Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub

Great beer & apps that are just so Milwaukee

If you're looking for somewhere to take out-of-town friends for a drink, look no further than Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub. It's situated in the same building as the Brewhouse Inn and Suites, within the historic Pabst Brewery. How much more Milwaukee can you get? 

I'd never been there before, but my friend Fritz recommended it as having great cheese curds and, of course, great Milwaukee beer. Fritz was right — the cheese curds did not disappoint. If it were socially acceptable for me to snatch the basket and make a break for it, I certainly would have. We shared one basket between five people, each of us getting a handful. I'd say sharing between four people would be perfect, so everyone gets a little more than a handful.

We also indulged in a giant pretzel — and I mean giant. Truly, this was the biggest soft pretzel I've ever seen. We did not finish it, though we made a valiant effort. The pretzel itself was perfection. It's served with a duo of dipping sauces: honey mustard and nacho cheese. My one complaint is that the nacho cheese comes off a bit lazy; I prefer a house-made cheese spread. What can I say? I'm a cheese snob — welcome to Wisconsin! Plus, soft pretzels abound in this city with its German influences. You can't skimp on the details.

As for the main food, I sadly didn't hear any of our party raving. I got the taco appetizer and ate only one of the tacos. Granted I had filled up on cheese curds and soft pretzel, but I wasn't mourning those other two tacos; I took them home and Adam ate them the next day. They were pretty good, but not great. Great, for me, stopped at the appetizers and beer. So stick with the apps, enjoy the historic ambiance, and you're sure to love Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub.