Milwaukee Downtown Dining Guide

DOWNTOWN MILWAUKEE DINING GUIDE

By AllenHalas, Catherine Jozwik and David Luhrssen

Milwaukee became a leading city rants near the Wisconsin Center, 400 in the foodie movement during W. Wisconsin Ave., the site for the the past 15 years with plentiful farm-to-table and locally sourced options joining an increasingly diverse array of ethnic restaurants. 2020 Democratic National Convention. Before visiting, it’s a good idea to call these establishments to inquire about social distancing procedures. As of July 2, the City of Milwaukee moved into Phase Four of its COVID-19 reopening plan, meaning bars and restaurants can now operate at 50% capacity. A new City of Milwaukee ordinance mandates that any person 3 years old and up should be masked when in public. Many restaurants had already put social distancing and safety precautions in place, including one-time use menus, and indoor and outdoor tables spaced 6 feet or more apart.

Below is a guide to bars and restau

DOWNTOWN

AJ Bombers 1247 N. Water St. 414-221-9999 | ajbombers.com Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Outdoor seating: No AJ Bombers, one of Milwaukee’smost popular hamburger joints, is known for its burgers, shelled peanuts and kitschy décor.

Amilinda 315 E. Wisconsin Ave. 414-369-3683 | amilinda.com Hours: 4 p.m-8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Outdoor Seating: No

Amilinda, which specializes in Spanish and Portugueseinspired cuisine, is currently open for takeout and curbside pickup orders. The restaurant plans to open for in-house dining in August.

Benihana 850 N. Plankinton Ave. 414-270-0890 | facebook.com/BENIHANA. MILWAUKEE/ Hours: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No This sushi restaurant and Japanese steakhouse provides guests with a unique experience—food is prepared on steel grills right in front of them.

Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery 901 W. Juneau Ave. 414-630-1609 | bestplacemilwaukee.com Patio: Yes Best Place, which originally housed The Pabst Brewing Company’s corporate offices and an area for hospitality, includes a beer hall, gift shop, a brewery tour center, two courtyards and a coffee shop.

It’s been said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. We couldn’t agree more.

Our parks, trails, RiverWalk, museums, restaurants and retailers await your safe reacquaintance. With so much to discover and rediscover, we’re certain you’ll feel right at home again. So MKE the most of your time out. MKE it back Downtown.

Currently, every area of Best Place is closed except for the coffee shop, which celebrated its reopening July 3.

Captain Pabst Pilot House 1037 W. Juneau Ave. 414-908-0025 | captainpabst1864.com Hours: 2 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. Patio: Yes Built in 1872, Captain Pabst Pilot House started off as Milwaukee’s First German Methodist Church. After two years of renovations, Pabst reopened the church in 2017 as the Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom. The church now served as a pilot house brewery, creating new and unique beers in the basement, while the taproom on the second floor was used as a music venue, restaurant and hosted brewery tours.

Five O’Clock Steakhouse 2416 W. State St. 414-342-3553 | fiveoclocksteakhouse.com Patio: No

The Five O’Clock Steakhouse was one of the reasons cited when Forbes named Milwaukee as America’s Best Place to Visit in 2020. The pandemic may have reduced tourism, but the venerable supper club with its Swing Era vibe continues to serve some of the city’s best steaks and chops.

Glass + Griddle 1130 N 9th St 414-918-1550 | Glassgriddle.com Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Patio: Yes One of Milwaukee’s newest beer halls, Glass + Griddle features a menu with creative eats and an everchanging craft beer lineup.

Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub: Downtown 1203 N. 10th St. 414-276-7271 | jacksonsmke.com Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to Close Friday, 1 p.m. to Close Saturday, 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Patio: Yes Jackson’s Blue Ribbon, nestled within the historical Pabst Brewery complex, features pub fare such as chicken wings, burger sliders and pizza, and regularly hosts events including Trivia on the Patio.

Mo’s…A Place for Steaks 720 N. Plankinton Ave. 414-272-0720 | mosaplaceforsteaks.com Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (lounge open until 11 p.m.). Outdoor Seating: No This upscale steak and seafood restaurant also offers delectable desserts and elegant cocktails.

