Exciting Times at City Lights!

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Greetings,

It is with overwhelming excitement and unbridled joy that I can report that City Lights is slowly returning to the pre-pandemic business flow. We will be eternally grateful to our incredible customers, our amazing distributors, our supportive stakeholders and our loyal team members who accompanied us on the difficult journey. A heartfelt “Thank you” to all!

I do not think it is fair that only one gigantic tech company has a national chain of restaurants. Hence, I am starting “Googlebees.”

Jimmy the Brewmaster continually amazes me by blending the science and the art of brewing to create truly special beers. His latest “summer seasonal” is available in the taproom and at our retail distribution partners. Here’s how he describes the Hazy Pale Ale aptly named “Beach Bum,” “Motueka and Rakau in the whirlpool lend noted lime, cherry and lychee. The addition of Enigma hops for dry hopping adds more complexity with notes of pinot gris and red currant. Plenty of wheat and oats in the grain bill offer a delightfully fluffy body, and at only 15 IBUs the hop flavor and aroma really shine through. The perfect tropical delight to accompany you on your warm weather activities."

Jimmy’s International Medal winning beers are being savored by an ever-growing circle of craft beer enthusiasts. Jimmy’s brewing wizardry pays homage to the adage, “To do what others cannot do is talent. To do what talent cannot do is genius.” His tea-based Hard Seltzers are otherworldly and he was recently awarded a Bronze Medal for his Dragon Fruit with Strawberry Hard Seltzer!

Why not start the holiday weekend on Friday with what many are calling the best fish fry in the City? Breaded or baked, cod or perch; served up with all of the fixings and an extra dash of love from our star-studded kitchen staff.

Join us Saturday at 11:00am when Jessica Hope and MKE Yoga Social host a special, socially distanced, outdoor, super chill yoga class followed by beer and friendship: https://www.facebook.com/events/3929982717121502?ref=newsfeed

This Memorial Day, we salute the brave men and women of the armed forces who sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. All gave some, some gave all. From our 11AM opening on Monday until 1PM, there will be complimentary beers for all active and retired members of the military.

A close friend of mine works at an aquarium and recently gave me a soft-bodied Mollusca with an elongated body, large eyes, eight arms and two tentacles in exchange for a favor. This was, undoubtedly, a “Squid Pro Quo.”

Ballpark shuttles resume on Tuesday!!!!!

At 1PM on Monday, Derek Byrne and his mates https://www.derekbyrnemusic.com/home take to the outdoor stage for some kick-ass Irish folk music. This will be Derek’s fist gig since last fall at City Lights and he will be accompanied by the Milwaukee Irish Dance Company. Paddygrass will bring seven months of pent-up musical wizardry to the patio and you will not want to miss this.

I am grateful and humbled that so many of our guests have expressed their appreciation for the “City Lights Experience.” Sharing a delicious beer with friends and loved ones is a blessing. Having the honor of serving them is a privilege. And this experience is exponentially more way-cool on a warm day with the sun gently kissing the skin and the rambling waters of the river soothing the soul. The City Lights beer garden is truly idyllic. Come and safely experience this magic!

And while we’re focused on delivering an exceptional guest experience at City Lights, our distribution network is tirelessly working to ensure your favorite City Lights beer is available at the location of your choice – whether it be your favorite tavern, liquor store, restaurant or grocery store. Special thanks to these teams of dedicated men and women with whom we are honored to call “partners.” And a sincere “thank you” to the retailers, restaurants, bars and venues for featuring City Lights!

Have the best Memorial Day weekend ever!

Masters Week at City Lights Brewing

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Greetings,

I am uncertain if it is Jimmy the Brewmaster’s incredibly delicious beers, the river-side ambiance of our beer garden, the over-the-top efforts of our hospitality staff to make your time at City Lights safe, or the mouth-watering epicurean delights served up from Chef Cate, but the City Lights patio has been socially distanced busy! To the guests who have joined us recently, a sincere “thank you.” We are honored and humbled that you chose to spend some time at City Lights. And we will work tirelessly and passionately to continue to earn the privilege of your business.

Jimmy the Brewmaster promises that his wildly popular Dragon Fruit seltzer will be available in the taproom this weekend and included in our tea-based Variety 12 Pack (Dragon Fruit, Hibiscus Key Lime, Blueberry Lemon) available in retail stores shortly thereafter. Jimmy has brewed some incredible liquids which have an ever-growing following of craft enthusiasts. Dragon Fruit & Strawberry Hard Seltzer is launching into the rarified air occupied by Hazy IPA, Coconut Porter and Mexican Lager.

Chef Cate has added new items to the menu. My all-time favorite is her Blackened Tilapia Po' Boy. Her Pulled Pork Sandwich is equally delicious.

