Riverwest Guidebook
Bars & Cocktails
Art Bar lives up to its name by showcasing new art installations on a regular basis. Pair that up with creative drinks, housemade pizzas, a welcoming atmosphere, a patio and you've got a spot that checks off a good number of great bar boxes.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Art Bar
722 E Burleigh StArt Bar lives up to its name by showcasing new art installations on a regular basis. Pair that up with creative drinks, housemade pizzas, a welcoming atmosphere, a patio and you've got a spot that checks off a good number of great bar boxes.
This craft brewery got its start in a small cabin in Pembine, Wisconsin, and you'll find nods to the North Woods in the tap room's decor. Stop in for a pint to enjoy at the bar or on the brewery's well-appointed patio.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Black Husky Brewing
909 E Locust StThis craft brewery got its start in a small cabin in Pembine, Wisconsin, and you'll find nods to the North Woods in the tap room's decor. Stop in for a pint to enjoy at the bar or on the brewery's well-appointed patio.
This corner tavern sports a "small town bar" vibe along with affordable beverages, bar dice, gambling machines, snacks and more.
Bosco's On Burleigh
1000 East Burleigh StreetThis corner tavern sports a "small town bar" vibe along with affordable beverages, bar dice, gambling machines, snacks and more.
This bar and venue is well-known from its just about nightly live music, pinball tournaments, comedy, open mic nights and events. If that's not your style, you'll still find a comfortable spot to imbibe in their unique café setting.
Bremen Cafe
901 E Clarke StThis bar and venue is well-known from its just about nightly live music, pinball tournaments, comedy, open mic nights and events. If that's not your style, you'll still find a comfortable spot to imbibe in their unique café setting.
Much like its sister eatery next door, Bar Centro offers beautiful, cozy quarters, plus a menu of wine, beer, cocktails and Italian amaro.
bar centro
804 East Center StreetMuch like its sister eatery next door, Bar Centro offers beautiful, cozy quarters, plus a menu of wine, beer, cocktails and Italian amaro.
This live music club is small but mighty, welcoming multifarious bands and DJs from Milwaukee and beyond.
Circle-A-Cafe
932 E Chambers StThis live music club is small but mighty, welcoming multifarious bands and DJs from Milwaukee and beyond.
This former Miller tide house offers a corner bar feel complete with low-cost drinks, darts, pool and a welcoming vibe.
Club 99
2579 North Pierce StreetThis former Miller tide house offers a corner bar feel complete with low-cost drinks, darts, pool and a welcoming vibe.
This bar and live music venue features primarily (but not limited to) world music/reggae bands and DJs. pen and spacious, Timbuktu is an extremely dance-friendly venue.
Club Timbuktu
520 E Center StThis bar and live music venue features primarily (but not limited to) world music/reggae bands and DJs. pen and spacious, Timbuktu is an extremely dance-friendly venue.
This microbrewery and restaurants offers a wide selection of on-premise brews, tap cocktails, coffee drinks and more. Come for the food and drinks, but make sure to stay for live music, trivia events and much more.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Company Brewing
735 E Center StThis microbrewery and restaurants offers a wide selection of on-premise brews, tap cocktails, coffee drinks and more. Come for the food and drinks, but make sure to stay for live music, trivia events and much more.
Milwaukee's first tiki bar continues to crank out creative and potent Polynesian cocktails including zombies, mai tais, Singapore slings, dark and stormys and more. Some are even served in take-home tiki vessels.
39 recommandé par les habitants
The Foundation Bar
2718 N Bremen StMilwaukee's first tiki bar continues to crank out creative and potent Polynesian cocktails including zombies, mai tais, Singapore slings, dark and stormys and more. Some are even served in take-home tiki vessels.
This craft brewery features a spacious tap room with a bar made from an old basketball court. Food trucks are often on premise to provide welcome noshes. The brewery also features Yappy Hour every Wednesday night from 4-8 p.m., where bringing your dog with you earns $1 off all draft beers.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Gathering Place Brewing Company
811 E Vienna AveThis craft brewery features a spacious tap room with a bar made from an old basketball court. Food trucks are often on premise to provide welcome noshes. The brewery also features Yappy Hour every Wednesday night from 4-8 p.m., where bringing your dog with you earns $1 off all draft beers.
Pool, bar dice, bargain beverages and football are big draws at this corner watering hole, and the super-diverse jukebox is a sweet surprise.
Gee Willickers
2578 N Dousman StPool, bar dice, bargain beverages and football are big draws at this corner watering hole, and the super-diverse jukebox is a sweet surprise.