Sanford 1547 N. Jackson St. 414-276-9608 | sanfordrestaurant.com Hours: 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor seating: no Sanford, which has been serving its high-end New American cuisine to Milwaukeeans for three decades, is currently open for curbside pickup only.

Swingin’ Door Exchange Saloon & Eatery 219 E. Michigan St. 414-276-8150 | swingindoorexchange.com Kitchen Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor seating: yes Located in the historic Mackie Building, the Swingin’ Door serves American comfort food in a vintage saloon environment.

WEST TOWN/DEER DISTRICT

Buck Bradley’s Saloon and Eatery 1019 Old World Third St.

MilwaukeeDowntown.com

414-224-8500 | buckbradleys.com Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Outdoor seating: yes Buck Bradley’s, known for having the longest bar in Wisconsin, features pub grub such as onion rings and nachos, along with burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads and a brunch menu.

The Capital Grille 310 W. Wisconsin Ave. 414-223-0600 | thecapitalgrille.com Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor seating: No This national chain steakhouse is also known for its fresh seafood and excellent wine list.

Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue of Milwaukee 301 W. Juneau Ave. 414-223-3311 | ribs.com Hours: 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor seating: No With locations in Milwaukee, Chicago and Deerfield, Ill., the family-owned Carson’s has been serving steaks and its signature barbecue since 1977. Good City Brewing 333 W. Juneau Ave. 414-539-4343 | Goodcitybrewing.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Good City Brewing is a local craft brewery focused on lasting friendships, a love of great beer, taking risks and a commitment to seeking the good of Milwaukee. Their menu features a great selection of local brews and affordable pub food. The King and I 830 N. Old World Third St. Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor seating: No Named after the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, The King and I serves up authentic Thai dishes such as coconut shrimp, Tom Yum soup and vegetable tempura.

Mader’s 1041 N. Old World Third St. 414-271-3377 | madersrestaurant.com Outdoor seating: Yes Milwaukee’s oldest restaurant opened a new beer garden and continues to offer hearty German fare such as sauerbraten, schnitzel and giant pretzels.

The Mecca Sports Bar & Grill 1134 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave. 414-908-0401 | themeccamke.com Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor seating: Yes Although the Bucks and Brewers seasons have temporarily been halted, Fiserv Plaza’s sports bar is still operating, serving up bar favorites such as cheese curds, chili cheese fries, nachos, and chips and salsa. Curbside pickup is available.

Milwaukee Brat House 1013 Old World Third St. 414-273-8709 | milwaukeebrathouse. com Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor seating: Yes Perhaps the most quintessentially Milwaukee restaurant in the city, the Brat House serves many variations of—you guessed it—bratwurst, along with other

Since 1946 • Formerly Coerper’s Five O’Clock Club

READY TO SERVE YOU… Outdoor Dining Available Reservations Required

of Best Milwaukee 20182019 2017 2016 2015 201 4 2013 WINN ER

“One Of America’s Best Steaks” ( FOOD NETWORK & TRAVEL CHANNEL )

414-276-4181 | kingandirestaurant.com American pub cuisine.

Oak Barrel Public House 1033 N. Old World Third St. 414-897-8320 | oakbarrelmilwaukee. com

Outdoor Seating: Yes Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday. Pub specializing in artisan pizzas, smash burgers, tacos and sandwiches. The bar features a wide assortment of craft beers and whiskeys.

Who’s On Third 1007 N. Old World Third St. 414-897-8373 | whosonthirdmke.com Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Sports bar located just one block from Fiserv Forum, featuring a menu of pub food and known for their famous wings.

EAST TOWN

Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar 801 N. Cass St. 414-277-1111 | buckleysmilwaukee.com Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes A family-owned and operated establishment is dedicated to providing guests with an enjoyable dining experience in a comfortable atmosphere.

Café at the Plaza (Plaza Hotel) 1007 N. Cass St. 414-276-2101 | plazahotelmilwaukee.com/eat/ Hours: 7a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday through Sunday Outdoor seating: Yes The café in Milwaukee’s historic art deco hotel is currently offering carryout menu items only. Orders can be placed through the café’s website.

Café Calatrava (Milwaukee Art Museum) 700 N. Art Museum Drive 414-224-2300 | mam.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. when the Milwaukee Art Museum is open. Outdoor Seating: No County Clare Irish Inn & Pub 1234 N. Astor St. 414-272-5273 | countyclare-inn.com Restaurant Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Bar Hours: 3 p.m.-midnight Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.-midnight Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating: yes This cozy pub serves up traditional Irish food and brews in a warm atmosphere.

Elsa’s On the Park 833 N. Jefferson St. 414-765-0615 | elsas.com Hours: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating: No Since 1980, this cosmopolitan lounge in the heart of Milwaukee on Cathedral Square Park has been serving up creative cocktails and American comfort food such as burgers and nachos.

The Harp Irish Pub 113 E. Juneau Ave. 414-289-0700 | facebook.com/The-Harp-Irish- Pub-1102001463168544/ Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 1 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating: Yes This popular Milwaukee pub offers Milwaukee River views from its wooden deck, plenty of Irish brews, and menu items such as cheese curds, burgers and chicken wings.

The Knick (Knickerbocker Hotel) 1030 E. Juneau Ave. 414-272-0011 | theknickrestaurant.com Hours: 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-12 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Patio: Yes This New American restaurant, located in the classy Knickerbocker Hotel, features sandwiches, fresh seafood and a patio overlooking scenic parks near Lake Michigan.

Rare Steakhouse 833 E. Michigan Ave. 414-273-7273 | raresteaks.com Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday Outdoor Seating: No A fancy steakhouse with an old-school vibe serving classy cuts & sides paired with fine wines.

Mason Street Grill (Pfister Hotel) 424 E. Wisconsin Ave. 414-298-3131 | masonstreetgrill.com Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. daily. Outdoor seating: Yes Mason Street Grill’s classic American fare includes steaks, sandwiches and richly extravagant desserts.

Points East Pub 1501 N. Jackson St. 414-277-0122 | thepointseastpub.com Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.- 8:15 p.m. Sunday, curbside delivery only. Outdoor seating: No This unpretentious pub is known for its chicken wings with savory sauces and Friday night fish fry.

Rodizio Grill 777 N. Water St. 414-431-3106 rodiziogrill.com Hours: 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No Outpost of a Brazilian steakhouse chain offering skewered meats carved tableside plus a salad bar.

Third Coast Provisions 724 N. Milwaukee St. 414-323-7434 | thirdcoastprovisions.com Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No Contemporary oyster bar and eatery specializing in seafood paired with cocktails and beer.

Victor’s on Van Buren 1230 N. Van Buren St. 414-272-2522 | facebook.com/ VictorsOnVanBuren/ Hours: 4 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 3 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor seating: Yes The popular and longstanding nightclub offers classy cocktails and food and drink specials daily.

Ward’s House of Prime 540 E. Mason St. 414-223-0135 | wardshouseofprime.com Hours: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No The East Town steakhouse is known for its high-end entrees served at reasonable prices in an atmosphere that’s upscale yet relaxed. Ward’s succulent prime rib was named by “Food Paradise” as “The Best in the USA.”

Zarletti 741 N. Milwaukee St. 414-225-0000 | zarletti.net Hours: 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Enjoy a Northern Italian menu featuring signature dishes, homemade soups, pastas and desserts. The bar also features highly sought after and limited format wines.

THIRD WARD

Aloha Poke Co. (Carry-Out Only) 220 E. Buffalo St. 414-585-0000 | alohapokeco.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Hawaiian restaurant offering authentic seafood flavors and more.

Bavette La Boucherie 330 E. Menomonee St. 414-273-3375 | bavettelaboucherie.com Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Contemporary butcher shop and cafe offering sustainable meats, plus a daily lunch and dinner menu.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria 249 N. Water St. 414-431-1133 | bluebatkitchen.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Daily Outdoor Seating: Yes Airy, energetic outlet offering an array of global eats plus bowls, salads and more than 160 tequilas.

Café Benelux 346 N. Broadway 414-501-2500 | cafebenelux.com Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch served from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor seating: Yes The sister restaurant of Café Hollander and Café

Centraal, Café Benelux specializes in cuisine from the Benelux region of Europe (Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) and features an extensive beer menu.

