Our Favorite Milwaukee Spots
Shopping
Super cute shop with an awesome selection of vintage clothes and furniture! The owner loves to shop himself, so he prices everything to sell to make space for his new finds :)
Tip Top Atomic Shop
2343 S Kinnickinnic AveSuper cute shop with an awesome selection of vintage clothes and furniture! The owner loves to shop himself, so he prices everything to sell to make space for his new finds :)
Acme Records
2341 S Kinnickinnic AveLong standing vinyl record shop just down the street from the house.
Stellar selection of beautifully restored mid century modern furniture, vintage clothing & accessories. Run by three sweet local guys. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Brew City Salvage
524 W National AveStellar selection of beautifully restored mid century modern furniture, vintage clothing & accessories. Run by three sweet local guys. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If you like hats, you gotta go! From their website (they say it better than we ever could):
"The Brass Rooster is as much a working museum as it is a hat shop. John & Kate and the entire staff at The Brass Rooster & The Hen House are always willing to talk about the history of their shop and the history of hat making. Servicing customers locally, nationally and internationally, The Brass Rooster has become a must see location if you are in the city; from the patrons in the city to celebrity clientele, everyone gets treated the same."
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The Brass Rooster
2250 S Kinnickinnic AveIf you like hats, you gotta go! From their website (they say it better than we ever could):
"The Brass Rooster is as much a working museum as it is a hat shop. John & Kate and the entire staff at The Brass Rooster & The Hen House are always willing to talk about the history of their shop and the history of hat making. Servicing customers locally, nationally and internationally, The Brass Rooster has become a must see location if you are in the city; from the patrons in the city to celebrity clientele, everyone gets treated the same."
Very close to our house is Sparrow, a locally owned boutique that offers everything from home goods to jewelry to clothing, much of it locally made.
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Sparrow Collective
2224 S Kinnickinnic AveVery close to our house is Sparrow, a locally owned boutique that offers everything from home goods to jewelry to clothing, much of it locally made.
Awesome vintage shop with an impeccably curated selection of decor items, jewelry and clothing!
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Plume
3001 S Kinnickinnic AveAwesome vintage shop with an impeccably curated selection of decor items, jewelry and clothing!
Massive antique mall with three full floors of treasures! Open 7 days a week and reasonably priced.
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Antiques On Pierce
1512 W Pierce StMassive antique mall with three full floors of treasures! Open 7 days a week and reasonably priced.
Walkers Point vintage shop focusing on Midcentury furniture, lighting and artwork (at excellent prices).
BC Modern
3116 S 5th StWalkers Point vintage shop focusing on Midcentury furniture, lighting and artwork (at excellent prices).
Impeccably curated shop featuring home goods, houseplants, jewelry and clothing.
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URSA
2534 S Kinnickinnic AveImpeccably curated shop featuring home goods, houseplants, jewelry and clothing.
911 W. National Avenue. Anna was the interior designer for this amazing shop featuring new and vintage handmade jewelry, leather goods, and a selection of vintage & antique items.
CIVAL Collective
911 W National Ave911 W. National Avenue. Anna was the interior designer for this amazing shop featuring new and vintage handmade jewelry, leather goods, and a selection of vintage & antique items.
We have yet to leave this place empty-handed! With some of the best prices in town, this shop features an eclectic selection of vintage and antique items across a wide variety of styles. Bonus that Ann (the owner) is a total sweetheart.
Good Land Antiques
3391 S Kinnickinnic AveWe have yet to leave this place empty-handed! With some of the best prices in town, this shop features an eclectic selection of vintage and antique items across a wide variety of styles. Bonus that Ann (the owner) is a total sweetheart.
Alive and Fine
2652 S Kinnickinnic AveAlways worth a stop if you love vintage clothing!
Best vintage shop in Milwaukee, in our humble opinion. Find them on IG for their posted weekend hours - they will also open by appointment!
Serpentine Salvage
2625 South Greeley StreetBest vintage shop in Milwaukee, in our humble opinion. Find them on IG for their posted weekend hours - they will also open by appointment!
Lion's Tooth
2421 S Kinnickinnic AveAwesome little indie bookstore!!
Clover Milwaukee
2252 South Kinnickinnic AvenueAwesome little plant store just a couple of blocks from the house!
Music Venues
legendary small rock club that's been there over 30 years. Mega famous bands like Spoon, Queens of the Stone Age, White Stripes and Bright Eyes all played here early in their careers. Check the calendar to see who's on. The front room has a cozy Bär if you're just keen for a tapper.
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Cactus Club
2496 S Wentworth Avelegendary small rock club that's been there over 30 years. Mega famous bands like Spoon, Queens of the Stone Age, White Stripes and Bright Eyes all played here early in their careers. Check the calendar to see who's on. The front room has a cozy Bär if you're just keen for a tapper.
the "go to" live music venue in town, both turner hall and pabst theater get all the best touring bands. 10 min drive.
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Turner Hall Ballroom
1040 Vel R. Phillips Avethe "go to" live music venue in town, both turner hall and pabst theater get all the best touring bands. 10 min drive.