Tonight (and every Monday - Wednesday) in the taproom enjoy Happy Hour beers for only $5.00 each. Thursdays enjoy our ever-popular Burger and Beer combo for $10.00. Friday (to-go only) is an encore performance of our Lenten special featuring two fish frys and a six pack of beer for only $30.00. Can I have an "amen"?

It is time for our annual “Master the Masters” contest. E-mail me the names of three golfers who you think will be in the green jacket competition. First place is awarded nine points. Second place is awarded 6 points and third place is awarded 5 points. So, for example, if you picked the winner and missed second and third place finishers, you would stand at nine points. But if another entrant picked the golfers who placed second and third, she would total 11 points and win. First prize is a $100 City Lights gift card and a case of City Lights Par Three Pale Ale. Second place wins a set of steak knives.

Join us on Sunday for the Masters’ watching party with a City Lights bonus. If Ricky Fowler wins the tournament, all guests in the house win a free Fowler-Growler fill of their choice!

The hometown nine is back at the ballpark for a long homestand with games beginning on Monday and continuing throughout the week. Our pre-game brat, beer and fries combo for $10.00 is triple play dynamite. Remember, we open at 11AM for every day game. And this just in....tailgating will be allowed starting with Monday's game versus the Cubbies.

I was interviewing a candidate and we were talking about how technology has changed the workforce. I asked her to give me an example of jobs that weren’t around anymore. “Steve,” she answered. She starts Monday.

As we begin to return to normal, a special thanks to our entire distribution team who have worked tirelessly and passionately to ensure your favorite City Lights beers will be available at the retail locations, bars, restaurants and special event venues so you can enjoy City Lights responsibly in the manner of your choice. And a sincere “thank you” to our retail and on-premise accounts for the privilege of your business.

Bryson, DJ, Rahm

Here’s to the to the best Master’s week ever!

2021 is going to rock!

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Greetings,

Paraphrasing Dr. Suess…Smile because 2020 is over. Cry because 2020 happened. 2021 is going to be the best year ever!

Here are some highlights.

January

COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues.

Social distancing and masking-up is working as the curve flattens.

Smooth transition of power in Washington.

Jimmy’s Café Maronn (English style brown ale with coffee) released.

Packers win NFC Championship.

Aaron Rodgers wins NFL MVP.

February

More and more Americans are vaccinated.

Groundhog Day - Punxsutawney Phil doesn’t see his shadow. Spring is here early.

Jimmy’s Irish Red Ale is released.

Packers win Super Bowl.

Pitchers and catchers report to spring training.

City Lights Hard Seltzer Variety Pack hits retails shelves.

March

Vaccinations available for all who want one (two actually.)

Dr. Seuss’s birthday.

Jimmy’s “Par Three Pale Ale” released.

Golden Eagles and Badgers advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

City Lights patio season starts rocking.

First pitch of Major League Baseball – Play Ball!

April

April Fools Day Celebrated at City Lights.

Brewers Opening Day.

National Beer Day.

Badgers win NCAA Basketball Tournament (Both men’s and women’s!)

Dustin Johnson celebrates winning the Masters with a City Lights Hazy IPA.

May

Widespread herd immunity! We return to normal!!!

Jimmy’s Beach Bum is back!

Fans allowed at Miller Park American Family Field.

Chef Cate’s Cinco de Mayo specials are en fuego!

City Lights resumes shuttles to the ball park.

June

Summerfest opens!

Special City Lights Father’s Day promotion.

Bucks win Eastern Division crown.

Giannis wins MVP for third consecutive year – celebrates with a City Lights Essential Pilsner toast.

July

Summerfest continues.

Christian Yelich leads the Brewers to first place.

Bucks win NBA championship.

Jimmy brews Oktoberfest.

Chef Cates “Sizzling’ Summer Specials” are delish.

August

Packers report to camp ready to win another Lombardi Trophy.

USA dominates the Olympics.

Jimmy’s entries shipped to the Great American Beer Festival.

All schools prepare for in-person learning.

September

Brewers clinch NL crown.

Jimmy’s Oktoberfest hits retail shelves.

October

City Lights wins three Medals at the Great American Beer Festival.

City Lights Halloween Costume contest returns.

Brewers win World Series.

Jimmy brews a fourth tea-based hard seltzer.

November

Jimmy’s Ski Bum returns to retail shelves.

So much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving.

Both Badgers and Packers remain undefeated.

December

Badgers win Big 10 Championship.

Jimmy’s winter seasonal released.

Holiday celebrations begin with City Lights beers!

Fox in Socks, 2020 is done, sir. Thank you for not so much fun, sir.

Happy New Year!

Reopening

We’re opening our ears to listen.

We’re opening our minds to learn.

We’re opening our thinking to understand.

We’re opening our hearts to love.

We Don't Know When We Will Open...

It has been over 60 days since we have had the privilege of hosting you at City Lights and sharing our incredible space, warm hospitality, delicious food and award-winning beers with you.

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