Paul & Sandy's Guidebook
Breweries
We all know about Miller and the beer history of Milwaukee, but the micro and craft scene is thriving as well. Here are some of our favorites.
The most popular local craft brewery with fun tours, and a large food hall with exciting traditional Friday fish fry. Book ahead for tours — they book up, especially on the weekends. Great patio seating on the river in the summer. Less than a mile away, about 15 minute walk through Brewer's Hill neighborhood. On Saturdays from 2–7 take the FREE Riverwest neigborhood brewery shuttle loop to four more breweries!
224 moradores locais recomendam
Cervejaria Lakefront
1872 N Commerce StThe most popular local craft brewery with fun tours, and a large food hall with exciting traditional Friday fish fry. Book ahead for tours — they book up, especially on the weekends. Great patio seating on the river in the summer. Less than a mile away, about 15 minute walk through Brewer's Hill neighborhood. On Saturdays from 2–7 take the FREE Riverwest neigborhood brewery shuttle loop to four more breweries!
My favorite craft brewery in town — serving hoppy, hazy, and juicy IPA's to fruity sours and slushes. Always busy on the weekends from open to close. Has a nice outdoor patio area in the summer. Family friendly during the day.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Eagle Park Brewing Company
823 E Hamilton StMy favorite craft brewery in town — serving hoppy, hazy, and juicy IPA's to fruity sours and slushes. Always busy on the weekends from open to close. Has a nice outdoor patio area in the summer. Family friendly during the day.
Spacious tap room with good brew and really good food. Outdoor sidewalk seating good for people watching on busy East North Ave.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Hacienda Beer Co North Ave Taproom
2018 E North AveSpacious tap room with good brew and really good food. Outdoor sidewalk seating good for people watching on busy East North Ave.
Interesting taps with a Northwoods vibe and seasonal patio in the funky Riverwest neighborhood. Try a Sproose Double IPA, brewed with locally harvested spruce tips. Part of the FREE Riverwest Brewery Shuttle loop on Saturdays from 2–7.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Cervejaria Black Husky
909 E Locust StInteresting taps with a Northwoods vibe and seasonal patio in the funky Riverwest neighborhood. Try a Sproose Double IPA, brewed with locally harvested spruce tips. Part of the FREE Riverwest Brewery Shuttle loop on Saturdays from 2–7.
An East Side location with spacious, cozy tap room with good food and rooftop deck in summer — and a newer location in the Downtown entertainment district near the Bucks arena.
32 moradores locais recomendam
Good City Brewing
2108 N Farwell AveAn East Side location with spacious, cozy tap room with good food and rooftop deck in summer — and a newer location in the Downtown entertainment district near the Bucks arena.
Large tap room and seating space that includes indoor bag toss. Outdoor and open seating in summer months as well.
25 moradores locais recomendam
Third Space Brewing
1505 W St Paul AveLarge tap room and seating space that includes indoor bag toss. Outdoor and open seating in summer months as well.
The Best Place is part of a larger complex that is the historic Pabst Brewery. If you're interested in brewing history they give a great tour. Also a great place to buy your Pabst or retro beer related swag. Get taps of beer here and check out the nearby Pabst Brewery and Taproom.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
917 W Juneau AveThe Best Place is part of a larger complex that is the historic Pabst Brewery. If you're interested in brewing history they give a great tour. Also a great place to buy your Pabst or retro beer related swag. Get taps of beer here and check out the nearby Pabst Brewery and Taproom.
Our neighbors, just a 5 minute walk down the street! A cool craft brewery with great vintage arcade games and vegan eats. Nice outdoor seating in summer.
Dead Bird Brewing
1726 N 5th StOur neighbors, just a 5 minute walk down the street! A cool craft brewery with great vintage arcade games and vegan eats. Nice outdoor seating in summer.
One of Wisconsin's best craft breweries has this tap room in the historic Brewery District. Spacious interior and a patio with a couple heaters open year round.
Central Waters Brewing Co.
One of Wisconsin's best craft breweries has this tap room in the historic Brewery District. Spacious interior and a patio with a couple heaters open year round.
Bar Scene
There is no shortage of bars in a city that seems to revolve around the beer scene and a drinking culture. There is something for everyone, from swanky craft cocktails to countless dive bars. Here are some of the more unique standouts.
