After a long, seemingly endless harsh winter, there is just about nothing we Milwaukeeans crave more than a little warm, fresh air. The outdoor dining and drinking scene in this city has exploded in the past few years, and most patios are packed on a nice sunny afternoon.

Looking for a little dining al fresco? Here are literally 100 lovely places to do so. Happy summer, Milwaukee.

Abbey Biercafe
134 E. Junaeu Ave., (414) 755-0333
theabbeybiercafe.com
This Diablos Rojos restaurant is just off Water Street's beaten path, but it's Juneau Avenue patio is a perfect place to people watch while sipping on a fancy Belgian ale.

AJ Bombers
1247 N. Water St., (414) 221-9999
ajbombers.com
Bombers is new to the patio and burger scene this summer. With outdoor seating on Knapp St., it's a great spot to dine on some of the city's best burgers while watching the Park East neighborhood develop. Two giant chairs also are featured for your enjoyment.

Alterra at the Lake
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., (414) 223-4551
alterracoffee.com
Myriad environmentally-friendly features complement the cafe, both indoors and out. A wetland garden captures and filters parking lot runoff, and rain from the roof trickles into barrels and irrigates plants on the grounds. This location serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads and more, making it a great lunch spot, especially when the weather cooperates and you can sit outside.

Anaba Tea Room
2107 E. Capitol Dr., (414) 963-9510
anabatearoom.com
A unique feature of this tearoom is the rooftop seating and garden area. Enjoy crumpets and tea sandwiches and choose from a wide variety of loose-leaf, chai or English-style teas.

The Anchorage
4700 N. Port Washington Rd., (414) 962-4710
You feel like a part of the natural habitat of the Milwaukee River when dining al fresco at this North Shore eatery located inside the Hilton. The outdoor deck has a bit of an upscale, up north feel but make no fish bones about it, the fresh seafood at The Anchorage is some of the city's best.

Apollo Cafe
1310 E. Brady St., (414) 272-2233
apollocafe.com
A quick and cost effective Apollo Cafe lunch or dinner is sure to please even the pickiest gyro lover in brew city. After stuffing your face with Greek delights, it's a short walk to the Brady Street footbridge for a stroll on the lakefront to help you shed those new Greek pounds.

Aura
1011 N. Astor St., (414) 272-1011
auramilwaukee.com
Located within the Comfort Inn and Suites, Aura's menu offers seafood, seafood and more seafood, as well as appetizers, salads, steaks and dessert.

Bacchus
925 E. Wells St., (414) 765-1166
bacchusmke.com
Inside the Cudahy Tower, Bacchus brings fine dining into a stylish space. Outdoor patio dining and private dining rooms make dining here an experience for lunch, dinner or special occasions.

Balzac
1716 N. Arlington Dr., (414) 755-0099
balzacwinebar.com
Adding to the flavor on the corner of Arlington and Brady, the Hi-Hat Group opened the wine bar Balzac. They offer an untouchable list of rotating wines as well as small plates and appetizers late into the evening. Their outdoor seating is located in the backyard courtyard shared with Apollo cafe.

Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St., (414) 847-1330
5750 Bayshore Dr., Glendale (414) 831-2700
restaurants-america.com/barlouie
Water Street is a hotspot during a Milwaukee summer and Bar Louie is smack dab in the center of it all with an inviting patio seating over 100 when the weather's warm (and a fire pit for when it's not as warm as we wish it were.)

Barnacle Bud's
1955 S. Hilbert St., (414) 481-9974
barnacle-buds.com
Next to Skipper Bud's down on the KK (Kinnickinnic) River der hey is Barnacle Bud's. A favorite stop for boaters, burger and beer lovers, Bud's is perfect for an afternoon lunch or after-work beer. As seen in the film, "The Lady in the Box."

Bayou Cajun Restaurant & Lounge
2060 N. Humboldt Ave., (414) 431-1511
bayoumilwaukee.com
One of the best patios in the city, this 56-seater overlooks the Milwaukee River and offers a panoramic view of Downtown and the water.

Beans and Barley
1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878
beansandbarley.com
An East Side institution, and one of Milwaukee's vegetarian hot spots, Beans & Barley features some of the city's best soups and sandwiches. The attached grocery store features gifts, magazines, vitamins, produce, sweets and organic, vegetarian and ethnic foods.

