Mineral Point, WI
Crusin Rating: A-
Booze Rating: To Be Determined
Once in a while we get lost down a back road and stumble upon a spot that we didn’t expect to find. In more than one instance, it has turned out to be a place we will never return to either because an owner became a little too pushy trying to sell their property or because we thought we might have walked into Silence of the Lambs. Don’t worry, we are saving that story for Halloween.
Sometimes, and probably our favorite part of doing this blog, we stumble upon an absolute gem. Here and there we have found a spot that’s new to us, that we haven’t really seen anything on, and we definitely haven’t heard anyone mention it (outside of the local community). While we aren’t the final word on everything alcohol we do consider ourselves well versed in the spots that are becoming popular, new spots making a name for themselves, and old classics that hold distinction.
Once in a while, it feels like we’ve really discovered a secret. It’s at that point that, if not for this blog, we would probably jealously guard that secret and perhaps only share it with a few trusted friends. But here and now, our secrets are yours, and this is one of those secrets that just begs to be shared with anyone who will listen.
As I found myself with time to kill while waiting to host a cocktail demo on an organic apple farm out near Hollandale, WI, I decided to look for a spot for lunch. I had been following some rumors of a brewery opening up not too far off in the town of Mineral Point. Something that was supposed to be opening in an old Bed and Breakfast. Curious, I decided to check it out and get some notes taken, try a few beers and fill a growling stomach before that demo.
As I went in and out of cell service I heard our resident pranksters oft-uttered words “we’re out in the country now guys.” Usually taken with a grain of salt since his cell carrier we believe uses black market potatoes hooked to batteries rather than actual signal towers. In this instance he would be telling the truth. I literally dropped in and out of service as I’d crest hills and the plunge down the other side, travel app frozen. I passed close to what may have been a house with some curious and possibly macabre metal sculptures and then I was there.
I stepped out of my car thinking surely this was a town that time has forgotten about. Old brick buildings with vines crawling up their sides, barely unkempt masonry on some buildings, old signage and a very quiet air about the town. I could see cars and there may have been muffled music from a nearby bar but it was so serene I thought I may have walked on to an unused movie set.
I saw the building that my phone was sputtering about as my destination and walked into Commerce Street Brewery.
A little busier than I thought, there were tables, natural light, and if I hadn’t seen the several stories above the entrance I would’ve forgotten I was on the bottom floor. This seemed like a quaint and tidy little brewery. I’d seen the like before and became excited. These were the places where you’d find the beer this blogger wants. Something delicious that’s only available by growler, directly from the source.
Alas, it was not meant to be. I saw on a large screen a slideshow with one that read “where’s the beer?”
I was told the beer may not be ready until December. I’m not going to lie to you folks, if not for my growling stomach I would have walked out then and there, totally dejected. Let me tell you, if I had, it would have been a mistake.
I got my bearings and asked for a food menu. Looked up on a chalkboard for some specials and saw Lamb Provencal. Hmmm. Perhaps there’s more to this place than meets the eye. My mind immediately took a trip to negative-town. Great, an overpriced gastropub serving lamb for lunch without beer.
Trying to be fair, I thought I’d order some food and do a little social media post preview of good things to come. I went for the classic, cheese curds, build your own burger, and, while they didn’t have their own beer they had some taps so you know I grabbed a Spotted Cow. I also got a shot of Boodles Gin because I’d never tried it before and wanted something light for dessert. Anyway, lets jump into the food.
The CHEESECURDS. Man, what a mindblower. Without hesitation the breading on these curds is quite possibly the best I have had. Blows anything, including all of you who think Craftsman has good curds (they don’t) out of the water. Instant must-order here. I promise you will not be disappointed. I did not think cheese curds was a dish you could elevate without getting weird. They were served with some sort of raspberry spread, perhaps a compote. It kind of worked, but I wouldn’t say it added a ton. I definitely give the Chef points for trying something I’d never seen before. Your mileage may vary with the rasberry spread, but not the curds themselves- YUM!.
