WAYS TO ENJOY MKE
City Guide
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK NOW
Eleven standout dishes and drinks that need to be on your radar. 10
SHOP ’TIL YA DROP
Explore boutiques, home stores, vintage and more at three of the city’s most hopping areas. 23
NEIGHBORHOOD
BARS
Experience the soul of Milwaukee at these watering holes, steeped in local character. 31
MAKE THE MOST OF MILWAUKEE!
OUR CITY IS AMAZING – from the RiverWalk to the lakeshore to the vibrant neighborhoods that surround Downtown. Whether you’re shopping in the Third Ward, dining in Bay View or just stopping for a beer in Silver City, there are so many ways to fill a day. We put this guide together to help visitors and locals alike enjoy the best this city has to offer. We’ve curated must-try dishes
at Milwaukee’s top restaurants, a guide to neighborhood bars, and a look at shopping destinations.
Of course, Milwaukee has much more than can fit in just one booklet! Visit milwaukeemag.com to check out our weekend events roundups, restaurant reviews, summer festival guides and other coverage. And subscribe to Milwaukee Magazine so that you’ll be up to date each month on what’s happening in and around our city.
Now go out and enjoy Milwaukee!
June 4 – August 27*
Wednesdays | 12pm to 1pm | Red Arrow Park *No concert on August 20
June 5 – August 28*
Thursdays | 12pm to 1pm | 411 East Wisconsin Center *No concert on June 19
What to EATand DRINK NOW
Eleven amazing tastes of the town – from morning crêpes to a luxurious steak dinner worth dressing up for
By Ann Christenson
BREAKFAST
You can’t beat a classic brunch plate like the ALL AMERICAN, with eggs any way you like them, bacon, breakfast potatoes and sourdough toast. It’s simplicity done impeccably at The National Cafe, 839 W. National Ave.
The thin but mighty crêpe is the ideal vessel for many savory fillings – and smoked salmon, dill cream and arugula are particularly divine. The BRUNCHER, topped with pickled red onions, capers, microgreens, and everything bagel seasoning, is a star at Seven Swans Crêperie, 808 E. Chambers St.
LUNCH
KATSUDON is a craveable Japanese dish, a complete charmer featuring a fried, panko-crusted pork cutlet, steamed white rice, dashi and a fried egg. Enjoy it at Todd I Believe I Can Fry, 2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
A good FRENCH ONION
SOUP justifies a bowl’s mere existence. Thick with plump caramelized onions, melted Gruyère and an herb crouton, this decadent creation is homey and satisfying. Order it at Margaux Brasserie, 20107 N. Lord St., Brookfield.
DINNER
Probably no dish served at the fabulous Morel in the Third Ward has had the menu longevity of the SMOKED HAM BISCUIT with honey butter and raw honey. It’s so good, it never leaves. Savory with a deep richness, it speaks the same food language as the rest of the menu, which is defined by house-butchered meats and fresh fish. 430 S. Second St.
Milwaukee loves all kinds of pizza, including this crisp, bready New York-style pie called the CAPRICHOSA, with artichokes, prosciutto and arugula. Find it at Brisa Do Mar, 509 E. Erie St.
…DINNER
A masterpiece we can attribute to French cuisine, TOURNEDOS ROSSINI combines beef filet medallions pan-fried in butter and a generous topping of duck foie gras to make the ultimate savory indulgence. It’s a menu standout at Mason Street Grill, 425 E. Mason St.
DESSERTS
Filled with pistachio cake, raspberry mousse, chocolate mousse and raspberry gelee, the CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY
DOME is exquisite, worth every calorie and artfully created at Le Rêve Patisserie & Café, 7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa.
SCHAUM TORTE is a German delicacy of meringue, berries and cream that’s become the scrumptious staple of Wisconsin nostalgia restaurants such as Joey Gerard’s: A Bartolotta Supper Club, 5601 Broad St., Greendale.
