TheViking Brew Pub A Destination Bar and Eatery In Stoughton

The part bar, part restaurant, part brewhouse with high ceilings has a definite Norwegian/Northwoods feel

to it. That vibe is in part due to the signature piece of the Viking Brew Pub, the large wooden prow of a Viking ship which greets visitors as they step inside. The massive carved bow is a steam breathing dragon named Hilda that with a press of a button by Vik Mailling breathes water vapor into the pub. It was all designed and engineered by Vik's father in-law, Duane Brickson. While brother in-law, Mitchell Brickson builds all of Duane's creations. There are also the beautiful wood posts, booths and tables that the Vik's father-in-law created that add a Hygge warmth to the space. The Maling family also repurposed a few things along that add additional character to the Brew Pub. The deck or bar top of the viking ship is made of reclaimed wood planks from the historic Point Brewery silo.

The restaurant's back-lit logo, a Viking head made of welded metal, was a sophomore, high school project created by now Madison blacksmith, Aaron Howard. In the basement, the bank vault was transformed into a beer cellar. It is here the pub houses the kegs that serve up to 10 to 12 beers in rotation seasonally throughout the year. Vik likes to keep the customer's options fresh, so their beer menu features two new beers every week.

In keeping with the Viking ship theme, the menu lists Dragon's Milk, as a bourbon-aged Stout from Holland, Michigan. The beer menu also gives customers detailed descriptions of each brew listing such items as ABV (Alcohol By Volume) and IBU (International Bitterness Units) indicating the level of bitterness or hop intensity.

But what attracts beer enthusiasts to the Viking Brew Pub are the in-house brews. Be sure to try out their three beer like: There's A Shot In My Eye, a Black IPA (7.25% alcohol), "very drinkable, not too hoppy," says Vik. The Viking Brew Pub's best seller is an American Lager, called Nordic Blonde (4.5% ABV), a beer you can order online in a Growler size. Then there's Midnite Sun, it's a cream ale, a little stronger, that has light cream corn taste to it. And for those Wisconsin bar enthusiasts, the pub offers up a great Brandy Old Fashioned. 

The food at the Viking Brew Pub is also a draw. The Friday fish fry is a popular local favorite. on Saturday

night the feature is Norwegian meatballs served with with red cabbage and diced apples, and side of German Potatoes called spaeltze. Also, be sure to try the pulled pork sandwich. There are also locally source products like Klement's hotdogs and Brakebush chicken on the menu. One unique menu item with a Norwegian theme is Thor's Thunder Bolts, which are battered and fried green beans. There are also cheese curds from Monticello, and jumbo soft pretzels.

The lure of being centrally located in Stoughton. The Maillings chose downtown for their brew pub because they wanted to be in the middle of everything. "The whole city of Stoughton is kind of undergoing a renaissance," says Malling. And during the season, there is the farmer's market directly across the street from the pub. "There are more people coming downtown that haven't been downtown in years," Malling added. The most often comment Vic gets from customers is "Stoughton needed a place like this."

The Viking Brew Pub is a welcome addition to Stoughton's transformation and a great place to have local brew.

The Viking Brew Pub is open 4 pm to 11 Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. 4 pm to midnight on Friday and 11 am to midnight on Saturdays.

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