Guidebook for Milwaukee - Paul's food and fun recommendations
Drinks & Nightlife
Fun atmosphere, good happy hour, located in the newly restored "Pabst City" historic brewing district. Check out the copper brewing kettles next door, and take a photo of the iconic Pabst Brewery sign. Don't forget to visit The Best Place nearby for all things PBR. http://www.jacksonsmke.com/
Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub Milwaukee
1203 N 10th StFun atmosphere, good happy hour, located in the newly restored "Pabst City" historic brewing district. Check out the copper brewing kettles next door, and take a photo of the iconic Pabst Brewery sign. Don't forget to visit The Best Place nearby for all things PBR. http://www.jacksonsmke.com/
Historic place to have a beer, buy some PBR swag, and take a great informative tour.
15 locals raden deze aan
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
917 W Juneau AveHistoric place to have a beer, buy some PBR swag, and take a great informative tour.
Best tour in the city. Go for a tour on a Friday night and get the fish fry complete with live polka band in the attached beer hall. During the summer you'll have to make reservations for tour ahead of time or they will sell out.
224 locals raden deze aan
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N Commerce StBest tour in the city. Go for a tour on a Friday night and get the fish fry complete with live polka band in the attached beer hall. During the summer you'll have to make reservations for tour ahead of time or they will sell out.
Cool small German beer bar with authentic decor, great outdoor patio.
27 locals raden deze aan
Von Trier
2235 N Farwell AveCool small German beer bar with authentic decor, great outdoor patio.
Paddy's Irish Pub
2339 N Murray AveBeautiful Irish Pub with great beer garden.
This Is It
418 E Wells StOne of city's most fun (for everyone) gay nightclubs.
Jamo's
1800 N Arlington PlA loungy dive bar, Sandy's favorite bar in Milwaukee. Good mixed drinks. Low key.
Oldest tavern in the city. Get iconic bumper sticker when you close the place down. Has pool tables and metal tip darts.
24 locals raden deze aan
Wolski's Tavern
1836 N Pulaski StOldest tavern in the city. Get iconic bumper sticker when you close the place down. Has pool tables and metal tip darts.
Spy-themed nightclub, unique and really popular with tourists - worth a visit. Not knowing the password nor quite how to find it is half the fun.
58 locals raden deze aan
SafeHouse
779 N Front StSpy-themed nightclub, unique and really popular with tourists - worth a visit. Not knowing the password nor quite how to find it is half the fun.
Hooligans Milwaukee
2017 E North AveGood bar food, popular for sports, good sidewalk scene.
Regano's Roman Coin
1004 E Brady StUnassuming dive bar.
The Standard Tavern
1754 North Franklin PlaceGood neighborhood bar.
Good selection of wine, good menu, dark and trendy. Nice options for outdoor seating on sidewalk out front and private patio in back. http://www.balzacwinebar.com/
56 locals raden deze aan
Balzac
1716 N Arlington PlGood selection of wine, good menu, dark and trendy. Nice options for outdoor seating on sidewalk out front and private patio in back. http://www.balzacwinebar.com/
Gritty live music bar with karaoke and open mics during the week.
7 locals raden deze aan
Up- And -Under
1216 E Brady StGritty live music bar with karaoke and open mics during the week.
One of the best beer bars in the country - yes that's right. Worth the Uber if you're really into your beer selection. http://mysugarmaple.com/
40 locals raden deze aan
Sugar Maple
441 E Lincoln AveOne of the best beer bars in the country - yes that's right. Worth the Uber if you're really into your beer selection. http://mysugarmaple.com/
Loved by Milwaukeeans. Dark and retro in all the best ways. Serves only ice cream drinks and cocktails. Check the hours before showing up.
47 locals raden deze aan
At Random
2501 S Delaware AveLoved by Milwaukeeans. Dark and retro in all the best ways. Serves only ice cream drinks and cocktails. Check the hours before showing up.
Burnhearts
2599 S Logan AveFun hipster hangout with good beer and cocktails.
Good for sidewalk day drinking and catching all things football... soccer, that is. New impressive outdoor patio and screen for big matches.
41 locals raden deze aan
Nomad World Pub
1401 E Brady StGood for sidewalk day drinking and catching all things football... soccer, that is. New impressive outdoor patio and screen for big matches.