DRINKS
A bloody mary isn’t complete without the accoutrements and lots of them. Feast on this extravagant version of the brunchtime staple – the ABSO-BLOODY-LUTELY , topped with a mini grilled cheese, sausage stick, mozzarella whips and Nueske’s bacon – at West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, 6832 W. Becher St., West Allis.
With its ruffle of cream cheese espuma on top and smooth, fruity cognac base, WALKIN’ IN MILWAUKEE is an elegant, exotic prelude to the gorgeously presented Asian fusion dishes prepared at Room Service, 2159 A2 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
THIRD WARD
By
BRI A N N A S C H UBERT
ya
Shorewood
Just north of the city, Shorewood is brimming with things to do. Find all the goods you need to upgrade your living space or wardrobe along Oakland Avenue, plus charming spots for a glass of wine or a bite to eat.
THE WORKROOM
You’ll find a blend of modern and antique home goods – from vintage paintings, framed prints and heirloom-quality midcentury furniture to lighting and accessories for the kitchen, bath and bedrooms. 4508 N. Oakland Ave., shoptwr.com
BLACK BEAR CHILDREN'S BOUTIQUE
Splurge on cute outfits for your littles at this high-end boutique. Pick up some adorable prints, cozy sweatsuits, dungarees and more. 4312 N. Oakland Ave., blackbearboutique.com
PHOTO:
STONE HOUSE COLLECTIVE
The North Shore-based interior design firm boasts a curated selection of luxe but laid-back furniture and home decor (think new and vintage artwork, picture frames, lamps and assorted objects). 4518 N. Oakland Ave., stonehousecollective.com
OLSON HOUSE
Scandinavian style – and environmental sustainability – are the name of the game at Olson House. The boutique offers Nordic-inspired home accessories, textiles and furniture, all from brands committed to social and ecological responsibility. 4326 N. Oakland Ave., olson-house.com
SNACK ANDSIP
CLOUD RED
Out shopping for the day? End it with dinner at Cloud Red, a neighborhood favorite for scratch-made food and cocktails. 4488 N. Oakland Ave., cloudredmke.com
SCOUT WINE MERCHANTS
Stop here for a great selection of vino curated by a knowledgeable staff. Choose a bottle to go or stay for a glass and a slice of Flourchild pizza. 4512 N. Oakland Ave., scoutwine merchants.com
Third Ward
Once a warehouse district, the Third Ward is now one of the toniest neighborhoods in the city, where you’ll find boutiques and restaurants galore.
THE DISTRICT ROW
A very welcome addition to Milwaukee’s retail scene, this highend women’s boutique is a destination for on-trend designer pieces. And the knowledgeable staff is always eager to help. 249 N. Water St., thedistrictrow.com
UNFINISHED LEGACY
This large, open space feels as much like an art studio as a storefront. The designer brand’s streetwear selection is not to be missed, and you can check out in-shop screen printing on select Saturdays. 201 N. Water St., unfinishedlegacy.co
HARLEYS
A menswear staple in Milwaukee since 1948, Harleys is the place to go for a polished suit as well as a new sweater to wear on the weekend. 244 N. Water St., hhclothingco.com
| milwaukeemag.com
LELA
A mainstay for women’s clothing, Lela’s inventory reflects a balance between trendy and classic. You’ll find a variety of new, gently worn and vintage womenswear. 321 N. Broadway, lelaboutique.com
MILWORKS
It’s no surprise this store is loved in Milwaukee and beyond. In addition to a great assortment of jeans and other menswear, there is also a well-curated array of gifts. 143 N. Broadway, milworks.co
SNACK ANDSIP
THE WICKED HOP
Grab brunch before starting your shopping spree or end your day with dinner and a drink at this Milwaukee staple known for its bloody marys. 345 N. Broadway, thewickedhop.com
THE OUTSIDER
End the day with a cocktail and small bites at this rooftop bar above The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. The indoor/outdoor bar has stunning views of the city year-round. 310 E. Chicago St., journeymanhotel.com
Bay View
South of Downtown, this neighborhood has plenty of personality. It‘s the go-to spot for vintage finds, from midcentury furniture to timeless fashion.
