The best bars & nightlife in Waukesha

51 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 51 places · showing the latest additions first

Cozy cocktail bar featuring unique drinks in a hip atmosphere with fun music.

110 King St (Madison)

Cozy cocktail bar featuring unique drinks in a hip atmosphere with fun music.

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Warehouselike spot serving house-brewed malty ales plus a menu of sandwiches, salads & sides.

3698 Kinsman Blvd (Madison)

Warehouselike spot serving house-brewed malty ales plus a menu of sandwiches, salads & sides.

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Stylish venue with a creative cocktail menu showcasing old classics and the bartenders' creations, and serving sushi.

711 E Johnson St (Madison)

Stylish venue with a creative cocktail menu showcasing old classics and the bartenders' creations, and serving sushi.

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Gib's

Nightlife

Inventive craft cocktails & unique snacks offered in a snug two-story house with vintage decor.

1380 Williamson St (Madison)

Inventive craft cocktails & unique snacks offered in a snug two-story house with vintage decor.

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Greenbush Bar

Nightlife

Simple parlor with Christmas lights for Sicilian-style pizza & pasta, plus wine & spirits.

914 Regent St (Madison)

Simple parlor with Christmas lights for Sicilian-style pizza & pasta, plus wine & spirits.

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Renovated bar known for its grilled items, wings and beers, plus a friendly staff.

3872 S 92nd St (Milwaukee)

Renovated bar known for its grilled items, wings and beers, plus a friendly staff.

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Chill haunt with build-your-own burgers & craft beers, plus a pool table, karaoke & outdoor seating.

11904 W Greenfield Ave (West Allis)

Chill haunt with build-your-own burgers & craft beers, plus a pool table, karaoke & outdoor seating.

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Music venue hosting national & local acts in a historic 1920s building with 6 performance spaces.

2401 W Wisconsin Ave (Milwaukee)

Music venue hosting national & local acts in a historic 1920s building with 6 performance spaces.

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Lively pub offering Irish spirits & eats plus live music, sports on TV & patio seating.

10842 W Bluemound Rd (Wauwatosa)

Lively pub offering Irish spirits & eats plus live music, sports on TV & patio seating.

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Lively watering hole featuring Pabst Blue Ribbon & other beers on tap, American grub & sports on TV.

11302 W Bluemound Rd (Wauwatosa)

Lively watering hole featuring Pabst Blue Ribbon & other beers on tap, American grub & sports on TV.

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Craving a proper brat and a cold local pour? Milwaukee Brat House channels old Milwaukee charm with classic German and Wisconsin comfort,…

1013 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr (Milwaukee) · ✓ checked Jul 31

Craving a proper brat and a cold local pour? Milwaukee Brat House channels old Milwaukee charm with classic German and Wisconsin comfort, juicy sausages, local brews, and a breezy beer garden. Swing by for one, stay for two, then thank yourself later this week.

From the Milwaukee newsletter, August 5, 2026

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When you need a no-fuss spot to cheer the game and belt out karaoke midweek, Mainstream Bar and Grill delivers. A solid tap list, lively…

404 W Main St

When you need a no-fuss spot to cheer the game and belt out karaoke midweek, Mainstream Bar and Grill delivers. A solid tap list, lively trivia and bingo nights, open jam sessions, plus a legit fish fry and live music make it an easy go-to.

From the Waukesha newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Family-owned since 1964, Genna's Lounge is the Capitol Square staple housed in a landmark Gothic Revival flatiron, pouring classic…

105 W Main St (Madison)

Family-owned since 1964, Genna's Lounge is the Capitol Square staple housed in a landmark Gothic Revival flatiron, pouring classic cocktails, a Bloody Mary bar after the farmers’ market, and prime patio lounging when it’s warm, with cozy upstairs hangs when it’s not.

From the Madison newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Lost Whale

Nightlife

Casual-cool bar featuring creative cocktails and a backyard patio with a chill atmosphere.

2151 S Kinnickinnic Ave #53207 (Milwaukee)

Casual-cool bar featuring creative cocktails and a backyard patio with a chill atmosphere.

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Cask & Ale

Nightlife

Casual cocktail bar in pared-down quarters features a big whiskey menu & rotating craft taps.