Historic music venue with an impressive roster of artists who have played there over the years. We've seen many great shows there!
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Shank Hall
1434 N Farwell AveHistoric music venue with an impressive roster of artists who have played there over the years. We've seen many great shows there!
The Colectivo Prospect Cafe is home to the Back Room at Colectivo music series. We've discovered some of our favorite artists there!
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Colectivo Coffee - Prospect
2211 N Prospect AveThe Colectivo Prospect Cafe is home to the Back Room at Colectivo music series. We've discovered some of our favorite artists there!
The Pabst Theater
144 E Wells StI-Riverside Theater
116 W Wisconsin AveAwesome coffee shop which turns into a music venue by night.
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Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
2920 S Kinnickinnic AveAwesome coffee shop which turns into a music venue by night.
Parks & Nature
A favorite gathering spot for Bayview residents, Humboldt Park Pavilion is just a mile from the house. On Tuesdays from June through August, Humboldt Park hosts "Chill on the Hill" from 6:00 to 8:30 with live music in their bandshell and a variety of food and drink vendors...you're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks!
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Humboldt Park Pavilion
3000 S Howell AveA favorite gathering spot for Bayview residents, Humboldt Park Pavilion is just a mile from the house. On Tuesdays from June through August, Humboldt Park hosts "Chill on the Hill" from 6:00 to 8:30 with live music in their bandshell and a variety of food and drink vendors...you're also welcome to bring your own food and drinks!
Grocery & Liquor Stores
Health food store/co-op about a mile from the house. It's a big store that carries just about everything you would need, at reasonable prices for what it is.
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Outpost Natural Foods
2826 S Kinnickinnic AveHealth food store/co-op about a mile from the house. It's a big store that carries just about everything you would need, at reasonable prices for what it is.
Right around the corner from the house, Bayview Supermarket is family owned and operated and has a little bit of everything.
Bayview Supermarket
2277 S Howell AveRight around the corner from the house, Bayview Supermarket is family owned and operated and has a little bit of everything.
Excellent liquor store not too far from the house with a stellar beer and wine selection.
Siegel's Liquor
2632 S Kinnickinnic AveExcellent liquor store not too far from the house with a stellar beer and wine selection.
Our favorite neighborhood market, Groppi's has an extensive array of groceries and prepared foods, an impressive beer and wine selection, a deli counter that makes the best paninis in town, a butcher shop in the back, and even a beer and wine bar!
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G. Groppi Food Market
1441 E Russell AveOur favorite neighborhood market, Groppi's has an extensive array of groceries and prepared foods, an impressive beer and wine selection, a deli counter that makes the best paninis in town, a butcher shop in the back, and even a beer and wine bar!
Our Favorite Restaurants
A hidden gem in nearby Walker's Point, The Noble's kitchen is so small that they don't have room for a walk-in cooler, which means the ingredients are always fresh and the menu changes daily. Open Thursday through Monday for dinner, with Monday Brunch (a favorite of the local service industry crowd)! They don't take reservations, so go early if you prefer not to wait.
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The Noble
704 S 2nd StA hidden gem in nearby Walker's Point, The Noble's kitchen is so small that they don't have room for a walk-in cooler, which means the ingredients are always fresh and the menu changes daily. Open Thursday through Monday for dinner, with Monday Brunch (a favorite of the local service industry crowd)! They don't take reservations, so go early if you prefer not to wait.
Bayview eatery featuring New American fare and cocktails in a refined yet fun environment.
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Goodkind
2457 S Wentworth AveBayview eatery featuring New American fare and cocktails in a refined yet fun environment.
Our favorite Milwaukee Thai restaurant in the heart of the East Side.
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Thai-namite
932 E Brady StOur favorite Milwaukee Thai restaurant in the heart of the East Side.
Serbian restaurant, widely known for its cuisine and loved for its quirky service and beautiful atmosphere! Make a reservation, especially on the weekends, and be warned that they only take cash or check.
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Three Brothers
2414 S St Clair StSerbian restaurant, widely known for its cuisine and loved for its quirky service and beautiful atmosphere! Make a reservation, especially on the weekends, and be warned that they only take cash or check.
Right around the corner from our house (if you take a right out of our door and walk up the alleyway you'll find a shortcut!) A favorite among locals with consistently good food, a full bar and friendly service. They are famous for their sides (asian slaw and housemade chips).
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LuLu Cafe
2265 S Howell AveRight around the corner from our house (if you take a right out of our door and walk up the alleyway you'll find a shortcut!) A favorite among locals with consistently good food, a full bar and friendly service. They are famous for their sides (asian slaw and housemade chips).
Amazing neighborhood Italian restaurant, just a short drive from the house.
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Tenuta's Italian Restaurant
2995 S Clement AveAmazing neighborhood Italian restaurant, just a short drive from the house.
Our go-to Indian restaurant, super close to the house! Friendly service and always delicious.
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Cafe India Bay View
2201 S Kinnickinnic AveOur go-to Indian restaurant, super close to the house! Friendly service and always delicious.
Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Beautiful patio where you can dine in the warmer months!
