East side bar offering 2 levels. A complete bar downstairs, with pool tables
and other gaming devices. Good beer selection. High Definition available for
most big games on 3 different screens (if you can get the bartender to figure out
how their A/V setup works. Upstairs is where the bands
play. Daily food and drink specials. Located on the corner of North and Farwell, which is a good area
for partying.
2022 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1128 Phone:
(414)272-7263
Barley Pop
What I generally call a Germantown "Hill Billy" bar. Nice folks, good food,
and some surprisingly good beers on tap. They often run good specials on
food and beer.
N116w16137 Main St, Germantown, WI 53022-2539 Phone:
(262)255-2086
Benno’s
This is more of a West Allis Hill Billy Bar. Great location for state
fair. The most redeeming characteristic of this bar is that they have a
HUGE number of KILLER beers on tap.
7413 W Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53214-4614 Phone:
(414)453-9094
Brown Bottle Pub (Now closed)
Located in the old Schlitz brewery building, the Brown Bottle Pub
is a far cry from the days when Schlitz was "The beer that made Milwaukee
famous". The Brown Bottle has a great selection of bottled Micro Beers,
and a few good ones on tap too. If you want to stay for dinner, the menu
is good, and the happy hours feature drink specials and free hors d'oeuvres.
After dinner, the tables are sometimes cleared out and a band will play.
221 W Galena St, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3948 Phone:
(414)271-4444
Eastsider
Located on the corner of North Avenue and Oakland Street, The Eastsider
is one of my favorite hang outs on the East Side of Milwaukee. When the
current owners took over in 1999, they really did some work on the place.
It's not a huge bar, but the coziness is contrasted with lots of big
windows and high ceilings. The bartenders at the eastsider are very
friendly, and are more than happy to assist you in selecting a drink that
is just right for you, as well as updating you with the latest local sports scores
in the process. The booze selection at the Eastsider is most
satisfying. They feature Guiness and a few other good imports and micros
on tap, and the hard liquor selection is quite impressive as well, featuring
many top-shelf vodkas and taquillas, and perhaps best of all,
a very unusually hearty selection of top shelf bourbons.
North & Oakland, Milwaukee, WI
Estate
If you like to hang out on the East Side of Milwaukee and listen
to some of the best live jazz in the city, this is the place! Very small place,
but the Estate features live jazz almost every night of the week. They
usually serve a specialty brew from the Lakefront Brewery. Try
it, or perhaps a nice glass of Booker's
Bourbon.
2423 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211-4407 Phone:
(414)964-9923
Hi Hat
This is a totally chillin' East Side cool-out. Great appetizers and an
excellent bar. 2 levels. Great atmosphere. Great service too. Excellent Sunday Brunch.
Outdoor seating on Arlington. There is now a "Hi Hat Garage" next door, and across the street
is Balzac, which is owned by the same people as Hi Hat and Hi Hat Garage. Balzac is
small plate dining and wine bar.
Brady and Arlington - two blocks west of Farwell
Hooligan's
Another East Side bar featuring an extensive variety of Import and
Micro beers on tap. Great burgers and nachos. Excellent bar food. Huge menu.
2017 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1127 Phone:
(414)273-5230
Howard’s Inn
Decent pub, considering it is in Mequon. Another Hill Billy Bar with
a yuppie sprinkling.
5208 W County Line Rd, Mequon, WI 53092-4733 Phone:
(262)238-9881
John Hawks
Fine downtown drinking establishment right on the Milwaukee River.
Outside drinking and dining, weather permitting.
100 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-4107 Phone:
(414)272-3199
Kegel’s Inn
Very German type place in West Allis. Good food, and great German
Bier.
5901 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53214-3449 Phone:
(414)257-9999
Landmark 1850
Located near the airport, Landmark 1850 is Milwaukee's oldest bar.
They have a virtually infinite selection of micro beers and imports on
tap, and a really sweet sound system featuring custom built Legacy tube amps.
5905 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207-6231 Phone:
(414)769-1850
Landmark Lanes
Although this is a bowling alley, Landmark Lanes also features 3
different bars. They have lots of good beers on tap, and it is a good East
Side, culturally, racially, and ethnically diverse crowd. Located below the Oriental Theater.
