The wife and I were road tripping and this was one of our last stops before heading home. It has been on my hit list ever since I picked up a pack of their barrel scotch ale previously; and this stop did not disappoint. My man Colin was a super gracious host and basically gave us the VIP experience. Located in a gorgeous former church smack dab next to Pabst and the original grain silos that you can totally see right outside the windows from the bar. The bar tap handles are all hand painted ducks and there is a plethora of product to peruse, from beer, to merch, to whiskey, and beyond! Located just north of historic third ward in the beer district, you should definitely make it a point to stop in and patronize. In terms of food, they have snacks available, think pretzels and popcorn all the time; and a third party vendor available the rest of the time. My personal faves, the barrel scotch ale and the northern rivals barrel barley wine beer. If you appreciate good craft beer and have not hit Central Waters as of yet, put it on your hit list and make a day, and/or, weekend of it in MKE. read more

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My husband and I went here while we were in the area. We sat at the bar which was fun to talk to the bartenders. We enjoyed tasting several of the beers. We each ordered a flight of tasters. My husband favorite was the Rift IPA. Mine was either the After Slice or the Honey Blonde Ale. With the After Slice you could definitely taste the citrus in it. I also tried the Bourbon Barrel Tiramisu which was pretty rich and would be good as a dessert beer. We also ordered food, which you place in the back corner of the room. Wow! Everything we ordered for dinner was amazing. I ordered 2 fish tacos with a side of the brussel sprouts. We ordered a thing of street corn to share. My husband ordered the rice bowl with pork. He said it was good but the meat wasn't very tender. read more

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We finally made our way to Central Waters Brewing Company MKE today and had an absolute blast! The beer was phenomenal, the location was spectacular, and the staff were great! The building is in a 150 year old German Methodist Church and it is stunning. The ambiance is new wave brewery with old time ecclesial architecture! The staff were super friendly and helpful as we discerned which drinks to get. Plus the prices were reasonable and affordable! My spouse and I both got flights! Some of our favorites included the "After Slice" Mexican lager with lime, the Topwise tropical IPA, and my spouse loved the barrel aged stouts! Lots of creative and innovative options to choose from! Plus there was a food vendor to order from! We got the carne asada fries and they were divine! So flavorful and delightfully filling. Exactly what we needed! Our first experience at Central Waters was phenomenal and we look forward to our next visit in the future! read more

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Amazing staff. Holy cats, rarely have I experienced the level of service that I had here. Knowledgable about the beer and eager to share. The food is good the beer is excellent and the space is cool. If you like beer and you don't know Central Waters (even if you do) - come. read more

When in Wisconsin, we are always on the lookout for new Breweries to try and this one has to be on your list! Street parking nearby! The brewery is situated inside an old church, which makes for a unique and cool interior. Plenty of long, communal tables and bar spots, but the best seats are located upstairs with some more casual and private seating for small-medium groups. Service was plenty friendly as we ordered our beers at the bar. The beer was pretty solid! We had a flight of beers including their honey blonde, pineapple sour, red ale, and coffee stout! All were tasty in their own right and their menu is quite extensive! I'm sure you're bound to find something you'd like! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Very cool tap room renovated from an old church building. Excellent tap list and friendly service. Lots of seating at the bar, inside or upstairs. A few tanks in the basement on display. Delicious barrel aged stouts! read more

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We are out of towners without the kids! I had the Honey Blond Ale and enjoyed it a lot. Not too strong but very flavorful. Husband had the HHG and said it was very good. His second beer was Rift. The layout is super cool in an old German Methodist church. It's bright and open. The bartender was friendly. Food is a separate place: Troublemakers: They have a good option with Mexican style options. We order the loaded street corn fries and they were amazing. I got the shrimp taco special-very good because anything with pickled red onions is a win! read more

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Love this location! Such a cool spot! Great drink options. Love that you can order food too (which was all delicious). Will definitely be back read more

We were cold and waterlogged when we arrived at Central Waters for a rainy weekday lunch. Even then, the place was busy. It's easy to see why, there's a lot to like here. Let's start with the architecture, I think it's amazing that someone managed to convert an old church into this small brewery. The Taproom is in what was once the primary sermon chapel. It's absolutely beautiful. My hat's off to the designer. The beer selection is also great. My wife and I each went with samplers. Our favorites were the Peach Wheat Ale and the Bourbon Barrel Stout. And I believe it's always important to have something to eat while beering. There's a small Mexican kitchen, Trouble Makers, in the Taproom. The food was good, not great, but still tasty. I especially enjoyed the Street Corn Fries. It's a shame that our short stay in Milwaukee was virtually a rain-out. Still, Central Waters made our day a bit happier. read more

