So, not exactly a bar, but you drink beer here, so I think it counts…
Sprecher Brewery was started in 1985 after Randy Sprecher returned to Wisconsin after being stationed militarily in Germany. He brewed some beers for Pabst, returned to UC Davis for further study, returned to Wisconsin for more brewing, contemplated a California move, and was finally convinced to stay by his Wisconsin friends that liked his beer and didn’t want it to move away. Sprecher makes great beer.
We’re on a tour and there’s humor here if you pay attention. “We’re next to a great source of water,” the tour guide explains, “we use water straight from Lake Michigan for the stouts, which give them their cloudy character.” Not everybody gets the joke. Later, when talking about the logo, he explains, “It’s a griffin, it has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle … [he waits a beat] … unfortunately they’re extinct.” The guide moves on quickly; enjoying the bewilderment (OMG, are griffins really extinct!?).
The tour ends and the beer flows. Extra Pale Ale, IPA^2, Special Amber, and others all flow along with all of their sodas. They have communal tables so you can’t help but meet your neighbors. Ours are a family with children loving the bottomless soda and a group clearly loving the almost bottomless beer. We’re at the table next to the red hat ladies, who wear red hats and … I have no idea except I now understand that episode of the Simpsons so much more (seriously, just red hats? I don’t get it.). I enjoy Wisconsin.
Moral of the story: drink this beer. It’s good. They enjoy making it, and you will enjoy drinking it.
Let me tell you how not to prepare for the Sprecher Brewery tour.
One hour before, do not gulp multiple glasses of Orangina. Do not eat a cheesy grilled sandwich, multiple macaroons, cherries, and olives.
Your stomach has a limited capacity.
You will not be able to fully enjoy your four glasses of fantastic beer and unlimited soda. Not to mention the strange brews they pull out for sampling, like the pizza brew and a couple of unusual, limited edition African brews, and the odd concoction drink-off like the Ravin' Red vs. Cherry Cola slushy competition.
The Sprecher Brewery tour must be prepared for with appropriate gravity. Preferably fasting for 24 hours in advance. Only then will you be able to appreciate the genius.
Also, prepare for children. Lots of them. Watch your fucks and thank yous.
Sprecher Brewery | Milwaukee, WI
So, not exactly a bar, but you drink beer here, so I think it counts…
Sprecher Brewery was started in 1985 after Randy Sprecher returned to Wisconsin after being stationed militarily in Germany. He brewed some beers for Pabst, returned to UC Davis for further study, returned to Wisconsin for more brewing, contemplated a California move, and was finally convinced to stay by his Wisconsin friends that liked his beer and didn’t want it to move away. Sprecher makes great beer.
We’re on a tour and there’s humor here if you pay attention. “We’re next to a great source of water,” the tour guide explains, “we use water straight from Lake Michigan for the stouts, which give them their cloudy character.” Not everybody gets the joke. Later, when talking about the logo, he explains, “It’s a griffin, it has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle … [he waits a beat] … unfortunately they’re extinct.” The guide moves on quickly; enjoying the bewilderment (OMG, are griffins really extinct!?).
The tour ends and the beer flows. Extra Pale Ale, IPA^2, Special Amber, and others all flow along with all of their sodas. They have communal tables so you can’t help but meet your neighbors. Ours are a family with children loving the bottomless soda and a group clearly loving the almost bottomless beer. We’re at the table next to the red hat ladies, who wear red hats and … I have no idea except I now understand that episode of the Simpsons so much more (seriously, just red hats? I don’t get it.). I enjoy Wisconsin.
Moral of the story: drink this beer. It’s good. They enjoy making it, and you will enjoy drinking it.