🍽️ What to Order

Recommendations based on quality, value, and visitor feedback

Item Price
Tasting Flight (4 pours)
Side‑by‑side sip of house vodka, gin, and two barrel‑aged selections.
 $12.00
Rye Old Fashioned
House rye, demerara, bitters, orange oil—balanced and spirit‑forward.
 $12.00
Seasonal Gin Fizz
Botanical gin with a rotating house syrup and bright citrus.
 $11.00
House Bloody Mary
Savory, peppery build using the distillery’s vodka.
 $10.00
Charcuterie & Cheese Board
Shareable board with cured meats, cheeses, pickles, and crackers.
 $18.00
Warm Pretzel & Mustard
Soft pretzel with tangy mustard—ideal with a lager‑style highball.
 $9.00
Zero‑Proof Tonic
House tonic with botanicals and citrus for a spirit‑free refresher.
 $6.00
Bottle to Go: House Vodka (750 ml)
Clean, grain‑forward vodka—easy mixer and gift option.
 $28.00
Bottle to Go: Barrel‑Aged Rye (750 ml)
Small‑batch rye with baking‑spice character and oak warmth.
 $58.00

What Diners Rave About

Signature flights
Start with a 4‑pour flight, then build your favorite into a custom cocktail—bartenders happily riff if you ask.
Bartender guidance
Tell them your lane (sweet, smoky, herbal) and ask for a ½‑oz taste before committing—great way to explore limited releases.
Small plates
Charcuterie feeds two comfortably; pretzels and snack plates pair well with higher‑proof spirits without overpowering them.
Dietary notes
Most cocktails are naturally gluten‑free; boards may include dairy, gluten, and nuts—ask to omit components or keep allergens separate.
Walk‑ins welcome
No reservation needed. Expect short waits on Fri–Sat evenings; arrive by 4:30–6:00 pm for the easiest seating.
Payment & tips
Bar service is pay‑as‑you‑go; cards and cash both work. 18–20% tipping is standard for cocktail bars in La Crosse.
No delivery
There’s no delivery service. Bottles are available to take home—bring a soft tote if you’re walking downtown.
Patio secret
Ask about the alley‑side back patio on sunny days—it’s a quieter sip than the Vine Street sidewalk.

✨ The Experience

🍸
Tasting Room Vibes
Industrial‑chic room with the stills on display, a lively soundtrack, and bartenders who talk you through pours. Friday and Saturday nights get energetic and loud; mid‑week and early evenings are conversational.
🚗
Getting There
Metered curb parking sits right on Vine Street; use the ParkMobile app and expect fast turnover. For longer visits, choose a downtown ramp 3–6 minutes away and stroll—rideshare is the local move if you’re sampling flights.
🕔
When To Go
The 3:30–5:30 pm window is the sweet spot for guided tastings. During Riverfest, Oktoberfest, and arena shows at the La Crosse Center, crowds swell earlier—arrive before the headliner or after it lets out.
🧾
How It Works
Order at the bar and pay as you go; ask before photographing production areas. Insider play: flight first, then have your favorite spirit built into a custom cocktail.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do they serve food or just drinks?
Expect a cocktail‑focused menu with light bites like a charcuterie/cheese board and snack plates. For a full meal, eat on nearby Pearl Street and make this your pre‑ or post‑dinner cocktail stop.
Can I buy bottles to take home?
Yes—bottles are sold on site. Standard spirits typically start around the high‑$20s, while special or barrel‑aged releases run higher; limited drops can sell out quickly on release days, so go early.
Do I need a reservation?
Walk‑ins are welcome. For groups of six or more, calling ahead helps staff set aside space and usually speeds things up during weekend rushes.

📖 About La Crosse Distilling Co.

La Crosse Distilling Co. was created with a grain‑to‑glass mindset, pairing small‑batch spirits with a relaxed downtown tasting room. Its home base is 129 Vine Street, a short stroll from the Mississippi Riverwalk.

The building reflects the neighborhood’s light‑industrial past, repurposed into an inviting bar with the production space visible behind glass. You’ll spot exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and stainless equipment anchoring the room.

It has become a gathering point for locals and visitors doing a riverfront evening—cocktails here, then a walk under the bluffs or a stop at nearby venues. Release nights and pop‑ups fold the distillery into downtown’s event rhythm.

Today the draw is simple: thoughtful spirits, creative cocktails, and personable bartenders who guide tastings without pretense. Add a tucked‑away patio, and it’s one of downtown’s easiest recommendations.

🛡️ Area Intelligence

Tourism Patterns

Peak season runs June–August with spillover during fall festival weekends like Oktoberfest. Expect the biggest surges on weekend evenings and during riverfront events.

Area Demographics

La Crosse has about 52,000 residents, a college‑town mix of students and healthcare/university professionals. Downtown skews young and social on weekend nights.

Traffic & Timing

Downtown is easiest before 6 pm on weekdays; festival weekends push heavier traffic and earlier bar crowds. Start at the distillery, then migrate toward Main and Pearl for late‑night spots.

Walkability & Crowds

The riverfront core is compact—Riverside Park, Pearl Street, and Vine Street are 2–6 minutes apart on foot. Expect dense foot traffic around concerts and summer Fridays.