Things To Do
Local Activities
Some activities (museums/walks/tours) we recommend in the area
Oak Leaf Trail
A broad trail system, most being dedicated walking and biking trails protected from automotive traffic. Suggested trails include downtown along the lake extending both north of the War Memorial and south along the lake from South Shore Terrace. Many places listed below, especially the beer gardens, are on or near the Oak Leaf Trail System. See the linked map for routes and recommend comparing to bike trails tab by google maps.
Milwaukee River Walk
Nice spot to walk along the river through the downtown and harbor area, there are restaurants/bars along the way. See the linked map for general routes.
Milwaukee Art Museum
Next to the War Memorial on the lake, on the exterior, marked with beautiful architecture by Santiago Calatrava and inside there are many beautiful art exhibits as well. There is cost for admission.
Bradford Beach
Just north of the War Memorial and Veterans Park, a city-adjacent Lake Michigan beach with tiki bar and volleyball nets. A great spot to lay out and catch some rays or jump in for a swim.
Milwaukee Central Library
Beautiful historic building with nice architecture and multiple levels of books
Miller Valley
Historic Miller Valley is where Miller Brewing got it's start. There is a nice gift shop and honestly the tour is $20/person and worth the money to learn the history and get some beverages along the way.
American Family Field | Brewer's Stadium
The Brewer's baseball stadium is an awesome place to catch an MLB game with great vibes. The fans are known famously to tailgate in the parking lot as if it is a football game. If you are a golfer, consider stopping by the X-golf suite on non-game days or during away games for time on the simulator looking out over the diamond from above.
Local Beer Gardens
Below are some of our favorite beer gardens in the MKE area. Many are near downtown, on the water and on the Oak Leaf Trail System.
War Memorial Beer Garden
Casual beer garden just next to the War Memorial.
South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden
Great view of the city from the south shore, has a nice infrastructure and seating to enjoy beers and shareables after a jaunt by foot or bike on the Oak Leaf Trail extending southward
Estabrook Beer Garden
The original public beer garden in MKE, serving 1 L glass steins in a park alongside a babbling river. A beautiful spot to catch a beer.
Food and Drink
Here are some of our favorite food and drink options in the area
Lakefront Brewery
Situated right along the Milwaukee River and the riverwalk. Easily the best cheese curds in town and they have a solid gluten free menu as well! Their fish fry is delicious and the beers are good. They do offer a beer tour which is pretty darn fun as well.
3rd St. Market Hall
A market hall with a multitude of vetted food stalls that are always delicious, the space offers free games such as cornhole and shuffleboard as well as a topgolf simulator area. Another cool feature includes a pay per ounce beer wall with a lot of delicious offerings.
Swingin' Door Exchange
Historic Wisconsin bar with nice wooden interior. Great for a beer or a cocktail.
Kopp's Frozen Custard | Brookfield
One of the most famous custard spots in SE WI, delicious flavors of the day as well as great burgers and fries.
Milwaukee Public Market
A market hall with a multitude of food and drink offerings (try a margarita from Tiki) in the heart of the historic Third Ward downtown MKE.
Pufferfish
Tiki style rooftop bar!!! Good cocktail offerings and a great view of the city.
Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen & Craft Distillery
They have a roof top bar!!! Good spot for drinks and food, consider a brandy old fashioned.
Lemongrass by EE-Sane
Delicious Thai food situated on the upper east side of town. All of the dishes are delicious and it eats well as a sit-down spot or as takeout.
Old German Beer Hall
MKE's hofbrauhaus and the major collaborator of the local beer gardens. A great spot to grab a stein and possibly hear some germanic tunes.
Milwaukee Brat House
Just next door to the Old German Beer Hall, a local spot to grab a light brew beverage. Get the sausage platter sampler to share with the table (our fav).
The Harp Irish Pub
Local Irish pub along the Milwaukee River with a large deck patio to relax on by the water. In the late evenings it turns into a watering hole for the younger collegiate crowds.
Monica's on Astor
Basement dive bar on the north side of town.
Pizza N Curry
Delicious Indian inspired pizzas and curries in the Shorewood neighborhood just north of downtown.