J&R's Guidebook for Milwaukee
Drinks
Milwaukee’s biggest and most established craft brewer with a great assortment (including Gluten Free beers), fun tours, and a full menu (including a great Friday Fish Fry!) in their tap room.
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Lakefront Bryggeri
1872 N Commerce StMilwaukee’s biggest and most established craft brewer with a great assortment (including Gluten Free beers), fun tours, and a full menu (including a great Friday Fish Fry!) in their tap room.
While they also have an ale house on the river in the Third Ward, this location is the newest and biggest – and next door to the historic Pabst complex (also check out the restored Pabst Brewery and Taproom on Juneau St!). There’s a full menu, tables outside, and great range of beers.
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Milwaukee Brewing Co.
823 S 2nd StWhile they also have an ale house on the river in the Third Ward, this location is the newest and biggest – and next door to the historic Pabst complex (also check out the restored Pabst Brewery and Taproom on Juneau St!). There’s a full menu, tables outside, and great range of beers.
From vodka to whiskey to absinthe, this distillery makes everything in house and will mix you a delicious cocktail.
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Great Lakes Distillery
616 W Virginia StFrom vodka to whiskey to absinthe, this distillery makes everything in house and will mix you a delicious cocktail.
Our local go-to just a couple blocks from our house, Burnhearts has been named one of the best beer bars in the country. But it’s not just for beer: check out their cocktails, including Milwaukee classics like the Brandy Old Fashioned.
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Burnhearts
2599 S Logan AveOur local go-to just a couple blocks from our house, Burnhearts has been named one of the best beer bars in the country. But it’s not just for beer: check out their cocktails, including Milwaukee classics like the Brandy Old Fashioned.
A Milwaukee institution, At Random opened in 1964… and it’s exactly the same today as it was then. Dim red lights. Deep booths. Ice cream drinks. Frank Sinatra. It’s an experience not to be missed.
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At Random
2501 S Delaware AveA Milwaukee institution, At Random opened in 1964… and it’s exactly the same today as it was then. Dim red lights. Deep booths. Ice cream drinks. Frank Sinatra. It’s an experience not to be missed.
A smaller brewery that exclusively focuses on “slow beer” – beers that they brew elsewhere but then barrel age for anywhere from a few months to a few years. Like unique and different beers? Come here and pick up a few bottles to take home.
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1840 Brewing Company
342 E Ward StA smaller brewery that exclusively focuses on “slow beer” – beers that they brew elsewhere but then barrel age for anywhere from a few months to a few years. Like unique and different beers? Come here and pick up a few bottles to take home.
A unique beer venue, Mobcraft is a crowdsourced brewery where the people decide what’s brewed. Yes – you can submit a recipe and have the interwebs vote for it! They’ve got a great line up of brews and you can also order some snacks while playing one of their many board games.
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MobCraft Beer Brewery and Taproom
505 S 5th StA unique beer venue, Mobcraft is a crowdsourced brewery where the people decide what’s brewed. Yes – you can submit a recipe and have the interwebs vote for it! They’ve got a great line up of brews and you can also order some snacks while playing one of their many board games.
Not only do we love Good City’s brews, but we also love their motto: Seek the Good.
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Good City Brewing
2108 N Farwell AveNot only do we love Good City’s brews, but we also love their motto: Seek the Good.
New to the Milwaukee beer scene, Hacienda is the cooler/experimental cousin of the Door County Brewing Co. Good beers in a really well-designed setting. It's near the Oriental Theater if you want to make a date night of drinks and a movie!
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Hacienda Beer Co North Ave Taproom
2018 E North AveNew to the Milwaukee beer scene, Hacienda is the cooler/experimental cousin of the Door County Brewing Co. Good beers in a really well-designed setting. It's near the Oriental Theater if you want to make a date night of drinks and a movie!
Housed in a large renovated warehouse, you can’t go wrong with the brews at Enlightened. Bonus: it's leisurely 10-15 minute walk from our house and there's a foosball and pool table.
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Enlightened Brewing Company
2020 S Allis StHoused in a large renovated warehouse, you can’t go wrong with the brews at Enlightened. Bonus: it's leisurely 10-15 minute walk from our house and there's a foosball and pool table.
Located in the once-industrial (now semi-industrial on its way to being totally redeveloped) Harbor District, the Cooperage makes a mean cocktail, has a good selection of local beers, and – BONUS – there’s outdoor space by the river with yummy treats from the Taco Moto truck. Also check out what concerts/events they're hosting.
