Milwaukee Ale House
Brewpub plants itself in up-and-coming area
April, 1998by Dennis Davison
Jim McCabe and Mike Bieser, Proprietors of the Milwaukee Ale House began life's ever evolving journey as homebrewers 8 years ago. Along with Jim Olen, they'd sit and talk about beer and microbreweries as they brewed and consumed their own beverages. Talking was not enough for these visionaries. McCabe and Bieser, began developing a business plan. This plan would never have happened if there were already three brewpubs in the downtown area at the time they were ready to start.
Fortunately for Milwaukee, they were the third to open a brewpub and it has been well worth the wait. The Milwaukee Ale House opened its doors in October of 1997. Nestled just south of the major downtown area in The Third Ward, The Milwaukee Ale House's location may seem a bit off the beaten path for many, but for others it is in the heart of the ever emerging downtown expansion. Located on the Milwaukee River, with plans of the Riverwalk extending to its doorstep in the near future. Pilings have already gone in for the deck on the river. This deck not only will connect them to the Riverwalk, but will eventually house the grain silo for the brewery.
The Milwaukee Ale House has picked a prime location for the future, not just the present. With the Skylight Opera Company around the corner, various art galleries in the area, and the Summer Fest grounds a short hike to the east, one can't help but feel the future is today.
Beer names such as Solomon Juneau and Sheepshead Stout, seem suited for the Milwaukee clientele by placing an emphasis on Milwaukee's History. Head Brewer Jim Olen, formerly of Titletown Brewing in Green Bay, has not been afraid to use hops. Each of the six beers on tap show their respective hop qualities, which makes it quite refreshing compared to many pubs that place more emphasis on malt. Not only can you find the Ale House's beers on tap, you will also find a nice mixture of Wisconsin micros on tap to help fill the menu. Lakefront Specialties, New Glarus Lagers, Gray's Honey Ale, Wisconsin Brewing's Porter, are just some of the guest beers found at the Ale House.
Most breweries deal with pushing beer to the taps using carbon dioxide pressure. The Ale House's serving tanks are located above the bar, and the beer is gravity fed. The second floor will eventually host a 250 seat banquet room for special occasions. The Ale House has plans for hosting several beer events. They organized a Mid-Winter Beerfest on February 8th, with plans for other events throughout the coming year.
Bieser and McCabe, knowing that the restaurant was just as important as the brewery, needed help. Jim McCabe's brother John, having spent several years in the industry, was brought in to help manage restaurant operations. Initial offerings catered to WisCajun style dishes. A discussion was made to change the menu after several Cajun style restaurants had opened in Milwaukee. Jim and Mike began feeling that Cajun was getting too trendy and felt they needed a wider variety of dishes, however they have still kept some Cajun style entrees on the menu.
Culinary dishes at the Ale House now include Duck, Venison, Steak, an Andouille Sausage Sandwich, and a variety of other fish and pasta delights. Becoming known for its gumbo, the Ale house offers a mix from fine dining to casual pub fare with nightly specials. With two pool tables, a large fireplace, nightly live music, and a gigantic bar area, the Milwaukee Ale House has something to offer anyone who graces its doors.
Jim and Mike are committed to bringing the feeling of Wisconsin back to the people of this city. The walls are decorated with old turn of the century photographs of the brewery industry. The restaurant will continue to highlight native Wisconsin dishes made with fresh Wisconsin products, from cheese to sausage to wild game. Anything Wisconsin has to offer, the Ale House will eventually have on the menu.
Jim and Mike feel that they will become the southern anchor of the new emerging brewery district of Milwaukee. With the Ale house located at 233 N. Water, a proposed Wynkoop Brewpub at Mason and Water, Rock Bottom at 740 N. Plankinton, Water Street Brewery at 1101 N. Water St, and the new Lakefront Brewery soon to be located on Commerce St., one will only have a short mile walk to take in all establishments. This coming spring and summer will make downtown more enjoyable for those who enjoy beers with flavor.
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Dennis Davison is President of the Beer Judge Certification Program and an award-winning homebrewer. He reports for Beer Notes on happeningss on the West Coast (of Lake Michigan). Email him at ddavison@execpc.com.
