Inside Dubuque’s New 7 Hills Tap House: Food, Craft Sodas, and So Much More
If you've read any of my previous stories about 7 Hills Brewing Company, then you already know I'm a fan.
Read More: 7 Hills Brewing Company: Come for the Beer, Stay for the Weird!
Over the years, 7 Hills has become one of my go-to spots for great food, creative drinks, and an atmosphere that perfectly embodies their motto: "Unapologetically Individualistic," a bit funky and super unique! So, when I had the opportunity to sit down with owner Keith Gutierrez and get a firsthand look at the brand-new 7 Hills Tap House on Dodge Street, I couldn't wait to see what they had in store.
The new Tap House takes over the former Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom location connected to the Best Western Plus Dubuque Hotel and Conference Center. But make no mistake, this isn't simply Old Chicago with a new sign out front; far from it!
Keith told me the larger facility opens up opportunities they never had at their original Millwork District location. The kitchen is nearly three times larger, there's a dedicated catering kitchen, and the space allows them to serve hotel guests, conventions, meetings, and large events while still operating as a full-service restaurant. Let me say, after seeing this place in action, they're definitely making the most of that opportunity.
Before diving into the food, I was treated to a flight of the new craft sodas being produced by 7 Hills. I sampled the Root Beer, Grape Soda, Apple Soda, Orange Cream Soda, and Pink Lemonade. Every one of them was packed with flavor; there was even something nostalgic about the apple soda. For families, kids, designated drivers, or anyone looking for a craft beverage experience without the booze, these sodas are a home run. Honestly, I could see families ordering soda flights just to find their favorite. Hey, why not get the kids in on the fun!
Then the food started arriving...
We kicked things off with the Beast Bites, featuring brisket, cream cheese spread, caramelized onions, mushrooms, bourbon glaze, green onions, and crostini. These disappeared quickly, and here's why: it's the perfect combo of crunch, creamy, salty, and sweet!
Next came the Smile High Nachos loaded with smoked chicken, black bean corn relish, Monterey cheddar cheese, queso, pickled jalapeños, salsa, and sour cream. The portion was absolutely massive. There were so many nachos that I ended up taking enough home for another meal later that evening. You could easily feed a family of four with the nachos, and they are as tasty as they are good looking.
For my entrée, I stayed true to my rock-inspirations with the restaurant's aptly named Limp Brisket. This monster sandwich features house-smoked brisket, chili con queso, pickle chips, and caramelized onions. Paired with waffle fries, it was every bit as good as it sounds; totally worthy of an encore!
Meanwhile, my friend Katie in sales opted for the Apple-y Ever After salad, featuring grilled chicken, green apples, spinach, romaine, dried cranberries, candied pecans, shaved Parmesan, and raspberry vinaigrette. It looked just as impressive for portions as the heartier menu options I saw come out of the kitchen.
One thing that stood out during my conversation with Keith was how much emphasis 7 Hills places on creativity. Whether it's craft beer, food, sodas, THC beverages, or even the atmosphere itself, the company encourages its team to experiment and create. Keith told me they've produced more than 300 beer recipes over the years, and that same spirit of innovation is now finding its way into the Tap House menu and craft sodas. Another exciting development, especially for me? Pizza is back!
Longtime 7 Hills fans may remember the brewery offering pizzas years ago. Space limitations eventually forced them to move away from that concept, but the larger Dodge Street kitchen gives them room to bring it back. As someone who enjoyed those original pizzas at the Millwork District location, I'm already looking forward to making another trip for a pizza or calzone.
Their creative approach has helped fuel impressive growth across the region. What started in Dubuque's historic Millwork District has expanded into multiple locations throughout eastern Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. In addition to the original brewery and restaurant in downtown Dubuque, 7 Hills now operates locations in Dyersville, Clinton, and Platteville, Wisconsin. The new Tap House is a sort of meeting point between the Dubuque and Clinton operations, bringing together products, ideas, and experiences from both breweries under one roof. Despite the growth, each location maintains its own personality, something Keith says is central to the company's "Unapologetically Individualistic" identity.
The best part about the new Tap House is that it feels like a natural evolution of everything people already love about 7 Hills. Great food. Great drinks. And the same great people. Just more room to create and experiment in an exceptionally busy section of Dubuque.
Check out my full interview with owner Keith Gutierrez below:
If my first visit is any indication, 7 Hills Taphouse is not only filling the "dead husk" left behind by Old Chicago. It's creating an entirely new, truly-local destination for food lovers, beer enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking for a uniquely Dubuque dining experience. And yes, that means I'll definitely be back.
Photos: 7 Hills Brewing Company in Dubuque
Gallery Credit: Tom Ehlers
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