*This is the thirty-seventh post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Vintage Brewing Company in Madison, WI. All photos taken by Joe Powell.
Vintage Brewing Company
674 S Whitney Way
Madison, WI 53711
(608) 204-2739
Visit date: 12/11/15
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
19 of their own on tap, around 75 total made.
2) How long operational?
Campus restaurant since 2002, brewing on west side since 2010.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Family was interested in expanding restaurant to brewery, brewmaster was relative.
4) Distribution?
Kegs to local bars.
5) What sets you apart?
“It’s just family.”
6) How did you get your name?
(Server was unsure.)
As a UW-Madison alumni, I associated Vintage Brewing Company with a fantastic people-watching patio on one of the main thoroughfares through campus. However, for the 37th stop on the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour, we ventured to the near-west side of Madison to visit Vintage’s actual brewing location.
Very cute, homey dining space.
The restaurant/brewery is located in a giant strip mall parking lot – essentially, the exact opposite of the downtown spot. But upon entering we felt like we stepped directly into a classic Wisconsin supper club. Centered around a large bar, the restaurant is broken up into home-style seating (complete with fireplace and French doors) and a pub-style lounge.
Beautiful Christmas decorations kept the pub area merry.
While we waited to be seated for dinner (the place was packed on a Friday night), we sampled five of their large house selection of beers ($1.75-$2.75 each).
Served while the fish in the giant central tank look on longingly.
McLovin Irish Red Ale
Nutty with a slight hop taste.
Weiss Nix Weissbier
Standard wheat; heavier carbonation.
Dedication Abbey Dubbel
Nice dubbel taste, weaker than expected.
Marmalada Saison
Nosey, fresh, light.
Tabula Rasa Belgian Table Beer
Easy to drink; would pair well with food.
The beer for both locations is all made in full view of guests.
While we came for the beer, we stayed for the delicious supper club classics on the menu. From appetizer to dessert, we were satisfied: I highly recommend the Wisco Ham & Cheese sandwich, a cheese-overload no Wisconsinite could resist.
Staff historian Meggy and the former Happiest Man at the Wisconsin State Fair, enjoying beer and bites.
Though you’ll find their extensive list of house beers at both locations, I was impressed with the brewery’s comfortable supper club ambiance, friendly crowd, and delicious food. Perhaps Vintage Brewing Company got their name by sticking true to what makes a classic Wisconsinite happy.