For some, this space will forever be Barrel Riders, even though it's been The Gig for more than a decade. Nonetheless, head here and you'll find a low-key bar with pool, video games and occasional live music.
The Gig
1132 E Wright StFor some, this space will forever be Barrel Riders, even though it's been The Gig for more than a decade. Nonetheless, head here and you'll find a low-key bar with pool, video games and occasional live music.
This friendly, no-frills tavern is owned by a longtime Riverwest bartender. Affordable drinks, craft brews, live music, bar dice and free food during Packers games are all hallmarks of this neighborhood spot.
6 recommandé par les habitants
High Dive
701 E Center StThis friendly, no-frills tavern is owned by a longtime Riverwest bartender. Affordable drinks, craft brews, live music, bar dice and free food during Packers games are all hallmarks of this neighborhood spot.
This low-key neighborhood bar features affordable drinks and bartenders that keep up the vibe by rocking fun tunes.
Lil Wil
3200 North Booth StreetThis low-key neighborhood bar features affordable drinks and bartenders that keep up the vibe by rocking fun tunes.
Quarters is a (tiny!) hole-in-the-wall bar and music venue that has been around, on and off, for decades. And yes, they're still kickin'.
Quarters
900 East Center StreetQuarters is a (tiny!) hole-in-the-wall bar and music venue that has been around, on and off, for decades. And yes, they're still kickin'.
Stop by this Riverwest bar for great drinks and music that is sure to keep you jamming all night long.
Ret Lounge
3400 North Holton StreetStop by this Riverwest bar for great drinks and music that is sure to keep you jamming all night long.
This neighborhood tavern is a popular spot for residents to catch the game. But you can also stop by for drinks, a game of pool or to spin some tunes on the jukebox.
Riverwest Tavern
900 East Auer AvenueThis neighborhood tavern is a popular spot for residents to catch the game. But you can also stop by for drinks, a game of pool or to spin some tunes on the jukebox.
"Hidden" in the midst of residential homes, Squirrel Cage is truly a neighborhood bar. You'll find affordable drinks, a pool table and –according to lore – a "pet" squirrel (hence the name).
Squirrel Cage
2402 N Dousman St"Hidden" in the midst of residential homes, Squirrel Cage is truly a neighborhood bar. You'll find affordable drinks, a pool table and –according to lore – a "pet" squirrel (hence the name).
This cocktail lounge ideal for an intimate "date night," thanks to its unique decor, dim lighting and cozy quarters. It's also a great spot for well-crafted cocktails and conversation.
Two
718 E Burleigh StThis cocktail lounge ideal for an intimate "date night," thanks to its unique decor, dim lighting and cozy quarters. It's also a great spot for well-crafted cocktails and conversation.
This Riverwest classic is among the oldest continuosly operating taverns in the city. "Home of the beautiful people," this corner tavern offers affordable drinks, friendly service and spiffs like pinball, occasional live music and more. It's Milwaukee's very own "Bukowski bar."
Uptowner
1032 E Center StThis Riverwest classic is among the oldest continuosly operating taverns in the city. "Home of the beautiful people," this corner tavern offers affordable drinks, friendly service and spiffs like pinball, occasional live music and more. It's Milwaukee's very own "Bukowski bar."
This casual corner bar is known for its good deals on drinks, pinball machines, karaoke (on Wednesdays), televised sports and more.
Veggas Pub
2479 North Fratney StreetThis casual corner bar is known for its good deals on drinks, pinball machines, karaoke (on Wednesdays), televised sports and more.
The Riverwest Filling Station certainly scores a lot of attention as one of the city's first growler bars. The Filling Station, however, also showcases a food menu as worthy of attention as its hefty beer selection, featuring a variety of sandwiches, entrees and apps – and, of course, a Friday fish fry.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Riverwest Filling Station
701 E Keefe AveThe Riverwest Filling Station certainly scores a lot of attention as one of the city's first growler bars. The Filling Station, however, also showcases a food menu as worthy of attention as its hefty beer selection, featuring a variety of sandwiches, entrees and apps – and, of course, a Friday fish fry.
Fun & Entertainment
The basement of this bar is home to a vintage bowling alley that's open to the public on Wednesday nights. The bar is open daily and offers seemingly bottomless taps in an old-school Milwaukee setting.
Falcon Bowl
801 E Clarke StThe basement of this bar is home to a vintage bowling alley that's open to the public on Wednesday nights. The bar is open daily and offers seemingly bottomless taps in an old-school Milwaukee setting.
