Lakefront Brewery's upgraded RiverWalk patio includes upper-level patio, new beer garden

Jordyn Noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·2 min read

Lakefront Brewery's 230-foot outdoor riverfront space got a major upgrade this summer, with an upper-level deck that overlooks the Milwaukee River and a new patio with an outdoor bar.

The new patio has been open since May, with the brewery holding an official grand opening for it on July 18.

The overhaul of the patio started with a need for new stairs between the upper level brewery and lower level patio on the RiverWalk.

"We wanted to take down the stairs in the back of the building. It wasn’t very friendly going down," Lakefront owner Russ Klisch said.

As part of its patio upgrade in 2023, Lakefront Brewery added a second-level patio, permanent bathrooms and stairs leading from the beer hall to the Riverwalk patio.
As part of its patio upgrade in 2023, Lakefront Brewery added a second-level patio, permanent bathrooms and stairs leading from the beer hall to the Riverwalk patio.

They removed the stairs and created a second-level outdoor space, with stairs that lead down to the RiverWalk from there. At the doorway to the brewery at the top, Lakefront used an old brew kettle to serve as a vestibule to the outside.

The upper-level space has seating where patrons can get a view of the Milwaukee River from above.

Below the steps are new permanent outdoor bathrooms. Also on the RiverWalk level is an outdoor bar with expanded beer options, and a new patio set apart with pavers, planters and hanging lights.

Four infrared heaters hang above the bar seating that surrounds the new patio. There are also propane heaters throughout the rest of the patio.

"It's been received very well. Everybody says how nice it looks and how well it functions," Klisch said. "I think more people are coming to check it out or they are enjoying it and staying later."

With the new patio, Lakefront Brewery has been added as a location for the Milwaukee Theater District's "It's Alive on the RiverWalk" music series, live street-musician-style performances along the RiverWalk.

On weekends, a Lakefront Brewery food truck serves a variety of appetizers and hand-held food. On weekdays, customers can order food at a counter indoors to bring outside.

The 36-year-old Lakefront Brewery is among Milwaukee's oldest craft breweries, housed in a refurbished Cream City brick building that used to be a power plant.

More: From Miller to Lakefront, here are 5 brewery tours to check out in Milwaukee

More: 7 of Milwaukee's best new patios to check out this summer

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: New patio at Lakefront Brewery overlooks Milwaukee River