Club Charlies 320 E. Menomonee St. 414-763-8548 | clubcharlies.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. Delightful neighborhood bar and restaurant offering a variety of drinks and pub fare in Catalano Square. Patio seating only available at this time.

Colectivo Coffee 223 E. St. Paul Ave. 414-220-8330 | colectivocoffee.com Hours: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. Outdoor seating: yes Local coffee-chain Colectivo offers signature coffee and espresso drinks, bakery, sandwiches, and a breakfast menu.

DanDan 360 E. Erie St. 414-488-8036 | dandanmke.com Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Chinese plates of dim sum, noodles, stir-fries and more, doled out in a happening dining room.

Freshfin Poke 316 N. Milwaukee St. 414-763-0473 | freshfinpoke.com Hours: 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday. Outdoor Seating: No Locally owned and operated seafood group featuring signature bowls and several healthier options.

Kanpai Izakaya (Carry-out Only) 408 E. Chicago St. 414-220-1155 | kanpaimke.com Hours: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Sleek, modern Japanese restaurant/cocktail spot putting spins on sushi and Pan-Asian small plates.

Lucky Ginger 221 N. Water St. 414-269-8699 | luckygingermilwaukee.com Hours: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No Asian restaurant and takeaway outlet with Thai, Japanese, Lao and Vietnamese dishes on the menu.

Milwaukee Public Market 400 N. Water St. 414-336-1111 | milwaukeepublicmarket.org Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor seating: Yes Modeled after Seattle’s Public Market, the Milwaukee Public Market boasts a number of locally owned food and merchant vendors plus a second floor eating area. Masks are now required for building entrance. Milwaukee Ale House 233 N. Water St. 414-276-2337 | ale-house.com Hours: 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 2 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Microbrewery and restaurant on the Milwaukee River

offering house beers, live music and patio seating.

Onesto 221 N. Broadway 414-308-1600 | onestomke.com Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Patio: Yes Onesto (Italian for “honest”) serves locally sourced and modern Italian cuisine and offers an extensive wine list, along with decadent desserts and an espresso bar.

Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill 509 E. Erie St. 414-277-1800 | mkeriverfront.com Hours: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Light-filled, trendy waterfront tavern and bistro with lots of windows and casual Italian fare.

Screaming Tuna 106 W. Seeboth St. 414-763-1637 | screamingtuna.com Hours: 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Casual Asian-fusion bistro offering sushi, seafood and steak plus skyline views, wine and cocktails.

Smoke Shack 332 N. Milwaukee St. 414-431-1119 | smoke-shack.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Outdoor Seating: Yes Slow-smoked barbeque and scratch handmade sides available for brunch, lunch and dinner. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Outdoor Seating: No Hip spot for breakfast and lunch classics plus coffee and cocktails in an understated modern environment.

Tre Rivali (Kimpton Journeyman Hotel) 200 N. Broadway 414-291-3971 | trerivalirestaurant.com Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Patio: Yes With warm ambience (including striking floor tiles) Mediterranean restaurant Tre Rivali features fresh cuisine cooked over a woodburning oven and grill and several dining areas including a café, lounge, private dining area and sidewalk patio.

FIFTH WARD

Camino 434 S. Second St. 414-800-5641 | caminomke.com Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Unfussy neighborhood eatery and bar serving American pub grub, burgers and craft beers.

The Iron Horse Hotel 500 W. Florida St. 414-374-4766 | theironhorsehotel.com Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-12 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday. Patio: Yes Enjoy cocktails, cheese curds, or a fish fry at The Yard, the Iron Horse’s spacious and comfortable outdoor lounge beneath the Sixth Street Viaduct. (Note: the hotel’s two other restaurants and pubs, Ash Hearth & Bar and Branded, are currently closed).

Merriment Social 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave. 414-645-0240 | merrimentsocial.com Hours: 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Outdoor Seating: No Open-air, urban-chic spot for globally influenced New American comfort food, plus beer, wine and cocktails.

Sweet Diner 239 E. Chicago St. 414-488-9600 | sweetdiner.com

O’Lydia’s Bar and Grill 338 S. First St. 414-271-7546 | olydias.com Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Outdoor Seating: Yes Irish pub in a historic building offering weekly food specials, regional beers and TVs showing sports.