Milwaukee East Side - On Farwell, just south of North
Ave. 2220 N. Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI Phone: (414)278-8770
Milwaukee Ale House
By far, this is Milwaukee's best brew pub. Located in Milwaukee's
historic 3rd ward, the Ale House is pretty much yuppie city, but if you
can get past that, or if you already happen to smoke Cuban cigars, pull
right up in your euro-car and grab a beer. The ale house brews some of
the best beer in Milwaukee, but they don't limit your selection to just
that. They also feature other great micro beers from Wisconsin breweries
such as New Glarus and Lakefront. But the fun at the Ale House doesn't
stop with just beer. Take a stroll down stairs to the "Hop Side Down."
This is the finest whiskey bar in Milwaukee. There are more Bourbon,
Scotch, Irish and Tennessee Whiskeys than you will know what to do with.
Try the sampler platter. You get three small but sufficient portions of
3 different whiskeys of your choice. The price you pay is the price of
a single serving of
the most expensive one. This is a great opportunity to sample some really
fine stuff that you may not want to buy a whole bottle of without tasting
first, even if you could find it somewhere. Many of the brands are not at
all commonly available in area liquor stores. If the weather is nice, take
a few steps back and you are outside, where you can sit down and enjoy your
drink along the shore of the Milwaukee River.
223 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-5707 Phone: (414)226-2337
Nomad
One of my absolute favorites, the Nomad is pretty much coffee house
by day, world pub by night. East Side location on Brady St. Friendly serving
staff, friendly customers, and a great beer selection. The nomad is small,
but cozy. Its not too tough to make friends fast in the Nomad.
1401 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1614 Phone:
(414)224-8111
My favorite bar in the ever-happening Water Street Party District.
Great beers, and super great hi-balls. They also serve good food. A little
bit classier than your average water street establishment.
1211 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-2505 Phone:
(414)224-0535
O'Danny's Pub
Right next door to the Oak Barrel, O'Danny's has the same menu of
food as the Oak Barrel. The ribs and chicken are cooked over wood in
O'Danny's pit. A great place to go for food and drinks before or after
a concert or basketball game. The Bradley Center, US Cellular Arena,
Midwest Express Center, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts,
Milwaukee Riverwalk, Pere Marquette Park, Hyatt Hotel and Milwaukee
Auditorium are all within walking distance. After 11 P.M., things really
start hopping. Both the upstairs and downstairs bar areas at O'Danny's
really start to fill up.
1213 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-2505 Phone:
(414)223-3422
Old German Beer Hall
This is the real deal! If you want to experience a TRUE German Bier Hall in
Milwaukee, then this is the place! The Old German Beer Hall is located on Old World 3rd
Street in Downtown Milwaukee. This is a coblestone street that has all of "Old Milwaukee's Best."
Usinger's sausage factory has been there since 1880. This street is 1 block to the east of the
Bradley Center (home of the Milwaukee Bucks). The Old German Beer Hall is a long and narrow
establishment, with the main bar in the front as you walk in. They house all of the famous German
cordials, such as Asbach and Barenjager, as well as featuring 3 German Biers on tap. The center
area has a kitchen area where they perpare knakwust, bratwurst, smoked pork chops, and more, all
served with kraut and an optional side of German potato salad. Once you have had your snack and
washed it down with a few beers and a shot (try the famous 5-shots-on-a-ski), you can move towards
the back of the establishment where you will really get the feel of an authentic Old German Beer Hall.
The music is live, and of course, polka! The Old German Beer Hall also has lunch specials. The servers
all wear authentic german gear, such as the waitresses dressed in dirndls. The menu includes Usinger's
brats and sandwiches as well as a couple of appetizers, including a warm Bavarian
pretzel that's a great late-night snack (food is served until closing time).
1009 N. Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Phone:
(414)226-2728
Rave
Very popular venue for live music in Milwaukee. The Rave has a small
bar area called the Rave Bar, the downstairs hall known simply as the Rave,
and an upstairs ball room known as the Eagles Ballroom. The upstairs has an
upstairs, and the downstairs has an upstairs. There is also a basement club,
for a total of 4 venues in one. Very strange place. Check your local
listings for all your favorite bands on tour. They will probably come to
the Rave sooner or later.
2401 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233-1827 Phone:
(414)342-7283
A really nice brewpub located along Milwaukee's Scenic Riverwalk.
Rock Bottom may be a "chain" brewpub with locations around the country,
but that doesn't stop them from serving the 1-2 punch of great food and
fantastic micro-brewed beer. This is one of the best summer outdoor establishments
as well.