Upscale cocktails with a great view of the city on the Kimpton Journeyman rooftop.
27 moradores locais recomendam
The Outsider
310 E Chicago StUpscale cocktails with a great view of the city on the Kimpton Journeyman rooftop.
Upscale lounge in downtown's historic Pfister Hotel with the best views in the city from the 23rd floor and live music on the weekends.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Blu
424 E Wisconsin AveUpscale lounge in downtown's historic Pfister Hotel with the best views in the city from the 23rd floor and live music on the weekends.
Dark, retro, old school joint that specializes in any frozen cocktail you can imagine. You have to experience it to understand. It's a Milwaukee favorite.
49 moradores locais recomendam
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
1579 S 9th StDark, retro, old school joint that specializes in any frozen cocktail you can imagine. You have to experience it to understand. It's a Milwaukee favorite.
Another favorite Milwaukee hangout, similar to Bryant's with that dark and retro loungy feel, specializing in classic cocktails and ice cream drinks. Try any Wisconsin classic like a Brandy Old Fashioned or Brandy Alexander.
47 moradores locais recomendam
At Random
2501 S Delaware AveAnother favorite Milwaukee hangout, similar to Bryant's with that dark and retro loungy feel, specializing in classic cocktails and ice cream drinks. Try any Wisconsin classic like a Brandy Old Fashioned or Brandy Alexander.
Yes, locals call it "Victim's" but it is the best place to people watch on the weekends from the comfort of large black booths under the year-round Christmas lights. It's the only place you'll find your grandpa on the dancefloor with the bachelorette party, the motorcycle gang, your suburban aunt, and the well dressed men that came from the Bucks game. Trust me and join the party already.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Victor's
1230 N Van Buren StYes, locals call it "Victim's" but it is the best place to people watch on the weekends from the comfort of large black booths under the year-round Christmas lights. It's the only place you'll find your grandpa on the dancefloor with the bachelorette party, the motorcycle gang, your suburban aunt, and the well dressed men that came from the Bucks game. Trust me and join the party already.
All the Milwaukee German character you can imagine and more. It's a cozy space where you can get tap beer, specialty cocktails, and the best hot toddy's in town. Nice "hidden" outdoor beer garden in summer.
27 moradores locais recomendam
Von Trier
2235 N Farwell AveAll the Milwaukee German character you can imagine and more. It's a cozy space where you can get tap beer, specialty cocktails, and the best hot toddy's in town. Nice "hidden" outdoor beer garden in summer.
A favorite local dive bar with pool tables, metal tip dart boards, and free popcorn. Stay to the end and get the famous "I CLOSED WOLSKI'S" sticker on your way out the door.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Wolski's Tavern
1836 N Pulaski StA favorite local dive bar with pool tables, metal tip dart boards, and free popcorn. Stay to the end and get the famous "I CLOSED WOLSKI'S" sticker on your way out the door.
A super cool tiki bar with an extensive list of tropical drinks — it consistently ranks on critics' top-10 lists of best tiki bars in the WORLD.
39 moradores locais recomendam
The Foundation Bar
2718 N Bremen StA super cool tiki bar with an extensive list of tropical drinks — it consistently ranks on critics' top-10 lists of best tiki bars in the WORLD.
If you want to dance, but you're not into the trendy club scene, the Friday Night Retro Dance Party at Mad Planet might be for you, when the DJ plays "alternative" hits from the 80's, 90's, and 00's. It's a bit grungy, as it should be, and go late — start with cocktails at Foundation Tiki Bar and Company Brewing.
18 moradores locais recomendam
Mad Planet
533 E Center StIf you want to dance, but you're not into the trendy club scene, the Friday Night Retro Dance Party at Mad Planet might be for you, when the DJ plays "alternative" hits from the 80's, 90's, and 00's. It's a bit grungy, as it should be, and go late — start with cocktails at Foundation Tiki Bar and Company Brewing.
Neighborhoods
Eclectic neighborhood revolving around the bar, restaurant, and (still some) small funky shopping scene on Brady Street. Be sure to hit up Glorioso's deli. Some of the best hidden gem dive bars can be found among the residential spaces on and off Brady... Regano's Roman Coin, Jamo's, Thurman's, Wolski's, and The Standard. Check out the Nomad for live soccer/football.
