Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer incorporated! We're gonna do it! Okay, many of you have seen the opener of Laverne and Shirley as the glove goes down the assembly line of Schotz Brewery. Milwaukee, Wisconsin has long been associated with the behemoth side of the American brewing industry because it gave birth to Miller, Pabst, Schlitz, and Blatz. But the world of craft brewing is also alive and thriving in Brew City!
Howdy! Artsy guy here. I'm here in the MKE to see my artsy goods exhibited at Ten Chimneys (estate of the late, great Lunts of Broadway) and decided to take advantage of the weekend to catch up with friends and visit old haunts from my recent days at Milwaukee Rep. One of these is Sugar Maple in the Bayview neighborhood.
This place is a craft beer lover's dream. They feature 60 rotating taps (SIXTY!!!) that rely heavily on local and regional craft suds (i.e. New Glarus, Bell's, Three Floyds, Founders, etc.) and those from across the country (i.e. Lagunitas, Moylans, Rogue, North Coast, Oskar Blues, Southern Tier, Ommegang, and more). And they have hard booze too although I was, as usual, hop-focused.
(Interesting fact #1: Sugar Maple occupies the former home of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin that relocated in 2007.)
I ordered a taster tray of amazing mostly local stuff to which my bartender added another wee taste of something she thought I might like (and she was right). The only food they serve is a rotating menu of soups made by local restaurant Triskele's. The simple menu works very well. My bowl of sweet corn and potato chowder was incredible. The place also features the work of local artists and musicians.
If you find yourself in Milwaukee, get thee to Sugar Maple! That's what's HOPpenin'! (The catch phrase is a groaner, I know, but one day I'll just embrace it without qualification.) Cheers, y'all!
(Interesting fact #2: Sugar Maple was named for the state tree of Wisconsin.)
Hey folks! Artsy guy here reporting from a mere eight blocks from home... MexiQ on 30th Ave. in Astoria, Queens. This place has a sort of Tex-Mex fusion-ish vibe happenin' with the menu, and the results are mighty tasty.
This is a fantastic local hang. I do wish they updated their beer menu more often. (After three visits in the last month, I've observed that the number of depleted beers still on their menu is much higher than other bars with the same type of rotating selection... and better systems.) Still, it's a great destination for those with a hankerin' for tasty craft brews. And that's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers, y'all!
