The best bars & nightlife in Milwaukee
65 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
NightlifeCasual spot offering Irish-American pub grub & tap beers, plus 2 daily happy hours, TVs & a patio.
Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
NightlifeThird Space Innovation Brewhouse
NightlifeThird Space Innovation Brewhouse in Menomonee Falls keeps things lively with 16+ beers on tap, including IBH-only releases you can’t get…
Third Space Innovation Brewhouse
NightlifeSwish Sports Bar & Grill
NightlifeSwish Sports Bar & Grill channels that collective game day buzz with a grill menu they tout as Milwaukee's best and legendary frozen…
Swish Sports Bar & Grill
NightlifePrime Social Restaurant & Bar
NightlifePrime Social Restaurant & Bar is the kind of spot where you can grab a bite, settle in for drinks, then actually talk to people.…
Prime Social Restaurant & Bar
NightlifeThree Cellars
NightlifeThree Cellars pairs a bar vibe with a legit bottle shop in Menomonee Falls, pouring 24 rotating craft beers, 16 wines by the glass, and…
Three Cellars
NightlifeUmbrella Bar
NightlifeWhen you want laid-back without boring, Umbrella Bar pours beer, wine, and liquor with sunset views from its 360-degree perch at Ballpark…
Umbrella Bar
NightlifeTiny's: A Neighborhood Sports Tavern
NightlifeTiny's: A Neighborhood Sports Tavern does the casual-thirsty thing right with Bloody Marys, mimosas, and easygoing beers and cocktails. If…
Tiny's: A Neighborhood Sports Tavern
NightlifeDirty Dime Tavern
NightlifeDirty Dime Tavern is the bar and grill you hit when you want straightforward comfort food, cold drinks, and zero fuss. A low-key hang for…
Dirty Dime Tavern
NightlifeWater Street Brewery Oak Creek
NightlifeCasual brewpub offering traditional & specialty beers, plus American comfort food.
Water Street Brewery Oak Creek
NightlifeD'Vine Coffee & Wine
NightlifeD'Vine Coffee & Wine is that rare Franklin spot where a perfect latte and a well poured pinot happily share the same cozy lounge. Come for…
D'Vine Coffee & Wine
NightlifeDaily Social
NightlifeIf your happy hour sometimes wants a paintbrush, Daily Social delivers a cozy, modern hangout with signature cocktails, wine and beer, plus…
Daily Social
NightlifeThe Hale House
NightlifeIf you’re near Franklin and craving legit scratch cooking, The Hale House delivers bold, flame-kissed favorites from a scratch kitchen…
The Hale House
NightlifeRoot River Center is the easy pick when the group wants it all, with Swagger Sports Bar & Grill slinging award-winning wings, pizzas, smash…
Point After Pub & Grille
NightlifeWhether you're corralling kids or friends who think they’re referees, Point After Pub & Grille nails the family-friendly sports bar sweet…
Point After Pub & Grille
NightlifeSwagger Sports Bar & Grill
NightlifeSwagger Sports Bar & Grill inside Root River Center is where Franklin folks catch the game, hear live music, and crush a plate of…
Swagger Sports Bar & Grill
NightlifeBobbleheads Pub
NightlifeBobbleheads Pub is the low-key local where cocktails are poured right, beers stay cold, and dart games settle friendly scores. Celebrating…
Bobbleheads Pub
NightlifeWine Down
NightlifeWine Down brings a little wine-country escape to Elm Grove with rotating flights, a 40+ bottle list, and 2 oz tasters so you can explore…
Wine Down
NightlifeMexican tortas, ceviches & enchiladas merge with margaritas in a colorful, highly decorated eatery.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
NightlifeChain for gourmet burgers & other American comfort fare.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
NightlifeThirsty's
NightlifeThirsty’s is the kind of laid-back spot Oak Creek folks claim as their own, just up the road in South Milwaukee, with a popular fish fry,…
Thirsty's
NightlifeMoran's Irish Pub
NightlifeFamily-owned and loud in the best way, Moran's Irish Pub is South Milwaukee’s go-to for soccer mornings and Packers Sundays, pouring…
Moran's Irish Pub
NightlifeElm Grove Beer Garden
NightlifeElm Grove Beer Garden serves Third Space Brewing favorites in a relaxed park setting that’s perfect for after-work catchups and low-key…
Elm Grove Beer Garden
NightlifeTanino's Italian & Amer Restaurant
NightlifeTanino's Italian & Amer Restaurant is that long-standing, family-run Italian spot in a small brick building, turning out pizza, pastas, and…
Tanino's Italian & Amer Restaurant
NightlifeCleveland Pub & Grill
NightlifeWhen you want a low-key game watch close to home, Cleveland Pub & Grill keeps it mellow with big TVs, classic pub grub, and plenty of…
Cleveland Pub & Grill
NightlifeSpirits Bar & Grill
NightlifeWhen the game’s on and you want something easy, Spirits Bar & Grill keeps it classic with juicy burgers, wings, and a legit salad bar, plus…
Spirits Bar & Grill
NightlifeThe Explorium Brewpub Greendale
NightlifeCraving something local but not fussy, The Explorium Brewpub Greendale pours 24 taps of house-made beer alongside handcrafted cocktails and…
The Explorium Brewpub Greendale
NightlifeThe Tap Room
NightlifeWhether you’re craving wings, a big burger, or fried favorites, The Tap Room in South Milwaukee keeps it easy with 20 craft beers on draft,…
The Tap Room
NightlifeRay & Dot's Tap
NightlifeTavern offering a selection of beer, cocktails, and bar bites in a casual setting.