36 moradores locais recomendam
East Brady Street
East Brady StreetEclectic neighborhood revolving around the bar, restaurant, and (still some) small funky shopping scene on Brady Street. Be sure to hit up Glorioso's deli. Some of the best hidden gem dive bars can be found among the residential spaces on and off Brady... Regano's Roman Coin, Jamo's, Thurman's, Wolski's, and The Standard. Check out the Nomad for live soccer/football.
Plenty to do and see including the Milwaukee Public Market, art galleries, boutique shopping, upscale and mid-range bars, restaurants, and cafes.
137 moradores locais recomendam
Historic Third Ward
Plenty to do and see including the Milwaukee Public Market, art galleries, boutique shopping, upscale and mid-range bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The current hipster-ish scene that delivers funky shops and some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.
46 moradores locais recomendam
Bay View
The current hipster-ish scene that delivers funky shops and some of the best bars and restaurants in the city.
Another neighborhood with a string of bars, breweries, and eateries. Try Von Trier for cocktails and German bier, Hacienda Tap Room for craft beer, Crossroads Collective for great food hall dining options, Beans and Barley for casual dining and market, and Hooligan's for the most coveted street seating on a nice day.
East North Avenue
East North AvenueAnother neighborhood with a string of bars, breweries, and eateries. Try Von Trier for cocktails and German bier, Hacienda Tap Room for craft beer, Crossroads Collective for great food hall dining options, Beans and Barley for casual dining and market, and Hooligan's for the most coveted street seating on a nice day.
An eclectic and diverse neighborhood with some really interesting bars (Foundation Tiki Bar), restaurants (Cafe Centro, Riverwest Pizza), and breweries (Black Husky, Company Brewing).
24 moradores locais recomendam
Riverwest
An eclectic and diverse neighborhood with some really interesting bars (Foundation Tiki Bar), restaurants (Cafe Centro, Riverwest Pizza), and breweries (Black Husky, Company Brewing).
The oldest neighborhood in Milwaukee, it retains much of its original appearance. Zocolo Food Truck Park is a highlight for food, dessert, and drinks. Good restaurants and bars are too many to name, and it's home to the highest density of inclusive and diverse LGBTQ+ nightlife hot spots.
Walker's Point
The oldest neighborhood in Milwaukee, it retains much of its original appearance. Zocolo Food Truck Park is a highlight for food, dessert, and drinks. Good restaurants and bars are too many to name, and it's home to the highest density of inclusive and diverse LGBTQ+ nightlife hot spots.
Sightseeing
A hop, skip, and a jump to get there — take a leisurely stroll along the Milwaukee River south toward Downtown and the Third Ward, or head north toward parks and the East Side. Don't forget to take a selfie with the Bronze Fonz, paying homage to the sitcom set in Milwaukee in the 1950's. Also a great running route if you need to work off those beer calories.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Riverwalk
RiverwalkA hop, skip, and a jump to get there — take a leisurely stroll along the Milwaukee River south toward Downtown and the Third Ward, or head north toward parks and the East Side. Don't forget to take a selfie with the Bronze Fonz, paying homage to the sitcom set in Milwaukee in the 1950's. Also a great running route if you need to work off those beer calories.
Part of the vast green space along the beautiful Lake Michigan coast with a small beach, marina, and a long pier for great city views.
McKinley Park
1750 N Lincoln Memorial DrPart of the vast green space along the beautiful Lake Michigan coast with a small beach, marina, and a long pier for great city views.
You probably don't think of beach when you think of Milwaukee, but we have a great beach scene. Play volleyball, grab something from the grill, drink at the tiki bar, and lounge in the sun and sand.
163 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Bradford
2400 N Lincoln Memorial DrYou probably don't think of beach when you think of Milwaukee, but we have a great beach scene. Play volleyball, grab something from the grill, drink at the tiki bar, and lounge in the sun and sand.
A beautiful lakefront park with accessible paved trails that link to the other lakefront parks.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, WI
500 N Harbor DrA beautiful lakefront park with accessible paved trails that link to the other lakefront parks.
Part of the large lakefront green space — rent kites, rent paddleboats in the lagoon, have a walk, a picnic, or bring a frisbee.
