50 Best Bars in Milwaukee

“We had a blast .. found Holler House through Google search of oldest bars in Milwaukee. The owners Tom and Cathy are amazing and the locals made us feel at home! We have so many pictures and so much fun! Be sure to do a shotski! These Texans had a blast!“

“This place is amazing. Such a true arts, off-beat and fun hotel that is surprisingly in Milwaukee. I’m going back and bringing my family!“

“Dane did a nice job teaching us how to throw an axe. It’s harder than it looks! Everything was ready for our group when we got there. The bday balloons were an added expense but fun to throw an axe to see who could break them on the board. My only suggestion would be to get more T-shirt sizes. The bday boy couldn’t get his first or second choice Tshirt because they didn’t have any larges.“

“Marlee was phenomenal! This venue is supercool! There is shuffleboard and axe throwing and we had a great time! Marlee gave me incredible customer service and made me an excellent drink. I’ll be sure and tell all my friend to stop by for some fun.“

“Went for the first time today for a doggo lunch date with muh fur baby. Wonderful staff and quick service. I noticed negative reviews complaining there was dogs, well no crap it’s the business model and there’s an actual picture of a dog on the door and logo. ANYWAYS price is a little steep but when I got my food holy cow it was delicious. And I love that they have dog friendly menu items available as well. The place is super clean for the amount of guests and animals that come through. Loved that the food pickup and service area is separate from dining. The only downfall was I did pay for pickles and there wasn’t any but I didn’t even notice it until I devoured the first half of my food. No big deal. I ordered the steak sandwich and strawberry limeade which I also love is made by hand with fresh fruit. My dog is now sleeping in a food coma as am I.“

“First time ordering here, quick and easy over the phone. I got the No.2 & Fries. The burger was great, definitely bigger than I thought, so you will be full with a double patty. The fries were perfect, hot, and lightly crisp. Very good first impression.
There's something special about having a small menu but executing it very well. Archie's does just that. I recommend giving them a try if you haven't.“

“Great food! Nice selection of entrees and sandwiches. The Rachel I ordered could have had more sauerkraut, but the 1000 Island and horseradish on the side were plentiful. The spinach & feta roll appetizer was delicious, and the homemade chips on the Irish nachos were light & crispy.“

“Dirty Sprites are good and they had a cool creature from the black lagoon pinball machine. I think they replaced it butIthe fact they had it was cool

Kid-friendliness: Who takes their kids to a bar like this?

Wheelchair accessibility: No ramp :(“

“Puddler's Hall is a hidden gem that captivates with its unique blend of ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. At the heart of this establishment is Gedalie, a mixologist whose skills are nothing short of extraordinary. The true magic lies in the meticulous attention to detail, especially when it comes to the use of artisanal ice in the cocktails.Gedalie's mixology expertise shines through in every concoction, showcasing a mastery of flavors and a creative touch that sets Puddler's Hall apart from the rest. The artisanal ice, carefully carved and selected, enhances the overall drinking experience, adding a level of sophistication to each sip.“

“Best date spot for young professionals in MKE. Come for the atmosphere and stay for the even more ambiance. It's like if Einstein invented the Tunnel of Love attraction in all those classic films about yt people wearing sweaters and getting married at age 17 instead of nuclear destruction, but even more.“

“We had a blast playing on the stage in the center hall these last two times. Definitely a room with a ton of potential and great acoustics.“

“Great food and service!! Prices are very reasonable, especially for downtown!!“

“All they have for food is all they need for food: pizza. They have classic and modern cabinets + enough pinball, skee ball, and hoops games to keep you entertained. Plays are $0.25/player for every game, but they have specials that lower the cost per play even further. Great for small and large parties alike

Vegetarian options: Mona Lisa is a margarita pizza

Dietary restrictions: They have ciders and seltzer, but I do wish they had more rice beers

Parking: More reliable parking is on N Jackson

Kid-friendliness: The bar is strictly 21+

Wheelchair accessibility: Ramps to main floor. I believe there's an elevator to the second floor“

“Super cute patio!! I appreciated that there were covered and uncovered parts, as it stated to rain while we were outside. It feels like a peaceful oasis in the middle of Third Ward. My friend and I got the espresso martinis and banana rum cocktail...both were good!“

“Awesome place!! My uncle used to be part owner years ago and my mom worked there. Supposedly I was conceived on the bar“

“Taylor It's by far one of my favorite bars to hang out and relax with a lot of the locals. Great vibes, older crowd, no drama, just a good time!!!! Always on my to go list if I plan a night downtown. I love the outdoor seating underhang. Heating definitely keeps it comfortable.“

