As you cross Highland Avenue, you'll see the former buildings of the Pabst Brewery Complex on your left. Continue walking north to Juneau Avenue, then turn west (left).

Frederick Pabst began brewing in Milwaukee in 1844 as Best & Co., owned by Jacob and Phillip Best. Frederick Pabst took control of the brewery in 1888, and the brewery continued to produce beer in Milwaukee through 1996. This historic Pabst Brewery complex covers over 20 acres and six and one-half city blocks. Many historic buildings are located here, including the former Pabst Brewhouse, Bottling Building, Executive Offices and a German Methodist church.

In 2006 the vacant brewery complex was purchased by Joseph Zilber for $13 million (undoubtedly saving the deteriorating structures) to create The Brewery, a renovated, mixed-use complex of residences, office space, retail and hospitality establishments.

The former Pabst Brewing Company corporate office and visitor's center has been reopened as Best Place, in reference to the brewery's founders Jacob Best and Phillip Best. It features a gift shop, Blue Ribbon Hall and the "Little Tavern on the Hill." The building has two courtyards, one of which houses a statue of Captain Frederick Pabst. Best Place is also the starting point for tours of the executive office building.

Just to the west of the executive office building is an interesting "history walk" of Pabst brewing along the sidewalk.

The Pabst Brewhouse has been transformed into a hotel (The Brewhouse Inn & Suites) and restaurant (Jackson's Blue RIbbon Pub). Be sure to step into the hotel to see six partially restored original brew kettles and a front desk made of 1,500 beer bottles!



After a decades long absence, Pabst is again brewing at this complex. In 2017, Pabst opened the Pabst Milwaukee Brewery in the former German Methodist church (at 1037 W. Juneau Avenue). This historic building is now home to a brewery, taproom and gastropub. The facility is expected to brew 4,000 barrels a year, with many historic beers and Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap.

The remaining buildings in the complex have been repurposed into offices, loft apartments and facilities for local universities, including student housing, the Cardinal Stritch University College of Education and Leadership and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Zilber School of Public Health.

Take your time and explore the grounds of The Brewery. When finished, begin walking east on Juneau Avenue.