*This is the one-hundred and eleventh post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub
1313 Regent St
Madison, WI 53715
(608) 250-8989
Visit date: 05/19/17
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
6 on tap.
2) How long operational?
Bar since 2006, new brewery since 2015.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Owner had a successful college bar business, wanted to expand and grow.
4) Distribution?
Other Lucky’s locations in Waunakee and Lodi.
5) What sets you apart?
Location near campus, and a big event space.
6) How did you get your name?
“No real reason for Lucky’s…but the 1313 is our address.”
Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub in Madison, WI: the 111th stop on the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
There’s no better collegiate atmosphere than the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s campus; that’s just a fact. For the last decade, Lucky’s Bar on Regent Street has been serving thirsty Badger football fans (and $1 High Life and corndog fans) a stone’s throw from Camp Randall Stadium.
But, lucky for us beer drinkers, their success as a bar combined with the closing of a historic auto body shop across the street presented Lucky’s owner with the opportunity to expand. The main bar space is massive, with high ceilings and room for hundreds of people.
The separated event hall is custom-made for big Badger gameday tailgaters.
And on beautiful fall Saturdays (or any days, really), the back patio and large grass beer garden will be as packed as Camp Randall.
But perhaps the most exciting part of Lucky’s planned expansion was the addition of a brand new brewing system, complete with a nationally-renowned brewmaster.
1313 Big Red Ale
A nutty intro smacks your tongue but leaves quickly on a smooth, refreshing finish.
Hoppy-Go-Lucky Pale Ale
Definite hops, but present flower bud and jasmine notes as well. Fresh.
5th Quarter Porter
A nice, younger take on a classic. More focus on the juicy, sweet caramel, backed up with coffee.
Regent Street Wheat
Poundable for a Badger gameday tailgate. Golden, smooth.
Madtown Hops IPA
Heavy lemon zest will wake your tastebuds and temper the bitter hops.
Midnight Wheat
Dark & rich, heavily leans Amber.
While Lucky’s has always been and will always be a college bar, its addition of fresh craft beer and a revamp of their pub-style menu have helped make it a destination for other adult visitors as well.
When Lucky’s 1313 Brew Pub opens those large garage doors to the red hoards each fall Saturday, there’s going to be no better place on campus to be before or after the Badger football games. That collegiate camaraderie is kept burning year-round, making it a worthwhile stop whether Bucky’s doing pushups that day or not.