“Had a great 1st night there, then I had car problems. Racquel (didn’t spell right I’m sure..). Did not hesitate to help jump my car. Will now be a stop when in the area. Very welcoming❤️😂“

“My hubby did a pickup order and wow, we were impressed! Pickup fish fry isn’t usually something we do (thanks kidney stones for ruining our night) because it gets soggy but tonight we had to and it was really good. They packaged everything separately so the tartar and the slaw weren’t warm sitting in the container with the hot food, I had the combination platter and the package the baked cod in a separate soup container which was great. My husband had the blue gill and really enjoyed them as did our 5 year old. The food was all really delicious and I can’t wait to dine in next time. My husband said while he had a beer at the bar while he waited for our food all of the employees were friendly and pleasant.“

“Rain was the absolute sweetest bartender! We came from up north and it felt like a dive bar with the happy hour pricing and kind staff. I always come back here when we go to Milwaukee because of the FOOD!!! best bar food you’ll ever have in your life ❤️“

“Great place to watch soccer. They also have a nice beer selection.“

“Awesome atmosphere where everyone is friendly. Great owner and awesome bartenders! If you haven’t been here already, you need to go!!!“

“Great bartenders, fun events!“

“Great day with the family - we went to the the 3:00 tee time - Kayla and Cisco did a wonderful job explaining the process and making sure we were all ready to have some fun! Loads of fun building the hole and even more fun trying to figure out some of the others! We definitely recommend for the family!“

“We have driven by many times and have always wanted to stop in. We stopped by for a quick drink or two before going to dinner. There is plenty of outdoor space for those warmer days, but since it was chilly out we went inside. Eclectic, classic, hometown bar feel on the inside.

We ordered an old fashioned and one of the cocktails on tap, Hop Wop. Drinks were great and service was kind. We would love to stop by sometime in the summer and tray some more of the menu“

“We had a very good experience. I tend to be cautious of fusion, but I was pleasantly surprised at how good everything was.

Our group had the Naan Nachos, Buttered Chicken (spicy), Naan crust Pizza (supreme), and Enchallada's. I would definitely recommend this as a place to check out and keep an eye on it!“

“At in Wonderland diner today for lunch. Amazing food, our waiter Ben double checked if certain things were safe for me (I'm gluten free). Had a gluten free bun for my burger. If you are gluten free or not I highly recommend this place!“

“This is like any neighborhood bar, with a lot of locals and other nice people! The bartenders are always friendly and have lots of tables for small groups to gather to have fun! They don't serve food though, only frozen pizza and salty snacks!

Parking: They have a parking lot and if it's full, there is also street parking!“

“Nice little-big neighborhood spot. Good bartenders, good machines, pool, darts, patio. Usually very delicious, and made from scratch, frozen drinks available. If that's your thing, do it, fantastic! Otherwise a wide liquor selection, great tap and bottle beers available, some seltzers, and ciders to be had as well. Good people, for the most part, and great security, for when it matters. Generally trouble free though.“

“this is Art’s house Art gives very few cares and will show you photos of him when he was ol he takes his time so don't go when youre in a hurry he gave me a flash light which doesn't relly work which is probably why he gave it to me theres a hole in the back deck which has to be seen to believed he loves jokes, the News, TMZ, and bar dice. I dig the characters here man on a calculator plugged into the wall, a three legged dog and a marathon-running doctor Art used to save newspapers for me but he doesn't do that anymore which is fine because i used to pick up the papers just to take them home to recycle i became the middle man for his newspaper disposal which became quite redundant art may offend or he might not again don’t ever go here when you’re in a hurry.“

“Me encanta el lugar muy atenta Maggie te a tiende rápido y muy buena vibra..Y en cuestión de los productos muy ricos Proteína Waffles , Champurrado etc.“

“Great bands and beer selection“

“Updating my review to say: Vegan wings are back (Tuesdays only)! They have been my favorite for nearly a decade— very glad to see menu options expanding again. The hot chickn sandwich and elote are also not to be missed! Updated from previous review on 2024-11-17“

“never again will I walk into to this establishment 0 outta 5.“

“Came in on a Saturday around 1:30 Katy was working and was absolutely amazing. Made me the best bloody I've had all year then she even cut my pizza into squares AND triangles. Very accommodating and the service was beyond great. Thank you Katy“

“Good service great food“

“Friendly bar and meet new friends and watch sports“

“Stopped in to play pool and grab a drink of bourbon. Dom was awesome to us. We were stopping in on the way home to TN and wanted to hit a game of pool. $1 in quarters and got change broken for us. Cash only but they got an ATM - just in case it's your first time through. It was a great stop in Milwaukee!“

