Overview
Milwaukee is known as Brew City, and for good reason. It’s not hard to find a place to enjoy a drink in this vibrant city. While discovering a bar is easy, identifying the right bar that aligns with your tastes can be a bit challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the Milwaukee nightlife scene. Local taverns offer a cozy spot for engaging conversations with residents, while places like Water Street are ideal for celebrating your newfound age with friends in a lively atmosphere. Other bar districts to explore include North Avenue on the East Side and the RiverWalk in downtown Milwaukee, especially during warm summer evenings.
Water Street Brewery
Address
1101 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Phone +1 414-210-4516
One of Milwaukee’s original brewpubs, Water Street Brewery’s first location is still valued for its atmosphere, even with newer sites emerging in Grafton, Oak Creek, and Lake Country. With five craft beers on tap, including a Honey Lager Light and an Octoberfest, this brewpub offers a unique selection. Customers can also purchase beer to-go in growlers. The culinary experience is diverse, serving everything from brunch on weekends to elegant dinners featuring tacos, salads, pizza, and burgers.
Mo’s Irish Pub
Address
142 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA
Phone +1 414-272-0721
Mo’s Irish Pub offers an authentic Irish experience with a menu full of popular items like Guinness, Jameson burgers, and shepherd’s pie. The lively atmosphere is perfect for meeting friends before events, making it a popular choice even outside of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Camp Bar
Address
4044 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211, USA
Phone +1 414-962-5182
Inspiring a lake-lodge experience, Camp Bar features a North Woods theme with taxidermy decor and pine furnishings. With three locations in Shorewood, Wauwatosa, and the Third Ward, this bar is a great choice for watching games or socializing with friends. Camp Bar hosts exciting events during football season, making it a go-to destination on Sundays.
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
Address
1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204, USA
Phone +1 414-383-2620
With a mid-century-modern atmosphere, Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge mixes timeless cocktails with an intimate dining experience. The absence of a menu adds an air of surprise, as servers craft drinks to suit the patrons’ preferences.
Milwaukee Ale House
Address
233 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5729, USA
Phone +1 414-276-2337
During the summer, Milwaukee Ale House features a two-story patio offering stunning river views. This brewpub serves beers brewed on-site, ranging from IPAs to stouts, alongside a menu that includes healthy salads and hearty dishes like Stout Pot Roast and Friday Fish Fry.
Burnhearts
Address
2599 S Logan Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207-1865, USA
Phone +1 414-294-0490
Burnhearts supports local music by hosting outdoor festivals and a wide selection of craft beers from various regions. The bar’s cozy home-like atmosphere creates an inviting space for patrons to relax and enjoy.
Sugar Maple
Address
441 E Lincoln Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207-1756, USA
Phone +1 414-509-6035
With up to 60 craft beer taps and a fantastic atmosphere, Sugar Maple is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Special events and tap takeovers enhance the experience, and while food isn’t served, nearby options offer great pairings.
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
Address
740 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA
Phone +1 414-276-3030
Despite being part of a chain, Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is known for its local, small-batch beers and scenic riverfront setting. The culinary options elevate typical bar fare, offering dishes ideal for dining alongside drinks.
Branded
Address
500 W Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1534, USA
Phone +1 414-374-4766
The Iron Horse Hotel features Branded, an industrial-style bar decorated with engaging art. The bar experience varies by season, with a lively patio in the summer and a cozy indoor atmosphere during colder months.
Nomad World Pub
Address
1401 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1614, USA
Phone +1 414-224-8111
Nomad World Pub serves as a beloved venue for soccer matches and offers a vibrant bar experience in the Brady Street district. The unique layout accommodates both standing and sitting room, ideal for enjoying the atmosphere.
Paddy’s Pub
Address
2339 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211-4404, USA
Phone +1 414-223-3496
Paddy’s Pub embodies the quintessential Irish bar experience in a cozy, wood-paneled space. Live Irish music on Thursdays enhances the authenticity, making it a fantastic spot for a relaxed evening with friends.
Thief Wine Shop & Bar
Address
400 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Phone +1 414-277-7707
Thief Wine Shop & Bar stands out for its extensive by-the-glass wine selection. The adaptable wine list reflects current trends, and wine tastings are regularly hosted, making it a perfect location for wine enthusiasts seeking new experiences.
The Outsider
Address
310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA
Phone +1 414-291-3980
Opened in 2016, The Outsider offers Milwaukee’s first rooftop bar experience at a remarkable height, featuring soothing sofas and stunning views of the surrounding area. Seasonal cocktails and a unique food menu elevate the entire experience, making it a sought-after destination.
