The age old conversation that we all dread starts with, “Where do you want to go out to eat?” The other person responds, “I don’t know, where do you want to go?” You know where this leads…
Starting in November, you’ll have a new way to explore your downtown dining options and here at Milwaukee Food & City Tours, we are already plotting our attack.
No matter if you are a tourist or a local looking for a stay-cation, The Hop, Milwaukee’s new streetcar, is a new way to explore the city! We’re excited to launch our Milwaukee Streetcar Food Tour to show off the city and enjoy some delicious bites and sips along the way.
We’ve done the leg work for you! Can you believe that there are 50 restaurants and bars within 2 blocks walking distance of a streetcar station? Some tasty spots include:
Intermodal Station
Beginning your day in Milwaukee by arriving at the Intermodal Station? Not only is this the name of the streetcar stop, but home to our bus and Amtrak train station. After arriving in town, grab a Milwaukee-brewed coffee across the street at Stone Creek Coffee – Factory Cafe, or embrace the Milwaukee mindset of it being “Miller Time” at Miller Time Pub & Grill!
- Miller Time Pub & Grill
- Stone Creek Coffee – Factory Cafe
Miller Time Pub is open daily from 11 am – 1 am and offers authentic Milwaukee-brewed Miller Beer along with a delicious menu.
Historic Third Ward Station
Next stop is the entryway into the Historic Third Ward. One of our favorite stops on our Historic Third Ward walking tours is the Milwaukee Public Market, which brings together an eclectic collection of Milwaukee-made treats and products. Hop off at the St. Paul at Plankinton station and just walk across the bridge of the Milwaukee River, or use the Historic Third Ward station for door-to-door access.
The Milwaukee Public Market offers access to an array of Milwaukee-produced vendors including C. Adams Bakery, The Spice House, St. Paul’s Fish Market, and Kehr’s Candies.
The Historic Third Ward is approximately 16 square blocks packed with dining, drinking and shopping options. In the heart of downtown, this neighborhood should be a “don’t miss!” item on your itinerary. Some of our favorite stops within 2 blocks of the Historic Third Ward streetcar station include:
- Milwaukee Public Market
- Milwaukee Ale House
- Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
- Cafe Benelux
- Wicked Hop
- Smoke Shack
- Holey Moley Coffee + Donuts
- FreshFin Poke
- Hudson Business + Lounge
- Kanpai Izakaya
- Tre Revali at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
- Onesto
There are lots of shopping and food options in the Historic Third Ward.
Wisconsin Avenue Station
Not only can you sample plenty of cuisine along the Wisconsin Avenue corridor, but be sure to check out Sculpture Milwaukee, a collection of 21 free outdoor art installations along the avenue every June – October. A wide variety of cuisines within 2 blocks of the station include:
- Swinging Door Exchange
- East Town Kitchen & Bar
- Carvenor
- Indulge Wine Room
- Third Coast Provisions
- Cubanitas
- Mason Street Grill
- Blu
- Amilinda
- Pastiche
- Chic Underground
- Ward’s House of Prime
- Nomad SC
Be sure to stop during your visit to see the stunning artwork installed along Wisconsin Avenue every June – October.
City Hall Station
While in the shadow of City Hall at this next station, be sure to stand back and sneak a peek of the Bell Tower which is named Solomon Juneau after Milwaukee’s first mayor. Hoisted into place by a team of horses in 1896, the bells were cast from melted church bells from around the city. On street level, many tasty treats and sips are available to you including:
- My Office
- Taco Bar
- Flannery’s
- The Sofie
- Belmont Tavern
- SportsClub
- Plum Cafe
- The Outsider
- The Dogg House
- Zarletti
- Ouzo Cafe
- Taco Bar
Mi – Key’s features a down-to-earth menu with a casual vibe overlooking Cathedral Square.
Cathedral Square Station
During the summer season, Cathedral Square transforms into a park into a bustling marketplace with markets and outdoor entertainment such as Jazz in the Park and Bastille Days. During the winter season, Cathedral Square becomes a winter wonderland with the Holiday Lights, Cocoa with the Claus’s and Santa’s Mailbox. And year round, you will have plenty of dining and drinking options available to you such as:
- Elsa’s on the Park
- Classy Girl Cupcakes
- This Is It!
- Buckley’s
Yummy and unique flavors like Cookies & Mike, as well as Party Animal cupcakes, are available at Classy Girl Cupcakes. They have many gluten free options as well!
Jackson At Juneau Station
Although primarily a residential stop in the Yankee Hill neighborhood, this station is complete with several restaurant options. A personal favorite is breakfast at Cafe at the Plaza in the Plaza Hotel on Astor Street, or late-night Greek eats at Mykonos on Van Buren Street.
- Bollywood Grille
- Cafe at the Plaza
- Mykonos
Breakfast at Cafe at the Plaza
Ogden / Jackson Station
Want some of the best chicken wings in Milwaukee? Points East Pub has them!
Looking for a unique gaming experience? Oak & Shield Pub is not-to-be-missed.
And if you are seeking fine dining… look no further than one of Milwaukee’s best! Sanford Restaurant is owned and led by Justin Aprahamian who in May of 2014 was honored with the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef Midwest.
- Oak & Shield Pub
- Points East Pub
- Sanford Restaurant
Fine dining is just steps away from the streetcar station at Sanford Restaurant
Ogden At Astor station
The end of the line on the Milwaukee streetcar is not the end of Milwaukee’s fantastic dining scene. Be sure to check out these quaint and romantic stops during your time in Milwaukee:
- County Clare Irish Inn & Pub
- Monica’s on Astor
- The Knick Restaurant
