Your Local Parties and Events Guide
These venues and caterers will make your next gathering one to remember.
Venues
From a trendy new place on the river to a Milwaukee icon, consider these spots to host your next event.
THE BRIDGEWATER MODERN GRILL
One of the city’s hottest new dining destinations, The Bridgewater features Milwaukee’s longest riverfront patio. Located in the Harbor District, it offers packages for events of many sizes – from a 30-person private dining space, to that outdoor patio with the fantastic view, to renting out the entire venue. The menu is all about oak-fired flavor, with comfort food as well as sophisticated dishes. 2011 S. First St., bridgewatermke.com
THE EDISON KITCHEN & COCKTAILS
Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s Third Ward, The Edison is Benson’s Restaurant Group’s newest addition and can accommodate large private events. The ambience is sophisticated
and nostalgic, with a speakeasy-inspired bar that is already proving to be a crowd favorite. Guests are sure to enjoy the creative, new American cuisine, with coal-fired butcher’s cuts and seafood options. 322 N. Broadway, edisonmke.com
GATHER AT DEER DISTRICT
GATHER is a one-of-a-kind venue in Downtown Milwaukee’s Deer District. The unique space provides floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings and a patio overlooking Fiserv Forum. GATHER can accommodate up to 250 guests seated, and 400 for a cocktail-style event. It is the ideal setting for an upscale reception and an open canvas for you to customize your dream event. 333 W. Juneau Ave., gatheratdeerdistrict.com
HILTON MILWAUKEE CITY CENTER
This art deco landmark Downtown hosts meetings, weddings and more, with 17 meeting rooms and multiple spacious ballrooms. The dedicated events team handles catering, A/V equipment and more for whatever else the occasion demands. 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., hilton.com
J. LEINENKUGEL’S BARREL YARD
Host your next event at J. Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard, American Family Field’s newest attraction. The restaurant and brewery overlooking left field rents its Brew Room both on- and off-gamedays. The space fits 25-50 and includes buffet options, satellite bar service, and of course, that view of the field. It’s ideal for corporate lunches, parties, receptions and more. If you’re looking for something more intimate, The Barrel Yard has a semi-private Tap Room, as well. 1 Brewers Way, barrelyardmke.com
MILWAUKEE ATHLETIC CLUB
Fresh off a $65 million renovation, the Milwaukee Athletic Club has six attractive spaces for your next event. Just a small meeting? Consider one of the boardrooms or the Poage Room, which seats up to 60. Something bigger? The MAC has elegant ballrooms fit for weddings, corporate events and more, plus its rooftop terrace is available to rent – with a view that can’t be beat. 758 N. Broadway, themacwi.com
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM
Our city’s beloved public museum offers venues for gatherings of all sizes – from a few dozen friends to thousands of attendees. Each of the museum’s four floors, and the exhibits therein, are available to rent, with capacities varying. Or, book the entire museum for your event. Outdoors, you can rent the newly designed, 9,500-square-foot Kadish Courtyard. Plus, the Kohl’s Garden Galleries, with projector, screen, sound system and A/V capabilities, are available. 800 W. Wells St., mpm.edu
NORTHERN LIGHTS PHOTO STUDIO + EVENTS
This glamorous two-story venue features floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors leading out to a spacious patio. Located in the same complex as the photo studio,
both ultramodern spaces boast panoramic views of the river and the city skyline. Northern Lights can accommodate conferences, weddings and parties. The studio has all the amenities, including blackout shades, backdrops and lighting equipment. Guest-only shuttle service is available from a private parking lot. The outsidecatering-friendly venue includes an A/V system, full-service bar, dance floor and more. 106 W. Seeboth St., northernlightseventvenue.com
ONESTO
Situated in the heart of the Third Ward, Onesto’s unique menu of Italian classics pairs handmade pasta with an impressive selection of wine and cocktails. The restaurant’s second-floor urban loft is available to rent for private events, weddings, business dinners and more, fitting up to 150 guests, reception-style. 221 N. Broadway, onestomke.com
THE PFISTER HOTEL
This historic Downtown jewel has been welcoming guests for over 130 years. With 25,000 square feet of space, including multiple ballrooms, it can accommodate events of all sizes, including holiday parties, galas, weddings, meetings and more. Renovations are currently underway to further enhance the hotel’s ballrooms and meeting spaces. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., thepfisterhotel.com
POTAWATOMI CASINO HOTEL
Potawatomi Casino Hotel Milwaukee is a premier gaming destination with several versatile