Ray & Dot's Tap
NightlifeLion's Tail Brewing Co.
NightlifeIn Wauwatosa, Lion's Tail Brewing Co. keeps things interesting with more than 20 taps pouring everything from crisp lagers and West Coast…
Lion's Tail Brewing Co.
NightlifeCharles E. Fromage
NightlifeLooking for a low-key spot where the pours are thoughtful and the vibe is very Milwaukee? Charles E. Fromage is a cozy wine bar made for…
Charles E. Fromage
NightlifeThe Local Makery
NightlifeThe Local Makery is part wine bar, part hands-on studio, matching a curated list of Argentinian Malbecs, organic California Cabs, and New…
The Local Makery
NightlifeEuropean-inspired beers with modern twists and a community-centered vibe, Gathering Place Brewing | Tosa Taproom & Patio is perfect for a…
The Ruby Tap
NightlifeAt The Ruby Tap, you pick your pour from their self-serve wine machines or go for wines on tap, then settle in with a snack and zero…
The Ruby Tap
NightlifeBig Head Brewing Co.
NightlifeBig Head Brewing Co. keeps things relaxed with a rotating lineup that hits every palate, plus enough fun to forget your to-do list... video…
Big Head Brewing Co.
NightlifeWauwatiki Bar & Grill
NightlifeWauwatiki Bar & Grill nails the island-vibes-meet-Midwest-hospitality thing with craft tiki cocktails and fresh citrus, a 100% gluten free…
Wauwatiki Bar & Grill
NightlifeLucky Joe's Tosa
NightlifeLucky Joe's Tosa mixes thoughtful drinks, a solid bourbon list, and shareables that over-deliver, from beef empanadas and roasted Brussels…
Lucky Joe's Tosa
NightlifePipsqueak Wine
NightlifePipsqueak Wine is a neighborhood wine bar with a Wine Club, Garden Dinner, Le Petit Pip, and a Sunday Wine Series. Easygoing vibe,…
Pipsqueak Wine
NightlifePerspective Brewing Co.
NightlifePerspective Brewing Co. is a West Allis taproom from two science-teacher brothers, pouring everything from crisp lagers and farmhouse ales…
Perspective Brewing Co.
