How to Choose the Best Milwaukee Drinking Tour for You
To decide between these options, consider your budget, available time, and what you want to get out of the experience. The Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner is ideal if you want a comprehensive, in-depth experience with lots of tastings and a meal included. It’s best for serious beer lovers eager to explore Milwaukee’s breweries thoroughly.
On the other hand, the Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack is perfect for visitors with limited time or a smaller budget. It offers a taste of Milwaukee’s craft beer scene without the longer commitment, making it a good choice for a quick afternoon outing.
Booking early is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Both tours require reservations at least 72 hours in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Milwaukee’s vibrant brewing scene makes it a top destination for beer lovers. Whether you want a full-day immersion with a meal and many tastings or a shorter, budget-friendly experience, these two tours deliver authentic insights and plenty of local flavor. For those who want to dig deeper, the Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner offers a well-rounded experience. If you prefer a quick, fun outing, the Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack hits the mark.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on this flavorful side of Milwaukee. Cheers to discovering the city’s best brews and making some new friends along the way!