A popular place for ALL kinds and all ages to go dancing and people watch. It's fantastically outdated, generally referred to as "Victim's," and I (Sandy) find it kind of awesome.
7 locals raden deze aan
Victor's
1230 N Van Buren StA popular place for ALL kinds and all ages to go dancing and people watch. It's fantastically outdated, generally referred to as "Victim's," and I (Sandy) find it kind of awesome.
The kind of bar you would build in your basement. 120+ gins and 100+ whiskeys on the menu.
11 locals raden deze aan
Tin Widow
703 South 2nd StreetThe kind of bar you would build in your basement. 120+ gins and 100+ whiskeys on the menu.
Oldest and only tiki bar in the city worth going to, in my opinion.
39 locals raden deze aan
The Foundation Bar
2718 N Bremen StOldest and only tiki bar in the city worth going to, in my opinion.
If you were into the alt music scene in the 80-90's, hit this place up on a Friday night. Great for dancing.
18 locals raden deze aan
Mad Planet
533 E Center StIf you were into the alt music scene in the 80-90's, hit this place up on a Friday night. Great for dancing.
Craft brewery with northwoods flavor. Perfect for day drinking. Popular outdoor patio on a busy street. http://www.blackhuskybrewing.com/
27 locals raden deze aan
Black Husky Brewing
909 E Locust StCraft brewery with northwoods flavor. Perfect for day drinking. Popular outdoor patio on a busy street. http://www.blackhuskybrewing.com/
On the 23rd floor of the historic Pfister Hotel, is an upscale cocktail lounge with incredible city views. http://www.blumilwaukee.com/
28 locals raden deze aan
Blu
424 E Wisconsin AveOn the 23rd floor of the historic Pfister Hotel, is an upscale cocktail lounge with incredible city views. http://www.blumilwaukee.com/
On the 9th floor rooftop of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in the trendy Third Ward neighborhood, it's Milwaukee's newest place to be seen.
27 locals raden deze aan
The Outsider
310 E Chicago StOn the 9th floor rooftop of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in the trendy Third Ward neighborhood, it's Milwaukee's newest place to be seen.
Milwaukee's first distillery since prohibition makes local craft and small batch spirits. Tasting room and really fun boozy tours. http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/?age-verified=29d3836de0
42 locals raden deze aan
Great Lakes Distillery
616 W Virginia StMilwaukee's first distillery since prohibition makes local craft and small batch spirits. Tasting room and really fun boozy tours. http://www.greatlakesdistillery.com/?age-verified=29d3836de0
Milwaukee's oldest cocktail lounge is worth the visit! It specializes in depression-era cocktails, and mixes over 500 cocktails - order by flavor profile, they'll bring you exactly what you are thirsty for. Interior is dark and inviting. It's a Milwaukee institution.
49 locals raden deze aan
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
1579 S 9th StMilwaukee's oldest cocktail lounge is worth the visit! It specializes in depression-era cocktails, and mixes over 500 cocktails - order by flavor profile, they'll bring you exactly what you are thirsty for. Interior is dark and inviting. It's a Milwaukee institution.
Milwuakee's version of an upscale urban lounge with a dress code. This is probably the place you want to get all dressed up take your bachelorette party. And bachelor party, because it's where the bachelorettes are.
9 locals raden deze aan
Plum Lounge
780 N Jefferson StMilwuakee's version of an upscale urban lounge with a dress code. This is probably the place you want to get all dressed up take your bachelorette party. And bachelor party, because it's where the bachelorettes are.
Another good microbrewery relatively new to the city — beers and food and fun scene. http://www.goodcitybrewing.com/
32 locals raden deze aan
Good City Brewing
2108 N Farwell AveAnother good microbrewery relatively new to the city — beers and food and fun scene. http://www.goodcitybrewing.com/
Milwaukee microbrew. Large space for a beer and a game of bags. https://thirdspacebrewing.com/
25 locals raden deze aan
Third Space Brewing
1505 W St Paul AveMilwaukee microbrew. Large space for a beer and a game of bags. https://thirdspacebrewing.com/
Another microbrew to hang out and have a few. Serves up ales and IPA's. http://citylightsbrewing.com/home/
15 locals raden deze aan
City Lights Brewing Co.
