August 6, 2026 · Theresa Nemetz
Best Bars in Milwaukee: Where to Drink for Every Kind of Night Out
Milwaukee may be famous for beer, but the city’s bar scene goes far beyond breweries. You’ll find historic taverns and neighborhood dive bars to cocktail lounges, tiki bars, arcade games and rooftops which means there’s a Milwaukee bar for every kind of night out.
But with so many choices, where should you go? Instead of one giant ranking, we’ve organized some of the best bars in Milwaukee by what you’re looking for, whether that’s a lively night with friends, a memorable place to take visitors or a classic Milwaukee dive.
Raise a glass to Milwaukee: Discover our city’s deep brewing traditions while sampling local craft beers, spirits, and handmade cocktails along the way with our Milwaukee brewery and bar tours.
Best Bars in Milwaukee for Your 20s and Early 30s
Boone & Crockett
Get Directions: 818 S Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Boone & Crockett is located along the river near Walker’s Point and combines creative cocktails with a laid-back atmosphere. It also has large outdoor spaces making it popular in the summer months. They are known for their signature cocktails such as Gin Bramble, Manhattan & Negroni, Trinidad Sour and Old Fashioned.
Wondering what drink Milwaukee is known for? Beer is an obvious answer, but the Wisconsin Brandy Old Fashioned is one of the state’s signature cocktails. When you order, just expect to be asked sweet, sour or press?
Burnhearts
Get Directions: 2599 S Logan Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
A longtime Bay View favorite, Burnhearts delivers the neighborhood-bar experience that Milwaukee does so well. It’s relaxed, welcoming and a great stop if you want to explore Bay View nightlife without heading to a nightclub. They are known for their rotating selection of 25 craft beers and Brandyland Old Fashioned.
Up-Down Milwaukee
Get Directions: 615 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Do you want something fun to do while you drink? Up-Down pairs drinks with classic arcade games and pinball, making it an easy choice for groups, casual dates or anyone who enjoys friendly competition. They are known for their rotating selection of 60 craft beers and signature cocktails named after retro pop culture icons such as the Macha Man Randy Savage, Princess Peach Punch and the Queen Bee.
Wondering how much each game costs? Every arcade cabinet is only 0.25 cents! The bar will exchange your quarters for tokens that you can use on each game. We recommend bringing a bag or fanny pack so you can keep your tokens secure while you rack up high scores.
Great Milwaukee Bars for the 30+ Crowd
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
Get Directions: 1579 S 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge has been open since 1938, and is known as the oldest cocktail lounge in Milwaukee. Besides the vintage atmosphere the thing that makes Bryant’s unique is there is no menu. Instead of choosing from a traditional cocktail menu, tell your bartender what flavors and spirits you enjoy and let them guide the experience. They are known for their Pink Squirrel cocktail and collection of over 400 custom drinks and ice-cream drink recipes.
What is a Pink Squirrel? Invented at Bryant’s in the 1940s this drink is a is a sweet, creamy, bright pink alcoholic ice cream drink made with white crème de cacao, crème de noyaux (an almond- and cherry-pit-flavored red liqueur), and heavy cream or vanilla ice cream.
At Random
Get Directions: 2501 S Delaware Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
At Random is known for its retro lounge atmosphere and famous ice cream drinks. They also have an outdoor area which is perfect for day drinking with a tropical tiki vibe. They are known for their Pink Squirrel, Grasshopper, and custom-flavored ice cream drinks topped with a cookie.
Wolski’s Tavern
Get Directions: 1836 N Pulaski St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
A Milwaukee institution dating to 1908, Wolski’s is a classic Lower East Side tavern with darts, pool and plenty of neighborhood character. It’s also home to one of Milwaukee’s best-known late-night traditions: earning an “I Closed Wolski’s” sticker by making it until closing time.
Want to visit Wolski’s during the day? Join us on our Brady Street Lunch Tour and finish off the afternoon with a stop at Wolski’s for a cold beer.
Most Unique Bars in Milwaukee to Take Visitors
Foundation
Get Directions: 2718 N Bremen St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
This Riverwest tiki bar transports you to somewhere tropical without leaving Milwaukee. Foundation is known for their rum-forward drinks and immersive decor which makes it a fun surprise for visitors who may be expecting nothing but breweries and beer.
Koz’s Mini Bowl
Get Directions: 2078 S 7th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Koz’s Mini Bowl is part neighborhood bar, part bowling alley and all Milwaukee. It is difficult to describe without simply saying: you need to experience it. Its old-school mini bowling lanes make it an especially memorable stop for groups and visitors.
Fun Fact: Koz’s Mini Bowl is famous for having four human-set mini duckpin lanes, games priced at $5 and a vintage 1890s building.
PufferFish
Get Directions: 411 E Mason St 6th Floor, Milwaukee, WI 53202
PufferFish is on the rooftop of the Hotel Metro and has tiki-inspired cocktails and views of downtown Milwaukee. It’s an especially fun option for visitors who want to pair drinks with a downtown night out. They are known for their Hirezake and Shirako Sake cocktails.
Best Bars in Milwaukee for Traditional German Beer Enthusiasts
Old German Beer Hall
Get Directions: 1009 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Located right on historic Old World Third Street, Milwaukee’s Old German Beer Hall captures the spirit of Munich’s legendary Hofbräuhaus. With communal bench seating, giant Bavarian pretzels, and authentic Hofbräu and local craft beer on top served in heavy glass liters, it’s a high-energy spot to raise a glass with friends and strangers alike. They are known for their Hofbräu Original and Dunkel on tap, warm giant pretzels, and house-made sausages.
Knight’s Bar at Mader’s Restaurant
Get Directions: 1041 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Tucked inside Mader’s Restaurant, a legendary Milwaukee restaurant serving traditional German cuisine since 1902, the Knight’s Bar offers a rich, historic drinking atmosphere surrounded by medieval armor, antique weaponry, and centuries-old art. It’s an ideal stop if you want a side of Milwaukee history with your drink. They are known for their massive collection of imported German beers, extensive wine list, and signature boots of beer.
Von Trier
Get Directions: 2235 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
An East Side staple since 1978, Von Trier is an iconic German tavern known for its intricate woodwork, hand-painted murals, and stunning stained glass windows. Beyond its cozy indoor ambiance, it also features one of the best outdoor beer gardens in the city. They are known for their extensive draft list of imported German lagers, local craft favorites, schnitzels, and classic cocktails served in an upscale, Old World setting.
Explore More of Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s bars are only one part of the city’s story. The food, architecture, neighborhoods, immigrant heritage and brewing traditions are all connected. If you’re visiting Milwaukee, or lived here for years we invite you to explore the city with us on one of our Milwaukee Food & City Tours. These delicious tours are a way to discover the stories and local businesses that make the city special:
- Walker’s Point Stroll, Sip & Savor
- Brady Street Lunch Tour
- Tacos & Tequila
- Dairyland Delights
- Bloody Mary Brunch
Check out our tour calendar for more availability.
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