740 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203-2403 Phone:
(414)276-3030
Shank Hall
This place is all about live music. It doesn't have much character,
but it is roomy enough to house some popular music attractions. There's
almost always some kind of live music going down at Shank Hall. Check your
local listings.
1434 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-2904 Phone:
(414)276-7288
This hipster hangout, simply known as "Three", is located on Milwaukee
street downtown. Things don't really start hopping at Three until about 11 P.M.
This club has a long and narrow layout to it. I found that the beer and liquor
selection was quite adequate. Martini's of course, are very popular at Three.
From the street, you wouldn't even know there was anything going on in here.
There are no bright neon beer signs, or any lit signs whatsoever. There is
basically no indication that there is a bar here at all. I suppose in keeping
with a hipster image, this place is only for those who know about it. Three
doesn't seem like the type of place that likes to attract just any average
person who happens down the street. If you are planning to visit, make sure you
have the address with you. Don't expect any big flashy signs out front alerting
you to where this place is. The clientel is decidedly 20-something
posers. Some dress nicer than others, and all are doing their best to look cool.
The music is DJ supplied, and is all of the "dance, trance, house, industrial-techno"
genra. It's "Club Music." Of course, for that kind of thing, digital is out. It's
all vinyl spun on turntables. The look and feel of the bar is pretty high class, with
the bar along one side, tables on the other, a couch and DJ booth in the back, and
an open area near the DJ for dancing. The atmosphere is very up beat and high energy.
Although I personally would not spend a lot of time at Three, I did find it somewhat
refreshing to see that a place like this can and does exist in the heart of downtown
Milwaukee. It's got kind of a big city, sophisticated feel to it.
722 N. Milwaukee Street, Milwaukee, WI Phone:
(414)225-0003
Trysting Place
Another Hill Billy Bar. This time, its in Menomonee Falls. Decent food and pizza. Not so good
beer selection. Get a mixer. You'll be glad ya did.
Located on the corner of Appleton & Good Hope
N71w12980 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051-5214 Phone: (262)255-4110
Up & Under
Despite the fact that Chicago is a close neighbor of Milwaukee, it
seems that about as much of a Blues Scene makes it up to Milwaukee as Chicago
Bears fans do. Translation: you sure don't see much blues in Milwaukee.
However, the Up & Under is a straight-up blues club. They feature many
well known blues acts, and they even get some of the best Chicago blues
men to come on up for a beer and a slice of cheese. However, if the act
is too well known, the bar is overcrowded, as the doorman gets addicted
to those $5 bills.
1216 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1603 Phone:
(414)276-2677
Uptowner
The Uptowner is a bar that is "Truly Milwaukee." On the one hand, it has a real
old time "brew city" feel to it, as is suggested by the prominently displayed
"Blatz" beer sign on the front of the building. On the other hand, the old-school, up north,
"Wisconsin Tavern" feel is often contrasted by the smooth sophistication of live Jazz music, whenever
Jack Grassel is in the house. 2006 marks Jack's 9th year
playing at the uptowner. Check his website for a current schedule of performances.
1032 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53212-3052 Phone:
(414)372-3882
Velvet Room
Of all the places you can go in Milwaukee to have a cocktail, none
may be finer than the Velvet Room. This place is all about atmosphere.
Great Downtown location. Comfortable "living room" like furniture, and
it is one of the few lounges where it is actually possible to have a conversation
with a person standing 2 feet away from you without screaming at the top
of your lungs. The Velvet Room also has pocket billiards, which is a welcome
departure from the lame coin-op tables found in most establishemnts.
They also feature appetizers a full dinner menu of eclectic cuisine.
If you want GERMAN BIER, this is *the* place! Located in - where
else? - Germantown, VRBS has nothing but German Bier on tap. They also
have an excellent selection of bottled beer and wine. Conveniently located
next to Jerry's Old Towne Inn, you can order up a slab of Milwaukee's finest
ribs and wash it down with Munich's finest. Outstanding choice in the summer
time, as VRBS features a very nice, secluded Bier Garten.
N116w15841 Main St, Germantown, WI 53022-2651 Phone:
(262)250-0522
Von Trier
A great German place located on the east side. Absolutely fantastic
selection of tap beer, as well as some great hot specialty coffee and tea
drinks. They have a nice beer garden in the summer.
2235 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202-1116 Phone:
(414)272-1775
