Drinking Beer Outside In Wawatosa, Wisconsin: Is It Allowed?

If you're planning on drinking beer outdoors in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the drinking age in Wisconsin is 21, and those under this age may only consume alcohol if they are with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age. Wisconsin has a variety of alcohol laws that govern the sale and consumption of alcohol, and these vary depending on the location and day of the week. For example, the retail sale of beer is prohibited between midnight and 6 am, and some municipalities have further restrictions, such as prohibiting the sale of alcohol altogether. Wauwatosa itself has a range of breweries, bars, and restaurants that serve beer, and some of these have outdoor spaces where you can enjoy your drink. However, it's important to be considerate of others and the environment, and not be noisy or disruptive while drinking in public spaces.

Beer gardens in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Beer gardens are a great way to socialise and enjoy a drink in the fresh air. In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, there are several beer gardens to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere and offerings. So, if you're looking to enjoy a beer outdoors in Wauwatosa, here are some great options to consider:

The Landing at Hoyt Park Beer Garden

The Landing at Hoyt Park is a popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Located in the heart of Wauwatosa, this beer garden offers a changing menu of local and imported beers, as well as a food menu that includes snacks, pizzas, and giant pretzels. The Landing also features both outdoor seating and an amazing indoor hall, with live music scheduled regularly. Nearby, there is a playground and one of the best pools in the area, making it a great spot for families. Dogs are also welcome at this jack-of-all-trades beer garden.

Tosa Village Beer Garden

Tosa Village Beer Garden is another great option, located in the vibrant Tosa Village. While there is limited information available about this beer garden, it is likely to have a lively atmosphere and a good selection of beers and snacks.

Estabrook Beer Garden

A short distance from Wauwatosa, in Milwaukee, is the Estabrook Beer Garden. This beer garden is significant as it holds the honour of being the first public beer garden in the U.S. since Prohibition. It offers imported beers from the Munich Hofbrauhaus, along with a range of food options, including brats, hot dogs, and freshly baked soft pretzels. There is also a nearby playground for children to enjoy while adults relax in the shaded seating areas.

Whitnall Park Beer Garden

Also located in Milwaukee, the Whitnall Park Beer Garden is known for its fun and popular atmosphere. In 2023, they saw a significant increase in business, serving thousands of beverages and snacks to their guests. With live music on Saturdays and a variety of themed nights, such as Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays, this beer garden offers an entertaining experience.

Big Head Brewing Co.

If you're looking for a microbrewery experience, Big Head Brewing Co. is a great choice. Located near Tosa Village, they offer a rotating selection of craft beers on draft, with options for both on-site enjoyment and to-go purchases. They also have a variety of games, including darts, pinball, and cornhole, adding to the fun and casual atmosphere.

Camp Bar

For a unique Wisco experience, head to Camp Bar in East Tosa. This cabin-themed bar offers an extensive list of brews, including taps, domestics, imports, and microbrews. Pair your drink with their Campfire Bites for the ultimate evening out.

When visiting any of these beer gardens, please remember to drink responsibly and follow local laws and regulations regarding alcohol consumption. Enjoy your time exploring the beer gardens of Wauwatosa!

Drinking laws in Wisconsin

Today, the drinking age in Wisconsin is 21. However, those under 21 may be served, possess, or consume alcohol if accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age. Additionally, 18 to 20-year-olds may possess (but not consume) alcohol as part of their employment.

State law prohibits the retail sale of liquor and wine between 9 pm and 6 am, and beer sales between midnight and 6 am. Local municipalities can further restrict these hours or ban liquor licenses altogether. Bars must be closed between 2 am and 6 am Monday to Friday and 2:30 am to 6 am on weekends, except on New Year's Eve and for Daylight Saving Time changes.

In Wisconsin state parks and forests, alcohol is generally permitted for those of legal drinking age, except in specific locations like Heritage Hill State Park, Lakeshore State Park, observation towers, and the McMiller Sports Center during shooting hours. Park visitors are expected to be considerate and respectful while consuming alcohol.

In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, there are various breweries, bars, and restaurants that serve beer. These establishments include Big Head Brewing Co., Camp Bar, Draft and Vessel, Growlers East Tosa, Gathering Place Brewing, Good City Brewing, The Landing at Hoyt Park, Lion's Tail Brewing, Leff's Lucky Town, and Ray's Growler Gallery. Each venue offers its unique atmosphere, from outdoor patios to game options, providing a diverse range of options for beer enthusiasts.

Alcohol licenses in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Alcohol laws in Wisconsin are governed by both statewide statutes and local ordinances. While the state laws set the broad rules, local municipalities can further restrict the retail sale of alcohol or ban the issuance of retail liquor licenses.

In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a range of alcohol licenses are available, including:

• "Class A" Liquor License: For the sale of intoxicating liquor in sealed packages for off-premises consumption.
• "Class A" Beer License: For the sale of beer in sealed packages for off-premises consumption.
• "Class B" Liquor License: For the sale of intoxicating liquor by the glass for on-site consumption, and in sealed packages of up to four liters for off-site consumption.
• "Class B" Beer License: For the sale of beer for on-site or off-site consumption.
• "Class C" Wine License: For the sale of wine by the glass or in opened original containers for on-site consumption.
• Temporary Class "B" Beer and "Class B" Wine (Picnic) License: For the sale of fermented malt beverages or wine at a particular picnic or similar gathering. This license is issued to specific organizations and has a limit of two per year for wine, but no annual limit for beer.