The Cooperage Milwaukee
822 S Water StLocated in the once-industrial (now semi-industrial on its way to being totally redeveloped) Harbor District, the Cooperage makes a mean cocktail, has a good selection of local beers, and – BONUS – there’s outdoor space by the river with yummy treats from the Taco Moto truck. Also check out what concerts/events they're hosting.
Museums
A stunning building designed by Santiago Calatrava (Visitors from NYC – you’ll recognize the similarities with his design of the Fulton Street transit hub… but Milwaukee was first!), the Art Museum houses an impressive collection and is perched right above the lakeshore. It’s one of our favorite places to take out of towners.
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Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum DrA stunning building designed by Santiago Calatrava (Visitors from NYC – you’ll recognize the similarities with his design of the Fulton Street transit hub… but Milwaukee was first!), the Art Museum houses an impressive collection and is perched right above the lakeshore. It’s one of our favorite places to take out of towners.
One of Milwaukee's gorgeous lakeside mansions, this one has been preserved as a museum and art museum. Bonus - the terrace and the gardens are beautiful and provide sweeping views of the lake.
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Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum
2220 N Terrace AveOne of Milwaukee's gorgeous lakeside mansions, this one has been preserved as a museum and art museum. Bonus - the terrace and the gardens are beautiful and provide sweeping views of the lake.
We're not even big motorcycle aficionados - but this is a really great museum that combines history, design, and... well, motorcycles.
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Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W Canal StWe're not even big motorcycle aficionados - but this is a really great museum that combines history, design, and... well, motorcycles.
Shopping
Plants. Textiles. Handcrafted goodies. Ursa is our default local shop since it’s basically what we’d want a store to be if we ever opened one. (Other fun facts: 1. Ursa is literally around the corner from our house, and 2. it got a shout out in Vogue magazine’s recent profile of Milwaukee.)
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URSA
2534 S Kinnickinnic AvePlants. Textiles. Handcrafted goodies. Ursa is our default local shop since it’s basically what we’d want a store to be if we ever opened one. (Other fun facts: 1. Ursa is literally around the corner from our house, and 2. it got a shout out in Vogue magazine’s recent profile of Milwaukee.)
The one stop shop for all your Milwaukee-made gifts and goodies. Jewelry. Home decor. T-shirts/sweatshirts. All sorts of fun knick knacks you never knew you needed.
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The Waxwing
The one stop shop for all your Milwaukee-made gifts and goodies. Jewelry. Home decor. T-shirts/sweatshirts. All sorts of fun knick knacks you never knew you needed.
Another great store full of Milwaukee- and Wisconsin-made goodies. Bonus - it's only a couple blocks from our house.
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Sparrow Collective
2224 S Kinnickinnic AveAnother great store full of Milwaukee- and Wisconsin-made goodies. Bonus - it's only a couple blocks from our house.
A beautifully curated store of mostly home decor that mixes the new and handmade with vintage and unique.
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Orange and Blue Co.
1809 N Hubbard StA beautifully curated store of mostly home decor that mixes the new and handmade with vintage and unique.
There are a ton of antique stores in Milwaukee, but we’re partial to Clinton Street Antiques as it's well curated and well priced.
Clinton Street Antiques
1110 S 1st StThere are a ton of antique stores in Milwaukee, but we’re partial to Clinton Street Antiques as it's well curated and well priced.
We love Brew City Salvage for their great collection of midcentury goodies. If you're lucky, you'll be here on one of the weekends that they have big sales.
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Brew City Salvage
524 W National AveWe love Brew City Salvage for their great collection of midcentury goodies. If you're lucky, you'll be here on one of the weekends that they have big sales.
Literally down the block! Such a great mid-century shop with a friendly owner and great selection of finds.
Mid-century Meow
4235 S Howell AveLiterally down the block! Such a great mid-century shop with a friendly owner and great selection of finds.
Entertainment, Activities, Sightseeing
Milwaukee has a deep-seeded love of bowling. Why? We’re not sure… but it sure does make for a fun evening. Looking for something truly unique? Go to Koz’s mini bowl – it’s a classic corner bar with a twist: four miniature lanes where high schoolers manually set up your pins. It’s way fun.
