Lakefront Brewery, Milwaukee

Lakefront Brewery is a pioneering craft brewery located in Milwaukee, nestled in the historic Beerline B neighborhood along the Milwaukee River. Founded in 1987 by brothers Russ and Jim Klisch, the brewery has become a staple of the city’s vibrant beer scene, known not only for its creative brews but also for its strong connection to local identity-many of its beers, such as Riverwest Stein Beer and East Side Dark, are named after Milwaukee neighborhoods.

A leader in innovation, Lakefront was the first brewery in the United States to bottle a fruit beer since the end of Prohibition. That breakthrough came in 1992 with the release of Lakefront Cherry Lager, made with tart cherries from Door County. They didn’t stop there-in 1996, Lakefront became the first certified organic brewery in the country, launching Organic E.S.B., the first bottled organic beer in the U.S., brewed with 100% organic malt and hops sourced through partnerships with Wisconsin farmers.

Sustainability has long been central to Lakefront's mission. In 2007, it became the first brewery in Wisconsin-and the first business in Milwaukee-to earn the Travel Green Wisconsin certification, thanks to its efforts to reduce waste, cut energy use, and promote eco-conscious practices among staff and suppliers.

Lakefront made a splash in the gluten-free market with New Grist, a sorghum-based beer that became the first gluten-free brew officially recognized by U.S. regulators. Its success drove a 40% production boost in 2006 and caught the eye of major brewers.

Today, Lakefront Brewery is not only a leader in sustainable brewing and product innovation, but also a popular tourist destination known for its lively tours, local pride, and unwavering commitment to quality.