BY EVERETT SULLIVAN AND GRETA WAINWRIGHT
THE BEER GARDEN is a beloved Wisconsin institution, a place of camaraderie, sunshine and sudsy, ice-cold brews. Some are closed this summer due to the pandemic, but others are back in action. Many have also instituted social-distancing measures and hygiene practices, including disposable cups, spaced-out seats, reservations and more. Here’s a list of a few of Milwaukee’s most popular beer gardens for you to enjoy.
1. Croatian Park Beer Garden
9100 S. 76TH ST., FRANKLIN | THURS 5-10 P.M.
Here you’ll have 30 acres of open land on which to spread out. You can get yourself some Croatian nachos alongside your Karlovačko Pivo and other beers, shots of Croatian Cordial and wines.
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2. Hubbard Park Beer Garden
3565 N. MORRIS BLVD., SHOREWOOD | MON-THUR 3-10 P.M.; FRI-SUN NOON-10 P.M.
This beer garden runs alongside the Milwaukee River in a secluded spot by Capitol Drive. Brats, beer, trees – it’s a quintessential beer garden experience not too far from the heart of the city.
3. Kegel’s Inn Beer Garden
5901 W. NATIONAL AVE., WEST ALLIS | WED-THURS, SAT 4-8 P.M.; FRI 11 A.M.-8 P.M.
Kegel’s Inn has been a classic establishment in the MKE dining scene for years, and it recently opened an outdoor beer garden with food service as well as brewskis.
4. The Landing at Hoyt Park
1800 N. SWAN BLVD., WAUWATOSA | WED-FRI 3-9 P.M.; SAT-SUN NOON-9 P.M.
Beers galore, Cranky Al’s specialty pizzas, beloved Bavarian-style pretzels and abundant picnic tables and space are all available.
5. Tosa Village Beer Garden
7700 HARWOOD AVE, WAUWATOSA | MON-FRI 11 A.M.-10 P.M.; SAT 10 A.M.-11 P.M.; SUN 10 A.M.-10 P.M.
In the beating heart of Tosa, this beer garden is right next to the new Buckatabon supper club and offers a view overlooking the Menomonee River. Beyond the usual beer, wine and mixed drinks, you can also
get yourself some frosé for a cold, alcohol-infused summer treat.
6. Whitnall Beer Garden
8831 N. ROOT RIVER PKWY., GREENDALE | MON-FRI 4-10 P.M.; SAT-SUN 11 A.M.-10 P.M.; FINAL CALL 9 P.M.
In announcing this year’s opening of this county beer garden, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley summed up Milwaukeeans’ sentiments well: “With so many festivals and events canceled in Milwaukee, the beer gardens will be a welcome taste of summer and a safe way for friends, family and neighbors to come together.”
