This past weekend became historic days for the town of Green Bay, no matter how or what you think about it. First, I’ll start with the event of lesser importance-the NFL draft. While the shin-dig took place in Nashville, reverberations of its outcome can be felt in the heart of Packerland.
The Packers selected two players in the first round this year. Why is it historic? Because it’s the first year with a new head coach and new philosophy. Besides, it’s been ten years since Green Bay, a team that perennially has one of the best offenses in football, has drafted two defensive players in the first round. Times are definitely changing.
The more prominent event, the one that puts my city on the national and world stage, was a rally involving the sitting President of the United States. I realize he is the most controversial ‘head of state’ in recent memory, so I won’t go into politics. I will mention that it comes days after the release of the Mueller Report, which the President claims exonerates him and some Democrats insist gives them grounds for impeachment. Ugh, the murky world of Politics is so convoluted.
The reason why I mention these two events is that while football and politics are the conversation pieces for passing strangers in town, there are inspiring and relaxing settings in the same vicinity of all the hub-bub. Not one, but two, microbreweries arise from the shadows of Lambeau Field and Resch Center. And after an intense rant about the packers pick or Trump’s decision making, what’s better than a beer to soothe your spirits and discuss sports and politics civilly?
One of the spots is rather upscale, with food prices a little lofty for my taste. The second offers a run of the mill tap room, and food is available courtesy of a food truck just outside the building.
Pardon me, as I travel back in time-Sept 23 2017 to be exact.
We’re celebrating my 44th birthday, and what better way than a beer and some fine dining. I feel a little guilty because Heidi insists she’ll foot the bill. It’s not the first time she has done this, but today will be pretty expensive. We’re entering the progressively styled Hinterland Brewery in the Titletown district.
Today happens to be the day before a game with the Cincinnati Bengals and, since Lambeau Field is promoted as a bucket list venue for football crazed fans, there are plenty patrons inside sporting the enemy’s jersey.
We didn’t make a reservation and when we arrive at the hostess station, we are told it will be a forty-five minute wait. So, we leave our cell number with the hostess, who will send us a text when our seat is ready, and check out the buzzing Title-Town district.
The text never comes, so we decide to inquire after about fifty minutes. The hostess apologizes and we’re brought to our seats, which are upstairs and set so one can view both the lower dining room and glimpse outdoors also.
We order the quail, which really doesn’t fill me up and costs around forty dollars a plate. “Wasn’t Quayle a vice president who couldn’t spell or something?” I ask Heidi. Seriously, I don’t know why she sticks around-much less take me out for a pricey meal. The food is delicious, however, maybe a bit overcooked but seasoned perfectly.
The energy of action thirsty football fans renders a noisy atmosphere that I can’t get past. It emanates from the floor below us and is almost deafening. I’m practically shouting during our dinner conversation. I thought fine dining experiences were in quiet settings with subtle music.
After the meal, we mosey downstairs and have a Hinterland Door County Cherry Wheat on the patio. The beer is excellent and the late September evening is perfect for sipping a brew in the sun. The beer, compared to the food, is a little more reasonable at $7 a bottle. Mostly, the microbreweries in town ask $6 for their craft beverages.
All in all, It’s a memorable experience. Now, I’ll take you back to Friday.
We’re Driving home from a local establishment when Heidi complains “I feel like staying out a little longer. We should go someplace else.” I shrug and drive towards the west side of town, because I have a thing for breweries and one resides on Tony Canadeo Run. I have never been to the Badger State Brewery before, so its a new one to check out.
When we arrive, I notice a food truck outside. If we were hungry, we could order from the truck and dine inside on one of their wood tables. The food is slightly reasonable, hovering around $13-$14.
When we walk in, we’re delighted. The tap room is cool, being a decent size bar with windows allowing one to peer into the brewery. As I survey this buzzing room, I discover their is only one TV-It’s not huge either. I think that would be my only complaint. The music is decent, with a moderate volume that doesn’t impede conversation.
I discover a cool gift shop, T’s boasting one’s favorite beer. If you’re looking for a place to hold an event, they have a reception hall, beer garden and conference rooms. And if you find value in a place by their rest rooms, these are the coolest Brewery Restrooms I have yet to see – definitely sporting some beer-making appeal.
There are ten house brews to choose from, along with two Badger State wines. There’s also guest taps from regional microbreweries. Of course, I select a tap of one of Badger State’s beers-the ‘On Wisconsin’ Red Ale.
They also offer Tours for $10 that includes samples. Those take place on Saturday afternoons at four. We had fun, and I think Badger State’s Red Ale is the best in town.
There are four microbreweries in town. I’ve blogged about Title Town Brewing Company last year, making the total I’ve covered three. The only one I haven’t visited is Copper State Brewing which Is downtown and very near Title Town Brewing. I’m sure I’ll make it there. So far, the first three are winners and all offer diferent experiences.
Safe Travels!
Midwestern Escapes 
One response to “Microbreweries in the Stadium District”
[…] There are plenty of places to grab a beer around Lambeau Field. Stadium View’s remodel is absolutely hip and cool, the Bar and Anduzzi’s are also great alternatives although I chose to highlight the microbreweries within walking distance. Badger State and Hinterland Brewing are featured inhttps://karasexplore.com/2019/04/30/11339/ […]
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