Kenosha is located less than 40 miles south of “Brew City” and has its own brewery scene going on. Craft breweries! Kenosha has long had a reputation for having many bars. Back when auto manufacturing was the big industry in town, there was a built-in customer base of factory workers for nearby bars to thrive. In recent years, new craft breweries have popped up and expanded.
Rustic Road Brewing Company opened in 2012 in Downtown Kenosha. The nano brewery, taproom and restaurant offers a unique variety of specialty meats and vegetarian-friendly options, as well as entertainment such as open mic, trivia and live music nights. Small batches of beer are brewed with great pride. Owner Greg York and a friend started brewing beer in a college apartment in 1999. They used an electric stove and an introductory level home brew kit. The name of the business was inspired by Wisconsin’s Rustic Roads program. Greg has said that rustic roads “represent something real special.”
PUBLIC Craft Brewing Co. also opened in 2012 and moved into a larger location in 2020. Located in Downtown Kenosha, the operation includes a kitchen, a taproom, a stage for entertainment and an expanded production capacity. The business welcomes everyone who enjoys craft beer, great food and the company of good friends. Their motto is “Beer for the People”. Its beer is available on tap and in bottles at over 50 fine establishments throughout Kenosha, Racine and Walworth Counties. Owner Matt Geary started making his own beer right out of college, on a stovetop in an apartment.
Kenosha Brewing Co. is located on the south side of Kenosha — at the same location where the first brew pub in the Midwest was after Prohibition. Over 90 years ago, local Monks from the area perfected their craft of making great beer at this location. In addition to a great selection of craft beer, this brewery also offers awesome food with calzones, street tacos, meatloaf and sloppy Joe’s!
Cheers to a good flight, pint, or growler of local craft brew!
