Beer at the ballpark

[Chris1stva]

Hello Midwesterners!

I am heading to Chicago in July to see the Cubs. My wife is a transplanted Midwesterner and still a loyal Cubs fan.

We will also likely head up to see the Brewers play at home.

So, how is the beer at these stadiums, where can I find the good stuff, and any suggestions for decent beer in area around the stadiums?

Thanks in advance!

[BluesHarp]

Miller Park usually has a Capital or two on tap.

If you stay in Milwaukee, there is the Lakefront Brewery, and Milwaukee Alehouse.
West of the stadium, on I94, there is the Delafield Brewhaus...excellent beer and live music on weekends (usually bluesy or vintage rock - no metal.
Water Street Brewery has one location downtown and one actually across the interstate for Delafield, but there beer is quite non-descript.

[steveh]

I recently heard that Wrigley switched vendors for the control of all concessions. It's the same company that has run their stadium club, which always had good brews available, so the rest of the stadium may have up-graded.

The good news is, Goose Island Wrigleyville half a block south on Clark from the park. Go before, go after.

S.

[HogieWan]

This thread makes me want to make another chicago road trip. Always lived in louisiana, but I always had a soft spot for the cubbies.

[HarkJohnny]

gah! hate you guys... the closest thing we have is a rock bottom a few blocks away... the best beer at the park (that I found) is freaking Christian Moerlein for $6.75 for a 16oz plastic cup. Now I'm not knocking them but for craps sake I DON'T WANT TO DRINK CRUD OR CRUD LIGHT OR MICH LIGHT WHEN I'M AT THE FREAKING GAME!!!

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
Now I'm not knocking them but for craps sake I DON'T WANT TO DRINK CRUD OR CRUD LIGHT OR MICH LIGHT WHEN I'M AT THE FREAKING GAME!!!

Well, if you ever come to Cleveland Browns stadium to watch your Bengals play, bring your own. They have the WORST selection of beer ANYWHERE!
Bud
Bud lite
Coors Lite
Rolling Sock

NOTHING ELSE!!

Oh yeah, they stop serving right after halftime.

[Chris1stva]

Thanks for the tips.

In Milwaukee, is there one "can't miss" place. The in-laws are on the Chicago area, so Milwaukee will be a day trip.

Take heart, FedEx Field, where the Skins "play" (as a life fan, I can't really say its been an easy decade for DC football), good beer is available, but you will pay through the nose for it. I enjoy good beer in the parking lot before the game!

[BluesHarp]

In Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery has a tour that costs $5. You get a free pint glass, at least three pints of beer, and in the brewery is the original Bernie Brewer's Chalet from the old County Stadium, complete with slide and giant beer mug.
Unfortunately, due to insurance regulations, you can't ride down it...

For strictly beer and entertainment, The Milwaukee Alehouse has good beer and is a pretty cool place (decent food, also).

[steveh]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
In Milwaukee, Lakefront Brewery has a tour that costs $5. You get a free pint glass, at least three pints of beer

Not to mention that the Klisch brothers (the owners) are real decent folks. Not sure how often they give the tours personally, but if you get one of them it'll be that much more enjoyable.

S.

[steveh]

Originally posted by HarkJohnny
gah! hate you guys... the closest thing we have is a rock bottom a few blocks away...

Well, then maybe I shouldn't mention the Irish Oak, a great Irish-style pub just past Goose Island (both on the east side of Clark, I ought to mention) by a block or so - and the Gingerman, a pretty decent beer-bar just north of Wrigley by another block or so, on the west side of Clark.

There are all sorts of taverns around Wrigley, Murphy's or the Cubby Bear being worth visits, but not many with great beer.

S.

[SoxyinMO]

I DON'T WANT TO DRINK CRUD OR CRUD LIGHT OR MICH LIGHT WHEN I'M AT THE FREAKING GAME!!!

I hear that! They sell Boulevard at Kaufmann in KC & other good beer as I recall. I was so happy to see the Sox last year, the beer was secondary :eek:

THIS year I am going to make special note of all the beers, and maybe even drink a few (or more than a few!). I have a baseball game fund set up this year so I'll have a little more money than last year. Of course the car breaking down in KC didn't help us any, either.

[Chris1stva]

Thank you for the heads up on a Ginger Man near Wrigley. I went to the one in NYC in January (read all about it at www.chrisbeerjournal.com), one of the best beer bars I have been to.

DC finally has a ball team again, I was at the home opener last night. There is some ok beer, but you really have to look for it!

If anyone is heading out here, let me know. The Cubs are playing the Nats in May, and I'll be there.

[steveh]

Originally posted by Chris1stva
Thank you for the heads up on a Ginger Man near Wrigley.

