*This is the one-hundred and seventh post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Two Beagles Brewpub
910 2nd Ave N
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 519-1921
Visit date: 04/01/17
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
6 on tap tonight, usually 8.
2) How long operational?
Owner originally worked at City Brewery, but opened his own brewpub in local historic restaurant space in 2016.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Chose location for the view.
4) Distribution?
Plans for kegs, currently only in-house.
5) What sets you apart?
The best view in La Crosse.
6) How did you get your name?
“Our two beagles are the only kids we still have at home.”
Two Beagles Brewpub in Onalaska, WI. All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
Wisconsin has a surprising variety of beautiful vistas, from rolling hills to boundless waters. One of the more breathtaking views we’ve come across, a dazzling sunset over Lake Onalaska and the Mississippi River, was made all the better with a cold glass of fresh beer in our hands, courtesy of Two Beagles Brewpub.
Inside you’ll find a homey, northern-style supper club atmosphere. Families and friends, locals and travelers all meet along Highway 35.
The menu is varied, and changes just about every two months. The smoked chicken mac & cheese should probably find a permanent home, though.
Chocolate Beagle Amber
Heavy Amber taste ends with an evident but subtle chocolate backslide.
Larry Kolsch
Orange slice garnish adds some welcome citrus to this light lip-smacker.
Jackrabbit IPA
I kept coming back for more tastes, partly because I couldn’t put my finger on what made this IPA slightly unique and partly because it was darn good.
Why Black Beagle
Obvious chocolate and coffee notes, hiding subtle cherry, cedar, and pepper.
Mutt Brown Ale
A juicy explosion of fruit and malt flavors. Made me pause, before stealing half the sampler.
Tree Top Ale
A boozy, bubbly beer. Made with apple and syrup from Wisconsin, it’s addicting.
But while the brewing magic is done inside, it’s a few steps out the door where nature shows her skills every evening. As owner Steve Peters told us,
“That view: it’s the best in La Crosse. It’s why we chose this location.”
In fact, Steve had his business plan for a brewpub ready for 2 years waiting for the right fit, and found it on this Onalaskan bluff when a previous restaurant closed shop.
Even from inside their grand-hall event space, floor to ceiling windows catch every last ray of sunlight. Whether it be from the foods, the views, or the brews, Two Beagles Brewpub is all about supplying the oohs and ahhs.
