Your Guide to Craft Breweries in Appleton & the Fox Cities

The Fox Cities are home to an impressive craft beer scene. From long-standing brewpubs that have been pouring for decades to up-and-coming breweries making their mark, there’s a brew to suit every taste.

Stone Arch Brewpub

One of the oldest continually running brewpubs in Wisconsin, Stone Arch brews seven beers year-round and another dozen changing with the seasons. They also make their own soda for kids. Pull up a seat in their taproom, which offers 24 different beers on tap and live music every Tuesday night, or enjoy their outdoor beer garden. You’ll also find a full food menu offering traditional pub-fare as well as a few specialty items. Their beer can be found on tap at many other area restaurants and in bottles across Wisconsin.


Our Pick: Stone Arch Scottish Style Ale

The ale is a medium-bodied amber, earthy beer with a low bitterness, and touch of caramel sweetness.


Fox River Brewing Company

Fox River Brewing Company brews 26 different beers, and a hard seltzer during the year, offered on tappped at the brewery / restaurant. Located in the Fox River Mall, Fox River Brewing Company boasts a full drink and food menu offering everything from Burgers to Pasta. The brewery offers a nice break from your shopping and is a great spot for a relaxing evening out. Their beer can also be found on tap at area restaurants and in bottles and cans sold throughout Wisconsin


Our Pick: Blu Bobber Ale

A refreshing ale, golden in color with a light blueberry aroma. Slightly sweet and bluish in color with a dense white head. Session style with a blueberry finish.


Photo Credit: Fox River Brewing Co.

Appleton Beer Factory

Appleton Beer Factory builds beer better. The brewery underwent massive renovations when it was purchased by the current owners in 2010. The tables, bar, and windows of the brewery are all original pieces that were found and re-purposed within the property.

Along with the brews, enjoy a delicious meal from their full menu. Kick back relax and watch Appleton Beer Factory’s brewmasters create sensational beverages right before your eyes.

Our Pick: Millhand Hefeweizen

The Millhand Hefeweizen is based on the classic German wheat ale. Appleton Beer Factory’s hefeweizen is mashed with a little extra Munich malt and fermented warm to deliver hints of clove and banana. Hallertauer hops bring balance to this hazy, sweet beer.


Old Bavarian Brewing Company

Here, you'll find authentic brewed beer in accordance with the German Purity Law, which dates back to 1516 and allows for only water, barley, and hops to be used in the brewing process. Their German beer is brewed at Fox River Brewing Company using only the finest imported German barley and hops for a truly authentic German flavor under the supervision of Old Bavarian’s Master Brewer.

Our Pick: The Doppelbock

The Doppelbock is a full-bodied beer with subtle hints of caramel, chocolate, and roasted flavors. The most interesting part of this beer is that it’s only made with four ingredients; the brewer suggests trying the Doppelbock and then trying a different beer to taste the flavor variation even with the same four ingredients.


Photo Credit: OB's Brau Haus

Lion’s Tail Brewing Co. & Tap Room

Lion’s Tail Brewing Co. & Tap Room features 12 beers on draught made in their own brewery, along with several guest taps featuring other great beers from our region. Lion’s Tail takes a different approach to food. Feel free to order their snacks or cheese plate, but if you're looking for a meal, you’re welcome to order deliveries or bring in carryout from any of Neenah’s incredible restaurants.

Our Pick: Juice Cloud

Juice Cloud is brewed to minimize bitterness and maximize delicious juicy Citra Hop flavors. Big doses of oats and wheat deliver nice mouthfeel and leave a lovely cloud of haze. Double dry-hopped with Citra hops leaving a clean tropical fruit, juicy finish.


McFleshman's Brewing Co.

Opening its doors in 2018 and located in downtown Appleton, McFleshman's serves traditional German and British beer styles on tap. The taproom is covered in old-growth Wisconsin Oak and boasts an over 100-year-old piece of stained glass nestled perfectly behind the bar. McFleshman's specializes in beer, so there’s no kitchen but you can opt to carry-in or get delivery from one of many great restaurants Appleton has to offer right to the taproom!

Our Pick: Pirate's Cove

Pirate's Cove is the name of the bar that once stood where our beer garden is today, famed for the Vulcan Mind Probe cocktail! It sadly burned down in the 80's, but homage is paid to this slice of Appleton history by naming this flagship beer after it. The Pirate's Cove is an easy-drinking light German lager, with grainy sweetness balanced with a touch of German hop characters. It truly highlights the benefits of our German-style brew-house and fermentors.


Photo Credit: McFleshman's Brewing Co.

Emprize Brew Mill

Emprize Brewery in Menasha is your one-stop-shop for good times, delicious American fare, and most importantly, BEER. The microbrewery lives up to its prefix, only brewing small batches to ensure the fresh and flavorful taste that Emprize is known for. Enjoy a beverage and a hearty meal in the dining area or make your way up to the Attic for some fun! Check out this video for more info on Emprize Brew Mill.

Our Pick: Magic Portabella Porter

Give thanks for the riches brought forth from the Earth! This unique blend of grains, hops, and mushrooms yields a dark brew “grown” fresh in their Biergarten. The musky aroma invites you to imbibe the rich boldness of a hefty portion of portabella mushrooms atop a silky porter base. This beer pairs VERY well with steaks.


Photo Credit: Emprize Brew Mill

Vault 202 Brewery and Taproom

At its heart, this place is about bringing people together. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual meal, catching up with family, or discovering a new favorite spot while exploring Appleton, you'll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to make everyone feel at home.

Start with a shareable appetizer or jump right into a fresh, flavorful salad. Their signature paninis and handcrafted pizza use elevated ingredients and pair wonderfully with the brew listed below.

Our Choice: Premiere Annee
This beer utilizes a Belgian Pilsner malt base with a blend of specialty caramel malts and a dark amber Belgian Candi Syrup. Expect rich, flavorful aromas of plums, raisins, and clove with a subtle hint of banana and a dry finish.

Photo Credit: Vault 202

Ope! North

Opening in 2026.

Photo Credit: Ope! Brewing Co.

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Fox Cities

Greater Appleton Wisconsin

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