The Hubbard Park Beer Garden, 3565 N. Morris Blvd., opened this afternoon at 3 p.m. for the first time and celebrated with what has become beer garden protocol – free beer. 

Just before 5 p.m., there were a couple dozen people but just 10 minutes later there was a line at least 50 people deep, many of whom came by bike. (There are 120 bike racks on site.)

The Shorewood green space is ideal for a beer garden, located between the Hubbard Park Lodge and the River Club, it's surrounded by trees, the Oak Leaf Trail and the river. In the late 1800s there was beer garden in the same spot, according to Milwaukee restaurateur, Russ Davis, who operates the site.

The garden offers a variety of Wisconsin brews, including Sprecher Black Bavarian, New Glarus Spotted Cow, Point Nude Beach, Miller Lite and PBR, as well as wine, root beer and Bloody Marys. 

Drinkers can buy a liter ($8-11) or half-liter ($4-6) of beer. There is a $5 deposit if glassware is borrowed from the beer garden. Hence, many drinkers bring their own steins.

Bratwursts, hot dogs, chicken and apple sausages, large pretzels and cheese platters are also for sale. Food items range in price from $4-8. Visitors are invited to bring their own snacks but drinks must be purchased from the garden.

The beer garden will be open daily from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Davis expects its season will last through early October. The Hubbard Park Beer Garden is cash only.