This bar and music venue evolved over the years, first becoming a Milwaukee gem and now a classic. Live bands, poetry and more take place most nights of the week.
9 recommandé par les habitants
Linneman's Riverwest Inn
1001 E Locust StThis bar and music venue evolved over the years, first becoming a Milwaukee gem and now a classic. Live bands, poetry and more take place most nights of the week.
Consistently voted as Milwaukee's best dance club, Mad Planet is famous for its Friday night '80s dance parties and eclectic live music offerings. Make sure to check their events page for a full list of local talents and shindigs.
18 recommandé par les habitants
Mad Planet
533 E Center StConsistently voted as Milwaukee's best dance club, Mad Planet is famous for its Friday night '80s dance parties and eclectic live music offerings. Make sure to check their events page for a full list of local talents and shindigs.
Food scene
Klinger's East is a popular spot for catching the game. They offer a full bar, plus an well-liked Friday night fish fry.
Klinger's East
920 E Locust StKlinger's East is a popular spot for catching the game. They offer a full bar, plus an well-liked Friday night fish fry.
Inside this neighborhood tavern, you'll find dark wood accents, plenty of craft brews, a lengthy wine list, crafty seasonal cocktails and a delicious Italian menu. Sidewalk patio seating is available when the weather permits.
28 recommandé par les habitants
Nessun Dorma
2778 N Weil StInside this neighborhood tavern, you'll find dark wood accents, plenty of craft brews, a lengthy wine list, crafty seasonal cocktails and a delicious Italian menu. Sidewalk patio seating is available when the weather permits.
At Stubby's you'll find an extensive beer and cider list – available by the pint or growler – along with a full bar. Grab a pint and peruse their extensive pub menu. Seating is available in their spacious indoor quarters or outside on their beautiful (heated) riverfront patio.
19 recommandé par les habitants
Stubby's Gastrogrub & Beer Bar
2060 N Humboldt BlvdAt Stubby's you'll find an extensive beer and cider list – available by the pint or growler – along with a full bar. Grab a pint and peruse their extensive pub menu. Seating is available in their spacious indoor quarters or outside on their beautiful (heated) riverfront patio.
The Tracks is a popular spot to grab a drink and watch a game; but this tavern is perhaps best known for its fish fry and outdoor volleyball leagues in the spring and summer.
8 recommandé par les habitants
The Tracks Tavern
1020 E Locust StThe Tracks is a popular spot to grab a drink and watch a game; but this tavern is perhaps best known for its fish fry and outdoor volleyball leagues in the spring and summer.
What this intimate Italian-focused restaurant lacks in space – though the back room and porch area allow for stretching out a bit – it more than makes up for in absolutely delicious dishes, often coming from the chefs working in front of you in the main hall's open kitchen area. There's always a sold selection of specials each day – but if none of those speak to you, there's a whole menu of pasta and pizza perfection calling your name.
46 recommandé par les habitants
Centro Cafe
808 E Center StWhat this intimate Italian-focused restaurant lacks in space – though the back room and porch area allow for stretching out a bit – it more than makes up for in absolutely delicious dishes, often coming from the chefs working in front of you in the main hall's open kitchen area. There's always a sold selection of specials each day – but if none of those speak to you, there's a whole menu of pasta and pizza perfection calling your name.
Art Bar may be a bar first and foremost, but for those sauntering in with an empty stomach – never an optimal way to walk into a bar – the art-focused Riverwest watering hole does offer some tasty Milwaukee Pizza Company pizzas to go along with its new art installations hosted every couple of months, live entertainment and creative drinks.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Art Bar
722 E Burleigh StArt Bar may be a bar first and foremost, but for those sauntering in with an empty stomach – never an optimal way to walk into a bar – the art-focused Riverwest watering hole does offer some tasty Milwaukee Pizza Company pizzas to go along with its new art installations hosted every couple of months, live entertainment and creative drinks.
Located deep in the heart of the Riverwest neighborhood lies Cafe Corazon, a classic Mexican restaurant who's name fittingly translates out to "heart." There, you'll find a selection of tasty tacos sourced from primarily locally-sourced foods, refreshing margaritas and a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays that's sure to warm your heart and get your blood pumping.
100 recommandé par les habitants
Café Corazón
3129 N Bremen StLocated deep in the heart of the Riverwest neighborhood lies Cafe Corazon, a classic Mexican restaurant who's name fittingly translates out to "heart." There, you'll find a selection of tasty tacos sourced from primarily locally-sourced foods, refreshing margaritas and a brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays that's sure to warm your heart and get your blood pumping.