2200 W Mt Vernon AveAnother microbrew to hang out and have a few. Serves up ales and IPA's. http://citylightsbrewing.com/home/
I hear this is the place to go on a Saturday night if you want to dress to impress and catch a touring DJ.
Lucid Light Lounge
729 N Milwaukee StI hear this is the place to go on a Saturday night if you want to dress to impress and catch a touring DJ.
So yeah, it's a tavern you pedal to get to other taverns. Why not? Book for groups and parties. (Seasonal.) http://www.pedaltavern.com/
14 locals raden deze aan
Milwaukee Pedal Tavern
820 S Water StSo yeah, it's a tavern you pedal to get to other taverns. Why not? Book for groups and parties. (Seasonal.) http://www.pedaltavern.com/
Drink where it all began. A number of brews on tap, food menu available.
10 locals raden deze aan
Captain Pabst Pilot House (formerly Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom)
1037 West Juneau AvenueDrink where it all began. A number of brews on tap, food menu available.
Romans' Pub
3475 S Kinnickinnic AveRated one of the best pubs for craft beer in the country.
Palm Tavern
2989 S Kinnickinnic AveYet another great craft beer location.
Solid local brewery and taproom. Serves food. See what' on tap: http://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/.
24 locals raden deze aan
Eagle Park Brewing Company
823 E Hamilton StSolid local brewery and taproom. Serves food. See what' on tap: http://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/.
Dead Bird Brewing
1726 N 5th StOnly a three block walk from home to this microbrewer with good strong beers.
Food Scene
Iconic cracker thin crust, old school, mom and pop, greasy pizza. Yum. A Milwaukee institution. http://www.zaffirospizza.com/
25 locals raden deze aan
Zaffiro's Pizza & Bar
1724 N Farwell AveIconic cracker thin crust, old school, mom and pop, greasy pizza. Yum. A Milwaukee institution. http://www.zaffirospizza.com/
Great Italian Market offering all things old world Italian. Sandwiches and salads, etc. at the deli counter. Dine in or take out. http://www.gloriosos.com/
58 locals raden deze aan
Glorioso's Italian Market
1011 E Brady StGreat Italian Market offering all things old world Italian. Sandwiches and salads, etc. at the deli counter. Dine in or take out. http://www.gloriosos.com/
Indoor food + market. A lot of options for local food and shopping. http://www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org/main.html
267 locals raden deze aan
Milwaukee Public Market
Indoor food + market. A lot of options for local food and shopping. http://www.milwaukeepublicmarket.org/main.html
Trendy busy spot for tacos and Mexican food and drinks on the river. Very popular on Taco Tuesdays. http://belaircantina.com/
66 locals raden deze aan
BelAir Cantina
1935 N Water StTrendy busy spot for tacos and Mexican food and drinks on the river. Very popular on Taco Tuesdays. http://belaircantina.com/
Awesome spot for pasta, caters to variety of diets, including gluten free. Make a reservation for groups. http://centrocaferiverwest.com/
46 locals raden deze aan
Centro Cafe
808 E Center StAwesome spot for pasta, caters to variety of diets, including gluten free. Make a reservation for groups. http://centrocaferiverwest.com/
Stop for a slice to soak up the booze. This location delivers to the house. Also a North Ave. location. https://ianspizza.com/milwaukee/menu/
14 locals raden deze aan
Ian's Pizza MKE Juneau Ave
146 E Juneau AveStop for a slice to soak up the booze. This location delivers to the house. Also a North Ave. location. https://ianspizza.com/milwaukee/menu/
Great specialty pizzas in the funky Riverwest neighborhood. http://www.riverwestpizza.com/
30 locals raden deze aan
Riverwest Pizza
930 E Wright StGreat specialty pizzas in the funky Riverwest neighborhood. http://www.riverwestpizza.com/
Vegetarian cafe nestled near the Riverwalk - great light meals, smoothies, and coffee. http://www.beerlinecafe.com/restaurant/
16 locals raden deze aan
Beerline Cafe
2076 N Commerce StVegetarian cafe nestled near the Riverwalk - great light meals, smoothies, and coffee. http://www.beerlinecafe.com/restaurant/
Healthy vegetarian and vegan options, smoothies, juice bar, and coffee. http://www.urbanbeetscafe.com/
11 locals raden deze aan
Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
1401 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr DrHealthy vegetarian and vegan options, smoothies, juice bar, and coffee. http://www.urbanbeetscafe.com/
