Milwaukee weather is as temperamental as they come, but one thing is for sure, the moment it hits 60 degrees, Milwaukeeans come out of the woodwork. After all, they did just spent the last six months indoors. They come out looking for a patio to reintroduce their skin to sun, throw a few back and celebrate the beginning of Milwaukee’s best season.
If you’re new to town, it is about time you venture out to explore the al fresco hot spots—while you still can!
Here are some places you’re going to want to hit up when the weather is just right:
Barnacle Buds
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If you have a boat in Milwaukee, you’ve likely made the trip down the Kinnickinnic River for those Jimmy Buffet vibes, oyster shooters and a bucket of beers. If you don’t have a boat, you’ve been to Barnacle Buds on your friend’s boat. Looking for a friend with a boat, it’s Party USA on the weekends when the weather is ideal and one of the best places to meet new people!
The Outsider
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Built in 2016, Kimpton brought its first hotel to Wisconsin. And the rooftop is quite literally the cherry on top! Cozy couches, fire pits, craft cocktails and a killer view of a sunset, The Outsider is ideal for date night, girls night or any day that ends in Y.
Harbor House
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Arguably the best view of Milwaukee and the Calatrava, Bartalotta’s Harbor House gives you that “from Lake Michigan” view, without the boat. Their happy hour is famous among downtown dwellers. Come after work, come with a date or come with family–all is encouraged. Get a few oysters and stay for sunset!
Good City Brewing
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The East Side needed this. A few blocks south of North Ave. on Farwell, the guys at Good City want you to Seek the Good. The rooftop second floor gives the neighborhood its first rooftop/open air bar. The beer is legit, the food is unreal and the city is catching on. One of the most popular spots in Milwaukee.
The Yard
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The Iron Horse is a city-wide favorite for industrial chic… anything. Their restaurant, Smyth, and their bar, Branded are year-round favorites, but when the sun comes out to play in Milwaukee, The Yard is where it’s at. Mingle or claim a corner coach with your friends, listen to live music and take in the view of the 6th Street viaduct bridge and downtown Milwaukee from their Walker’s Point location.
Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar
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Located in the heart of downtown, this family-owned and operated restaurant and bar is known for its wrap around patio on the quiet corner of Cass & Wells. With a backdrop of Milwaukee’s ever-growing skyline, the craft cocktails and slightly upscale fare is balanced with bacon bloodies paired with a High Life shorty and a brunch menu that won’t break the bank.
City Lights Brewing
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This brewery has called Menomonee Valley home since 2016–and word quickly spread about their beer and patio! Their enormous beer garden-esque patio basks in the sun, has multiple stations for a game of Bags and a food truck of the day!
Milwaukeeans and Midwesterners alike suffer from a special kind of FOMO (fear of missing out). We have to take advantage of the great weather while we have it. It’s always better on a patio with friends and a cocktail in hand.
