Introduction
Nestled along the picturesque Milwaukee River, Lakefront Brewery stands as a beacon of craft beer innovation and a testament to Wisconsin’s rich brewing heritage. More than just a brewery, Lakefront is an experience, a place where the spirit of community intertwines with the art of brewing. Known far and wide for its award-winning craft beers, including the renowned Riverwest Stein and the innovative New Glarus Spotted Cow (brewed under contract), Lakefront Brewery has carved a unique niche in the craft beer scene. But the magic of Lakefront extends beyond its celebrated brews.
What many might not realize is that Lakefront Brewery offers a food menu as thoughtfully crafted and delicious as its beers. It’s not your typical brewery grub – greasy fries and bland burgers. Instead, you will find carefully selected dishes that elevate the entire experience, proving a delicious counter point to your favourite beer. Think classic Wisconsin comfort food, reimagined to complement the complex flavors of their beers, alongside fresh, unique choices.
From the iconic soft pretzels and Wisconsin cheese curds to the legendary Friday fish fry and creative sandwiches, the Lakefront Brewery food menu is designed to be a culinary adventure. It seamlessly blends traditional Wisconsin staples with modern culinary sensibilities. Whether you are a dedicated beer aficionado, a passionate foodie, or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, this food menu delivers. This article will take you on a delicious journey through the Lakefront Brewery food menu, highlighting the must-try dishes, exploring the best beer pairings, and revealing why this brewery’s food deserves just as much recognition as its world-class beer.
The Classic and Iconic Dishes: Wisconsin Staples
Lakefront Brewery understands the importance of tradition, especially when it comes to Wisconsin cuisine. Their menu proudly features several iconic dishes that pay homage to the state’s culinary heritage, elevated to be a culinary experience.
Soft Pretzels: The Perfect Beer Companion
No visit to Lakefront Brewery is complete without indulging in their perfectly baked soft pretzels. These aren’t just any pretzels; they are substantial, Bavarian-style masterpieces, warm and inviting with a perfectly golden-brown exterior. Each pretzel is meticulously crafted to deliver a satisfying chewiness and a subtly sweet, malty flavor that pairs harmoniously with the brewery’s diverse beer selection. They are a testament to the fact that the simplest of dishes can be truly extraordinary when executed with care.
The true magic of these soft pretzels lies in their perfect marriage with the accompanying cheese sauce. The sauce is more than just a dip; it’s a rich, velvety blend of Wisconsin cheeses, carefully selected to create a harmonious flavor profile. The cheese sauce is a symphony of cheesy goodness with a hint of tanginess to cut through the richness of the beer. Beyond the classic cheese sauce, Lakefront often offers a rotating selection of dipping sauces. Consider the spicy mustard or the creamy horseradish dip; they are designed to ignite your taste buds and complement the beer’s unique characteristics. The pretzels’ slightly sweet profile finds a beautiful complement in the malty richness of the Riverwest Stein or a refreshing contrast with the crispness of the East Side Dark.
Wisconsin Cheese Curds: A Squeaky Delight
A true Wisconsin experience isn’t complete without cheese curds, and Lakefront Brewery offers some of the finest in the state. These cheese curds are sourced locally, ensuring peak freshness and that signature “squeak” that cheese curd connoisseurs crave. The squeak is the hallmark of a fresh cheese curd, an indicator of quality and testament to the careful cheesemaking process.
The cheese curds are lightly breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey interior. The mild, slightly tangy flavor of the cheese curds makes them incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of beers. A crisp pilsner, such as Lakefront’s Fixed Gear, cleanses the palate between bites, while a hoppy IPA provides a bold contrast. Lakefronts cheese curds are often served with a homemade ranch sauce, the cool and creamy dressing providing the perfect counterpoint to the warm, cheesy curds.
Friday Fish Fry: A Wisconsin Tradition
For many Wisconsinites, Friday means one thing: fish fry. Lakefront Brewery honors this beloved tradition with its own take on this classic meal. Typically featuring generous portions of flaky cod, the fish is battered and fried to golden perfection. The batter is light and crispy, not greasy, allowing the natural flavor of the cod to shine through.
The fish fry is served with all the classic accompaniments: creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, fluffy potato pancakes, and hearty rye bread. The coleslaw provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the fried fish, while the fries offer a familiar and satisfying crunch. The potato pancakes, a Wisconsin specialty, add a touch of sweetness and complexity to the meal. And no Wisconsin fish fry is complete without a slice of rye bread, the perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Pairing the Friday fish fry with beer is an art form in itself. The light and crisp Riverwest Stein is the most popular choice, its subtle maltiness complementing the flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
Exploring the Rest of the Menu: Beyond the Classics
Lakefront Brewery’s menu doesn’t stop with the classics. It also boasts a selection of creative sandwiches, salads, and appetizers that showcase the brewery’s commitment to culinary excellence.
Sandwiches and Burgers: Handheld Heaven
Lakefront Brewery offers a selection of sandwiches and burgers designed to satisfy any craving. From the brewery classic Reuben to the build your own burger, the menu provides options for everyone. Each sandwich is carefully crafted with high-quality ingredients, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience.
Lakefront Brewery sources high-quality patties, typically a blend of locally sourced beef, to give a juicy, flavorful burger. The burgers are often served on freshly baked buns, adding to the overall quality of the sandwich.