ORMSON SUPPLY
This inviting spot is like visiting a friend’s rec room, filled with an eclectic selection of vinyl, clothing, home decor and framed art, including glass engravings done by owner Caleb Nickel. 2866 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., facebook.com/ ormson.supply
ALIVE AND FINE
You never know what treasures you’re going to stumble upon at Alive and Fine, but that’s part of the fun of shopping its selection of true vintage for kids and adults from the ’40s through the ’90s. 2652 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., instagram.com/ aliveandfinestore
BC MODERN
This amazing midcentury modern furniture and home decor store is only open two days a month (usually the third Saturday and Sunday, but check the schedule), so plan your visit accordingly. 3116 S. Chase Ave., bcmodernmke.com
PLUME
If you prefer vintage that looks on trend and au courant, this is the place. Inside this beautiful pink store, the assortment spans Y2K miniskirts to ’70s maxi dresses. 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., plumemke.com
SNACK ANDSIP
HUNGRY SUMO
Get a maki roll, sashimi or a bowl of ramen to fuel up during your vintage shopping day out. 2663 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., hungrysumosushi bar.com
THE SUGAR MAPLE
Here, you’ll find beer, spirits and kombucha from local brewers and distillers in a fun, chill atmosphere. Be sure to take a look at their website for upcoming pop-ups and events. 441 E. Lincoln Ave., mysugarmaple.com
PHOTO:
Neighborhood BARS
Belly up! Milwaukee is packed with friendly places to wet your whistle.
PHOTOS
The Real Deal
We take our neighborhood bars, some of them affectionately referred to as dives, very seriously here in Milwaukee. And while we love bars of all kinds, we hold these to a particular standard. Here, keeping it real is of utmost importance. So take this checklist with you to the bars that follow and make your own call: Is it authentic?
Someone lives upstairs
CD jukebox
Bartender surprised to see unfamiliar people
Shots (Bonus: Mystery shot!)
Cash only
(“There’s an ATM over there.”)
Crock pots
Lack of light in daytime
Irony free
Knotty pine paneling
That one guy who’s always, always, on the same stool
Carpet, possibly dirty
Unclear if it’s open, or how to get in
Bar dice
Animated light-up sign
Two fixtures in a one-fixture-size bathroom
Pickled eggs (or other weird snacks)
JusT arT’s
181 S. Second St.
This bar lies just a few blocks north of some of the toniest restaurants in Walker’s Point. It’s worn and ramshackle but fun, and the main attraction is 80-year-old, Santa-bearded owner Art Guenther himself, who is unafraid to share his opinions and off-color jokes in banter with regulars and newcomers alike.
34 | milwaukeemag.com
s TR ee T c R awl
zad’S
Up early? Up late? Zad’s opens at 6 a.m., to serve third-shifters and overnight partiers. 438 S. Second St.
walker’S pint
Wisconsin’s last lesbian bar – with a welcoming sports bar vibe – is an anchor in Milwaukee’s “gayborhood.” 818 S. Second St. make i T a secon D
PHOTO: BY TK (SUBJECT)
sTella’ s: a cockTail Dive
746 n. jameS lovell St.
Kitty-corner from the Milwaukee Public Museum is this oasis in a nighttime dead zone Downtown. Stella’s unfussily walks the line between lounge and dive bar, with Francophile posters on the walls, a curtained alcove in back and warm greetings from bartenders.
D own T own, bu T no T fancy
Swingin’ door exchange
This bar dating to 1933 has served generations. Today, get one of the city’s best old fashioneds and a dish with carrots or Brussels sprouts as a delish side. 219 E. Michigan St.
major goolSby’S Grab a beer and a bite before a game at this classic MKE tavern jam-packed with memorabilia. 340 W. Kilbourn Ave.
