Discovering Milwaukee, One of Wisconsin’s Best Drinking and Dining Destinations

Wisconsin is known nationwide for its cheesemaking prowess, but this picturesque state has much more to offer than just dairy. When visiting the lakeside city of Milwaukee, visitors can stumble upon a truly diverse food and drink scene, with high-end restaurants and renowned breweries scattered throughout the city limits. When planning your next foray into the Badger State, don’t miss these beloved spots, each highlighting the Cream City’s rich culinary heritage.

Discover Milwaukee’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants

While Milwaukee is known for its classic local dishes, from fried cheese curds to butter burgers, the city is also home to plenty of sophisticated restaurants. Case in point: Birch, a fine-dining restaurant located on the banks of the Milwaukee River on the Lower East Side. Run by James Beard Award-nominated chef Kyle Knall, this glamorous venue has mastered the art of wood-fired cooking, offering diners a slew of flavorful dishes cooked over an open flame. Upon arrival, diners can look forward to dishes like the charred head-on shrimp and charred beef carpaccio, while the Contramar-inspired fish is a top-notch entrée thanks to its savory cumin aioli and fermented poblano and beet salsa.

Just south of the Menomonee River, Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood is a treasure trove of fine dining. Morel draws diners in droves with its sophisticated American cuisine that changes with the seasons. While menu items range from rabbit stew with wild mushrooms to ricotta gnudi in a pea and mint broth, each dish showcases chef Jonathan Manyo’s affinity for fresh, local Wisconsin meats and produce. Meanwhile, those looking for inventive small plates can head ten minutes south to find Odd Duck, a sophisticated tapas restaurant that debuted in 2012. In addition to offering creative creations like wood-fired Tibetan bread, Vietnamese-inspired bánh xèo, and galbi-jjim, the restaurant is also known for its high-end cocktails, with the mezcal- and hibiscus-infused #48 and the citrus- and jasmine-infused #83 being two top picks for first-time visitors.

Dive into Milwaukee’s international cuisine

Milwaukee is known for its strong cultural ties to Germany and Poland, but the city’s food scene extends well beyond the borders of Central Europe. On a visit to the aforementioned Walker’s Point neighborhood, visitors can discover a plethora of restaurants that showcase Milwaukee’s thriving Latin American culinary scene, with Zócalo Food Park being one of its most intriguing spots. Home to ten distinct eating and drinking venues operating within a single space, diners are encouraged to head to Anytime Arepa for a deep dive into one of Venezuela’s staple dishes, while Las Virellas has been widely acclaimed for its hearty Puerto Rican classics, with pernil, tostones, and tripletas all gracing the menu.

Further west, Mexican food lovers can sample dishes like chiles rellenos and enchiladas poblanas at Guadalajara Restaurant, while Movida is a go-to for classic Spanish tapas, with sofrito-topped meatballs, patatas bravas, and garlic shrimp, all paired with a host of premium wines. But of course, Walker’s Point isn’t the only neighborhood to visit in the heart of the city. Despite its small size, the historic Third Ward is packed with favorites like Saffron, a go-to for tandoori-smoked lamb chops and dal makhani, and Char’d, which specializes in Korean barbecue. Those craving traditional East African cuisine can head to East Town to check out Alem Ethiopian Village, a cozy spot that serves up classics like quosta, doro wot, and asa tibs.

Enjoy Premium Craft Beer in Milwaukee

Originally developed due to an influx of German immigrants in the mid-1800s, Milwaukee’s craft brewing scene is now a major draw for tourism. For those looking for a truly iconic destination for beer lovers, there’s no better place than Lakefront Brewery. Founded in 1987, this historic operation has consistently broken barriers on the national brewing scene over the decades, becoming the first certified organic brewery in the United States as well as the first government-certified gluten-free beer producer. Today, visitors can sample groundbreaking creations like New Grist, a crisp gluten-free pilsner, or keep it classic with a shot of Eastside Dark, their award-winning, bohemian-style dark lager. After the tour, tourists can continue the beer drinking by wandering into the nearby Eagle Park Brewing Company, a refined space that produces an incredible DDH Bowie’s Space Suit New England hazy.

For those who prefer to stay closer to the historic Third Ward, The Explorium Brewpub offers a slew of refreshing beers served in a historic space. There are 24 taps to sample during a tour, with options ranging from the refreshing Cream City Crusher cream ale to the Watermelon Peppercorn wild ale. And to sweeten the deal, the venue also makes some truly exceptional fried cheese curds alongside hearty entrees like Nashville-spiced chicken wings and roasted mushroom calzones. Once you’ve had your fill of Milwaukee’s best breweries, history buffs won’t want to miss booking a tour of Best Place, a historic facility that offers a deep dive into the Badger State’s beer history. During a historical tour, guests can get a glimpse into the past of Best Brewing Co., an iconic organization that was the nation’s largest brewery in the late 1800s and even spawned the famous Pabst Blue Ribbon lager. And of course, every tour comes with plenty of fresh PBR to enjoy along the way.