212 State St (Madison)

Casual cocktail bar in pared-down quarters features a big whiskey menu & rotating craft taps.

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Hip nightspot serving craft wines on tap, cocktails & elevated bar fare in a sleek, modern interior.

216 S 2nd St (Milwaukee)

Hip nightspot serving craft wines on tap, cocktails & elevated bar fare in a sleek, modern interior.

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Low-key, wood-lined Irish pub offering draft beers, whiskey & live Celtic or rock music on weekends.

354 W Main St

Low-key, wood-lined Irish pub offering draft beers, whiskey & live Celtic or rock music on weekends.

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Relaxed spot for beer burgers and fried walleye served by friendly staff.

711 Morgan Ave

Relaxed spot for beer burgers and fried walleye served by friendly staff.

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Cosmopolitan hangout with an artful motif providing specialty cocktails, plus weekly drink specials.

418 N Mayfair Rd (Wauwatosa)

Cosmopolitan hangout with an artful motif providing specialty cocktails, plus weekly drink specials.

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Bar & grill with a retro vibe with a big craft beer list including house brews & an outdoor patio.

529 University Ave (Madison)

Bar & grill with a retro vibe with a big craft beer list including house brews & an outdoor patio.

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A changing roster of craft brews & pub eats served in a lively venue with beer garden & pool tables.

123 E Doty St (Madison)

A changing roster of craft brews & pub eats served in a lively venue with beer garden & pool tables.

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Wisconsin Badger sports bar featuring red bratwurst, burgers & beer plus a front patio.

603 State St Unit 1015 (Madison)

Wisconsin Badger sports bar featuring red bratwurst, burgers & beer plus a front patio.

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Laid-back, modern restaurant serving brisket and pulled pork, alongside mac and cheese, burgers and local brews.

2161 Rimrock Rd (Madison)

Laid-back, modern restaurant serving brisket and pulled pork, alongside mac and cheese, burgers and local brews.

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Sports-centric hangout with wings in many flavors, plus happy hours, a pool table, darts & a patio.

5018 W State St (Milwaukee)

Sports-centric hangout with wings in many flavors, plus happy hours, a pool table, darts & a patio.

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The Outsider

Nightlife

Swanky rooftop bar with indoor & outdoor spaces offering creative cocktails, beer & light bites.

310 E Chicago St (Milwaukee)

Swanky rooftop bar with indoor & outdoor spaces offering creative cocktails, beer & light bites.

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Hip haunt with a dark, vintage ambiance offering seasonal cocktails, happy hours & a patio.

818 S Water St (Milwaukee)

Hip haunt with a dark, vintage ambiance offering seasonal cocktails, happy hours & a patio.

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Table Wine

Nightlife

Neighborhood, family-run venue stocked with wine and other beverages, plus cheese and other snacks.

2301 Atwood Ave (Madison)

Neighborhood, family-run venue stocked with wine and other beverages, plus cheese and other snacks.

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American fare & drinks served in a casual, 2-level space with large windows & a rooftop deck.

337 W Main St

American fare & drinks served in a casual, 2-level space with large windows & a rooftop deck.

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Sleek spot with floor-to-ceiling windows & dramatic Capitol views for tapas, craft cocktails & wine.

1 N Webster St (Madison)

Sleek spot with floor-to-ceiling windows & dramatic Capitol views for tapas, craft cocktails & wine.

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Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds (all sourced in-state).

23 N Pinckney St #1 (Madison)

Wisconsin-themed, retro-style tavern offering beers, brats & cheese curds (all sourced in-state).

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Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.

15 S Moorland Rd (Brookfield)

Upscale chain serving New American fare paired with house-label wines in a contemporary setting.

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Hip, cozy hangout for cocktails, beer & wine served in a wood-accented space with retro fixtures.

821 E Johnson St (Madison)

Hip, cozy hangout for cocktails, beer & wine served in a wood-accented space with retro fixtures.

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Cordial

Nightlife

Stylish cocktail bar with a hidden, cozy feel, craft margaritas and beer, plus a friendly vibe.

516 S Park St (Madison)

Stylish cocktail bar with a hidden, cozy feel, craft margaritas and beer, plus a friendly vibe.

