Outdoor Dining and Drink Guide 2023

Eat/Drink

Barnacle Bud’s

Milwaukee’s iconic Best Kept Secret is not so secret any longer. Tucked away on the Kinnickinnic River, it offers a reprieve from the city with its casual atmosphere and fare. Offering everything from seafood to bar food, from Pirate Punch to Dumpster Punch.

Beans & Barley

A specialty store and restaurant located on Milwaukee's East Side.

There’s a market with everything from groceries to gifts, an all-homemade deli with fresh specials every day, and a café that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

They have a steady commitment to three principles: quality, value, and fun. Stop in and treat yourself to some real, good, food.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria

Blue Bat Kitchen finds inspiration in the energy and flavors of street food around the globe. Enjoy some of Milwaukee’s best tacos, shareable appetizers, and more in a relaxed and fun environment that pairs perfectly with Milwaukee’s very first Tequilaria.

Boone & Crockett

Situated right at the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic River confluence, Boone & Crockett's patio hasn’t even reached its final form. Boasting amazing views of the Hoan Bridge and Lake Michigan, it features Taco Moto food truck's permanent home, with a seasonal bar and weekly live music.

Botanas Restaurant 

In the summer, sip margaritas and munch on chips and guacamole on Botana’s open-air patio. It’s spacious enough for large groups and also perfect for a table of two. If the outdoor seating is full, request a table under the covered patio to still take advantage of a summer evening. Both options are a great way to enjoy this casual cantina that offers authentic Mexican dishes.

The Bridgewater Modern Grill

Nestled in the heart of Milwaukee’s emerging Harbor District, The Bridgewater Modern Grill reflects its presence on the historic Kinnikinnic River with a specially crafted menu that explores the essence of fire in fine food.

Café at the Plaza

The Café at the Plaza courtyard is Milwaukee's most unique patio. Nestled in the heart of downtown, ivy-covered walls and the city's best brunch make this spot a can't-miss hidden gem.

Café Corazón  

The Riverwest location along the Beerline Trail complements the restaurant's bright, fresh Mexican-inspired food. In Bay View, you'll find a quiet, artsy patio tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kinnickinnic. The Brown Deer location hosts the largest Corazón patio with seating for 60. It too is off the Oak Leaf Trail and will feature its own outdoor bar.

Café Manna

Celebrate this summer season at their neighborhood gem, nestled within their fresh garden. Enjoy the scenic surroundings as you indulge Manna’s craft cocktails and modern summer cuisine, which is also vegan friendly.

Camino

Tucked away in a narrow alley, you’ll find a lush green landscape at Camino in Walker’s Point. It’s truly a hidden gem amongst downtown patios. Summer is short - come imbibe and get down with some killer bar food in this outdoor oasis while you can. Kitchen open late.

centro 

An Italian-inspired, full-service restaurant with delicious food, warm service, and a charming atmosphere…seasonal deck & sunken garden terrace dining…exceptional dining experiences to remember…bar centro jazz lounge next door.

Dom & Phil’s DeMarinis

Dom & Phil’s Original Recipes are recognized for having some of the best pizza in Milwaukee. There’s also a wonderful menu of Italian entrées, weekly specials, appetizers, and salads and a full bar where you can grab a bite or drink. People love the outdoor patio with a great view of the downtown skyline and the fireworks!

The Edison

Opening this SUMMER 2023 The Edison, a sophisticated neighborhood grill, will feature indulgent, new American eats serving coal-fired butcher’s cuts and seafood, as well as other classic dishes. The speakeasy-inspired bar will highlight a curated selection of distilled spirits, nostalgic cocktails with a modern twist, local draft beers and an approachable wine list.

Five O’Clock Steakhouse

Relax and enjoy your supper club experience on their intimate patio lined with beautiful flowers and firepit.  Five O’Clock Steakhouse specializes in serving award winning steaks and seafood paired with a notable wine list, classic cocktails, and outstanding, personalized service.

Golden Mast

The Golden Mast is a family-run restaurant and special events venue that offers delicious steaks, seafood, and traditional German specialties in a truly unique setting. Its gorgeous views of Lake Okauchee and warm European atmosphere make it a Lake Country favorite. Classic Fine Dining, Lakeside Lounge Patio, Casual Menu, Banquets & Weddings, Marina & Boat Launch, Bay Runner Pontoon.

Great Lakes Distillery

Open daily, their tasting room is the perfect spot to relax with friends and family. They offer daily tours, a spacious, pet-friendly patio, and crafted cocktails–including alcoholic slushies –made with the small batch spirits they make on-site. Book a tour, see upcoming events, and their current cocktail menu at greatlakesdistillery.com. Tasting Room & Retail Hours: Mon.-Thurs. Noon-9pm, Fri. Noon-Midnight, Sat. 11am-Midnight, Sun. 11am-7pm.

