"Bar Month" at OnMilwaukee is back for another round, brought to you by Great Northern Distilling: grain to glass spirits, handmade in Wisconsin. The whole month of March, we're serving up intoxicatingly fun articles on bars and clubs – including guides, the latest trends, bar reviews, the results of our Best of Bars readers poll and more. Grab a designated driver and dive in!
She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.
Destination: Company Brewing, 735 E. Center St.
Reason for visiting: Happy hour, which takes place from 4-6 p.m. daily
Specials: Full size beers for "cupper" prices; $6 tap wines, $6 tap cocktails and $5 appetizers.
Regular Pricing: beer $4.50-6; wine $8-10 per glass; tap cocktails $8; appetizers $6-9
Mood: Brewpub with a friendly casual vibe.
Pro tip: Head over on Tuesday and you can follow up your happy hour with a $12 burger, which comes with a beer coin, good for a free tap beer or discounted wine or cocktail.
Go here when
Lori: Go here when you’re looking to relax and hang out with friends. Company Brewing is one of the most relaxed spots I can think of where you can settle back, enjoy a great beer (or wine or cocktail) and enjoy food that just a bit beyond your typical pub fare. Although I enjoy the beer produced by Company owner George Bregar and his team, on our latest trip, I opted for a cocktail, My Body is a Templeton, featuring (surprise) Templeton rye and blackberry. Definitely a solid move.
Collectively, we ordered the "Snacks on snacks on snacks" which came complete with three bacon wrapped water chestnuts, a small stack of fried artichokes with anchovy dressing and three smoked salmon toasts with creme fraiche and capers. Delicious.
Although, when it comes to enjoyment, the "crispy fries" were the hands down winner. The truffle aioli makes them tasty; but the optional fried egg -- which we'd highly recommend -- makes them divine. Don't miss a shot of the delectable goodness in Carolynn's video below.
Carolynn: Company Brewing offers a great bar to cozy up to with a friend or you could grab a communal table for a bigger group. The vibe is laid back and what I would consider a great mix of customers ranging from local artists to professionals. While I realize most will focus on the beer -- the highlight for me in the tap cocktails such as the Winter Watchman -- a delightful mix of Twisted Path White Rum, apple-sage elixir and Bittercube Bolivar Bitters.
Go back for
Lori: Definitely get your hands on a crisp bowl of those fried with truffle aioli; and be sure to order them with the egg on top. So good. And if you can find a way to fit dessert into your belly, cross your fingers that they’re serving up their super moist tres leches cake. We tacked a piece onto our happy hour (because... why not?) It’s an absolute must.
Carolynn: The rotating beer and cocktail list! I look forward to seeing the cocktail menu evolve with the seasons -- who knows what spring will bring. Plus, summer evenings on their courtyard "ish" patio will be to die for. Those fries tho - don't not get them. Stay for dinner and have a tasty burger and wrap up a perfect night with the decadent tres leches cake.
Overall rating
Lori: Two thumbs up. I’ve always been into the vibe at Company; but, I’m pretty sure it’s going to become my new favorite spot to grab a drink with friends, especially during happy hour. Prices are fair -- we enjoyed a couple of cocktails each and two appetizers for under $40 (with tip). I love the fact that if I’m hungry afterwards I have plenty of options to choose from for dinner -- whether its an entree like the whole roasted branzino or just a really great burger.
Carolynn: I'm a Riverwester and Company will now be one of my mainstays for the happiest hour of the day. The evolving cocktail list in partnership with Bittercube is a reason in itself to stop in more often but the food and vibe will keep me coming back too.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.