Company Brewing – located in the former Stonefly space on Center Street – may be one of the youngest Riverwest restaurants, but it's also one of its finest and most buzzed about. Deservedly so as well with its menu of intriguing options – fried pigs ear as an appetizer perhaps? Or maybe the house burger arriving on an English muffin? – that are as unique as they are scrumptious.
37 recommandé par les habitants
Company Brewing
735 E Center StCompany Brewing – located in the former Stonefly space on Center Street – may be one of the youngest Riverwest restaurants, but it's also one of its finest and most buzzed about. Deservedly so as well with its menu of intriguing options – fried pigs ear as an appetizer perhaps? Or maybe the house burger arriving on an English muffin? – that are as unique as they are scrumptious.
Reopened in 2014 by the original owner's grandsons, Lawrence and Anthony, the family-owned Italian restaurant serves up a menu of cozy classic dishes and new updated favorites, along with a Friday fish fry.
Dino's Riverwest
808 E Chambers StReopened in 2014 by the original owner's grandsons, Lawrence and Anthony, the family-owned Italian restaurant serves up a menu of cozy classic dishes and new updated favorites, along with a Friday fish fry.
The Riverwest Filling Station certainly scores a lot of attention as one of the city's first growler bars. The Filling Station, however, also showcases a food menu as worthy of attention as its hefty beer selection, featuring a variety of sandwiches, entrees and apps – and, of course, a Friday fish fry.
16 recommandé par les habitants
Riverwest Filling Station
701 E Keefe AveThe Riverwest Filling Station certainly scores a lot of attention as one of the city's first growler bars. The Filling Station, however, also showcases a food menu as worthy of attention as its hefty beer selection, featuring a variety of sandwiches, entrees and apps – and, of course, a Friday fish fry.
While the idea of a Riverwest pizza joint might at first inspire thoughts of quick and greasy-style slices, Riverwest Pizza is anything but. The restaurant cooks up an impressive menu of inventive pizzas, each given a charmingly local-focused name like Bremen (a kale, mushroom, tomato and garlic pizza), Pierce (a sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, olive, onions and funnel pizza) or Greenfields (parmesan and arugula on top of a house-made pesto sauce). So don't let any preconceived notions fool you, and give these pies and try.
30 recommandé par les habitants
Riverwest Pizza
930 E Wright StWhile the idea of a Riverwest pizza joint might at first inspire thoughts of quick and greasy-style slices, Riverwest Pizza is anything but. The restaurant cooks up an impressive menu of inventive pizzas, each given a charmingly local-focused name like Bremen (a kale, mushroom, tomato and garlic pizza), Pierce (a sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, olive, onions and funnel pizza) or Greenfields (parmesan and arugula on top of a house-made pesto sauce). So don't let any preconceived notions fool you, and give these pies and try.
*NEW LOCATION OPENING MIDSUMMER 2022*
*715 E LOCUST ST*
Food is in no short supply at Scardina Specialties, an Italian deli crafting delicious sausages, cold cuts, spiedini and other specialty meats both for your home and for other Riverwest restaurants on this very list (such as Riverwest Pizza, Lakefront Brewery, Centro Cafe and Dino's). But if cooking up the sausages or crafting a sandwich of your own is just a bridge too far, Scardina also puts together some mean sandwiches and wraps of its own to offer – plus a cannoli to top it off.
Scardina Specialties
715 E Chambers St*NEW LOCATION OPENING MIDSUMMER 2022*
*715 E LOCUST ST*
Food is in no short supply at Scardina Specialties, an Italian deli crafting delicious sausages, cold cuts, spiedini and other specialty meats both for your home and for other Riverwest restaurants on this very list (such as Riverwest Pizza, Lakefront Brewery, Centro Cafe and Dino's). But if cooking up the sausages or crafting a sandwich of your own is just a bridge too far, Scardina also puts together some mean sandwiches and wraps of its own to offer – plus a cannoli to top it off.
While hookah may be the star menu item at Shi Chai, the Center Street lounge also offers some flavorful foods to go along with its flavorful vapors, including hummus, chicken or lamb kabobs, chick or lamb shawarma and other Middle Eastern eats.
Shi Chai Hookah Lounge
832 E Center StWhile hookah may be the star menu item at Shi Chai, the Center Street lounge also offers some flavorful foods to go along with its flavorful vapors, including hummus, chicken or lamb kabobs, chick or lamb shawarma and other Middle Eastern eats.