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Voyager

Nightlife

Casual spot featuring a globally sourced wine selection, cocktails and craft beers served in a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating.

422 E Lincoln Ave (Milwaukee)

Casual spot featuring a globally sourced wine selection, cocktails and craft beers served in a cozy atmosphere with outdoor seating.

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Casual bar specializing in American fare, such as grilled wings and burgers as well as a Friday fish fry.

W226 N3013, Duplainville Rd

Casual bar specializing in American fare, such as grilled wings and burgers as well as a Friday fish fry.

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At Random

Nightlife

Tiki bar serving specialty ice cream drinks & cocktails (no beer or wine) in a dimly lit venue.

2501 S Delaware Ave (Milwaukee)

Tiki bar serving specialty ice cream drinks & cocktails (no beer or wine) in a dimly lit venue.

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Mason Lounge

Nightlife

Boasting 15+ draft microbrews, this snug gathering place offers a mellow vibe & a long whiskey list.

416 S Park St (Madison)

Boasting 15+ draft microbrews, this snug gathering place offers a mellow vibe & a long whiskey list.

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Stylish gathering place with a hipster vibe & an endless menu of vintage & creative cocktails.

1579 S 9th St (Milwaukee)

Stylish gathering place with a hipster vibe & an endless menu of vintage & creative cocktails.

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Hangout with a clubby vibe, unique craft beers & bar food, plus a pool table, TVs & a lounge area.

2820 N Grandview Blvd (Pewaukee)

Hangout with a clubby vibe, unique craft beers & bar food, plus a pool table, TVs & a lounge area.

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Cozy hangout with a vintage feel dishing up traditional eats such as grilled cheese & burgers.

601 North St (Madison)

Cozy hangout with a vintage feel dishing up traditional eats such as grilled cheese & burgers.

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Tipsy Cow

Nightlife

Comfortable brewpub with outdoor seating, a big beer selection & artful menu of burgers & bar bites.

102 King St (Madison)

Comfortable brewpub with outdoor seating, a big beer selection & artful menu of burgers & bar bites.

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Chill space in a refurbished warehouse with craft beer, bar snacks, retro arcade games & pinball.

924 Williamson St (Madison)

Chill space in a refurbished warehouse with craft beer, bar snacks, retro arcade games & pinball.

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Sardine

Nightlife

Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.

617 Williamson St (Madison)

Hip bistro with creative French fare & a lively bar in a former warehouse with Lake Monona views.

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Laid-back sports bar with pizza & American grub, plus video poker, arcade games, TVs & a jukebox.

s16w22255 Arcadian Ave

Laid-back sports bar with pizza & American grub, plus video poker, arcade games, TVs & a jukebox.

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Nice Ash

Nightlife

Cigar shop and bar offering live music, as well as beer and a selection of whiskeys.

323 W Main St

Cigar shop and bar offering live music, as well as beer and a selection of whiskeys.

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Casual bi-level bar featuring local & imported beers, pub grub & live music in a historic venue

345 N Broadway (Milwaukee)

Casual bi-level bar featuring local & imported beers, pub grub & live music in a historic venue

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Chill hangout with rustic-chic flair for inventive burgers & bloody marys, plus other pub favorites.

332 Williams St

Chill hangout with rustic-chic flair for inventive burgers & bloody marys, plus other pub favorites.

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Relaxed shop with a wide variety of globally sourced wines, plus a bar for glasses & flights.

400 N Water St (Milwaukee)

Relaxed shop with a wide variety of globally sourced wines, plus a bar for glasses & flights.

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Industrial-chic gastropub & liquor store serving farm-to-table New American fare & craft cocktails.

121 S Pinckney St (Madison)

Industrial-chic gastropub & liquor store serving farm-to-table New American fare & craft cocktails.

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Clean comedy venue offering performances from well-known comedians as well as bar food and cocktails.

20110 LOWER Un St (Brookfield)

Clean comedy venue offering performances from well-known comedians as well as bar food and cocktails.

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Unassuming watering hole featuring live music, quirky drink specials & bag toss tournaments.

260 W Main St

Unassuming watering hole featuring live music, quirky drink specials & bag toss tournaments.

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