Milwaukee Outdoor Dining Guide 2025

The best places to enjoy al fresco dining in Milwaukee this summer

by

Eat/Drink

Wisconsin winters may be harsh, but Milwaukee summers are divine. Savor the summer along with your next meal by enjoying Milwaukee's seasonal al fresco dining scene. Here's your 2025 guide to patio dining in Milwaukee:

Eldr+Rime

Sunny days, cool summer nights, expertly crafted cocktails, an appetizing menu, all enjoyed in a vibrant outdoor setting. Enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, or happy hour. Catch live music on Thursday nights! Don’t miss soaking up the sunshine, fresh air, and good vibes on their spacious patio!

Boone & Crockett

There’s a reason Boone & Crockett has won BEST PATIO more than once! There’s always a good time to be had when you’re sitting on the river. Amazing drinks, food trucks, live music, great company, just to name a few. Find us under the lights of the Hoan!

Hop Harvest & Vine

This scenic spot adjacent to Good Harvest Market features a rustic patio and open-air Pavilion overlooking a 17-acre conservation area. Enjoy hop-infused pizzas, 18 rotating local taps, and scratch-made meals using organic produce, pasture-raised beef, and sustainable seafood. The dog-friendly outdoor space offers live music, trivia, free movie nights, and a kids’ playground. The Pavilion is also available for weddings and private events — all just minutes from I-94.

Transfer Pizzeria Café

Introducing a new outdoor patio this summer, including tables inside a restored 1950s era Milwaukee city bus. Open for more than 17 years, Transfer is a full-service, independent pizzeria with a wide menu of unique hand-tossed pizzas. Visit for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday.

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.

Café Corazon

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

Café Manna

Enjoy this summer season at our neighborhood gem located off of Capitol Drive. Sit, socialize and indulge in Manna’s craft cocktails and exciting vegetarian/vegan summer cuisine. 

Centro

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

Five O’Clock Steakhouse

Relax and enjoy your supper club experience on our 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.

Las Gardenias

Enjoy our sunny patio this summer and fall with made-from-scratch Guadalajaran cuisine. Grab a drink at our full-service bar filled with Mexican wine, beer and spirits and Happy Hour deals Tuesday-Friday from 4-5 p.m. We can't wait for you to try our unique preparations made with quality ingredients and traditional family recipes! 

Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill

Enjoy lunch or dinner on our beautiful, spacious smoke-free patio that is perfect for private parties and large groups. You can also catch live music on the patio, weather permitting.

Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina

An updated venue serving all those drawn to this freshwater coastline. Serving up snacks, drinks and sundries, it’s your one-stop shop before setting sail. Not heading out on the water? Food and drinks purchased at Roundhouse Beer Garden can be enjoyed on the comfortable park-like lawn surrounding our building. Drinking at Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina supports future Milwaukee County park projects.

SALA

SALA, on a quiet street off Downer, where the patio offers a relaxing European atmosphere. You will find it perfect for a morning coffee and fresh pastry, a midday panini or a delicious evening dinner with a bottle of wine or a cocktail under the umbrellas. You may feel like you're enjoying an evening in Palermo or Rome. Contact us at saladining.com.

The Pasta Tree

Tucked behind The Pasta Tree, the enchanting Secret Garden patio glows with twinkling lights, lush blooms, and romantic charm—Milwaukee’s most magical dining escape.

This guide is updated monthly throughout the season. Check back for more or pick up the latest edition of the Shepherd Express.