Veterans Park
Part of the large lakefront green space — rent kites, rent paddleboats in the lagoon, have a walk, a picnic, or bring a frisbee.
Kids and Families
A fun place for kids who like to explore science and technology with hands-on activities and displays.
123 moradores locais recomendam
Discovery World
500 N Harbor DrA fun place for kids who like to explore science and technology with hands-on activities and displays.
A Children's Museum aimed at younger ages.
58 moradores locais recomendam
Betty Brinn Children's Museum
929 E Wisconsin AveA Children's Museum aimed at younger ages.
Lions, and tigers and bears! And monkeys and penguins and hippos and so much more! http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/
118 moradores locais recomendam
Zoológico do Condado de Milwaukee
10001 W Bluemound RdLions, and tigers and bears! And monkeys and penguins and hippos and so much more! http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/
Better known locally as "the Domes," explore a desert, a tropical jungle, and floral gardens in one place.
12 moradores locais recomendam
Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
524 South Layton BoulevardBetter known locally as "the Domes," explore a desert, a tropical jungle, and floral gardens in one place.
A favorite of my nieces and nephews — natural history, dinosaur bones, a butterfly room, planetarium, historic streets of Milwaukee and more. http://www.mpm.edu/
151 moradores locais recomendam
Museu Público de Milwaukee
800 W Wells StA favorite of my nieces and nephews — natural history, dinosaur bones, a butterfly room, planetarium, historic streets of Milwaukee and more. http://www.mpm.edu/
Sip on some great coffee and watch your cat-friendly kids play with and feed the kitties, all up for adoption. *Visit website for more info before you go. https://www.sipandpurr.com/
11 moradores locais recomendam
Sip & Purr Cat Café
833 E Ivanhoe PlSip on some great coffee and watch your cat-friendly kids play with and feed the kitties, all up for adoption. *Visit website for more info before you go. https://www.sipandpurr.com/
This is Milwaukee — of course there is a great place to get Bavarian style beer and giant pretzels while the kids play in the playground on this nice expansive river-side park. You can also bring a picnic basket and soft drinks. http://www.estabrookbeergarden.com/
35 moradores locais recomendam
Estabrook Beer Garden
4600 Estabrook ParkwayThis is Milwaukee — of course there is a great place to get Bavarian style beer and giant pretzels while the kids play in the playground on this nice expansive river-side park. You can also bring a picnic basket and soft drinks. http://www.estabrookbeergarden.com/
It's a cafe and bar (parents!) but mostly a large gaming and hangout space. Picture things like a giant Operation game table alongside classic game tables like billiards and foosball, plus classic and novelty board and card games. There's also snacks, loaded waffles, and bakery. All ages welcome.
Hangout MKE Cafe & Lounge Co.
1819 N Farwell AveIt's a cafe and bar (parents!) but mostly a large gaming and hangout space. Picture things like a giant Operation game table alongside classic game tables like billiards and foosball, plus classic and novelty board and card games. There's also snacks, loaded waffles, and bakery. All ages welcome.
A really fun store to take kids and let them explore. They have everything from robot parts to art supplies to rubber chickens — countless useful tools and novelty items.
American Science and Surplus
6901 W Oklahoma AveA really fun store to take kids and let them explore. They have everything from robot parts to art supplies to rubber chickens — countless useful tools and novelty items.
Breakfast and Brunch
My personal favorite breakfast and brunch places in the city, focusing on places that can accommodate big groups.
We really enjoyed our weekend brunch here — the food was top notch and it was not too busy and a lot of space. Plus, there's the bonus of all those beers to go with your brunch booze. A potential for some easy-going live music as well.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Hacienda Beer Co North Ave Taproom
2018 E North AveWe really enjoyed our weekend brunch here — the food was top notch and it was not too busy and a lot of space. Plus, there's the bonus of all those beers to go with your brunch booze. A potential for some easy-going live music as well.
Best bagel sandwiches in town! Probably a tight squeeze for seating a large group, but great for takeout too.