event spaces. Whether you’re planning an intimate event, an extravagant party or a professional business meeting, Potawatomi has a room to suit your needs. With over 40,000 square feet of available space and an expert team of catering managers, your event is sure to be a memorable experience. 1721 W. Canal St., paysbig.com
SAINT KATE –THE ARTS HOTEL
Saint Kate is one of Milwaukee’s most unique hotels, with several artist-designed guest rooms, an extensive art collection on display and the Museum of Wisconsin Art galleries on the lobby level. The hotel can accommodate gatherings of all sorts, including lunch meetings, bridal
showers, weddings and holiday parties, with more than 11,000 square feet of meeting space and multiple banquet rooms. Located in a prime spot in the city’s Theater District, Saint Kate transforms every event into a memorable occasion. 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., saintkatearts.com
THE TRADE HOTEL
Milwaukee’s newest luxury hotel in the heart of Deer District offers 9,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space that can accommodate groups from 10-400 people. The Trade hosts meetings, weddings and curated events of all kinds. When you book an event with The Trade, you have access to an event concierge to help bring your vision to life. On-site catering and beverage service make planning easy. 420 W. Juneau Ave., thetradehotel.com
Hours: Mon – Thurs 11-7, Friday 11-3 hannahskitchenmke.com
PHOTO: BY TIA BRINDEL, COURTESY OF THE PFISTER HOTEL
UNION HOUSE
This historic restaurant is known for unique wild game offerings fused with classic fine dining, along with one of the largest bourbon and scotch selections around. A recent recipient of a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Union House is a great option for your next event. The culinary team individualizes each event menu to fit your needs, and the restaurant holds up to 150 guests. Union House has hosted private family dinners, corporate meetings, weddings and more. theunionhouse.com
WHIRLYBALL
Whirlyball is perfect for fun, fast-paced team-building events, bachelor or bachelorette parties, company outings or staff celebrations. It isn’t just a game – it’s an experience that combines basketball, lacrosse and hockey played in souped-up bumper cars called Whirlybugs. The massive Brookfield location features ample event space, three bar areas and a restaurant, the Pivot Room, with a full food and beverage menu. 185 S. Moorland Rd., Brookfield, whirlyball.com
Catering
Check out these five spots and services to deliver delicious eats for your guests.
AJ BOMBERS
There’s an impressive – and extensive – selection of tasty, inventive burgers (with a lot of ¼-lb. options) to enjoy from this spot. Bring some of that savory goodness from this iconic Milwaukee restaurant to your next event with AJ Bombers’ catering. ajbombers.com
BLUE BAT KITCHEN & TEQUILARIA
From its Third Ward location on the Milwaukee RiverWalk, Blue Bat features delicious and eclectic global street food, like bao mi, tuna poke bowls and an assortment of handheld options – not to mention over 160 tequilas. Blue Bat Kitchen’s downstairs bar is available seasonally for private events. Catering is available for business lunches, dinners, parties and more. bluebatkitchen.com
BUNZEL’S
For over 40 years, Bunzel’s has been a family-owned Milwaukee staple. The Bunzel family has been making events special with their wide selection of meats and fresh food for weddings, hangouts, corporate events and more. Whether you’re just looking for appetizers or the full buffet spread, Bunzel’s has plenty to offer. bunzels.com
HANNAH’S KITCHEN
Owner Hannah Sattler cooks delicious from-scratch meals that include kosher and Jewish food. Her wide menu serves up traditional dishes with a twist, from herb roasted chicken
to teriyaki salmon, mini meatloaves, kishke and much more. Hannah’s Kitchen offers full-service catering for weddings, mitzvahs, corporate events, receptions and more of all sizes. hannahskitchenmke.com
SMOKE SHACK
This barbecue joint takes its time low-smoking its lineup of dry-rubbed meats. Smoke Shack offers some of the most decadent options for office lunches, pick-up or drop-off spreads, or full-service catering for weddings and other major events. The delicious BBQ and scratch-made sides make for a memorable meal. smoke-shack.com
Party Favor
Add some spice to your party with this Irish American Mule recipe –it’s easy to whip up and delicious to drink.
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ oz. Keeper’s Heart Irish + American Whiskey
1/3 oz. fresh lime juice
6-8 oz. ginger beer
1 sprig mint
Add Keeper’s Heart and lime juice to a copper mug or glass of your liking. Fill with ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Find the Right Gift
Whether you’re throwing a party or attending, Winkie’s has a wide selection of gifts and party favors worth perusing. The Whitefish Bay store has been a local staple for nearly 60 years and boasts a wide selection of candies, home goods, fun bags, unique Wisconsin souvenirs and cards – you’ll certainly find something to impress. 629 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay, winkiesgifts.com ◆