Part of local popular coffee chain, located in historic pump house on the lakefront. Offers live music in the lawn on Thursdays in summer. http://colectivocoffee.com/cafes/lakefront/
101 locals raden deze aan
Colectivo Coffee Lakefront
1701 N Lincoln Memorial DrPart of local popular coffee chain, located in historic pump house on the lakefront. Offers live music in the lawn on Thursdays in summer. http://colectivocoffee.com/cafes/lakefront/
Award winning burgers, fun casual atmosphere. Great fried cheese curds. http://www.hospitalitydemocracy.com/aj-bombers/
21 locals raden deze aan
AJ Bombers
1247 N Water StAward winning burgers, fun casual atmosphere. Great fried cheese curds. http://www.hospitalitydemocracy.com/aj-bombers/
FROZEN CUSTARD - it's worth the short drive. They also have fantastic jumbo burgers. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Check out the flavors of the day... https://www.kopps.com/
51 locals raden deze aan
Kopp's Frozen Custard
5373 N Port Washington RdFROZEN CUSTARD - it's worth the short drive. They also have fantastic jumbo burgers. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Check out the flavors of the day... https://www.kopps.com/
Ever had a butter burger? No, a REAL butter burger. Get it here. There's no place like it. http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/anthony-bourdain/video/wisconsin-s-buttery-burger
7 locals raden deze aan
Solly's Grille
4629 N Port Washington RdEver had a butter burger? No, a REAL butter burger. Get it here. There's no place like it. http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/anthony-bourdain/video/wisconsin-s-buttery-burger
Sobelman's Chicago
1900 W St Paul AvePopular Milwaukee burger joint.
This is a bar, but I've put it in the food category for its WINGS. It's locally famous for wings, and makes a lot of national lists as well. Expect to wait. No kids under 21 permitted. http://www.thepointseastpub.com/home
22 locals raden deze aan
Points East Pub
1501 N Jackson StThis is a bar, but I've put it in the food category for its WINGS. It's locally famous for wings, and makes a lot of national lists as well. Expect to wait. No kids under 21 permitted. http://www.thepointseastpub.com/home
Good BBQ right downtown with an impressive tap beer selection. Great for large groups too.
DOC's Commerce Smokehouse
754 Vel R. Phillips AveGood BBQ right downtown with an impressive tap beer selection. Great for large groups too.
Personally, my favorite for local coffee. Pour-overs, espresso, tea, and national award wining Nitro cold coffee. Only open Sat and Sun.
6 locals raden deze aan
Pilcrow Coffee
416 W Walnut StPersonally, my favorite for local coffee. Pour-overs, espresso, tea, and national award wining Nitro cold coffee. Only open Sat and Sun.
Cocktail lounge serving good food in a fun atmosphere - dinner, lunch, and brunch. Check out the Garage out back for a more casual feel. Patio seating available on lively Brady Street.
33 locals raden deze aan
Hi Hat on Brady
1701 N Arlington PlCocktail lounge serving good food in a fun atmosphere - dinner, lunch, and brunch. Check out the Garage out back for a more casual feel. Patio seating available on lively Brady Street.
A larger variety of tasty empanadas in a trendy locale. Outdoor seating available for great people watching on Brady St.
27 locals raden deze aan
La Masa Empanada Bar
1300 East Brady StreetA larger variety of tasty empanadas in a trendy locale. Outdoor seating available for great people watching on Brady St.
Popular sushi spot with great views overlooking the Milwaukee River.
18 locals raden deze aan
Screaming Tuna Milwaukee
106 W Seeboth StPopular sushi spot with great views overlooking the Milwaukee River.
One of the hottest spots in town. Upscale Chinese. Make a reservation for dinner. http://dandanmke.com/
20 locals raden deze aan
DanDan
360 E Erie StOne of the hottest spots in town. Upscale Chinese. Make a reservation for dinner. http://dandanmke.com/
Solid pizza, fun rooftop open air dining in summer. Expansive wine list. Make reservation for large group for dinner. https://pizzamanwi.com/
44 locals raden deze aan
Pizza Man Milwaukee
2060 N Downer AveSolid pizza, fun rooftop open air dining in summer. Expansive wine list. Make reservation for large group for dinner. https://pizzamanwi.com/
Good food, coffee, and drinks in new space, industrial cycle-themed decor. Good for breakfast/brunch and casual lunch and dinner.
