*This is the one-hundred and fortieth post in an on-going chronicle dubbed the Great Wisconsin Brewery Tour. Follow the journey here.*
Legends Brewhouse & Eatery
2840 Shawano Ave
Green Bay, WI 54313
(920) 662-1111
Visit date: 11/18/2017
Quick Hits:
1) How many different beers?
5 on tap plus 1 root beer.
2) How long operational?
20 years.
3) Why? (here, this, etc)
Owners all wanted to brew beer and were already in the restaurant business.
4) Distribution?
Growlers to go.
5) What sets you apart?
Different flavor profiles than others nearby. Longevity.
6) How did you get your name?
The legendary Green Bay Packers, obviously.
Legends Brewhouse & Eatery in Green Bay, WI. All photos by Joe Powell for The Squeaky Curd.
Green Bay, besides being full of championships, is rife with breweries nowadays. There’s literally a brewery in town for every taste: the historic to the newcomers, friends and family, and even an east vs. west side of Lambeau decision. But while the downtown destinations duke it out for the visiting crowds, Legends Brewhouse and Eatery has been quietly serving the suburban Green Bay (and De Pere) locals fresh beer for two decades.
With large open dining spaces, as well as private rooms for events, you could be forgiven for missing the slightly-hidden brewing space near the front entrance. But alongside the inevitable Miller Lites being ordered around the large oval bar, folks are gladly grabbing pours of the house beers and soda to wash down their generously-portioned meals.
Founder’s Honey Weiss Wheat Ale
Very clove-forward, with a heavy hand on the cream malt. Almost a dessert.
Longtail Light Lager
Lager done well. Easy down, one after the next.
Ixtapa Blonde
Though it takes a second to develop, the unmistakable sticky smokiness of agave jumps out of this light-drinker. Stays with you long after the last drop.
Acme Amber
Sweet caramel malt makes its home on your tongue, and it’s a welcome guest.
Duck Creek Dunkel
Slightly-roasted to add depth to a barely-hopped Brown.
Riverwood Rootbeer
For the kid in everyone; this creamy, rich, spicy root beer floods childhood memories in every sip.
Unlike most other industrial-chic, IPA-heavy breweries opening up today, Legends is operating as tried and true as their namesake Packers organization: belly-filling food, friendly bartenders and bar-mates, and (mostly) time-tested German-influenced beer styles.
The steady-handed, simply pleasing brewing and dining operation going on at Legends Brewhouse & Eatery has been satisfying local Green Bay residents for 20-some years. Neither they, nor the Packers, would go away from winning ways.