Dale’s of milwaukee
6132 w. capitol dr.
This lively joint is – wait for it – a clown-and-soup bar. Dale Middleman, who opened it in 1976, built up an impressive collection of clown paintings and knickknacks to decorate his tavern. His family were accomplished soupsmiths, and the recipes endure today in this friendly hub of Milwaukee’s North Side.
| milwaukeemag.com
gard’S
This spot with a vintage lounge feel is known for a Friday fish fry, which is hailed as one of the best in the city. 7170 W. Burleigh St.
walterS’ on north
A nice (but not too nice) hub of East Tosa offers friendly bartenders and a solid burger. 6930 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa DR ink aroun D
PHOTO: BY TK (SUBJECT)
goRDie’s place
2000 e. cora ave., St. franciS
Gordie’s looks like a house on its quiet side street, but for the gorgeous vintage Braumeister neon above the door. Inside are simple pleasures: a horseshoe bar, a few video poker machines, a CD jukebox, Christmas lights year-round and a lot of regulars.
while you'Re Down sou Th...
creed’S foggy dew
It’s inspired by an (actual) Irish pub, but Foggy Dew is the epitome of Milwaukee’s bar culture – friendly and comfortable. 3672 S. Kansas Ave., St. Francis
buSby’S
This tavern began as a stagecoach stop in 1885. Today’s iteration is a laid-back bar with mindful curation of its 24 tap lines, a nice cocktail program and a soft spot for Malört. 3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Jamo’s
1800 n. arlington pl.
mo R e eas T si D e hangou T s
wolSki’S tavern Milwaukee's bestknown bar has 117 years of history – an “I Closed Wolski’s” bumper sticker is literally in our museum – but the darts, boilermakers and good vibes are timeless. 1836 N. Pulaski St.
Scaffidi’S hideout
Friendly bartenders and an eclectic mix of patrons set the tone around the rectangular front bar, but the real action here is around the three pool tables. 1837 N. Humboldt Ave.
Jamison Goll, who owns this place and often tends its bar, knows the importance of ambience. The lights here are abundant but dim, softly illuminating the cedar ceiling and the oil paintings of animals, landscapes and the occasional pinup. “If you ever see a neon light in here, you’ll know I’m dead,” he says. “I hate neon.”
mamie’s bar & gRill
3300 w. national ave.
For 43 years, Mamie’s has been slinging mugs of PBR and High Life in Silver City, but it’s the blues that have made it a name across the city. The live bands it hosts every Friday night contribute to a diverse, engaging clientele: “I get a really wonderful blend of people, all walks of life,” owner Debbie Mickey says.
DR inking T hrough T he near sou T h si D e
oScar’S pub & grill
It’s a good bar here, but the burgers – like the sloppy, chorizo-laced Big O – are legendary. 1712 W. Pierce St.
kochanSki’S concertina beer hall BYO accordion to the Wednesday night polka open jam at this South Side landmark. 1920 S. 37th St.
PHOTO: BY TK (SUBJECT)
HOURS: TUES-SUN 11AM-8PM
The War Memorial Center is Wisconsin’s most visible and enduring tribute to the state’s Veterans. Designed by world-renowned architect Eero Saarinen, it's a statewide hub for remembrance overlooking Lake Michigan.
•POW/MIA Exhibit
•Medal of Honor Exhibit
•WWI & WWII War Posters
•Dog Tag Chandelier
•Virtual POW Cell
•Tap Code Experience
MAP YOUR MILWAUKEE ADVENTURE
Explore Visit Milwaukee’s new digital map. Chart your course through top attractions, restaurants, shops and hotels — all curated to help you plan the perfect visit. From local brews to lakefront views, explore more at MAP.VISITMKE.ORG.