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Central Waters Brewing is probably my favorite brewery in the whole world. I've been to the flagship location in Amherst, but never to the Milwaukee location...until July 6, 2024. I went with a big group of friends and we had a great time! The brewery is housed in an old church (I'm assuming it has been deconsecrated). It is a very attractive space with beautiful windows and vaulted ceilings. They offer approximately 24 beers on tap. My friends and I all ordered and shared a wide variety. Everything was delicious! The place is clean, and service is excellent. I can't wait for my next visit! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Delicious beer! - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Nice space. The outside is a historic old church, the inside is pretty standard industrial with a lot of wood and metal. There's a great deal of natural light. We didn't eat but we had a few drinks. The beers are okay. Honestly, all craft/micro brews seem to be the same and have the same flavor profiles. They do offer different sized pours which is a lovely option. The service was good. Friendly and helpful. I should not we hit this on Krampusnacht and it was a nice respite from the crowds on the street in and in other establishments. read more

My second visit to the Milwaukee location. When I first to Wisconsin, I did make a pilgrimage to the original brewery. Wonderful beers! I do love a barrel aged stout and more that they create. I'm so glad they have this nice space closer to me. It was a quiet Wednesday late afternoon. Mostly just the bartender and I. Very friendly. Let me be with my book which I always appreciate. Such a nice place to calm down after work day. The other time I went was on a Sunday. Very different feel. read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Rye lager - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I would argue that Central Waters is the best Wisconsin brewed beer. This location is a very unique and historic that locals and travelers to Milwaukee alike should experience. This 1800s church served the Pabst brewery employees and ironically has now been converted to brew and serve beer. This is one of the best micro breweries to visit in Milwaukee. read more

While visiting town, this was my favorite brewery. I had a flight and a couple full glasses while here. The bartender was informative about the building's history and the beers. Summer Nights was my favorite beer here. They also have a food vendor on site. I had the loaded fries, which were quite good. read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Summer Nights was my favorite. The Honey and Cobbler were good too. Schnuck just wasn't my thing. - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

My boys and I rolled in on a Sunday evening, we were in awe of the exterior...what to do with an old abandoned church? Turn it into a modern and marvelous brewery of course! Where there were once pews in the sanctuary are now high top tables and stools. Where the preacher and choir once sang, is now a small stage for live music and entertainment. In the back is the bar, with what seemed to be over 20 beers on tap, and another 20 available in bottles in cans. Lots of stouts too, my favorite! Friendly barman, warm ambience, great beer, and a perfect place to end chill Sunday night. read more

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Highlights/Lowlights 1) Outdoor Seating 2) Food Available 3) Gluten-Free Beverages Love Central Waters! I've only visited during the winter so was excited to learn they have an awesome outdoor beer garden in the summer! There was plenty of outdoor seating and part of it was shaded. There is a rotating (seemingly) food vendor at Central Waters. It used to be Dairyland (which I loved) and is currently a taco/Mexican restaurant. We ordered a few tacos and the chips and queso. While the main Central Waters servers were great and friendly, I found the taco shop service to be a little brash. Our food was OK but appreciated that we had the option to get lunch while enjoying our drinks. I don't drink beer but there were several gluten-free hard seltzer options available. This continues to be one of my favorite breweries in Milwaukee! read more

If you're going to brew some of the best beer in Wisconsin then you might as well serve it in one of the coolest renovated beer halls in Milwaukee. Central Waters Brewing's second location is something else. The building, which was originally built as a German Methodist church in the late 1800s, has been transformed into a bright and beaming facility with modern amenities. Wide windows allow natural light to fill the upstairs taproom. They also provide a front row seat to Wisconsin's stunning sunsets. The bar's twenty-plus taps allow you to pour beers that are not only brewed at the original flagship brewery in Amherst, but also beers that are brewed on location in this brewery's basement. The bartender told me the plan is for both locations to brew their own beers and then share them. A couple of notes: A beer garden is available behind the building. Pets are allowed as long as they're well behaved. Growlers, bottles and cans are available to go. read more