The fees for these licenses vary, with "Class A" and "B" liquor licenses costing $500 annually, a "Class A" beer license costing $300, a "Class B" beer license costing $100, and a "Class C" wine license costing $100. Temporary Class "B" beer and wine licenses are much cheaper at $10 each, with no extra charge for obtaining both types of picnic licenses.

In addition to these licenses, an Operator License (or Bartender license) is required for any person selling or serving alcohol in Wauwatosa. This license costs $70 and is valid for one year, expiring on June 30. A provisional license can be issued for those with a clean record, which is valid for up to 60 days and costs $20.

To apply for a license in Wauwatosa, individuals must use the self-service portal and submit the required documents, including application forms, questionnaires, proof of responsible beverage server course or prior licensure, and a copy of a Wisconsin Seller's Permit.

Drinking in public parks in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the drinking laws consist of both statewide statutes and local ordinances governing the sale of alcohol. While the drinking age in the state is 21, those under the legal drinking age may be served, possess, or consume alcohol if they are with a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age.

With a few exceptions, people over the legal drinking age can bring alcoholic beverages to picnics or campsites in Wisconsin state parks and forests. Alcohol is prohibited at Heritage Hill State Park, Lakeshore State Park, observation towers, and the McMiller Sports Center in the Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit when the range is open. Park visitors must be considerate and not noisy, disruptive, or destructive. Violation of any state law or Department of Natural Resources rules can result in eviction from the park and forfeiture of any fees paid.

In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, there are numerous breweries, bars, and restaurants serving beer and other alcoholic beverages. These include Big Head Brewing Co., Camp Bar, Draft and Vessel, Growlers East Tosa, Gathering Place Brewing, Good City Brewing, The Landing at Hoyt Park, Lion's Tail Brewing, Leff's Lucky Town, and Ray's Growler Gallery.

While Wisconsin allows alcohol consumption in certain public spaces, it is important to be mindful of local regulations and drink responsibly, adhering to the legal drinking age and other applicable laws.

Breweries in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

If you're looking for a place to enjoy a beer outdoors in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, you're in luck! Wauwatosa is home to numerous breweries, bars, and restaurants that offer a wide variety of beverages and experiences. Here are some notable breweries in the area:

Big Head Brewing Co

Big Head Brewing Co, located near Tosa Village, is a microbrewery offering a rotating selection of craft beers on draft. Their industrial-style tasting room provides 16 or 22 oz pours, and you can also order 32 oz Crowlers and 64 oz Growlers to go. They also have a range of games, including darts, pinball, and cornhole, to enjoy while you sample their creative beers.

Camp Bar

Camp Bar in East Tosa offers the ultimate Wisconsin experience. This cabin-themed bar has an extensive list of beers on tap, as well as a range of domestics, imports, and microbrews. Their Campfire Bites pair perfectly with their crisp beers, making it an ideal spot for a fun evening out.

Draft and Vessel

Draft and Vessel is a unique Wauwatosa bar sandwiched between Root Common Park and Hart Park in Tosa Village. It features a taproom for socialising and a flexible space for private events. They offer a wide range of local beers, from stouts to IPAs, which can be enjoyed in their Hops Court or the Beer Grotto, an outdoor patio with swings.

Gathering Place Brewing

Gathering Place Brewing in East Tosa is a cosy brewery aiming to be an extension of your living room. They have an impressive list of rotating beers on tap and a dog-friendly outdoor patio, so you can enjoy a drink with your furry friend.

Good City Brewing

Good City Brewing, located in the heart of the Mayfair Collection, offers bold-flavoured beers and a scratch kitchen for snacks. It's the perfect spot for a shopping break, and their Tosa taproom features fresh, local beer.

The Landing at Hoyt Park

The Landing at Hoyt Park is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to summer fun in Wauwatosa. This local park features a beer garden with a changing menu of local and imported beers. It's also dog-friendly, making it a great spot to bring your pup.

Lion's Tail Brewing

Lion's Tail Brewing is a microbrewery featuring a 15-barrel brewhouse, allowing them to brew on-site. They offer over 15 of their own beers on tap and have an expansive outdoor Biergarten where leashed dogs are welcome. They also have snacks available and frequently bring in food trucks.

Leff’s Lucky Town

Leff’s Lucky Town is a casual spot with a large outdoor patio, providing plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a drink with friends and family. They have an extensive list of draft and bottled beers, which they rotate to keep things fresh.

Ray’s Growler Gallery

Ray’s Growler Gallery in MidTown Tosa specialises in exclusive draught beers, limited-release beers, and beers that are draught-only. They aim to fill your cup with the best craft beer in Wisconsin, and their beers are hard to find elsewhere in the Milwaukee area.

While enjoying a drink outdoors in Wauwatosa, it's important to keep in mind the alcohol laws of Wisconsin. The drinking age in the state is 21, and those under the legal drinking age may possess or consume alcohol only when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or spouse who is of legal drinking age. Additionally, public intoxication and drinking in certain public areas, such as Heritage Hill State Park and Lakeshore State Park, are prohibited.

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