I don't think the Gingerman in Chicago is affiliated with any of the others around the country (might be wrong). However, it is affiliated with the Gingerman Race Track in Michigan (Michigan?). I understand they have the same owner and he opened one place to support the other...can't remember which order it was, though.

S.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Chris1stva
Thank you for the heads up on a Ginger Man near Wrigley. I went to the one in NYC in January (read all about it at www.chrisbeerjournal.com), one of the best beer bars I have been to.

DC finally has a ball team again, I was at the home opener last night. There is some ok beer, but you really have to look for it!

If anyone is heading out here, let me know. The Cubs are playing the Nats in May, and I'll be there.

Thanks for the post on DC beer about the availablity of good beer. Sounds like the Foggy stand did quite the business. And the Nats won too!

[Kalleh1]

Just beware, Chris, the Cubs stink this year. I am going to avoid all stress by not even routing for them!

However, Steve is right; there are all sorts of wonderful bars around Wrigley Field with great beer. Wrigleyville is just a great area to live, unless of course you're not a Cubs fan!

[Chris1stva]

Yeah, I know the Cubbies are having a slow start, but my wife is the big time Cubs fan, so I am not stressing it at all. I just hope we have a nice day with some good beer. If they win, all the better.

Right now my Nats are doing great. I don't think it will last, but it sure is fun in the meantime!

[chazwicke]

Go NATS!

[Mikejesmike]

I would personally avoid stadium beer.Not only the selection likely to suck,but they'll murder you with the prices.It's like Disney World in those places.

Here's something I did that I'm ashamed to admit-I went to see the Cleveland Indians play at Jacob's Field. I went looking for a beer,all they had that I decided to get was an MGD,it was in a plastic bottle and it cost something like $10. I broke down and bought it,after that I swore to myself I would never do something like that again. If there's no beer I like then I'll just drink water.

[PFDarkside]

Is there any truth to the rumour of "watered down" ballpark beer? I'm not talking about Bud Light (which actually is watered down malt liquor), I mean is a Labatt or Budweiser at the ballpark any different from the kegs served at bars and available for purchase?

A know-it-all acquaintance believes it is watered down, I just have a hard time believing it. Then again, on a warm summer's eve it's not difficult to put back 3 32oz beers. (Well, not excluding the fact that BMC is what it is)

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by Mikejesmike
IHere's something I did that I'm ashamed to admit-I went to see the Cleveland Indians play at Jacob's Field. I went looking for a beer,all they had that I decided to get was an MGD,it was in a plastic bottle and it cost something like $10. I broke down and bought it,after that I swore to myself I would never do something like that again. If there's no beer I like then I'll just drink water.

While I haven't been to Jacob's Field this year, yet, I make it down there at least a few times during the season. Are you sure that is the best you could come up with? While it may tke some hunting, you CAN find some good beer down there. Check out the lower concourse near the right field line. There is a place called "World of Beer". While it's selection isn't the greatest, you can find Guiness and Great Lakes products. Price WAS approx. $5.50/12 oz bottle poured in a cup.

Used to have a little kiosk on that side toward home plate a little more that sold "Ballpark Draft" and GLBC's Dortmunder on tap.

Now Brown's Stadium is different story...

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by PFDarkside
Is there any truth to the rumour of "watered down" ballpark beer? I'm not talking about Bud Light (which actually is watered down malt liquor), I mean is a Labatt or Budweiser at the ballpark any different from the kegs served at bars and available for purchase?

A know-it-all acquaintance believes it is watered down, I just have a hard time believing it. Then again, on a warm summer's eve it's not difficult to put back 3 32oz beers. (Well, not excluding the fact that BMC is what it is)

Never heard of this before. I suspect it is urban legend.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Mikejesmike
If there's no beer I like then I'll just drink water.

Same here.

[Bugz-TT]

I would say it depends on the Ballpark and the distributors they have contracts with. I know when I go to the minor league fields they have a few Micros on tap that are good, of course it is always a walk from where I usually sit. Maybe I will give a report on the next game I go to.

[davesarman]

Originally posted by PFDarkside
Is there any truth to the rumour of "watered down" ballpark beer? I'm not talking about Bud Light (which actually is watered down malt liquor), I mean is a Labatt or Budweiser at the ballpark any different from the kegs served at bars and available for purchase?

A know-it-all acquaintance believes it is watered down, I just have a hard time believing it. Then again, on a warm summer's eve it's not difficult to put back 3 32oz beers. (Well, not excluding the fact that BMC is what it is)

Doubt it's "watered down", but it could be a lower alcohol version than is normally offered. In order to sell beer at the Minnesota State Fair, they have some stupid rule that it needs to be 3.2% abv. So I know that Summit brews their EPA at 3.2 specifically for this venue. I'm sure most mega brewers brew a 3.2 brew as well for laws in various areas. I know the Quicky-Marts in my town sell only 3.2 beer. In order to sell higher, you need a liquor liscense. Don't know if that's a city, county or state ordinace tho.

