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!“

“Best Drinks in 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.“

“Thank you to Nico, Tyler, and Mitch, who were all incredibly friendly and helpful. With the outing organized by my employer as a staff bonding experience, which we know can often be awkward, this team at Nine Below truly made it a fun and memorable experience.“

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

“Hitched a ride to catch the crew,
but before we rolled, we stopped for a chew.

Wings went wild, piled up proud,
big ol’ birds built for a hungry crowd.
Bread ’em, bare ’em, grill ’em with flame,
then pick your potion and sauce your game.

Spicy garlic brings the bite,
maple bourbon sweetens things right.
Jerk gets jumpy, Buffalo burns,
one wing disappears and another returns.

Cold drinks clink, good company too,
the perfect pit stop before rolling with the crew.
Grab some grub, give those wings a try,
then hitch that ride and let McGinn’s drive.

No parking puzzle.
No game-day plight.
Just wings before wheels
and a ride for the night.

Hitched in hungry.
Shuttled out full.
Wings were wild,
and the company cool.

Peace. Piece. Poultry. Peas.

Mr. E & Justin Thyme“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

“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“

“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!“

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

“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.“

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

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

“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.“

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

“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.“

“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!“

“Great bartenders, fun events!“

“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 (:“

“What a hidden gem! The perch and cod were so moist and perfectly seasoned with a light cornbread breading. Tammy cooked and brought out our food. The men serving were comfortable and friendly, very relaxed place. We will be making this place a regular! Love the support for the police in there too!“

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

“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“

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

“Wc's rhythm and blues is a great place to have a nice decent party no drama just fun fun fun come on down and kicking with the family.“

“Edward was our bartender and he was so sweet and made us an authentic Old Fashioned Sweet, the local drink you have to try! We met some locals (thanks, Paul!) who gave us great recommendations for things to do in the area. We even got the password for Don’s TV Repair lol, which is another place we’re about to visit and get some drinks. Thanks McGilly! You made these Chicagoan’s feel welcome :)“

“Very awesome place to go for Alternative events! The bartender is friendly, nice, and generous. They have a nice small outdoor area to escape the noise and have privacy. I come here frequently for their Goth nights. Very underrated, more people need to come here to appreciate it's hidden treasures“

“💯 Lo recomiendo es de lo mejor muy buen servicio todo delicioso se convirtió en uno de mis lugares favoritos muy buenos resultados“

“I took my daughter-in-law to Blu at Pfister for Victorian tea. We each enjoyed one pot of tea from a selection of 15 different teas. We had 3 layers of food to enjoy, savory and sweet including scones, cucumber sandwiches, salmon and crab, turkey, pesto, red pepper along with various desserts with chocolate, fruit. We definitely needed to go boxes! Enjoyed the great views of the city and great service. We also each ordered a mimosa too!“

“Good service great food“

“Very nice place quite a lot of room to move around the bartenders even though the place was very busy we're right on top of our drinks everybody seem friendly had a nice smoking area so we had a really good time we'll definitely go back“

“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.“

“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!“

“Great quality tequila for all the fantasic house cocktails!!“

“Amazing meal!! Our server Ray was the BEST!“

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

“One of the few classier places where you can sit outside to enjoy a decent beer with a view. The crowd is not too young, they often play a good selection of dance hits, and typically very friendly. Sundays offer half off on tap beers. Cheers!!“

“Sofie is a great New York speakeasy style lounge with live music and djs on the weekend nights. P“

“Bottom line, this is my favorite bar in Milwaukee.

I happened upon Agency by chance so I entered without expectations, but I could have set them high and they still would have been beaten. Between the atmosphere, staff, and of course the drinks, Agency is high on my priority list of places to return to if I’m ever in Milwaukee again.

If you are someone that likes a complex drink that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else or even try to recreate, Agency is the experience for you, and they don’t gatekeep. They’ll tell you about every bit of effort that went into your drink, whether you order from the menu or have them build a cocktail for you (dealer’s choice).

Their experiential menu is a must-try, and each item has a small plate it’s intended to be paired with. Looking at the prices online can make Agency seem steep, but the effort and complexity of their drinks make the prices well worth it.

Highly highly recommend.“

“Love them to death happy anniversary Carol and good“

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

“Had the honor of visiting Shanghai last weekend, absolutely fantastic experience, the atmosphere was warm and relaxing, the drinks spot on, and the service (Calvin) very knowledgeable of the cocktails. Highly recommended!“

“Awesome place to grab a drink and actually talk.“

“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.“