50 Best Bars in Milwaukee

“Absolutely amazing experience for bridal and groom parties! Matt was an awesome game show host and had great jokes! I feel bad as I forgot the female host’s name but she was also amazing! We had the best time and I know the bride and groom loved every minute.“

“We stumbled into NorthSouth Club before Summerfest because we had time to kill before the show. The crew working that night was incredible and very conversational. They had overheard we were going to The Academy Is and offered us wristbands! Thank you, Tyler, Phoebe and Max for making our night! Drinks were great, and the axe throwing was so fun!“

“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!“

“Best Drinks in Milwaukee 🔥“

“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 place to watch a Packer game!💛💚“

“We took a chance on this place for a quick dinner while visiting Milwaukee from Chicago. The food was amazing, one of the best burgers I have ever had. Very kind and friendly service. The atmosphere was warm and cozy. Definitely a must try.“

“It’s usually a lil slower (at least when I’ve gone) but there are always good people hanging around. I also think the ode to labor protests is really cool. I appreciate that they have a nod to the history of the building“

“Stopped in before a game in Milwaukee and this place was such a cool find. From the mustache guy behind the bar to the laid back, homey atmosphere, we felt welcome right away. Our girl Jamie took great care of us and recommended the meatloaf sandwich, which was absolutely delicious. She killed it as our waitress. Great food, cold drinks, awesome people, and just an all around good time. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Milwaukee!“

“This is one of the best patios in the city of Milwaukee. You feel like you left Milwaukee and are at a chill vibe resort. They greet you like family and the service reflects that as well. Tim, our server, was super fun and patient explaining all the drinks. Definitely added to the experience! If you’re in Milwaukee and looking for a place to destress and enjoy some great cocktails, music and vibe, stop in at Tied House Milwaukee!“

“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.“

“Although I have never closed Wolski’s, I have stopped in for drinks and darts and was not disappointed! However my favorite experience at Wolski’s actually happened without ever leaving my car. I drive rideshare and was picking up there. As I pulled up, I immediately noticed the bouncer arguing with some drunk college-aged guy who was clearly being denied admission. As all his friends walked past him and handed off their ID’s, the bouncer kept dealing with his mouth, but stayed calm and just kept repeating “go home”. But Kevin thought his turtleneck and sweater combo granted him access anywhere so he tried to slip past. He made it through the first door before the bouncer body slammed him and the door slowly shut behind them. The need to know what was going on behind that door overwhelmed me and I considered getting out of my car. But my thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open and the bouncer threw Kevin out like Uncle Phil did Jazzy Jeff. The best part - the bouncer looked to be in the 50+ age category. At that point, he gave up on trying to get through the bouncer, so he moved on to trying to scale the fence. When I tell you I about died when I saw his pathetic attempts to get over it, I mean he wouldn’t have stood a chance sober with a step stool. He eventually gave up on the fence and walked around to find another way in. I wanted to follow, to see what feeble attempt he would make next, but then my riders came. Just when I thought the story couldn’t get any better, they started talking about a douchebag whose friends all left him. I told them about the guy getting body slammed and they asked if he was wearing a turtleneck. I found out one of my riders was his ex-girlfriend so I of course told the story in full. My one question to her was “does he have a weird relationship with his mom?” And they all burst out laughing. Apparently he does. Shoutout to the bouncer!“

“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.“

“Friendly bar and meet new friends and watch sports“

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

“Great bands and beer selection“

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

“I love Palaminos. The ambience is an old pub eatery. Many people eat at the bar, but there is ample seating for groups. The fish fry is the best in the city! There are 3 hearty pieces of cod. You will not go away hungry. The staff is great! definitely put it on your list!“

“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.“

“Absolutely love Bittercube“

“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!“

“Great little Japanese bar. Bartender was very knowledgeable about sake“

“We were with friends. The wine and cocktails were great. My wife and I shared a steak pizzaiola and we each subbed a Riverwege salad. It was sooo good!

This time my wife and I each had the Italian Beef. I subbed the Riverwwdge salad and she had the house salad. All delicious, as were the cocktails and wine“

“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“

“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.“

“beautiful place too have some adult beverages“

“We hosted a team building event at 9 Below for our entire company (25 people). It was a well-priced event and Steve was easy to book with! Our team had a great time building and styling their mini golf holes and we enjoyed playing a round of 9 holes! It was the perfect casual get together for our team to get to spend time together. Highly recommend! Thank you Mitch & Dee! Great service!“

“We stopped on a Sunday afternoon. The bartender she was great. Personality and vibes were on point. Made us feel welcomed.

They had happy hour on their signature drinks and they were all delish.

I love the dive ish bar feel but the offering of craft cocktails.“

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

“This has become my go-to gathering place on Downer Avenue. It's classy, relaxing, quiet enough for conversation, and has beverages to suit just about any mood or taste. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable.“

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

“It's like hanging out with family and friends!!“

“Sugar Maple is a great staple in the Milwaukee craft beer scene. With so many beers on tap, there’s definitely something for everyone! They have a full bar if beer isn’t your thing. The service and atmosphere are nice, and there is a patio out back. Sugar Maple often hosts fun events like Name That Beer trivia (free to play!), food trucks, beer and food pairings, and brewery visits/tap takeovers. They now offer an order-in food selection as well. If you like craft beer, Sugar Maple is an excellent bar to visit.“

“Amazing place to hang out“

“Amazing bar tucked into the neighborhood. Beer list, wine list, and cocktails are all well thought out by someone who really cares. Good vibes. This place is 10/10.“

“2nd time here and will be back! Love it“

“Great place to relax on the back patio!“

“Just the right kind of dive bar meets stallis! Kathy is LEGIT! Usuals are a new level of greatness! I’d come here again no questions asked. Pissers are clean. Drinks are cold. Cash is green! Pitter patter! Let’s get at E’r! Need I say more!“

“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!“

“Lunch date was amazing! Vibes, food and beautiful atmosphere!“

“This is our go to hangout place! Best wings on the planet, hands down!! awesome towny bar atmosphere“

“Hey! second time here service was great ! cold beer as always (: love they have patio lot of inside space , pool and more. they offer variety of items chips , snacks ! really chill spot in the foresthome area. will be coming with my wife soon! thanks again (:“

“Great bartenders, fun events!“

“Ryan, Carly, and Rin were amazing. They are the reason I will be a regular and spend my money for the year I will be here for work. They are socially aware and very knowledgeable about what they sell. Best experience at a fine dining establishment I have ever have!!!!!“

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

“My neighborhood "cheers". I moved to the area 2yrs ago, and I just started visiting this place in the summer. I like it here. There's always good vibes. Sarah and Dawn are awesome! Sarah makes the best wings and they have a nice variety of flavors! The drinks are well made, and the prices are affordable. It's a nice place for a quick bite to eat and a drink after work. Game days are always a go!“

“Bloody Mary gurus! Great bartenders“

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

“Good service great food“

“Sage was absolutely amazing! he made some of the best drinks I’ve ever had and clearly knows what He’s doing. Every drink was delicious, creative, and made perfectly. On top of that, He was so friendly and made the whole experience even better. You can tell he genuinely cares about his customers and takes pride in what he does. If you’re looking for amazing drinks and great service, definitely ask for Sage“