Now, in order to get their beer down to 3.2%, perhaps they simply "water it down", I don't know.

[unkle bik]

Are you sure it wasn't 3.2% ABW as opposed to ABV?

IIRC, 3.2 beer was 3.2% ABW in Ohio at least. (got rid of it around 1980)

[steveh]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Are you sure it wasn't 3.2% ABW as opposed to ABV?

The original "near beer" often served around the country was 3.2% ABW. Comes to about 4.0 ABV, I believe.

S.

[ADR]

I did a little "reporting" on near beer a couple of years ago...

http://www.beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/40/

[davesarman]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Are you sure it wasn't 3.2% ABW as opposed to ABV?

IIRC, 3.2 beer was 3.2% ABW in Ohio at least. (got rid of it around 1980)

Yeah, you're probably right, I'v ealways had a hard time keeping the 2 terms straight...

[chazwicke]

Interesting article ADR. I remember when the drinking age on Military bases was 18 but If I recall that was for 3.2 beer. I also remember when WVA sold only 3.2 beer.

Interesting that Summit manged to make a decent attempt at 3.2.

[steveh]

Originally posted by ADR
I did a little "reporting" on near beer a couple of years ago...

http://www.beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/40/

Sounds like everything we're talking about. You may have a career in the Beer Writing field ADR...need an intern? ;)

S.

[ADR]

LOL, so few people can make a living at beer writing, I have a feeling the intern field is slim...besides, you're a highly paid moderator at Realbeer.com! :cool:

Summit did an OK job I guess, but the Extra Pale is the only Minnesota micro beer I've ever seen at 3.2 strength...I grew up in New York when the drinking age was 18 and then lived in Pittsburgh for 10 years (not that PA doesn't have some crazy laws on beer sales), but the 3.2 thing was always something I thought was only around in places like Colorado in the 70s or Oklahoma (which it is, and is often the rule in most bars ALL WEEK)!...

I do think a database of state'e various beer sales laws would be fun, but I bet it would take a lot of work and updating...

[chazwicke]

Are you up to it?;)

[ADR]

LOL, well, I could do Minnesota and other people can do where they live...

I'm still not completely sure what the growler law is here...most places take only their own growlers and will replace them with ones that they filled and cleaned...but some people have told me that they have gotten foreign growlers filled and I don't know if that's because the law was broken or what most people do is more like policy...

[steveh]

Originally posted by ADR
LOL, so few people can make a living at beer writing, I have a feeling the intern field is slim...besides, you're a highly paid moderator at Realbeer.com!

What are you people hearing? I've not seen one red cent from the likes of RealBeer.com...is Stan telling you guys something different to try to get you to volunteer? Stan?! Where's my check?!

;)

S.

I know, I know; check's in the mail, package is on the truck, and I'm from the federal government and I'm here to help you.

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, and he's getting me my realbeer.com t-shirt just as soon as he gets back from Belgium... ;)

[ADR]

:D

I'm a Minnesota Beerfly Guide at BA, keep the database of beers, breweries, pubs for the Twin Cities and the state etc. etc. (its a blast) -- there are some perks but monetary compensation or even in kind donations are kind of unheard of (I do have a BA festival staff t-shirt that's pretty cool)...but there IS the purchasing of one another's beers going on...

No wonder the dot.com bubble burst!

But that's what the craft beer movement is all about, right?

[Chris1stva]

Do you have a web site with that info?

[Mikejesmike]

Originally posted by unkle bik
While I haven't been to Jacob's Field this year, yet, I make it down there at least a few times during the season. Are you sure that is the best you could come up with? While it may tke some hunting, you CAN find some good beer down there. Check out the lower concourse near the right field line. There is a place called "World of Beer". While it's selection isn't the greatest, you can find Guiness and Great Lakes products. Price WAS approx. $5.50/12 oz bottle poured in a cup.

Used to have a little kiosk on that side toward home plate a little more that sold "Ballpark Draft" and GLBC's Dortmunder on tap.

Now Brown's Stadium is different story...


The last time I was there was either 2001 or 2002. I admit I didn't search that well,I really didn't want to wander around the stadium,looking for something that might not be there.

[unkle bik]

Originally posted by Mikejesmike
The last time I was there was either 2001 or 2002. I admit I didn't search that well,I really didn't want to wander around the stadium,looking for something that might not be there.