“Great atmosphere the drinks are one of a kind and delicious!! Very cute inside decor and the Ally is so cool.“

“Very chill spot. I came alone to meet a friend and felt very safe. Southside vibe ….will be back !!!“

“I have patronized Dales since 1992 and his prices are customer friendly and the people spirit for the most part is inviting and fun Dale is a great human being and one of the best businessmen in the world I love him and respect him due to his grace and care of his staff and customers“

“Fun place and great bartender!“

“The bar’s location is on my way to other places like Fluid and Walker’s pint. Back in 2021, I was being re-introduced to the Milwaukee LGBTQ+ community after living in Denver for the past 8 years. Before leaving, I volunteered at the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, helped organize the gay softball World Series in 2009, and also volunteered at American Family Field for the LGBTQ+ softball league SSBL. I ran into this bar walking from Woodys to Walkers Pint. I walked in and was greeted by the bartender, Charlie. I recently parted ways with some of my gay “bar friends” and needed a change of scenery. Not knowing my story Charlie made conversation and made me feel welcome. In about 7-8 minutes meeting Charlie, he knew I happened to be gay. Since then I make it a point when friends visit for pride I take them to this place. All of the bartenders have always treated me with great respect and I enjoy the atmosphere. With me standing tall at 4’9” I’m happy to visit this inclusive place where I’ve happened to develop friendships with people who happen to be straight, oh and people who happen to be gay as well.“

“Been going there for decades watching all my friends bands play and other live local acts. I like the deck out back where you can smoke and talk to people because 99% of the time everyone gets along and enjoy themselves. Good place for the bands to talk to the people after playing for P.R. I remember Pete Bali....dont know if he is still there and if still running the restaurant, if so reach out im top "boss" of entertainment in Milwaukee and crazy enough and being watched by hundreds of millions of people worldwide. If you want to raise customers and revenue immediately in a huge way let me know“

“RE: the comment from Leann Nicholson!, what does it matter where the CCW class is held, unless you have other intentions of why you need a CCW permit stupid - - - -! Seriously, what does it matter if it was held right at the Police Dept. down the street??? Your comment is so f****** stupid, it is amazing you are allowed to consume alcohol, dont burn your lips on the pipe sweetheart!“

“Such a neat hole in the wall place! We held a celebration party here last night and there's so much space we didn't bother the folks at the bar. Free pool when we were there Wednesday night. Amazing drink prices and an outdoor patio. Staff was quick and friendly. If you pay with card make sure to spend at least $10! One of our friends was $0.50 short and got a cup of olives to go over. We had such a wonderful time and plan to be back!“

“I highly recommend the Battle Lounge to anyone who is looking for a safe, fun, welcoming nerd-anime-oriented oasis in the city of Milwaukee. There’s nothing else like it around, period. I drive almost an hour both ways from Sheboygan just to attend the many events that Battle hosts. They range anywhere from his Lord of Fighters video game tournaments, Wheelman racing tournaments, Rock Band/Guitar Hero/DJ Hero rave parties, live perfomances and comedy, fashion shows, anime watch parties, and more! People of all races and walks of life can share common ground over his unqiue assortment of house beverages which are exclusive to the Battle Lounge as well as excellent dishes such as jerk chicken, ramen, nachos, and I’ve even participated in his Hot Wing eating challenges. I’ve met so many wonderful people, had great oportunities to grow as a person and showcase my talents at events such as his Pop-Up shop, which allows people to advertise their business and connect with others as well Paint & Sip events I’m eager to attend in the future. There’s something here for everyone, no discrimination, no drama, just leave it at the door. I feel safe thanks to the closed door members-only policy, and I am able to relax and have a great time. That’s why I recommend the Battle Lounge to anyone who wants to see how diversely unique Milwaukee can be. This is a staple in the urban community and should be treated and recommended as such!“

“Damond provided outstanding service. Great atmosphere. The Chicken Sandwich is truly the best ever. I’ll be back, working my way through the menu!“

“Great bartenders, atmosphere, and good local beers!“

“If you want to know what life was like before corporations took over everything, step back in time to the Valley Inn. The food was delicious and the cook, also waited on us. Nice neighborhood vibe, that I don’t see much anymore.
My wife and I split an Italian beef so the cook prepared it on two separate plates, without any attitude like you get at a lot of restaurants.“

“This is such a wonderful spot in Bayview. Really lovely drink menu, a super kind staff (that helped me with a card issue super professionally and it was a mistake on my end basically not theirs!) They do tons of local artist collaborations , a super cute spot for events! I really think this is a wonderful establishment with an amazing team.“