7 moradores locais recomendam
Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette
135 E National AveBest bagel sandwiches in town! Probably a tight squeeze for seating a large group, but great for takeout too.
Large interior with modern industrial vibe. Extensive menu from benedicts to burgers and boozy breakfast beverages.
24 moradores locais recomendam
Fuel Cafe 5th St
630 S 5th StLarge interior with modern industrial vibe. Extensive menu from benedicts to burgers and boozy breakfast beverages.
Crepes, avocado toast, eggs, and the basics. Call in advance to book your group.
35 moradores locais recomendam
Story Hill BKC
5100 W Bluemound RdCrepes, avocado toast, eggs, and the basics. Call in advance to book your group.
If you're a fan of ridiculous Bloody Mary's, this is the place for you. This burger joint serves up classic Bloody's and super doctored up Bloody's that include sliders and a whole fried chicken. Reserve your large group online or give them a call. (I'm not sure why this title says Chicago — trust me, it's in Milwaukee.)
39 moradores locais recomendam
Sobelman's Chicago
1900 W St Paul AveIf you're a fan of ridiculous Bloody Mary's, this is the place for you. This burger joint serves up classic Bloody's and super doctored up Bloody's that include sliders and a whole fried chicken. Reserve your large group online or give them a call. (I'm not sure why this title says Chicago — trust me, it's in Milwaukee.)
Food Scene for Large (and Small) Groups and Families
Below is a list of a few Milwaukee favorites, with a focus on places that will please a whole crowd.
(If you want specific recommendations for your event or your personal tastes, please contact us!)
A local food hall sure to please everyone with a group of eclectic food vendors and a bar.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Crossroads Collective
2238 N Farwell AveA local food hall sure to please everyone with a group of eclectic food vendors and a bar.
A food truck park with outdoor common areas and a bar with indoor seating as well. Mazorca tacos are great and Ruby's Bagels are the best in the city. Check website for hours and vendor menus.
28 moradores locais recomendam
Zócalo Food Park
636 S 6th StA food truck park with outdoor common areas and a bar with indoor seating as well. Mazorca tacos are great and Ruby's Bagels are the best in the city. Check website for hours and vendor menus.
Milwaukeeans all have their custard preferences, and we say Kopp's is the Cadillac of custard. And they have one of the tastiest burgers in the city as well. A pro will order ahead — on busy days you will wait. There isn't really indoor seating, but there is outdoor park space or just grab takeout. Check for the Flavors of the Day online.
51 moradores locais recomendam
Kopp's Frozen Custard
5373 N Port Washington RdMilwaukeeans all have their custard preferences, and we say Kopp's is the Cadillac of custard. And they have one of the tastiest burgers in the city as well. A pro will order ahead — on busy days you will wait. There isn't really indoor seating, but there is outdoor park space or just grab takeout. Check for the Flavors of the Day online.
This dining hall is a new concept for the reinvented downtown mall. There is a variety of food vendors — burgers, pizza, ramen, tacos, etc. — plus a bar and several entertainments spaces where you can play shuffleboard, giant jenga, video games, bags, and other yard games. You can also book a spot at the TopGolf Swing Suite or visit the Selfie Museum.
3rd St. Market Hall
This dining hall is a new concept for the reinvented downtown mall. There is a variety of food vendors — burgers, pizza, ramen, tacos, etc. — plus a bar and several entertainments spaces where you can play shuffleboard, giant jenga, video games, bags, and other yard games. You can also book a spot at the TopGolf Swing Suite or visit the Selfie Museum.
A market with a variety of food stalls, a wine bar, and local vendors — there will be something for everyone. Grab lunch and a souvenir. The place can get busy on weekends. There are extra tables on an upper level and outdoor tables when the weather is nice.
Milwaukee Public Market
A market with a variety of food stalls, a wine bar, and local vendors — there will be something for everyone. Grab lunch and a souvenir. The place can get busy on weekends. There are extra tables on an upper level and outdoor tables when the weather is nice.
A BBQ joint that makes the list for its solid menu, impressive craft beer list, and huge interior with lots of space for a big group.
DOC's Commerce Smokehouse
754 Vel R. Phillips AveA BBQ joint that makes the list for its solid menu, impressive craft beer list, and huge interior with lots of space for a big group.