Historic Pabst Brewery
Explore Milwaukee's brewing legacy at the Historic Pabst Brewery, featuring tours, events, a cafe, and a gift shop in a beautifully preserved historic...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tour guides are awesome!
Historic Pabst Brewery
Best Time
Tour guides are awesome!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Milwaukee's brewing legacy at the Historic Pabst Brewery, featuring tours, events, a cafe, and a gift shop in a beautifully preserved historic building.
"Pinnacle spot for taste of MKE history and atmosphere, with delicious brews and a perfect patio."
🎯 Book tours online
Secure your spot and avoid waiting by booking your tour in advance. :ticket:
🚗 Parking is easy
Free parking on Saturdays; paid parking otherwise. Plan accordingly! :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Hall & Speakeasy
Inside the former Pabst Brewery HQ
Explore original ornate woodwork, stained glass, and a unique prohibition-themed speakeasy with a beer cellar lounge.
Pabst Sign Photo Op
Exterior of the brewery
Capture an iconic photo with the giant Pabst sign, a symbol of Milwaukee's renaissance.
Best Place Coffee
Within the Historic Pabst Brewery
Enjoy delicious brews and a cozy atmosphere blending old-school charm with modern comfort.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Embrace the History & Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book tours online
Secure your spot and avoid waiting by booking your tour in advance. :ticket:
🚗 Parking is easy
Free parking on Saturdays; paid parking otherwise. Plan accordingly! :car:
☕ Coffee break awaits
Grab a coffee at Best Place Coffee for a cozy break with historic charm.
🛍️ Unique gift shop finds
Discover fun surprises and unique items in the well-stocked gift shop. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book tours online
Secure your spot and avoid waiting by booking your tour in advance. :ticket:
🚗 Parking is easy
Free parking on Saturdays; paid parking otherwise. Plan accordingly! :car:
☕ Coffee break awaits
Grab a coffee at Best Place Coffee for a cozy break with historic charm.
🛍️ Unique gift shop finds
Discover fun surprises and unique items in the well-stocked gift shop. :gift:
🐶 Dog-friendly patio
Enjoy your coffee or a book on the patio with your furry friend. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Historic Pabst Brewery for its rich history, stunning architecture, and engaging tours. The knowledgeable guides and the unique atmosphere of the Great Hall and Speakeasy are frequently highlighted. While some note potential waits at the coffee shop, the overall experience is considered well worth it, with many praising the value and the opportunity to connect with Milwaukee's brewing heritage.
"Pinnacle spot for taste of MKE history and atmosphere. Yes, you might be waiting for a few minutes as the baristas diligently make your drinks. However, they are worth the wait. Seasonal drinks are plenty and cold brew is simple perfection. The patio is the picture perfect for reading a book with a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning. Plus, it’s dog friendly."
Kate
"As a Milwaukee Wedding Photographer, I love weddings at the Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery. The venue has two options for weddings: The Great Hall & Speakeasy or the Blue Ribbon Hall & Captains Courtyard. I actually love both options - but the Great Hall & Speakeasy option has more capacity (up to 250!) While the Ribbon hall and Captains courtyard has an out door option for the ceremony (150 max). Both options are fantastic.
The prohibition-themed Speakeasy, located under the great hall, is perfect for pre-wedding activities, including hanging out, getting ready (with an attached bridal suite), and cocktail hour, while the Great Hall is transformed from a ceremony space to a reception hall. The Speakeasy boasts its own bar, a cool beer cellar converted into a lounge, and a “drunk cell” that makes for fun photos and a great place to store rowdy groomsmen.
The Great Hall started its life as the corporate headquarters of the Pabst Brewery. Many of its original features remain from the original stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and the cream city brick exterior. Additionally, couples can collect gifts in Frederick Pabst’s old office. Conveniently, there is also a large bar in this space with a great selection of pours that comes in very handy after the space is flipped. The floor is also gorgeous and deserves to be noted! The ceremony space allows couples to make their vows to each other framed by the classic woodwork and backlit by the vintage windows.
Some fun history: Joseph A. Zilber, a Milwaukee icon, had a vision to create The Brewery District from the remains of the Pabst Brewing Company in 2006. The Giant Pabst sign was turned from an aging historical artifact into a symbol of Milwaukee’s renaissance. The Best Place lives in the shadow of the giant Pabst sign, and photos with the sign are a must for any wedding in the area!"
