Black Husky Brewing Milwaukee, WI
- 4 Paws Marketing
- Jun 28
- 3 min read
I finally found a brewery that speaks my language—and by language, I mean dog. Tucked into a quirky little Milwaukee neighborhood, Black Husky Brewing quickly landed on my must-visit list the moment I read about its namesake: a retired sled dog named Howler, whose story quite literally inspired it all. Founded in northern Wisconsin and later relocated to Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood, this place has the charm of a local legend—and the grit to match it.
From the moment we walked up, I could tell this wasn’t your average taproom. A small corner lot. Husky statue. A garage door open to the patio. And yes, dogs were everywhere.
Drinks:
The beer lineup rotates frequently, and during our visit, they had an Elderberry Gose on tap. It was light on the funk, had a subtle tartness, and just enough elderberry to keep it interesting. It didn’t blow me away, but I definitely would’ve had a second if I weren’t playing chaperone to a couple of teens that afternoon.
Not every beer is for everyone—but I will say this: if you’re more into hop-forward or traditional styles, Black Husky has those in spades. Their Pale Ale and IPA selections have won serious awards, and the brewery’s founders clearly know what they’re doing.
Sour Score: 3.5/5 – The Gose was okay, nothing spectacular, but drinkable. I’d go back to explore more of their lineup.
Food:
No full kitchen here, but Black Husky keeps things low-key and lets the neighborhood step in. You can mobile order from a few local joints and have food delivered to the taproom—plus, the classic bar snack options (popcorn, pretzels, etc.) are always around if you need something to tide you over
Food Score: 1/5 – This is a drinks-first kind of place. BYO appetite or keep it casual.
Dog Friendliness:
This place gets it. Named after a sled dog, it’s no surprise that pups are not only allowed—they're part of the vibe. We met a few furry regulars during our visit, including the owners' low-and-slow basset hound who stole the show. No overcomplicated rules, no awkward leash policies—just a chill, dog-welcoming energy.
Storm and Harley didn’t join me on this visit, but I still got my dog fix from the patio crowd. Honestly, I would go back just to sit in a sea of friendly canines again. So, it'll stay on my list for next time I'm back in Milwaukee.
Rating: 5/5 – Dogs inside, outside, everywhere. A true dog-lover’s brewery.
Atmosphere:
The space is cozy and authentic, with loads of charm. The taproom feels like your buddy’s cabin mixed with a neighborhood garage hangout—think repurposed decor, well-worn furniture, and husky artwork from wall to wall. The patio’s a sweet setup too, with the garage door letting the breeze roll in. It's no-frills and all heart.
If you’re into breweries with personality, this one checks the box. It’s not shiny or sleek—but it’s memorable, relaxed, and real.
Score: 4/5 – Comfy, casual, and full of character. Could use some furniture upgrades, but no complaints here.
Merch & More:
Their merch game is strong. T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, pint glasses—and yes, dog merch too. I scored a crewneck that I’ll be wearing until it falls apart, and honestly had to stop myself from grabbing more.
They also host regular community events, so depending on when you stop in, you might find anything from a local market to a dog-themed fundraiser. It’s the kind of place that brings people (and dogs) together. View upcoming events → LINK
Merch Score: 4/5 – Super unique, great variety, and bonus points for pet-friendly gear.
Overall:
Black Husky Brewing may be small, but it’s got a huge personality. From the backstory of Howler the sled dog to the casual, dog-welcoming vibe, this place was one of my favorite stops on our Milwaukee tour. It’s not glitzy. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s just real—and that’s what made it stand out.
Score: 4/5 – If you’re a dog person, craft beer fan, or just someone who appreciates a brewery with soul, Black Husky is absolutely worth your time.
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