Jumping around at a Badger game, biking around the lake, watching a band play at the Union, grilling out with some Johnsonville brats...I could go on and on about all the great activities to experience in the Madison area.
But, in celebration of National Beer Day, I'm going to limit this post to my favorite breweries in my magical hometown of Madison, Wisconsin.
Get ready for all sorts of nostalgic feels!
Downtown.
Next Door Brewing Co: Next Door Brewing Company opened in Madison, Wisconsin in 2013. Since it's a hop, skip, and a jump from my brother's house, we love going here after we chow down at Daisy Cafe & Cupcakery.
My gnomeo.
What I drank:
Mutha Pucka - Pineapple Sour Blonde Ale
One Barrel Brewing: If you continue down Atwood Ave, you'll arrive at this neighborhood spot with brick interior and a bike hanging from the wall. One Barrel is pushing out unique brews and crazy-comfy t-shirts that have earned three spots in our closet — my favorite is the Badger Penguin T-Shirt :)
The commuter lifestyle.
What I drank:
The Commuter - Kolsch Style Ale
Keeping with the homey vibe of Madison, be sure to take a look up to see all the dollar bills stapled to the ceiling.
PRO TIP: Try hitting up Next Door and One Barrel in one outing — and while you're in the area, check out Olbrich Botanical Gardens + catch some live music at Alchemy.
Eastsiders.
Karben 4: I'm patiently waiting for K4 to open a bigger taproom, but until then, you can find them over by the Airport/Madison College. Does anyone call it MATC anymore?
They offer free brewery tours every Saturday afternoon, but what I love most about this brewery is the creative graphic design on their packaging.
Sweet, sweet fantasy, baby.
Ale Asylum: If you love hops, you'll love the beer at Ale Asylum. Located on the other side of the airport, Ale Asylum offers hopped-up ales, a huge outdoor patio for summer, and an extensive dining menu — including fish fry on Fridays!
Hopalicious.
Great Dane Pub & Brewing Company: This is actually the place my dad took my older brother Sean for his "first" beer on his 21st birthday!
Look at those handsome fellas — circa 2007!
With several locations in Madison, I typically venture to the new East side location for darts and billiards.
What I drank:
Peck's Pilsner - Classic Czech-Style Pilsner
Wild Wild West.
Capital Brewery: Dan took a tour of Capital Brewery a couple years ago while I attended a bridal shower in the area, so unfortunately I don't have much to say about this place other than I love their Wisconsin Amber.
“The tour was great — very informative. I had a lot of fun with all the strangers.”
This is not a brewery.
Vintage Brewing Company: We stopped by Vintage Brewery after hitting some balls at Vitense Golfland — another summer favorite. And in true Wisconsin fashion, they offer an abbey extra Dubbel beer that has been brewed in apple brandy barrels by Yahara Bay Distillers — YUM!
Drinking fresh thinking.
South of the City.
Second Salem Brewing Company: Located on Cravath Lake a few blocks from my alma mater, UW-Whitewater, the name "Second Salem" dates back to the early 20th century. During this time, locals referred to Whitewater as “Second Salem” due to its reputation as a site of witch gatherings at the Witchtower (the Starin Park water tower), strange murders, unearthly creatures in the lake and other unexplained phenomena.
The only unexplained phenomena I've experienced in Whitewater was the time(s) I ate a triple order of Topperstix after bar time and made it to a 7AM class the next day. Regardless, if you're in Whitewater, stop by Second Salem for a pint or grab a growler to enjoy at Whitewater Lake.
My Whitewater QUEENS.
Wisconsin Brewing Company: Family friendly + all woofs allowed! I love coming to Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona during the summer to overlook their beautiful pond and to get in a casual game of bags.
Thinking about joining the American Cornhole League.
What I drank:
Badger Club - Amber Ale
If you're looking for food in the area, check out Gray's Tied House. After college I lived up the hill from Gray's and frequented their weekly trivia night. They also brew their own beer — my favorite being the Gray's Wisco Wheat.
New Glarus Brewery: About 40 minutes south of Madison, enter the hilly oasis known as Little Switzerland. We all know about Spotted Cow — but a couple of my favorite beers from New Glarus are the Wisconsin Belgian Red and Raspberry Tart.
I spotted the cow.
When you're here, take a self-guided tour to see the HUGE fermentation tanks and get an inside look at their production line.
Other local favorite stops in New Glarus:
Brenda's Blumenladen: I've been visiting this shop since I was a little blumenladen. This place has been open for over 20 years and I ALWAYS stop in when I'm driving through. Find gifts, flowers, home decor + all the knick-knacks you need for your garden.
Hutch and Hide: Literally the nicest family I've ever met. Owned by Tory and Kelsy Hutchison, this place is like if Chip and Joanna Gaines decided to open Magnolia Market in Wisconsin. They even carry flower prints and greeting cards from one of my favorite artists from Door County, Vicki Rawlins, co-owner of Sister Golden in Fish Creek, WI.
Minhas Brewing Company: Home of the Cheesemakers; Monroe is located about 20 minutes south of New Glarus. Every other year, Monroe hosts Cheese Days — I've been attending for about ten years along with some great friends!
You're telling me I gotta drink the whole thing?
On the Saturday of Cheese Days, we participate in the Bock Run — a grueling .5K (not a typo) where we stop midway to chug (sip) a Huber Bock made from Minhas Brewing before crossing (stumbling) over the finish line. It's such a blast!
What are your favorite breweries in the Madison area?