If there’s one thing Wisconsin does exceptionally well (besides cheese, of course), it’s beer. With over 40% of the state’s population tracing their roots back to Germany (aka the folks who gave the world hopped beer), it’s no surprise that our love of beer runs deep.

And this passion for beer has been brewing for generations. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, in the late 1800s, “nearly every community had at least one operating brewery,” and those breweries were “as much a part of Wisconsin communities as churches and schools.” Beer has always been part of daily life here, and in Green Bay, that legacy is still going strong.

For this new edition of our Ask a Local series, we decided to go on the hunt for Green Bay’s favorite hometown beer, as selected by those who know Green Bay best—the locals!

Stillmank

With master brewer and one of the first Certified Cicerones (basically an expert in beer selection, service, and pairing—think sommelier but for beer) Brad Stillmank behind the wheel, Stillmank Brewery rose to the top with locals. 

Top Pick: Guava Juiced IPA (the most voted for beer on our list)

“I'm generally not big on fruit IPAs or really any fruit beers besides Belgian sours, but Brad really cracked the code with that one,” said local Reddit user u/jahnkeuxo.

Runners Up:

  • Wisco Disco 
  • Chocolate Milk Stout
  • Perky Porter
  • Tailgater

Zambaldi

What’s good at Zambldi? “Generally any beer,” says local Reddit user l0st1nP4r4d1ce.u/duderdaisy98.

“Zambaldi has some great beer, and they have a really nice rotation too—always something new!” says another local Reddit user, Erma_Geeerd.

Top Picks: Good Dog Porter

Runners Up

  • The Allouezenian series of Belgian-style beers (which Reddit user EliteCheddarCommando says they “found to be outstanding!”)
  • Cherry Air
  • Allie the Red
  • Meatball Man

Plus, Zambldi got some extra love from locals for their community-friendly vibe. Local Reddit user IamDoobieKeebler says, “Zambaldi is probably my favorite environment of the local places. Love the chill, neighborhood, and kid-friendly vibes. Plus, they’re very dog-friendly and give back a lot to the community.”

Badger State Brewing

From homebrew hobby to bustling brewery, Badger State brews were some of our most often selected picks.

Top Picks: Walloon Witbier and WI Bien

Runners Up:

  • Whiskey Business
  • Musky IPA
  • Grassy Place
  • Brw-Ski
  • Tiki Tom Singapore Sling

Cocoon

Another brewery with great beer, great pizza, and great vibes! Plus, many locals mentioned their delicious pizza—and what better combo is there than pizza and beer?

Top Pick: Rosy-Minded Fuzz

Runners Up:

  • When Was the Last Time You Planted a Tree (a collab with Hope Butcher Brewery in Chicago)
  • Merien Kolsch
  • Glasswing Cryo Hazy IPA


Copper State

A double-threat, brewing both killer coffee and killer beers, it’s no wonder Copper State's top pick was a no-brainer for locals.

Top Pick: Chocolate Coffee Peanut Butter Porter (which locals called “amazing” and “the best beer in town”)

Runners Up:

  • Silent Canary IPA
  • Preach
  • Gary
  • Oktoberfest
  • And if you need more ways to get your Copper State fix, local Reddit user tinknocker21 has you covered with this beer life hack: “I throw a Copper State Chocolate Coffee Peanut Butter Porter (nitro) in my chili and of course have one for myself.”

Noble Roots

This small but mighty brewery packs a punch for many locals. “Despite being probably the smallest, they have the best beer, imo,” said local Reddit user IH8DwnvoteComplainrs. 

“Noble Roots might be my favorite overall for having several solid options!” said another local Reddit user, Barren_E_Wuffett.

Top Pick: Blueberry Cream

Runners Up:

  • Midnight Confection chocolate stout
  • Noble Roots IPA
  • Blonde Belgian
  • Strict Observance

Ahnapee

Originally founded in 1868, you might say Ahnapee Brewery has quite a bit of brewing experience under its belt, so it’s no wonder so many locals love it.

Top Pick: Little Soldier

Runners Up:

  • Cherry Mechanic (best during “the warmer months,” according to one local)
  • Golden Gnome (“If they ever make it again,” lamented local Reddit user u/Dime1960, “Can’t believe it was a one-off brew!)
  • Two Stall Chocolate Milk Stout
  • How to decide which Green Bay beer to try next?


Narrowing down a favorite beer in a city full of beer lovers isn’t easy. “This debate needs a final resolution,” said local Reddit user sconniesportsfan, “I can’t make up my mind. I will take any and all samples.”

But we think local Reddit user Gideon_Grim says it best, “We are so spoiled for choice around here. So many bangers, just grab anything.”