24 locals raden deze aan
Fuel Cafe 5th St
630 S 5th StGood food, coffee, and drinks in new space, industrial cycle-themed decor. Good for breakfast/brunch and casual lunch and dinner.
Close by, a little bit of everything — grab morning bagels or bakery, have a casual lunch or dinner, a drink at the bar, or grab charcuterie and sausage from the butcher shop. https://birchandbutcher.com/
17 locals raden deze aan
Birch + Butcher
459 E Pleasant StClose by, a little bit of everything — grab morning bagels or bakery, have a casual lunch or dinner, a drink at the bar, or grab charcuterie and sausage from the butcher shop. https://birchandbutcher.com/
Parks & Nature
Lake Park... trails, rugby, frisbee, biking, picnicking, eating, exercising, people watching.
47 locals raden deze aan
Lake Park
2975 N Lake Park RdLake Park... trails, rugby, frisbee, biking, picnicking, eating, exercising, people watching.
Friends of Lakeshore State Park
500 N Harbor DrTrails with downtown and lake view.
Hiking and biking trails along the Milwaukee River and Oak Leaf Trail. Also has disc golf course and beer garden.
18 locals raden deze aan
Estabrook Park
Hiking and biking trails along the Milwaukee River and Oak Leaf Trail. Also has disc golf course and beer garden.
One of the many interconnected parks along the lake shore. Here you can find a man-made lagoon with paddleboats for rent.
48 locals raden deze aan
Veterans Park
One of the many interconnected parks along the lake shore. Here you can find a man-made lagoon with paddleboats for rent.
Yeah, we've got a great beach, complete with volleyball, food, and beverages. Also fun events and parties: http://www.bradfordbeachmke.com/main.html
163 locals raden deze aan
Bradford Beach
2400 N Lincoln Memorial DrYeah, we've got a great beach, complete with volleyball, food, and beverages. Also fun events and parties: http://www.bradfordbeachmke.com/main.html
A 108-mile paved mixed use recreational trail. Hook up with a section of the trail in under a mile from the house.
Oak Leaf Trail
Oak Leaf TrailA 108-mile paved mixed use recreational trail. Hook up with a section of the trail in under a mile from the house.
Essentials
Nearest grocery. Like a smaller budget-friendly Whole Foods.
40 locals raden deze aan
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
470 E Pleasant StNearest grocery. Like a smaller budget-friendly Whole Foods.
INVIVO
2060 N Humboldt AveWhere we recommend for your yoga and massage needs. http://www.invivowellness.com/
For all your wine needs. Helpful knowledgeable staff who are happy to help select in the $10 range too!
Waterford Wine Co.
2120 N Farwell AveFor all your wine needs. Helpful knowledgeable staff who are happy to help select in the $10 range too!
Whole Foods Market
2305 N Prospect AveShopping
The Third Ward - Good district for unique shopping, trendy eats, art galleries, and historic buildings.
137 locals raden deze aan
Historic Third Ward
The Third Ward - Good district for unique shopping, trendy eats, art galleries, and historic buildings.
Sightseeing
Take a walk along the Riverwalk to check out scenic dining, drinking, and shopping. Don't forget your touristy photo opportunity with the Bronze Fonz - yes, it's a thing.
22 locals raden deze aan
Riverwalk
RiverwalkTake a walk along the Riverwalk to check out scenic dining, drinking, and shopping. Don't forget your touristy photo opportunity with the Bronze Fonz - yes, it's a thing.
Bronze Fonz
North Riverwalk WayPhoto op. Ayyyyyy!
Arts & Culture
Worth a visit for the spectacular architecture and scenery. It's free to walk around the atrium. If interested in art, don't forget to check out the Bradley Collection on the second floor.
398 locals raden deze aan
Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum DrWorth a visit for the spectacular architecture and scenery. It's free to walk around the atrium. If interested in art, don't forget to check out the Bradley Collection on the second floor.
Even if you don't ride, it's an interesting look at Milwaukee history and the culture of one of America's most iconic brands.
208 locals raden deze aan
Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W Canal StEven if you don't ride, it's an interesting look at Milwaukee history and the culture of one of America's most iconic brands.