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Inside an old church that Pabst purchased, had an odd little tasting room for a while, and now appears to be the home of Central Waters. Mexican-inspired food is offered by an affiliated vendor, which was pretty good. Beer was above average and the service was friendly and helpful. read more

Recently got to try Central Waters Brewing pertaining to this Milwaukee location and it was a solid beer drinking experience! Steve and I had two different beers from Central Waters and enjoyed them relatively well. The first beer was the Mudpuppy Porter. A decent porter, that is for sure! With it's smooth, creamy, coffee flavors but light body was a nice combination that was a pleasant experience to be sure. I love coffee inserted into porters and always enjoy when I have the opportunity to have one! The other beer was the Brewer's Reserve Dark and Stormy Ale was a good Scotch Ale that we had. I like a good, robust Scotch Ale and this one fit the bill quite well. I also appreciate the features of ginger, lime, citrus and rum in which some of those flavor characteristics made for a unique spin to this particular Ale. A very good beer experience and the uniqueness in the beer is very much appreciated! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - The very refreshing Mudpuppy Porter! - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I overheard the bartender convincing a group from out of state NOT to go to Sobelman's for dinner. Unhinged behavior. Beautiful and wicked cool establishment, but that bartender needs to go. read more

I've always found Central Waters to be an upper tier brewery in Wisconsin, so I was excited to hear when they were moving into the old Pabst Pilot House space. Very cool, historic place that deserves a great brewpub. We were doubly excited when we heard that some of our favorite people in the local bar service scene were going to be working there. Eric the GM is not only well respected in the beer industry but he's also a high quality person who surrounds himself by equally high quality people. So...we finally made it here and it was a wonderful experience! The place looks great and everything is super organized and run. You want food? You just scan a QR code, order what you want, wait for the text, then go pick it up at a spot in the corner. And the bacon cheese fries we had were amazing. The beer is of course great too. Mudpuppy Porter has always been a favorite on tap. But also, check out the beers that were brewed in this specific Milwaukee location. Between my wife and I, we had three of the four and they were excellent. This is must-stop for anyone who likes good beer, good food and good company. It's going to do amazing and we will be regulars. read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Bacon cheese fries...and they were fabulous. - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I'd had several of their cans before, but had never been to the brewery itself until my most recent trip to Milwaukee. I was quite impressed. The building seems to be like an old gym, with a stage. It was a cool look that you don't ever see in breweries/bars. They have so many beers on tap, of all different styles to choose from, something for everyone. They also do half/8oz pours, which I always love, as it helps you try more. I got to try several of their IPAs, all were very good. There's also an outdoor patio area if it's nice out. They serve food inside, which I believe is from a nearby Mexican place. I didn't get to have any, but it's good to have that as an option. There's lots of merch and apparel available, and just overall was a cool space. It's just down the street from the Pabst mansion and the Pilot Project brewery, so there's plenty to do in the area. I hope to come back again next time I'm in Milwaukee, and maybe make this one of my regular stops. read more

Went to central waters for the first time this past weekend and loved it! The inside of the brewery is so unique due to the old Milwaukee history of the building. Cream city brick every where! It was pretty busy when we went but still got great service (and great beer!) we did not get food but the food looked amazing! I definitely am going back from more beer and to try the food. read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Mango sour and Pilsner - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

It was a lot of fun here! We didn't get any of the food / snacks, but it looked good! Their popcorn sounded intriguing! The staff was so nice and had great recommendations on what you would like. The building use to be a church so it's really cool architecture and that inside! Cool atmosphere! I tried two different seltzers and they were good! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We took the brewery tour for my Father's Day gift and it was the best tour I had, and I've been on about a dozen. Frazier was incredible - personable and very knowledgeable. I was very impressed with their business - very sustainable, and I learned a few things from Frazier even though I'm fairly knowledgeable about breweries. After the tour we went to their hospitality bar, and had a flight of beer, which we had a hard time picking because they had so many and they all sounded great. Our flight was fantastic - all six were great, we had two of their "pilot" beers, which are test beers - absolutely great. Even though their are more breweries I want to tour, Central Waters will definitely be my first repeat tour! They also had a food wagon outside with fantastic BBQ sandwiches that you could either eat outside on the nice patio or inside if weather's bad. read more

Great beer tender who was very informative with their beers - explained the history of the church

