Pilot Project Brewing - Milwaukee — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Had an unfortunate experience with dining here last night. I wish I had taken photos of the food but I was so disappointed in the moment that it slipped my mind, especially since I don’t normally write reviews.

To start, I’ll list the few good things about my experience. The beer was alright. Nothing that blew my socks off but it was good. We ordered the recommended beer flight straight from the menu and we did not receive the double ipa. Instead, we received the Doorsa, which was tasty, but the beer arrived to our table with the substitution without any indication that the double ipa was out or an option from our server. Frankly, I was fine with the substitution but I would have liked to be asked what I would prefer for it. At minimum, it was odd to substitute a double ipa with a lager.

Onto the bad. First off, everything was garnished with dill. An over abundance of dill was on both my order of the Friday fish fry and the order of fried pickles. This made all the food taste incredibly dilly almost to the point of inedible. While I thought this might be a stylistic thing at first, and a bold one at that, it turns out that these plates usually are garnished with micro-greens if the photos the other reviews have posted are anything to go on. Finding out that just increased the disappointment. Secondly, the fried food from my fish fry literally looked like it was plopped on the plate straight from the fryer. There were fried pickles mixed directly in with the fried zucchini and both of those sides were directly on top of the fish, making them soggy and unappetizing. I also see photos on here of people getting decent plating with their fish fry order, so honestly that makes this almost unacceptable. If you are going to charge $25 dollars for a fish fry, the plating should be consistent and appetizing. My partner ordered the Bolognese bucatini and said that the dish was far too salty and was unable to finish her meal.

As far as having the tables prepared for diners, I had to go up to the bar for silverware after our food had arrived. I suppose some might eat the Bolognese bucatini with their hands, but we were not feeling it that night.

Finally, the service was incredibly slow for how few people were dining. The staff was literally drinking beer behind the counter as we were waiting to get our order taken, our server included. I’m happy they seemed to be having a good time, but we were not.

Overall, we got a beer flight, fried pickles, the fish fry, and the Bolognese bucatini. The bill for all of this, including tip, was $89.50. Maybe we got unlucky and tonight was a bad night for them. I will not be visiting again to find out if they can do better. With how empty they were on a Friday night, I doubt I’ll have many opportunities to visit them...

Cheers to Excellence: A Rhapsody of Flavors at Pilot Project Brewing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you're searching for a beer lover's paradise, look no further than Pilot Project. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with delight! 🍻🎶

From the moment I stepped foot into Pilot, I knew I was in for a treat. The inviting atmosphere, infused with the aroma of hops and barley, set the stage for an extraordinary experience. The knowledgeable and passionate staff welcomed me with open arms, ready to guide me on a remarkable beer adventure.

Let's talk about the stars of the show—the beers themselves. Each sip was a masterpiece, crafted with precision and an unwavering commitment to quality. From crisp and refreshing lagers to bold and robust stouts, the brewery's diverse lineup catered to every palate, ensuring there was a beer for every occasion and mood.

One of the highlights was their IPA collection. Bursting with hoppy goodness, these brews danced on my tongue, delivering a symphony of citrusy, piney, and floral notes. The balance of bitterness and the smoothness of the malt left me craving more, and I found myself joyfully exploring the intricacies of each IPA variation.

But the artistry extended beyond the liquid itself. The brewery's attention to detail and dedication to the craft were evident in every aspect, from the stunning taproom décor that seamlessly blended rustic charm with a modern twist, to the engaging and knowledgeable staff who shared their passion for brewing.

Now, let's talk about the food! The brewery's menu was a harmonious fusion of delectable dishes expertly crafted to pair perfectly with their beer offerings. From mouthwatering appetizers to hearty main courses, each bite was a revelation.

The staff's enthusiasm and knowledge were the proverbial icing on the cake. Their passion for brewing and dedication to providing an exceptional customer experience were infectious. They took the time to explain the brewing process, recommend beer pairings, and answer any questions, making me feel like a valued part of the Pilot family.

In summary, Pilot Project Brewing is a haven for beer enthusiasts and a testament to the artistry of brewing. With their diverse and impeccably crafted beer selection, inviting atmosphere, delectable food offerings, and exceptional service, this brewery stands tall among the best in the industry.

If you're seeking a place to savor exceptional beers, embrace the camaraderie of fellow beer lovers, and immerse yourself in a truly memorable experience, make your way to Pilot Project Brewing....

Pilot Project is a big, open space which worked well for the party of 14 that we had. We were there on a Sunday afternoon and very few other people were in there, so having a big group was not a problem. Service was good and accommodating to our birthday group. They explained right away that with a big group there will be only 1 check and the 20% tip is added to the bill. Since it was a big group the server printed extra checks so everyone could figure out their own bill to pay to the person using the credit card.

The menu is on a tabletop QR code, which means everyone in the group is looking at their phones for a long time. The advantage of a big group was a server took our orders, vs ordering using the QR code (other reviewers mentioned problems with service because of this). The menu is expansive and has more options than I expected in a brewing environment. It may also be too ambitious for them. The appetizers were all very good, nice presentation and extra touches. The entrée’s were very big. A winner was the Gem & Kale with chicken salad. Other orders, of Mediterranean Couscous with Argentinian Shrimp, Chicken Parm, Pollo Pilota (Buttermilk marinated, double dipped crispy chicken breast), Italian Beef sandwich, Green Goddess Mediterranean salad were good, not great. A bomb was the Chicken Florentine Flatbread (Roasted garlic and spinach cream sauce, marinated sundried tomatoes, crispy parmesan artichokes, grilled chicken breast with a balsamic glaze and asiago cheese.) 2 of us, including me, ordered this but neither of us liked it. The sundried tomatoes were burned giving a bitter taste, there was no evidence of a cream sauce and the mix of flavors did not work well. But the worst part was the crust. This was not flatbread but thick, tough bread that took away from anything on top, even if it had tasted good. We did not eat much and did not take leftovers home (which is unusual for me). My advice would be if interested in a flatbread, ask about the crust. Overall we had a good time with accommodating staff and OK food. Pilot may want to have a smaller not as unique of a menu and do...