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The History of Water Street Brewery in Oak Creek
Water Street Brewery’s Oak Creek location opened on July 20, 2015. This opening represented a significant expansion of Milwaukee’s first brewpub, originally established in 1987. Situated at the intersection of Howell and Drexel Avenues within the Drexel Town Square development, this venue marks the brewery’s fourth establishment, following its downtown Milwaukee, Delafield (1999), and Grafton (2010) locations.
The Oak Creek branch pays homage to the area’s industrial heritage through its architectural design, featuring cream city brick, exposed steel beams, and intricate woodwork. This aesthetic mirrors the historical ambiance of the former Delphi Plant, aligning with the city’s rich manufacturing past.
A standout feature of this location is its extensive collection of breweriana. The interior showcases over 50,000 beer cans, 1,300 beer tap knobs and handles, 825 bottle and can openers, 25 original Wisconsin brewery lithographs, 250 server trays, and more than 100 rare neon signs. These artifacts not only enhance the visual appeal but also celebrate Wisconsin’s deep-rooted beer culture.
Consistent with its other locations, the Oak Creek brewery operates an on-site brewing system, producing a diverse range of craft beers served directly from tank to tap. To date, Water Street Brewery has produced over 74,630 half-barrels, equating to approximately 12,334,026 glasses of beer across more than 70 different styles.
The menu at Oak Creek offers a variety of dishes, including signature items like chicken schnitzel, Brew City mac and cheese, and an array of tacos such as Korean BBQ and Argentinian steak. Weekend brunches are available starting at 10 a.m., featuring options like crab cake Benedict and red velvet waffles.
Beyond its culinary offerings, the Oak Creek location serves as a community hub, hosting events and contributing to local initiatives. Its presence in Drexel Town Square complements the area’s development, which includes establishments like Meijer, a Sheraton hotel, and the Oak Creek City Hall and library.
In summary, Water Street Brewery’s Oak Creek establishment seamlessly blends historical reverence with modern brewing and dining experiences, solidifying its role as a cherished destination for both locals and visitors.