Central Waters is easily one of the best breweries in Milwaukee, and in Wisconsin. They have something for everyone, even if you aren't a huge beer person. Their stouts are some of the best we've ever had, anywhere. The new taproom in Milwaukee is beautiful and in such a great, historic building and neighborhood. There is plenty of seating at tables and the bar. They constantly have a huge variety of options on tap! read more

Beer was ok. Both bartenders seemed annoyed to be working. I liked that you are able to get beer in various sizes. Outside of the building was super cool looking. read more

Honestly probably one of the best breweries I've ever been too. The beer was crazy good, everyone working there was cool, and I loved the atmosphere. Looking forward to the next time we're in Milwaukee. read more

The Central Waters Milwaukee brewery is a great place. They have a very large tap list of their beers brewed here and in Amherst. You can get 3 different sized pours for most beers on the menu. The space has a very bright and airy feel. Plus they have a partnership with Dairyland burgers. So you can get one of the best burgers in town while drinking some of the best beer in town. read more

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Delicious reprieve after a not great experience at another place. The iced bourbon barrel aged barleywine was sweet and smooth. We really appreciated the chill vibe. It was busy, but didn't feel like it and had good old school music playing. We'll definitely be back. read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Iced barleywine and quadder - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This is one of the coolest places to stop in the brewery district. It used to be a church and is completely brick on the outside. Once you're inside, it's this bright, vaulted room with a good amount of seating and a wide variety of drinks. I can't remember the exact names of the beer we had, but I usually go for sours and ales, while my boyfriend goes for IPAs. We loved each one we had and ended up staying for one more after our first "one more" beer. We went on a Friday night and maybe 1/4 of the tables/bar area were occupied. We walked from our apartment on the lower east side, but parking in the area can be tricky so I would plan ahead if you need to drive. I know I'll be back!! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

LOVE Central Waters. Aside from the great beers and seltzers (there is something for everyone!), Dairyland is right inside!! I love popping over on a Saturday afternoon to enjoy a pint of tiny (fruity) bubbles and cheesecurds - my favorite in Milwaukee! There is lots of seating both inside and out. Delicious seasonal beers are always on tap to try. Bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable. Never a disappointment when at Central Waters! read more

Exciting remote location in Milwaukee. Good beer, solid service, and lots of 4-packs/bourbon aged stouts for purchase. read more

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Such a gem. We haven't been up this way since Pabst moved away, but what a pre-Friday (Thursday) treat. It's still a beautiful building and the beers and service were fantastic. Looooved the strawberry rhubarb milkshake IPA and Summer Wheat (with peach white tea). My wife also enjoyed their IPAs and the orange milkshake ipa. Dairyland was there for food selection (we didn't partake there, but have many times at Zocalo and 3rd street market) and there is an outside garden opened Friday's and weekends that is dog friendly. Great start to a weekend and super relaxed on a Thursday at 7pm! read more

Stopped in for a drink after class. The bar is upstairs and there is planty of space inside for larger groups! Many beer options available! read more

Central Waters Brewing Milwaukee - Unsettled - Brewpubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Central Waters Brewing was a pleasant brewery stop. The beers were tasty with a nice variety from which to choose. The location is a nice setting in the brewery district and the building is a neat building. Open and bright. The service was wonderful and helpful. read more

2nd stop in Milwaukee. One of my favorites for it's wide selection of crafty beers. Very knowledgeable beertenders

Great historic building near Fiserv was the perfect choice for not so busy but still a good crowd pregame drink and dinner. Dairyland serves up hot and fresh burgers, chicken and salads on site. I like Centrals variety of beers - something for everyone and staff was very attentive! read more

I was looking for a mellow drinks-and-bites dinner option for my birthday, and I landed on Central Waters once I saw Trouble Makers Cocina is set up there. I've been once before, about a year ago, and really liked the setting as well as the beer. We built our own tasting flight of 6 beers from what was on tap. Brendan was pouring for us and was really great; very friendly and answered any questions we had. There's a patio space downstairs when you walk in, which I'm sure will be great on summer afternoons. And the interior (I think an old church?) is a very bright, open space with lots of tables throughout. Ordering food from Trouble Makers was easy, and we had delicious tacos to go with our beer flight. All in all, it's a really nice spot that seems to do the important things well. I'll definitely be back whenever I want good beer, good service, and good Mexican food. read more