Beer Belly's
512 W. Layton Ave., (414) 481-5520
The home of the Belly Burger! A wide range of choices also makes Beer Belly's fish fry one of the best in town. There's also great tenderloin and baby back ribs.

Bella's Fat Cat
2737 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 747-9746
2974 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 431-8480
bellasfatcat.net
Bella's dishes up creamy custard in an old-style custard/burger stand. Great onion rings, fries, shakes and other treats are the perfect complement to your big burger.

Botanas
816 S. 5th St., (414) 672-3755
botanasrestaurant.com
Seafood, particularly shrimp and fish items, are the specialty at this Mexican restaurant. The food isn't too spicy, and the guacamole is great.

Bremen Cafe
901 E. Clarke St., (414) 431-1932
bremencafe.com
Bremen Cafe, located at the corner of Bremen and Clarke in Riverwest, draws customers from all over the city. Coffee, conversation and free high speed Internet can all be found at Bremen, along with live music from local and touring acts. Work by local artists is on an ever-changing art on display.

Brocach
1850 N. Water St., (414) 431-9009
brocach.com
This Irish pub and restaurant offers an authentic-feeling experience and during the warm month, a second-floor terrace with stunning views of the river below.

Buca di Beppo
1233 N. Van Buren St., (414) 224-8672
bucadibeppo.com
Buca offers southern Italian food with huge portions served family-style.

Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
A favorite before and after Bradley Center events, Buck Bradley's features the city's longest bar, great casual dining, gourmet entrees, deli sandwiches and daily specials.

Butler Inn
742 N. Glacier Rd., Pewaukee, (262) 691-0840
A screened patio, tropical bar and two gazebos give patrons at Butler Inn options for their outdoor dining experience. Tender Black Angus steaks, homemade soups and salads are some of the restaurant's specialties, not to mention the friendly staff and excellent service.

Byron's Beer Garden & Bistro
106 W. Wells St., (414) 223-0101
byronsmilwaukee.com
Do you like beer? Of course you do. How about food made with beer? Even better, right? Well, you'll find both at Byron's Downtown along the Riverwalk.

Café 1505
1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-7076
Specializing in soups, salads, vegetarian fare and sandwiches, as well as weekly specials, Café 1505 serves up excellent brunch all day Saturday and Sunday. There's also a full carryout menu and an espresso bar.

Cafe at the Plaza
1007 N. Cass St., (414) 272-2494
A truly unique, art deco dining experience -- the Cafe at the Plaza is a favorite of Downtown and East Side dwellers. The Plaza Scrambler and other breakfast items are all made fresh to order, and are available all day long. You will love the quaintness of the building and the lovely outdoor patio.

Cafe Brucke
2102 N. Prospect Ave., (414) 287-2053
cafebrucke.com
This café / bar / restaurant boasts an eclectic beverage and food selection, including an affordable array of appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Cafe Centraal
2306 S Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
Newly opened in Fall 2008, a large garage door opens off the back of Cafe Centraal into a courtyard-like dining area. This Bay View restaurant serves a full menuServing a full menu all day long

Café Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., (414) 963-6366
cafehollander.com
This Diablos Rojos creation features an eclectic menu and large, crafty beer selection. Its patio is quaint and overlooks the bustling Downer Avenue.  Page 1 of 3 (view all on one page)

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4 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by Esider on June 8, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. (report)

For my money, Tess has got the best patio in the city, hands down. And there food is to die for! And did I mention there awesome beer and wine lists? They have things there you can't get anywhere else in the city!

Posted by 4277 on June 8, 2009 at 2:17 p.m. (report)

Is Maxie's in Milwaukee or Tosa?

Posted by danatmaxies on June 2, 2009 at 11:53 a.m. (report)

Thank you for the informative guide to Al Fresco Dining. Unfortunately for the 2nd year in a row, you neglected to include Maxie's Southern Comfort in your list. Our outdoor dining opens everyday at 4pm with Milwaukee's Happiest Happy Hour. Thanks, Dan

Posted by John_Eding on June 1, 2009 at 12:01 p.m. (report)

Cafe Calatrava at the Milwaukee Art Museum has the freshest, finest al fresco dining along the lake. You can't get any closer to Lake Michigan! The Cafe's terrace is open, weather permitting, 11 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Their number is 414-224-3831. To see the delicious menu visit http://www.mam.org/visit/cafe.php //John Eding, Milwaukee Art Museum