NightlifePaulie's Pub and Eatery
NightlifePaulie's Pub and Eatery in nearby West Allis is that reliable spot for homestyle pub grub, an impressive 18 Wisconsin beers on tap, and…
Paulie's Pub and Eatery
NightlifeLayman Brewing
NightlifeLayman Brewing is that rare corner bar that brews its own, pouring traditional styles from a cozy nano setup alongside simple, tasty pub…
Layman Brewing
NightlifeStation No. 06
NightlifeStation No. 06 serves well-crafted drinks in a cozy space, with a patio and fire pit that make chilly Wisconsin nights feel friendly. Pair…
Station No. 06
NightlifeThe Slow Buffalo
NightlifeThe Slow Buffalo keeps it casual with crisp wings, juicy burgers, and tacos that actually hit the spot, plus a classic Friday fish fry and…
The Slow Buffalo
NightlifeBrass Monkey Pub
NightlifeBrass Monkey Pub is that easygoing spot for build-your-own burgers, craft beers, and a little friendly chaos with pool, karaoke, and…
Brass Monkey Pub
NightlifeThe Rave / Eagles Club
NightlifeInside the historic Eagles Club, The Rave / Eagles Club keeps Milwaukee buzzing with national headliners, local up-and-comers, and…
The Rave / Eagles Club
NightlifeLeff's Lucky Town
NightlifeSince 1994, Leff's Lucky Town has been the neighborhood spot for signature burgers, giant pretzels, and a beer list long enough to settle…
Leff's Lucky Town
NightlifeMo's Irish Pub Wauwatosa
NightlifeFor a no-fuss night close to home, Mo's Irish Pub Wauwatosa nails the classics with scratch-made cheese curds, Harp-battered fish and…
Mo's Irish Pub Wauwatosa
NightlifeJackson's Blue Ribbon Pub of Wauwatosa nails the classic pub vibe with Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap, big TVs for the game, and hearty American…
Milwaukee Brat House
NightlifeCraving a proper brat and a cold local pour? Milwaukee Brat House channels old Milwaukee charm with classic German and Wisconsin comfort,…
Milwaukee Brat House
NightlifeLost Whale
NightlifeWhether you’re in the mood for a clever new sipper or a classic done right, Lost Whale nails the balance between playful and polished. The…
Lost Whale
NightlifeThe Tin Widow
NightlifeThe Tin Widow is a Walker’s Point cocktail spot for gin lovers, whiskey nerds, and night owls. Stop in this week for thoughtful pours and…
The Tin Widow
NightlifeCorvina Wine Company
NightlifeCorvina Wine Company is a cozy wine bar and merchant where sommeliers Frank and Joe pour hand-selected bottles from small family wineries,…
Corvina Wine Company
NightlifeBlack Sheep MKE
NightlifeBlack Sheep MKE is all about wine, with 16 taps pouring rotating picks plus glasses and bottles if you're feeling classic. Swing by this…
Black Sheep MKE
NightlifeJoJo's Martini Lounge
NightlifeJoJo's Martini Lounge mixes classic and creative martinis in an upbeat, social vibe, plus thoughtful mock-tinis so your zero-proof pals are…
JoJo's Martini Lounge
NightlifeVintage 38
NightlifeCozy space offering flights of wine, plus beer and chocolate plates for sale, as well as friendly service.
Vintage 38
NightlifeSpitfires on State
NightlifeSpitfires on State is the kind of sports-centric hangout locals claim as their own, with wings finished on the grill in 26 sauces, nine…
Spitfires on State
NightlifeThe Outsider
NightlifeSet nine stories above the Historic Third Ward, The Outsider nails that sweet spot between swanky and chill, with indoor and outdoor…
The Outsider
NightlifeBoone & Crockett
NightlifeBoone & Crockett nails the classics with things like a Trinidad Sour, a proper Old Fashioned, and a silky Manhattan, all mixed by folks who…
Boone & Crockett
NightlifeTomKen's Bar & Grill
NightlifeTomKen's Bar & Grill nails the crispy stuff, for West Allis folks, from buckets of fried chicken and award winning wings to steak…
TomKen's Bar & Grill
NightlifeCooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
NightlifeUpscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
NightlifeCork Wine & Cocktail Bar
NightlifeIf you're heading down to Milwaukee, Cork Wine & Cocktail Bar is the cozy Walker’s Point hangout for well-made cocktails, good wine, and…
Cork Wine & Cocktail Bar
NightlifeVoyager
NightlifeCasual spot featuring a globally sourced wine selection, cocktails and craft beers served in a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating.
Voyager
NightlifeAt Random
NightlifeIf you miss when lounges felt like time capsules, At Random delivers mid-century charm in Bay View with decadent ice cream drinks, classic…
At Random
NightlifeBryant's Cocktail Lounge
NightlifeOpen since 1938, Bryant's Cocktail Lounge is Milwaukee’s oldest cocktail lounge, with plush velvet walls, exotic lighting, and a vintage…
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
NightlifeThe Wicked Hop
NightlifeWhen you want a lively spot with legit pub grub and a strong beer list, The Wicked Hop delivers with local and imported pours, live music,…
The Wicked Hop
NightlifeThief Wine Shop & Bar
NightlifeThief Wine Shop & Bar is a relaxed spot to browse a wide, globally sourced selection, then settle in at the bar for a glass or tasting…
Thief Wine Shop & Bar
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