Brandon Brown - Roost Photography
"Jo was our tour guide and he has been one of our best your guides across the US. He has a passion for history and continues to learn about things.
The walking tour was perfect. Can't say how it might compare to the normal tour though. There is plenty of value in the cost of the tours from theamount of beer given for drinking, tour guide info, time length, and the proceeds that go towards renovations/ restorations/ reservations.
We bought tickets online but there were enough spots available when we went that you could have bought them at the door.
Parking was free and easy on Saturday. 2 hour paid parking otherwise it looked like.
There are some food selections at the coffee house connected to Pabst, but otherwise you would have to find food at the food court around the corner or walk a little further for a restaurant.
The gift shop is full of fun surprises and unique items."
S Work
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Historic Pabst Brewery is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by car. Parking is free on Saturdays and paid at other times.
Yes, parking is available. It's free on Saturdays and appears to be paid parking for 2-hour slots on other days.
Absolutely! The Brewery District is a revitalized area with historical significance, and walking tours are available to explore its rich past.
A guided walking tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the history and architecture of the Brewery District and the Pabst Brewery itself.
The Brewery District itself is an attraction, with new businesses and opportunities. You can also explore other historical areas of Milwaukee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets online in advance, which is recommended. While walk-in spots might be available, booking ahead ensures your entry.
The cost of tours offers good value, including beer tastings, informative guides, and proceeds that support renovations. Specific pricing can be found on their official booking site.
Yes, there are walking tours that focus on the Brewery District neighborhood, led by knowledgeable guides.
Tour times can vary, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and availability. Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings are popular times.
While tours are a primary way to experience the history, the Best Place Coffee shop and gift shop are accessible, offering a taste of the atmosphere.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a deep dive into the rich history of Pabst beer, stunning architecture, engaging stories from passionate guides, and of course, beer tastings.
Absolutely! The venue boasts original features like stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and cream city brick, making it a photographer's dream.
Yes, the Historic Pabst Brewery hosts various events, including Halloween parties and charity fundraisers, making it a vibrant gathering space.
The patio area at Best Place Coffee is dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere with your canine companion.
The prohibition-themed Speakeasy, located beneath the Great Hall, offers a unique lounge experience with a beer cellar and a 'drunk cell' for fun photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are some food selections at the connected Best Place Coffee. For more options, the food court is nearby or a short walk away.
You can enjoy a variety of drinks, including seasonal coffee specials at Best Place Coffee, and of course, Pabst beer during tours and at events.
While there are some food options on-site and nearby, you might need to walk a bit further for a wider selection of restaurants.
The cold brew at Best Place Coffee is described as simple perfection, making it a great choice for coffee lovers.
Tours often include beer tastings, and the Best Place Coffee shop offers drinks. Food options might be limited directly during the tour itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The Great Hall with its stained glass and woodwork, the exterior with the iconic Pabst sign, and the prohibition-themed Speakeasy are prime photo locations.
Yes, it's a highly sought-after venue for wedding photography, offering stunning backdrops like the Great Hall, Captain's Courtyard, and the Pabst sign.
Photography is generally encouraged during tours to capture the historical ambiance and architectural details.
While generally permitted, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and any specific venue rules that might be in place.
Its blend of historic architecture, including original stained glass, ornate woodwork, cream city brick, and the iconic Pabst sign, creates a unique visual appeal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples & Wedding Parties
🍺 Beer Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The "Best Place" Experience
Beyond the tours, the Best Place encompasses a charming coffee shop and a well-curated gift shop. The coffee shop, Best Place Coffee, provides a cozy spot to relax, offering delicious brews and a chance to soak in the old-school charm.
The gift shop is a treasure trove of unique souvenirs and Pabst memorabilia, perfect for finding a memento of your visit. Architectural Marvels and Event Spaces
The Great Hall and Speakeasy are particularly noteworthy. The Great Hall, once the corporate headquarters, retains many original features, including ornate woodwork, cream city brick, and original stained glass windows. These spaces are not only historical marvels but also popular venues for events, including weddings.
The Pabst Legacy and Brewery District
The revitalization of this area, spearheaded by visions like Joseph A. Zilber's in 2006, transformed the remains of the Pabst Brewing Company into a vibrant Brewery District. While Pabst, Schlitz, and Miller are historic Milwaukee breweries, it's important to note that Pabst and Schlitz no longer have their own active breweries; Miller brews many of their brands under contract. [^R] This makes tours of the original Pabst site particularly valuable for understanding the brand's history and its enduring presence.
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