Before I begin to try and sell you on Juneau Park Beer Garden, I should disclose that I live right across the street. So yes, I might be a bit biased—but I’d argue that also makes me a well-qualified expert on the subject.
For several years, Juneau Park was fortunate to host the Sprecher Traveling Beer Garden twice annually—in late May and again in late September. It was a beloved neighborhood tradition. Then, in 2022, Milwaukee Parks took things to the next level by establishing a permanent beer garden in the park. A brilliant move, if you ask me.
This past Saturday, I stopped by Juneau Park with the goal of doing a proper review—not just of the beer garden itself, but also of the surrounding running routes. Because what pairs better with beer than a little cardio? Let’s dive in.
The Running Scene:
Tucked into Milwaukee’s lower east side and right along the Oak Leaf Trail, the Juneau Park Beer Garden is a dream come true for runners, beer lovers, and for those professionals known as beer runners.
From the garden, you’ve got easy access to the Lake Loop section of the Oak Leaf Trail—offering 8+ miles of scenic running routes. Your adventure kicks off with a gentle downhill stretch on a tree-lined, paved path that makes you feel like you’ve left the city behind (without actually leaving the city).
From there, you’ve got options:
- Head north on the Oak Leaf for as many miles as your legs, heart, and beer abs desire. Bonus: this route connects you to other excellent Milwaukee beer gardens.
- Or cross over Lincoln Memorial Drive and run through Veteran’s Park and Lakeshore State Park, both of which offer unbeatable Lake Michigan views.
If you’re looking for more of a Beach vibe, stick with Lincoln Memorial due North and loop around McKinley and Bradford Beaches. It’s the closest you’ll get to a coastal run in the Midwest—and yes, it pairs beautifully with a cold beer afterward.
The Atmosphere and Ambiance:
The park itself sits right along the forested edge of the Oak Leaf Trail, with Veteran’s Park and the Lake Michigan shoreline just across the way. Head west, and you’re in Milwaukee’s Lower East Side—just steps from the heart of downtown. It’s one of those special places where you can be surrounded by trees and grab dinner and a show within a 10-minute walk.
The beer garden is easy to find—just behind the public restroom building (which, yes, means actual bathrooms are on-site).
String lights brighten the space in the evening and give it a relaxed, patio vibe during the day. With enough picnic tables to seat over 300 people comfortably, there’s room for everyone—from solo sippers to big groups and even your dog if he/she wants to tag along. You’ll also find cornhole boards and menu-boards placed throughout the garden to keep things both fun and functional.
The Beer and Beverages:
Before you lace up your running shoes, if you’ve got a pint or liter glass from any Milwaukee beer garden, bring it with you! You’ll save a few bucks on your beer. Don’t have one yet? No worries. When you buy a drink here, they’ll hook you up with a glass or mug to take home. It’s a souvenir you can drink out of. Prices are clearly posted so there shouldn’t be any surprises. I personally recommend grabbing the liter, but you also can’t go wrong with the pint.
The beer garden boasts 18 drafts on tap, so craft beer lovers won’t be short on options. Most of the selections come from local breweries, making it an easy way to sample Milwaukee’s beer scene without needing to brewery-hop. IPAs, lagers, pilsners, ciders, wheats—you name it. My personal post-run go-tos: New Glarus Spotted Cow or Lakefront Brewery’s Hazy Rabbit.
Prefer something from a can? You’ve got classics like High Life, Miller Lite, Modelo, and the home town classic, Pabst Blue Ribbon. Not a beer fan? No problem. There’s a small but solid selection of seltzers too.
And if you’re going alcohol-free, you’re still covered. The menu includes non-alcoholic beers, NA cocktails, THC beverages, sodas, and even Gatorade—perfect for rehydrating after a run (or a particularly non-spirited game of cornhole). No pun intended.
The Service and Staff:
The people here are genuinely awesome—and always in a good mood. I’ve been here on rainy days, freezing days, stormy days, and even during those “scorched earth” heat wave days, and without fail, the staff is smiling.
Lines are rarely long, and even when they do stretch out a bit, the crew keeps things moving with impressive speed. They’re friendly, patient, and happy to answer your questions—whether it’s about pricing, what’s on tap, or which beer pairs best with your post-run recovery. They’ve even laughed at all my bad jokes… or at least humor me with the “polite laugh” I have become used to! And honestly, that kind of kindness should be on the menu.
The Food Options:
Feeling a little hungry? No worries—Juneau Park Beer Garden has you covered. The regular menu features the true Wisconsin essentials: brats, hot dogs, giant pretzels, nachos, and popcorn. Basically, all the classic beer-friendly bites. The only missing appetizer is some delicious deep fried cheese curds.
If you swing by on a Friday evening or Saturday, you’re in for a treat. That’s when a local food truck rolls in, serving up their own delicious menus to satisfy even the hungriest of beer garden guests. There’s a rotation of various vendors, so you won’t get sick of eating the same things every week.
Overall Thoughts and Recommendation:
I’ll remind you once more—I live next door to the park. But that just makes me even more qualified to tell you: if you’re looking for a great spot to log some miles and reward yourself with a drink (or two), you won’t find a better place than the Juneau Park Beer Garden.
Whether you’re knocking out a long run or just squeezing in a few quick miles, Juneau Park offers a welcoming, low-key running atmosphere. There’s plenty of space to stretch out, cool down, and kick back with a cold one alongside your running buddies while soaking in the day.
Honestly, I can’t recommend this beer garden enough. I even joke with the staff that they really should stay open through December, January, and February—because nothing takes the edge off a depressing winter training run like a frosty pint. Even if it really would only be open to cater to myself and the handful of other runners I see out on those freezing Winter nights.