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Koz's Mini Bowling
2078 S 7th StMilwaukee has a deep-seeded love of bowling. Why? We’re not sure… but it sure does make for a fun evening. Looking for something truly unique? Go to Koz’s mini bowl – it’s a classic corner bar with a twist: four miniature lanes where high schoolers manually set up your pins. It’s way fun.
A few blocks from the house, Bay View Bowl is a good ole classic bowling lane with a bar and arcade games.
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Bayview Bowl
2416 S Kinnickinnic AveA few blocks from the house, Bay View Bowl is a good ole classic bowling lane with a bar and arcade games.
The most gorgeous historic theatre we have ever seen anywhere, the Oriental strikes a perfect balance of blockbusters, independent standouts, and - yes - midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture show. As a bonus, it's run by one of our favorite local nonprofits, Milwaukee Film, which also organizes and runs the really stellar MKE Film Festival.
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Oriental Theater
2230 N Farwell AveThe most gorgeous historic theatre we have ever seen anywhere, the Oriental strikes a perfect balance of blockbusters, independent standouts, and - yes - midnight showings of Rocky Horror Picture show. As a bonus, it's run by one of our favorite local nonprofits, Milwaukee Film, which also organizes and runs the really stellar MKE Film Festival.
A few blocks from the house, the Avalon's main theater is a wonderful place to watch a movie. Not only can you have food and drink delivered to your seats, you're seated below a starry ceiling that sparkles. No, really.
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Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic AveA few blocks from the house, the Avalon's main theater is a wonderful place to watch a movie. Not only can you have food and drink delivered to your seats, you're seated below a starry ceiling that sparkles. No, really.
AXE MKE
1924 E Kenilworth PlThrow axes and drink! A perfect combination, right?
NorthSouth Club
230 E Pittsburgh AveAxe throwing and shuffle board? Yes, please.
Parks & Nature
An amazing view of Lake Michigan with a big sandy beach? Check. The water temp might be chilly... but it's a great place to spend a sunny day. Bonus - drive up and down Lake Drive and daydream about all the lakeside mansions.
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Atwater Park
4000 N Lake DrAn amazing view of Lake Michigan with a big sandy beach? Check. The water temp might be chilly... but it's a great place to spend a sunny day. Bonus - drive up and down Lake Drive and daydream about all the lakeside mansions.
The Seven Bridges trail in Grant Park that takes you through the woods and to a beautiful stretch of lake shore that makes you feel like you're a million miles away from civilization.
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Grant Park Beach
The Seven Bridges trail in Grant Park that takes you through the woods and to a beautiful stretch of lake shore that makes you feel like you're a million miles away from civilization.
An amazing little peninsula that juts out from downtown, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by native plants and beautiful Lake Michigan. A great place to add on to your lakeside run or bike ride.
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Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, WI
500 N Harbor DrAn amazing little peninsula that juts out from downtown, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by native plants and beautiful Lake Michigan. A great place to add on to your lakeside run or bike ride.
About a 45-50 minute drive north of Milwaukee, this state park is gorgeous with hiking trails through sand dunes along Lake Michigan.
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Kohler-Andrae State Park
1020 Beach Park LnAbout a 45-50 minute drive north of Milwaukee, this state park is gorgeous with hiking trails through sand dunes along Lake Michigan.
Our go to park that's a leisurely walk from the house. And there's a beer garden! Definitely check out their Saturday Farmers Market that runs from the spring to the fall! (Fun fact: our wedding was at the pavilion here.)
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South Shore Park
2900 S Shore DrOur go to park that's a leisurely walk from the house. And there's a beer garden! Definitely check out their Saturday Farmers Market that runs from the spring to the fall! (Fun fact: our wedding was at the pavilion here.)
So close to the house! Lots of trails that take you through the park, around the lagoon, past the band shell (check out Chill on the Hill in the summer!), and to the beer garden.
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Humboldt Park
3000 South Howell AvenueSo close to the house! Lots of trails that take you through the park, around the lagoon, past the band shell (check out Chill on the Hill in the summer!), and to the beer garden.
Food scene
Odd Duck
939 S Kinnickinnic AveDelicious small plates and cocktails – and only a few blocks away.
Crazy good homemade sausages (and other yummy stuff) in a chill, order-at-the-counter bar setting.
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The Vanguard
2659 S Kinnickinnic AveCrazy good homemade sausages (and other yummy stuff) in a chill, order-at-the-counter bar setting.
