Cafe At The Plaza
One of the great things about Milwaukee in the warm season is being able to dine al fresco—in the open air. Eating outdoors makes the food taste better, the drinks more refreshing and life seem easier.
Milwaukee has no shortage of places nowadays that extend their service onto the sidewalk with tables out front. It’s a fine thing, but for our purposes, let’s focus on the experience of dining apart from passing cars and traffic—on patios, back gardens or rooftops.
For an experience that takes you away, step onto the patio at El Fuego on the South Side, 909 W. Layton Ave. Order a margarita and you might as well be in Mexico (or at least the Mexican Pavilion at Disney’s Epcot). With the wonderful atmosphere and some of the best Mexican food in the city, you forget the busy streets outside the walled patio. Or you can take a trip to France by sitting next to the fountain at the East Side’s Trocadero (1758 N. Water St.) and even beyond the wrought-iron gate, where there are tables for you and your four-legged friend. For flavors of the Near East, Casablanca (728 E. Brady St.) has an expansive upper-level balcony available by reservation for larger parties.
In the hot summer months when sushi is a cool and refreshing meal, Screaming Tuna (106 W. Seeboth St.) on the Milwaukee River is an excellent choice for watching the boats pass by. A favorite hideaway, tucked in the outskirts of Bay View is Barnacle Bud’s (1955 S. Hilbert St.), a little tricky to find, but get there, order a burger and one of the best Bloody Marys in town and you’ll feel like you just stepped off your boat in Florida for an afternoon snack. Other waterfront views can be had at Riverfront Pizzeria (509 E. Erie St.) and the Sail Loft (649 E. Erie St.) in the Third Ward, Twisted Fisherman (1200 W. Canal St.) on the Menomonee River and Ale Asylum Riverhouse (1110 N. Old World Third St.), a brewpub overlooking the Milwaukee River. Trinity Three Irish Pubs (125 E. Juneau Ave.) offers no less than three venues with strong libations and Irish food.
Don’t forget to check out The Horny Goat Hideaway (2011 S. First St.) if recreation and volleyball is your game. Lots of outdoor seating, great brews and bar food for that perfect weekend activity. Likewise, the Red Lion Pub (1850 N. Water St.) is a cool setting for outdoor soccer and billiards. Across from State Fair Park in West Allis, Double B’s (7420 W. Greenfield Ave.) recently opened a secluded patio outback.
The courtyard behind Café at the Plaza (1007 N. Cass St.) has long been a green oasis in the heart of busy East Town and recently inaugurated a “Café Live” acoustic music series on Friday and Saturday evenings. The patio at Pub Club (1103 N. Old World Third St.) sits in the heart of Downtown’s entertainment zone. Wolf Peach (1818 N. Hubbard St.), with the lovely patio and garden on Brewers Hill, is one of the best spots for watching the sunset over the city while enjoying exceptional food and drink and has two levels of seating. Located inside the Pabst Brewery compound, Jackson’s Blue Ribbon Pub (1203 N. 10th St.) is historic, scenic and offers a wide selection of local beer and liquor. Serving great burgers and Bloody Mary’s, Oscar’s Pub (1712 W. Pierce St.), boasts a patio in the heart of an old industrial district.
If you want a view that takes you to new heights, Hotel Metro’s Zen on 7 (411 E. Mason St.) has a stunning view of the bright city lights. Grab a seat by the waterfall or fireplace for that Zen-like feeling, while enjoying classic cocktails and appetizers. It is a great place for a special event, but open to the public on select nights (call in advance).
Café Benelux (364 N. Broadway) also has rooftop seating and is always a hopping place for lunch, dinner or just to grab some drinks and people watch in The Third Ward. For a more intimate rooftop experience, head to Walker’s Point for Braise (1101 S. Second St.), where there are less then 20 seats and you can relax in their rooftop garden.
An exceptional choice for waterfront dining is the Harbor House, 550 N. Harbor Drive. They have a large patio right on the lake with an amazing view of the Calatrava, but if you don’t want the hassle of weather and pests associated with eating or drinking outdoors, just inside the doors are a row of tables lining the big glass window with the same view.
Looking for something just beyond the city limits? Try the spacious outdoor patio at Pewaukee’s Thunder Bay Grille, N14 W24130 Tower Place. Whether you’re out for happy hour, dinner or recreation, take advantage of all that Milwaukee has offer. There are so many options for so few outdoor dining months.