Let's see....haven't been there in close to 5 years... didn't really look around....didn't really know if something was there.

Sounds like you did Jacob's Field and this board a diservice by reporting a bad rap about this fine facility.:(

BTW, MGD & most BMC were $5.50, not $10, when I visited JF last Sept.

[Mikejesmike]

Well I was in a situation where I didn't want to travel too far from my seat.So I found the closest place selling beer. Like I said I'm not going to walk all over a stadium looking for a beer that might not even be there.I wouldn't know where to look.If there was a sign saying Great Lakes near this or that exit you better believe I'll be heading that way.I was on the left side of the field,along the 3rd base to home line.

So the beer was $5.50? Well I know I got ripped off. Someone is pocketing an extra 4-5 over there everytime they sell one.It's not uncommon.It reminds me of the first time I went to a strip club,this was just your average strip club.The girl behind the bar asked me what I wanted and I said give me a shot of Jagermeister.She poured it and said that'll be 8 dollars. 8 FRIGGIN DOLLARS?! I wanted to tell her hell no,but I've never been in that situation at a bar.I didn't know if there were some kind of legal ramifications for not paying for a drink that had been poured for you.I didn't want the police to be there because I refused to pay for a drink.So I paid for it with great reservation and disgust.I drank it and I left. Either that girl is pocketing some extra cash or that must be the 72 vintage Jagermeister. Trust me if the beer was $5.50 I wouldn't have been as upset.I would almost expect a beer between 4-6.

[unkle bik]

Was her name "Lola"? :D

[Mikejesmike]

Originally posted by unkle bik
Was her name "Lola"? :D


I'm not following you.

[SoxyinMO]

Was her name "Lola"?

LOL!

[too far gone]

If you make it to Miller Park and like a hoppier beer, try a Tyranena pale ale or Bitter Woman IPA. I am almost positive it was available at the ballpark, though that was a couple of years ago. It was our fav Wisc brew in any event.

http://www.tyranena.com/

--toofargone

[Chris1stva]

I have also heard that tailgating is a pretty big thing before Brewers games.

[BluesHarp]

Tailgating is big in WI, period! Last year they didn't have Tyranena at Miller Park (I don't think), but did have a couple of Capital beers.

[Chris1stva]

As I am making my Midwest trip in the near future, one question:
Regarding Lakefront Brewery at 1872 N. Commerce Street, are they a brew pub, too, or just a brewery that offers tours?

[steveh]

Chris, Lakefront is a micro that offers tours, but very good tours as they aren't a big conglomo. Hands-on and close-up. They have sampling of their beer as well. http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/

S.

[brewcrew76]

Originally posted by too far gone
If you make it to Miller Park and like a hoppier beer, try a Tyranena pale ale or Bitter Woman IPA. I am almost positive it was available at the ballpark, though that was a couple of years ago. It was our fav Wisc brew in any event.

--toofargone

I was just at the Brewer game this last Saturday and their selection must have changed. Not much variety in styles.

Capital Amber (Tap)
Milwaukee Ale House Louie's Demise (Bottle)
Tyrenena Amber (Bottle)
Lakefront Cattail Ale (Tap)
Sprecher Amber (Tap)
New Glarus Spotted Cow (Bottle)

[brewcrew76]

Originally posted by Chris1stva
As I am making my Midwest trip in the near future, one question:
Regarding Lakefront Brewery at 1872 N. Commerce Street, are they a brew pub, too, or just a brewery that offers tours?

I wouldn't pass up the Lakefront tour. One of my favorites. Tour, 4 pints, pint glass and coupon for 1 free Lakefront beer at local pub after the tour for $5. The tours are fun and you get to see the old Bernie Brewer slide from County Stadium.

[BluesHarp]

You better get there early; they have been full to capacity nearly every weekend this summer, and routinely turn people away due to fire commission occupancy regulations.
The word has definitely got around.

[brewcrew76]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
You better get there early; they have been full to capacity nearly every weekend this summer, and routinely turn people away due to fire commission occupancy regulations.
The word has definitely got around.

I went on 5/28 and that was the largest crowd I had ever seen there. I would say 75-100 people on the tour. I figured it was just because of the holiday weekend. Thanks for the heads up. I was going to try to catch another tour on 7/30.

[Chris1stva]

I did the Lakefront tour, it was great! We went to the Milwaukee Ale house after that. The beer was great was at both places.

The beer at Miller Park was ok. Mostly Miller products, no shock there. But some decent brews were to be found.

Wrigley was another story all together. Its a great place to watch a game, but there was not a single decent beer on tap in the whole place. There were a couple of very average bottles (ohhh, Corona...luxury in a bottle).

Good thing Goose Island was close by. Went there after the game, and the brew was very good.