Get their Salted Caramel. Also, ice cream flights. You’re welcome.
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Purple Door Ice Cream
205 S 2nd StGet their Salted Caramel. Also, ice cream flights. You’re welcome.
This is our favorite restaurant in MKE. Creative, delicious plant-based food (don’t worry, carnivores… you won’t go hungry!) combined with good drinks and great music.
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Strange Town
2101 N Prospect AveThis is our favorite restaurant in MKE. Creative, delicious plant-based food (don’t worry, carnivores… you won’t go hungry!) combined with good drinks and great music.
Our go-to brunch/lunch spot – with the best bloody Marys we’ve found.
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Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery
3216 S Howell AveOur go-to brunch/lunch spot – with the best bloody Marys we’ve found.
Milwaukee’s obsession with frozen custard runs deep, and Kopp’s is arguably the most popular of the various frozen custard institutions (also check out Leon’s, Oscar’s, and Gilles). Check their website for today’s flavors.
Make sure to go hungry since their burgers are also standouts – and named one of the best in the country.
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Kopp's Frozen Custard
5373 N Port Washington RdMilwaukee’s obsession with frozen custard runs deep, and Kopp’s is arguably the most popular of the various frozen custard institutions (also check out Leon’s, Oscar’s, and Gilles). Check their website for today’s flavors.
Make sure to go hungry since their burgers are also standouts – and named one of the best in the country.
Like to share small plates? Come here for delicious tapas that are globally inspired. From Indonesian Sambal Goreng Udang to Spanish Patatas Bravas to Colombian empanadas, you’ll find it here. Bonus: they have a nice courtyard/outdoor space when it’s nice outside!
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La Merenda
125 East National Avenue
Like to share small plates? Come here for delicious tapas that are globally inspired. From Indonesian Sambal Goreng Udang to Spanish Patatas Bravas to Colombian empanadas, you’ll find it here. Bonus: they have a nice courtyard/outdoor space when it’s nice outside!
This is the stuff of Milwaukee legend. It’s an old school supper club which means you’ll start with a cocktail at the bar and then move to your table where a salad, bread, and relish platter will be waiting… but that’s just the precursor to giant, delicious steaks. Bring your appetite and your wallet. Reservations are required so call ahead.
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Five O'Clock Steakhouse
2416 W State St
This is the stuff of Milwaukee legend. It’s an old school supper club which means you’ll start with a cocktail at the bar and then move to your table where a salad, bread, and relish platter will be waiting… but that’s just the precursor to giant, delicious steaks. Bring your appetite and your wallet. Reservations are required so call ahead.
Located near Miller Park in an otherwise pretty residential neighborhood, Story Hill is a staple for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They source local ingredients and, frankly, you can’t go wrong coming here. There’s also a great beer and wine shop on site.
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Story Hill BKC
5100 W Bluemound RdLocated near Miller Park in an otherwise pretty residential neighborhood, Story Hill is a staple for brunch, lunch, and dinner. They source local ingredients and, frankly, you can’t go wrong coming here. There’s also a great beer and wine shop on site.
Lazy Susan MKE
2378 S Howell AveA neighborhood institution with reliably yummy food and drinks.
Three words: Friday Fish Fry. If you didn't already know, the Friday Fish Fry is a thing in Milwaukee - literally every restaurant has one but we really enjoy this pub tucked downtown. Be prepared to wait - it gets busy.
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Swingin' Door Exchange
219 E Michigan StThree words: Friday Fish Fry. If you didn't already know, the Friday Fish Fry is a thing in Milwaukee - literally every restaurant has one but we really enjoy this pub tucked downtown. Be prepared to wait - it gets busy.
A modern and delicious take on comfort food, we love that Tandem not only serves up yumminess but is also committed to hiring and training residents from the surrounding neighborhood.
Tandem
1848 W Fond Du Lac AveA modern and delicious take on comfort food, we love that Tandem not only serves up yumminess but is also committed to hiring and training residents from the surrounding neighborhood.
As their name suggests, Honeypie has some great pie - but they also have great Midwest-inspired comfort foods served all day, and they source from local providers as much as possible.
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Honeypie
2569 S Kinnickinnic AveAs their name suggests, Honeypie has some great pie - but they also have great Midwest-inspired comfort foods served all day, and they source from local providers as much as possible.