The Door County Brewing Co. (Baileys Harbor, Wis.) tap room and kitchen is open for business on Milwaukee's East Side. The tap room and kitchen are open Wednesday through Sunday with 12 beers on tap plus bottles and cans to go. Food is available for dining in or takeout, with brunch on Sundays.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Hacienda Beer Co North Ave Taproom
2018 E North AveThe Door County Brewing Co. (Baileys Harbor, Wis.) tap room and kitchen is open for business on Milwaukee's East Side. The tap room and kitchen are open Wednesday through Sunday with 12 beers on tap plus bottles and cans to go. Food is available for dining in or takeout, with brunch on Sundays.
Coffee/Cafes
Colectivo has won over much of Milwaukee with its coffee, but its assorted cafes also offer up a menu of all-day breakfast, bakery, lunch and dinner options that can serve perfectly as a light mid-day snack or the necessary brain food to help motivate you to finish up that project you're working on. Plus, at the Humboldt location, you can watch the roasters in action.
47 recommandé par les habitants
Colectivo Coffee - Humboldt
2999 N Humboldt BlvdColectivo has won over much of Milwaukee with its coffee, but its assorted cafes also offer up a menu of all-day breakfast, bakery, lunch and dinner options that can serve perfectly as a light mid-day snack or the necessary brain food to help motivate you to finish up that project you're working on. Plus, at the Humboldt location, you can watch the roasters in action.
This bright uplifting cafe serves Anodyne coffee and tasty baked treats. Surrounded with bright yellow paint & positive encouraging messages on the walls, it’s impossible not to feel a jolt of positivity as you walk through the door.
7 recommandé par les habitants
The Daily Bird
818 E Center StThis bright uplifting cafe serves Anodyne coffee and tasty baked treats. Surrounded with bright yellow paint & positive encouraging messages on the walls, it’s impossible not to feel a jolt of positivity as you walk through the door.
Rochambo Coffee and Tea House loves to promote exceptional products from passionate businesses that champion the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
They are committed to finding and offering the cleanest and most delicious products available, most of which are ethically sourced, fairly traded, organic, pesticide free, non-GMO and free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.
Their offerings are meant to resonate at the highest of vibrations for well-being on your daily journey.
34 recommandé par les habitants
Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
1317 E Brady StRochambo Coffee and Tea House loves to promote exceptional products from passionate businesses that champion the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.
They are committed to finding and offering the cleanest and most delicious products available, most of which are ethically sourced, fairly traded, organic, pesticide free, non-GMO and free of high fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.
Their offerings are meant to resonate at the highest of vibrations for well-being on your daily journey.
Grocery/Market
Few places in the city have the ability to fill you up and make you feel as good as Riverwest Co-op can. The natural food store and cafe is community-based, member-owned and volunteer-run with a mission statement proclaiming "food for people, not for profit" and a focus on organic, local and fair trade products. Choose some produce from the grocery section, or grab breakfast, lunch or dinner from the cafe's vegan menu. Either way, it'll taste as good as it feels on your conscience.
27 recommandé par les habitants
Riverwest Co-Op
733 E Clarke StFew places in the city have the ability to fill you up and make you feel as good as Riverwest Co-op can. The natural food store and cafe is community-based, member-owned and volunteer-run with a mission statement proclaiming "food for people, not for profit" and a focus on organic, local and fair trade products. Choose some produce from the grocery section, or grab breakfast, lunch or dinner from the cafe's vegan menu. Either way, it'll taste as good as it feels on your conscience.
*NEW LOCATION OPENING MIDSUMMER 2022*
*715 E LOCUST ST*
Food is in no short supply at Scardina Specialties, an Italian deli crafting delicious sausages, cold cuts, spiedini and other specialty meats both for your home and for other Riverwest restaurants on this very list (such as Riverwest Pizza, Lakefront Brewery, Centro Cafe and Dino's). But if cooking up the sausages or crafting a sandwich of your own is just a bridge too far, Scardina also puts together some mean sandwiches and wraps of its own to offer – plus a cannoli to top it off.
Scardina Specialties
715 E Chambers St*NEW LOCATION OPENING MIDSUMMER 2022*
*715 E LOCUST ST*
Food is in no short supply at Scardina Specialties, an Italian deli crafting delicious sausages, cold cuts, spiedini and other specialty meats both for your home and for other Riverwest restaurants on this very list (such as Riverwest Pizza, Lakefront Brewery, Centro Cafe and Dino's). But if cooking up the sausages or crafting a sandwich of your own is just a bridge too far, Scardina also puts together some mean sandwiches and wraps of its own to offer – plus a cannoli to top it off.