The best beer pairing for the Lakefront burger would be the Riverwest Stein. The subtle maltiness of the beer would enhance the savory flavors of the beef, creating a harmonious combination.
Salads and Lighter Options: Fresh and Flavorful
While Lakefront Brewery is known for its hearty fare, it also offers a selection of salads and lighter options for those seeking a more refreshing meal. These salads are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and are packed with flavor.
Lakefront Brewery offers options for those with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The chefs are happy to accommodate special requests, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious meal at the brewery.
A lighter salad would be the perfect pairing for a light, refreshing beer like Lakefronts Fixed Gear, with its clean flavor, would cleanse the palate and enhance the refreshing flavors of the salad.
Appetizers and Snacks (Beyond the Classics): Shareable Delights
In addition to the classic soft pretzels and cheese curds, Lakefront Brewery offers a variety of other appetizers and snacks perfect for sharing with friends. These appetizers are designed to complement the brewery’s beers and provide a satisfying start to any meal.
The rotating tap list often inspires the culinary team to create new and exciting appetizers that pair perfectly with the latest brews. Be sure to check the daily specials board for these limited-time offerings.
A hoppy IPA would be the perfect pairing for any spicy food on the appetizer menu, the bitterness of the hops would cut through the heat, while the citrusy aromas would complement the flavors of the dish.
Seasonal Items/Specials: A Taste of the Season
Lakefront Brewery’s menu is constantly evolving, with seasonal items and specials that reflect the freshest ingredients and the changing tastes of the season. These limited-time offerings provide a unique opportunity to experience the brewery’s culinary creativity and explore new flavors.
For example, in the fall, you might find a pumpkin beer and other fall themed appetizers being paired together. In the summer, light lagers are paired with fruit inspired snacks.
By using seasonal ingredients and adapting the menu to reflect the time of year, Lakefront Brewery ensures that every visit is a unique and memorable culinary experience.
Pairing Food with Beer: A Delicious Symphony
Lakefront Brewery understands that the key to a truly exceptional dining experience lies in the perfect pairing of food and beer. Their staff is trained to guide guests through the menu, recommending the best beer pairings for each dish.
General Tips for Beer & Food Pairing:
The art of pairing food and beer is based on the principle of harmony. The goal is to find combinations that complement each other, enhancing the flavors of both the food and the beer. There are many ways to achieve this harmony. You can match the intensity of the food and beer. Light and delicate dishes pair well with light and refreshing beers, while rich and flavorful dishes pair well with bold and complex beers. You can also complement flavors, finding combinations that share similar characteristics. For example, a spicy dish might pair well with a hoppy beer, as the bitterness of the hops can help to cut through the heat. Finally, you can contrast flavors, creating a balance between opposing tastes. For example, a sweet dish might pair well with a bitter beer, as the bitterness can help to balance the sweetness.
Specific Beer Recommendations for Menu Items:
The staff is well-versed in the art of beer pairing and can offer tailored recommendations to suit your individual preferences. For example, the creamy Wisconsin cheese curds find a perfect partner in the Riverwest Stein, the beer’s subtle maltiness cutting through the richness of the cheese. For the fish fry, the light and crisp Fixed Gear is an ideal choice, the beer’s clean flavor complementing the flavor of the fish without overpowering it. And for the spicy Reuben sandwich, the hoppy IPA provides a refreshing contrast, the bitterness of the hops cutting through the richness of the meat.
The Importance of Asking the Bartender:
Don’t hesitate to ask the bartender for their recommendations. They are experts in beer pairing and can offer valuable insights into the menu and the beers. They can also help you to discover new combinations that you might not have considered otherwise.
The Atmosphere and Experience
Lakefront Brewery offers more than just great food and beer; it provides a complete experience, a journey that engages all the senses. The brewery’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy good food, good beer, and good company.
Lakefront offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful views of the Milwaukee River.
The brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, trivia nights, and beer dinners.
Families are welcome at Lakefront Brewery, with a kids’ menu and plenty of space for children to play.
The food menu contributes significantly to the overall brewery experience. It provides a delicious and satisfying complement to the beer, enhancing the flavors and creating a harmonious balance. The menu also offers a sense of community, with shareable appetizers and dishes that encourage interaction and conversation.
Be sure to check the brewery’s website or social media pages for the latest information on special events and promotions. Making reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Conclusion
Lakefront Brewery’s food menu is a testament to the brewery’s commitment to quality, creativity, and community. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes, from classic Wisconsin staples to innovative sandwiches and salads, all designed to complement the brewery’s award-winning beers. The must-try dishes include the iconic soft pretzels, the squeaky Wisconsin cheese curds, and the legendary Friday fish fry. But don’t be afraid to explore the rest of the menu, as there are many other delicious options to discover.
The best beer pairings depend on your individual preferences, but the staff is always happy to provide recommendations. The overall experience is warm and inviting, a place where friends and family can gather to enjoy good food, good beer, and good company. The food menu enhances the brewery experience, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and a sense of community. Whether you’re a beer aficionado, a food lover, or simply looking for a memorable dining experience, Lakefront Brewery is well worth a visit. So, come on down to Lakefront Brewery and explore the food and beer pairings for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a taste of Wisconsin hospitality and craft beer excellence.