The Burger: I put bacon, mushrooms, pickles, ketchup, mustard on my burger. I was asked how I liked it cooked and I said “however it’s usually done by the Chef”. I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt, assuming the waitress heard the word “done” and assumed well-done. That’s how my burger came, and I would’ve preferred it medium, maybe even medium-well. The bacon itself was really outstanding, tasted like it was fresh (and not frozen), same as the patty. I don’t think the pretzel bun was home-made but who really cares because it was a pretzel bun and they are always tasty. My only gripe was that the patty was a little wimpy in size when put on the bun. I would’ve really liked something more substantial.
That being said, this isn’t a food blog, but I cannot stress enough that I think this menu was, as Guy Fieri would say “out of bounds”.
You could definitely tell there was an actual Chef at the helm of this place and he was using some real ingredients.
It’s at this point this place took it to the next level. As I went up to pay I happened to overhear some conversation about the history of the building. Built in 1854 as a warehouse for mining tools it went through a series of owners and uses until it became what it is today. I further found out this guy’s name was Mike and he was, in fact, the owner. I got the chance to sit and have a really nice talk with Mike, his Executive Chef, Chad, and get a tour from the owner of the entire place. Here are some of the highlights!
Chef Chad is coming in right out of Eagle Park, one of those pretty famous spots in the beer-nerd world. I’ve been there and the food is pretty damned good. Chad said his main focus was totally reinventing the menu at Commerce Street Brewing and really elevating it to a classy sit-down place for the community. He stressed that he was “totally revamping” the menu that had existed at the previous establishment. I gotta tell you, if what I tasted is any indication, you’ve got to make the trip out and try some of that revamped foodie action.
On to Mike. Mike may have actually been my favorite part of this whole experience. I don’t want to gush, but if you’re looking for a brewer that’s down to earth and honest when you ask him a question then this is who you’ve been looking for. I’ve been to places that have a theme, I’ve been to places that are looking for a certain vibe, I’ve been to places that are too trendy for their own good but on only one other occasion, have I been to a place where the business is a direct reflection of the owner’s personality.
What I mean by that is, Commerce Street was Mike’s vision, and that vision is as unique as the man himself. Listening to Mike’s story of taking over an ailing spot and making it his own, damn-near by himself was really eye-opening.
I’m talking of course about something so unique I had never even heard of such a place outside of my grandfather’s tales of what heaven is like. I’m talking of course about a Bed and Beers. Like a bed and breakfast BUT with BEER!
Mike referred to it as “beers and beds” and we struggled to find something catchy. Beds and Beerfest was overruled by my fellow blog team. In any case, this is a place with a budding brewery and tasty restaurant downstairs, a kitchen nook on the second floor and then actual hotel rooms on the top floors! Who’s ever heard of something so beautiful?!
B&B? What wife will say no to a weekend getaway to a B&B? Except this time it’s Bed and Beers, not necessarily enjoyed in that order. Get some beers and go up to bed, or get out of bed and go down for some beers. I don’t think there’s any downside.
And just when you think it couldn't get better, check out the rooms? Tastefully decorated and absolutely GORG-eous (do you hear that Queer Eye? Hire me!) the rooms feature exposed limestone walls and tons of natural light. Mike showed me two model rooms and honestly I would think either would make for an excellent weekend stay. The four-poster beds, the tub, the awesome little shampoo dispensers. They even had bath bombs and chocolates made right in Middleton in the care packages. Remember how this blog loves local? Well how much more local can you get?
Seriously. The rooms were awesome, the food was excellent, there’s a full bar and Mike gave me the low down on just how LGBTQ friendly Mineral Point is. I thought that was so awesome, having someone near and dear to me as a member of that community, to see an entire town embrace that was actually pretty moving, especially in small-town Wisconsin.
Mineral Point plays host to a vibrant art scene and Commerce Street Hotel ( located on the floors above the brewery) is an excellent place to stay for the many gallery nights held throughout the year.
Mike is out there at the brewery, with Chef Chad cooking up some amazing dishes. The beer is set to be out hopefully this coming December, 2021.
Until then, the vibe here is perfect, minus the beer. This brewery is everything local and everything Wisconsin, all the way as far as we can tell and truly captures what it means to be a part of this great state. Get out there and pay them a visit.
Until next time, keep on crusin’, don’t stop boozin’!
To learn more about Commerce Street Brewery and Hotel visit their website at: www.commercehotel.com or on Facebook at @CommerceHotel or on Instagram at @CommerceHotel.