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Honeypie
2569 S Kinnickinnic AveLunch, dinner and weekend brunch featuring locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Beautiful patio where you can dine in the warmer months!
A truly hidden gem, Barnacle Bud's is on the water just a ten minute walk from the house. A casual, down-home waterfront shack of a place featuring seafood, oysters, burgers, and a full bar.
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Barnacle Bud's
1955 S Hilbert StA truly hidden gem, Barnacle Bud's is on the water just a ten minute walk from the house. A casual, down-home waterfront shack of a place featuring seafood, oysters, burgers, and a full bar.
Amazing Italian food! Try the Duck Bacon Carbonara, or any of their pizzas. They also have a romantic, beautiful little jazz bar next door that is open Wednesday through Saturday.
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Centro Cafe
808 E Center StAmazing Italian food! Try the Duck Bacon Carbonara, or any of their pizzas. They also have a romantic, beautiful little jazz bar next door that is open Wednesday through Saturday.
Traditional and creative sushi, Japanese & Thai small plates, rice bowls and ramen in a modern space.
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Hungry Sumo
2663 S Kinnickinnic AveTraditional and creative sushi, Japanese & Thai small plates, rice bowls and ramen in a modern space.
Museums & Sightseeing
Incredibly beautiful museum with an impressive permanent collection and reliably well curated temporary exhibits. The building itself is a work of art!
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I-Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum DrIncredibly beautiful museum with an impressive permanent collection and reliably well curated temporary exhibits. The building itself is a work of art!
Natural History Museum that hasn't been significantly updated since the 70s, which is why we love it! We especially love the "Old Streets of Milwaukee" and "European Village" exhibits, which are walk-through dioramas with cobblestone streets lined with cottages and storefronts you can peer into!
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I-Milwaukee Public Museum
800 W Wells StNatural History Museum that hasn't been significantly updated since the 70s, which is why we love it! We especially love the "Old Streets of Milwaukee" and "European Village" exhibits, which are walk-through dioramas with cobblestone streets lined with cottages and storefronts you can peer into!
The Grohmann's primary exhibit "The Man at Work" features an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures showcasing the evolution of human work across history. Check out the rooftop sculpture garden as well!
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Grohmann Museum
1000 N BroadwayThe Grohmann's primary exhibit "The Man at Work" features an extensive collection of paintings and sculptures showcasing the evolution of human work across history. Check out the rooftop sculpture garden as well!
Dating back to 1901, the iconic Basilica of St. Josaphat is very close to the house and open Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 4PM for visits and tours. The Saint Josaphat Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish (the first urban Polish parish in the US) and quickly became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Modeled after St. Peter's Basilica, the incredible looking structure includes salvaged materials from the Chicago Post Office and Custom house, which were brought to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars!
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Basilica kaSt. Josaphat
2333 S 6th StDating back to 1901, the iconic Basilica of St. Josaphat is very close to the house and open Monday through Saturday, 9AM to 4PM for visits and tours. The Saint Josaphat Parish was formed in 1888 as an offshoot of Saint Stanislaus Parish (the first urban Polish parish in the US) and quickly became the largest Polish parish in Wisconsin. Modeled after St. Peter's Basilica, the incredible looking structure includes salvaged materials from the Chicago Post Office and Custom house, which were brought to Milwaukee on 500 railroad flatcars!
The Milwaukee Riverwalk ties together three distinct waterfront neighborhoods (The Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B). It is more than 20 blocks from end to end, and is an awesome way to get to see different areas of the city at your own pace. The Riverwalk is also home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture!, with a rotating display of sculptures.
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Riverwalk
RiverwalkThe Milwaukee Riverwalk ties together three distinct waterfront neighborhoods (The Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B). It is more than 20 blocks from end to end, and is an awesome way to get to see different areas of the city at your own pace. The Riverwalk is also home to an outdoor art gallery called RiverSculpture!, with a rotating display of sculptures.
Craft Beer & Breweries
Award winning microbrewery, just west of the Historic Third Ward.
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Third Space Brewing
1505 W St Paul AveAward winning microbrewery, just west of the Historic Third Ward.
While neither of us are beer aficionados, our beer snob friends love this place (they also vouch for Third Space and Gathering Place, as well as Draft & Vessel, all listed in the guidebook as well).
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Good City Brewing
2108 N Farwell AveWhile neither of us are beer aficionados, our beer snob friends love this place (they also vouch for Third Space and Gathering Place, as well as Draft & Vessel, all listed in the guidebook as well).
Gathering Place Brewing Company
811 E Vienna AveAnother favorite of craft beer aficionados.
North of us in Shorewood, this is a beer lovers bar to the core!
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Draft & Vessel
4417 N Oakland AveNorth of us in Shorewood, this is a beer lovers bar to the core!
Classic slice of Milwaukee history, with great brewery tours!
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Captain Pabst Pilot House (formerly Pabst Milwaukee Brewery & Taproom)
1037 West Juneau AvenueClassic slice of Milwaukee history, with great brewery tours!