McFleshman's Brewing Co.

Step inside McFleshman's Brewing Co. and you’re immediately hit with the scent of old timber and fresh hops—a living testament to Appleton’s brewing heritage. This isn’t one of those slick, stainless-steel palaces built for Instagram; it’s a gathering spot carved from history itself, full of weathered nooks and shadowy corners where conversations flow as easily as the ale. The building hums with stories, each aged plank echoing laughter from last night or decades past. Patrons drift in—locals in work boots, students clutching board games, out-of-towners drawn by whispers of authentic cask ales north of Milwaukee. There’s no table service here, just a friendly walk-up at the taproom counter, where staff pour with genuine pride and swap recommendations over the heads of regulars. The beer list impresses: everything from a creamy milk stout to crisp helles lager, bold imperial reds to a rare English brown that would make a Londoner homesick. There’s restraint here—no chasing trends for the sake of novelty—just a commitment to well-brewed classics alongside creative seasonal experiments. Food isn’t on offer from the brewery itself, but that only adds to the communal air: bring your own or wait for a food truck to roll up on weekends. Step outside onto their sprawling patio when the weather’s right—the city noise fades, replaced by laughter and clinking glasses beneath open skies. Evenings bring all ages and backgrounds together: families playing games at long tables, couples sharing flights in tucked-away booths, solo regulars nursing pints while live music drifts through open doors. In Appleton’s evolving downtown, McFleshman’s is more than another craft brewery—it’s an anchor for community ritual, where local tradition is both preserved and quietly reimagined.