Kegel’s Inn

Kegel's Inn Beer Garden is a hidden treasure in the city. Live music from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; Friday 6-9 and during lunch on Saturday noon-3.  Beer Garden menu including kids options and Friday Fish Fry. Happy Hour 4-6 T/W/Th 1/2 OFF Liters & $2 OFF All Burgers & Brats $5 Root Beer Floats.  Kegel’s Inn is open Tuesday-Thursday, 4-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lakefront Brewery

  • 1872 N. Commerce St.
  • Milwaukee 
  • (414) 372-8800
  • lakefrontbrewery.com

For over 35 years, Lakefront Brewery has been crafting dependable, true-to-style beers, giving America’s Favorite Brewery Tour™, and creating fun for all. This summer, Lakefront has added an all-new outdoor bar, bathrooms, and enlarged Riverwalk space. Milwaukee’s iconic, craft brewer welcomes everyone for a beer, some food, and a laugh.

Lost Valley Cider Co.

Lost Valley Cider Bar serves up the largest selection of ciders from near and far.  Featuring over 50 different ciders to choose from plus cider slushies, spirits, and craft beer. All of Lost Valley is dog friendly, both inside and the large outdoor patio. Check out their free live music Fridays and Wednesday trivia nights.

MOTOR Bar & Restaurant

With a patio overlooking the Menomonee River and its own kayak and boat dock, there is no better place to enjoy summer in Milwaukee. Offering a full food and beverage menu, engaging programming, pet treats and lawn games – it’s the perfect place to make memories all season long.

Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill  

Enjoy lunch or dinner on their beautiful, spacious smoke-free patio that is perfect for private parties and large groups. You can also catch live music with Ian Gould each First Tuesday of the month, starting in July (weather permitting).

MOXIE Food + Drink

  • 501 E. Silver Spring Drive
  • Whitefish Bay
  • (414) 204-8980
  • eatatmoxie.com

Feel like you’re dining in Europe on the MOXIE patio in Whitefish Bay. MOXIE packs a lot of charm into its lush little patio with a relaxed kind of elegant vibe. Serving inspired American comfort food—steaks, seafood, and pasta, along with fine wines and classic cocktails—enjoy exceptional service and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Open for lunch Tuesday-Friday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Bar and appetizer menu on Sunday afternoons.

Onesto

Italian for “honest,” Onesto puts a modern twist on Italian cuisine that’s fresh and flavorful. They pair handmade pasta with an outstanding wine and craft cocktail list, elegant service, and a unique menu that has been frequently named among the best Italian in Milwaukee.

The Outsider

This summer, head to The Outsider, Milwaukee’s premiere rooftop destination. Enjoy twinkling skyline views and weekly entertainment while sipping on creative cocktails and regional small-batch spirits. Fuel up with The Outsider’s menu of shareable snacks, perfect for a night out.

The Packing House

They bring the atmosphere of dining inside to their beautiful outdoor patio. A waterfall, fireplace, flowers, and heaters make for a comfortable dining experience. Enjoy their full menu selection and cocktails on Milwaukee’s design award-winning patio!

The Pivot Room at Whirlyball

The Pivot Room pairs flavorful dishes with crafted libations packing a one-two punch that’ll have you asking for more. We offer a relaxed yet elevated dining experience featuring fresh takes on classic American cuisine, an expansive rotating craft beer selection, and refreshing signature cocktails.

PJ Piper Pancake House

Start your day off right at PJ Pipers!  They’re open early during Strawberry Fest with outdoor seating to make sure you have a great start to the day.

Red Lion Pub

Experience a corner of the UK with a menu of favorite British dishes, authentic cocktails, brews and spirits all while cheering on your favorite soccer team. They offer the community outdoor dining as well as onsite and offsite catering.

SALA

Experience a taste of Sicily close to home with award-winning chef-made dinners, an expansive cocktail menu, and an international wine list featuring Sicilian and Italian wines. You'll leave satisfied and part of the family. Enjoy the summer with a creative specialty drink on the SALA patio or an after-dinner drink at the bar.

Smoke Shack

They’re obsessed with the craft of smoked meat. Their certified humanely-raised meats are dry rubbed, slow smoked, and sauced by you. In some cases, they began smoking your meat yesterday to ensure you get the perfect quality barbecue.

Sunny Side Up Cafe

No upcharge for this eccentric-infused MASTERPIECE. This month features sliced lemons, limes, oranges, ruby red grapefruit, strawberries, currants, and raspberries as well as red, and yellow bell peppers horseradish root, and carrots. Don’t forget about their mimosas and their outdoor dining! Follow the Pup to Sunny Side Up - New Berlin.

Three Lions Pub 

Experience a corner of the UK with a menu of favorite British dishes, authentic cocktails, brews and spirits all while cheering on your favorite soccer team. They offer the community outdoor dining as well as onsite and offsite catering.

Tre Rivali

Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward District, Tre Rivali offers the city’s best Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Indulge in wood-fired favorites and seasonable ingredients in Tre Rivali’s vibrant dining room or lovely sidewalk summer patio.

Von Trier

Celebrating 45 years as a staple of Milwaukee’s East Side! Saturday, July 8th.  An all-day event including Spanferkel, live music, Hammerschlägen, Liter Hoister contest, and late night DJ session.

War Memorial Beer Garden  

On the lakefront, the WMBG is in the shadow of the War Memorial building. The WMBG is upgraded with a container bar serving German beer, brats, Vennture Cold Brew Latte, and snacks. Park in the WMC adjacent lot for a free beer. Proceeds benefit the War Memorial and its mission. Dogs welcome! Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., with live music Friday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m. Opens May 26 for Memorial Day weekend.