50 Best Bars in Milwaukee

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

“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!“

“My second visit to this spectacular place! There are a very few, very special hotels out there -almost like people - with their own charm and character and personality. The Saint Kate is your fabulous, gorgeous, kind, wildly-creative friend with amazing style and a heart-felt smile for everyone, who manages to make you feel special just by proximity. Thanks again, SK, for a memorable visit, outrageous art, a delightful room, divinely unique detail, crazy comfy bed, fantastic lounge music and delicious food. A special shout out to Clay, the truly gracious and hospitable day bartender whose warmth, welcome and insights on the city absolutely made our stay. What a great representation of your brand you have in him! Thanks also to Grace and the super-on-top-of-everything front desk (Madelyn, Ava, Theo and team) for a superlative stay. Look forward to seeing y’all next year!“

“Gorgeous interior and bar area. Excellent food! Excellent wait staff and hosts. Great place to eat, chat and catch up with friends“

“Always wanted to go here, but never got around to it. Very fun. Thought it would be more expensive, but a Surfside came with 10 throws. Played 2 games with some friends, hit a bullseye and won a koozie. Overall, cool place. Kiu helped us and was extremely nice. Good job yall.“

“Upscale casual cozy restaurant with creative delicious food and cocktails. A very special place!“

“We've been going here since '91. Always a great experience. The Grouper basket is my go to meal. Delicious!“

“This was an extremely fun stop to our night, there was only two workers, but they were making the best of the situation and were extremely friendly. It did take a little bit for them to come over, but it wasn’t a problem at all she apologized as well. The worker was extremely nice and helpful through the whole night. She checked on us multiple times and was very wonderful. It was such a blast to come hang out here and learn new fun things to do. Highly recommend making a stop. We stopped in on a Saturday night and it was pretty empty. Definitely a fun place to stop and hang out. They have ax throwing as well.“

“Came to IVR for the first time and it won’t be our last. Service was great and the butter chicken was outstanding!!!“

“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.“

“Amazing burger. I found this place by googling : best smash burger in milwaukee and this place was named left and right. Didn’t disappoint. I got a double and left way over full haha. Single next time! I believe this is truly 1 of if not the best smash burger around!“

“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“

“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❤️😂“

“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.“

“We had fun designing our golf hole. The staff, Makaylah and Rachel, were very helpful! There were lots of prop to add, but there could be more ramps to add different levels. That said, we saw some ideas how others used the props to make makeshift ramps. Had a fun bar vibe.“

“Best place in milwaukee !!! Nice drink , the beer is cold and the food is amazing !!! Must try poutine with the beef !!! The staff is awsome !!!“

“Walked in as a stop before dinner. Everyone here was quietly watching Jeopardy on the tv and politely saying their answers. We grabbed a booth and joined in the fun. Services was great. Won a $1 off a pull tab and wished we could have stayed longer. Vibes are incredible.“

“Best bar experience in Milwaukee. Really talented bartenders making phenomenal drinks. Good, price-friendly, flavorful drinks! I'm really impressed with the talents of the bar service. Wicked good place for drinks and service! The bartenders deserve a round of applause 🙌 👏“

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

“We had a few drinks and some fried snacks. The food and atmosphere and great. We also took a pie making class with Valeri in the back pie making kitchen. The class was supper fun. She is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable. We made strawberry rhubarb pie and it turned out excellent. Valeri really ran a great class and made it fun and informative.“

“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 ❤️“

“Best Drinks in Milwaukee 🔥“

“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!“

“Only place around we know where you can play pingpong for free! They had pinball machines, darts and pingpong in the back. We came here for my mother's 64th birthday because she wanted to play table tennis and it was so fun! I haven't seen her smile like that in a long time!“

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

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

“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 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.“

“Lo recomiendo, 100%, este lugar de nutrición aquí encuentras las mejores crepas y bebidas energéticas, Waffles y más Es un lugar con muy buena vibra y muy limpio todo muy saludable Pasen a visitarlo“

“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!“

“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.“

“Great bartenders, fun events!“

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

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

“👍🏼👍🏼 always have had a good time here. Definitely a great bar especially so close Fiserv Forum!“

“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.“

“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“

“Great bands and beer selection“

“Friendly bar and meet new friends and watch sports“

“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“

“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!“

“Great food, atmosphere and drinks. All the staff were very friendly. Typically we never try a restaurant during the first month of opening due to them working out links with servers but we went during the grand opening and it was amazing!!! Staff were very friendly and helpful, food came quick and tasted great. We got the Totopos with guacamole, the birria pizza and the carne asada. Chips were light and airy, salsa was thick just like I love it and the guacamole had a kick. The birria pizza was flavorful as was the carne asada. We tried the Mamacita to drink and it did not disappoint. Cannot wait to go back and check out more items!!!“

“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.“

“Good service great food“

“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!“

“OMG! Tied house is my new favorite place. The drinks are literally homemade and they taste amazing. The patio is one of the most beautiful in Milwaukee and don’t get me started on the service. Adam and Ava were so friendly and welcoming. Shiloh made the drinks this evening and I could’ve literally ordered the whole menu. Can’t wait to come back 😊“

“great place to hang out. has been there for years“

“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!“