Downtown is the center of it all. It's where it all happens. But, many Milwaukeeans have the perception that downtown shuts down at 6 o'clock, when the office workers flee for the neighborhoods and suburbs. Not true! Our city center has a wealth of night spots that are fun, exciting and interesting. Here are a few of them.
Blu
The Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave.
Perched atop The Pfister Hotel, this hot Milwaukee nightspot offers some of the best views of the city. Sample wine from its exclusive wine flights, sip lavish cocktails and enjoy the beauty that is Blu. A wonderful place for a drink before or after your night on the town.
Brother's
1213 N. Water St.
Features American fare grilled food and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.
Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St.
Featuring the city's longest bar, Buck Bradley's is a solid choice for before or after a Bradley Center event. Features casual dining and a sports bar on the second floor.
Buckhead Saloon
1044 N. Old World 3rd St.
Casual yet classy, Buckhead brings a touch of Aspen to Milwaukee. Provides live music or djs most nights.
Calderone Pub
322 W. State St.
The relatively new Calderone Pub offers an extensive menu of both sandwiches and beverages.
The Corner
1237 N. Water St.
This bar is, indeed, on the corner of a very popular strip of college watering holes. So grab your lampshade and get ready to par-tay.
Elsa's on the Park
833 N. Jefferson St.
Located in Milwaukee's picturesque Cathedral Park area, Elsa's is the brainchild of the famous Kopp family and one of the city's coolest restaurants. Casual, yet extremely hip -- Elsa's features half-pound sirloin burgers, pork chop sandwiches, buffalo wings and amazing martinis. Check it out before or after a Milwaukee Bucks game. Rumor has it, it is a favorite of many of the players.
Eve
718 N. Milwaukee St.
The atmosphere takes on a new personality on weekend nights as noise levels double and the social scene picks up, turning an elegant dining room into a full-scale nightclub.
Euro Bar
324 E. Mason St.
Specializes in coffee drinks and martinis, and offers about a dozen dessert varieties.
Flannery's Bar and Restaurant
425 E. Wells St.
Flannery's features a warm, friendly atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub. They proudly serve a host of Wisconsin made beers, wines from around the world and frothy pints of Guinness Stout. Lunches, dinners and soups served from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Have A Nice Day Cafe
1101 N. Old World 3rd St.
Party down with tunes from the '70s and '80s at one of Milwaukee's most popular retro nightclubs.
Jim's Time Out
746 N. 7th St.
Last but most definitely not least, is Jim's Time Out. A Downtown treasure, Jim's is the kind of low-key, neighborhood tap that could once be found everywhere in the city. Alas, Jim's is the last of a dying breed, especially Downtown, where it is now the sole example. If you like smoky, intimate, no-nonsense watering holes, Jim's is the place for you. Its charms are especially evident now that they are hidden in a shadow by the modern Humphrey IMAX Dome Theater.
John Hawks Pub
100 E. Wisconsin Ave.
This expansive subterranean British-themed pub is warm and cozy in the winter. In summer, sit by the river and choose from a wide variety of sandwiches, soups and daily specials. You can also wait 'til the weekend for their prime rib special. Leave Saturday night open for live jazz with no cover charge.
Lucille's Rockin Pianos
1110 N. Old World 3rd St.
A popular spot to watch pianos duel or to indulge in karaoke -- for those who are into this sort of thing. The dueling pianos are quite a site with two musicians alternately egging each other on, duking it out and supporting one another.
Major Goolsby's
340 W. Kilbourn Ave.
A classic Milwaukee establishment to eat, drink and cheer on your favorite team.
Martini Mike's
730 N. Old World 3rd St.
It's the old Velvet Room, and it's back with food, drinks and of course, martinis!
McGillicuddy's
1135 N. Water St.
A classic Milwaukee watering hole, in the heart of the Water Street strip.
Miller Time Pub
509 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Located inside the Hilton, the name says it all. It's Miller Time!
Mo's Irish Pub
710 N. Plankinton Ave.
Situated in the heart of Downtown, Mo’s Irish Pub provides a fairly authentic atmosphere to enjoy the Emerald Isle’s renowned spirits.
My Office
736 N. Milwaukee St.
One of the better names for a bar in Milwaukee ("Just tell my wife I'm at My Office"), this throw-back tavern Downtown also serves a tasty breakfast, believe it or not. It's also a good place for a late night cocktail.
Rock Bottom Brewery
740 N. Plankinton Ave.
Have one of the homemade beers while dining on burger, salads, ribs, enchiladas, pasta, smoked fish, wood-roasted pizzas or a steak. Or if you just feel like drinking beer, there is a pool room in the basement. Rock Bottom is a nice change from the ordinary. Local musicians also perform here on New Year's Eve.
Rosie's Waterworks
1111 N. Water St.
A frozen-in-time Milwaukee classic bar and restaurant with a friendly and spirited reputation.
Safe House
779 N. Front St.
There's only so much we can say about the Safe House without giving away all the fun. Let's just say that if you haven't already been to this Milwaukee landmark, it's time to go. If you're looking for the perfect place to take out-of-town guests or are just searching for a unique dining experience that mixes entertainment and intrigue, the Safe House is for you. Featured in Time, Newsweek, People, Chicago Tribune and "Major League," the Safe House is a fun place to eat, drink and meet.
Taylor's
795 N. Jefferson St.
Milwaukee's beautiful people meet at Taylor's. Always cutting-edge and trendy, Taylor's serves up house special drinks and tasty margaritas. Beer, of course, is another option. Located in the Cathedral Park area, Taylor's attracts a crowd dressed to the nines and ready to unwind after a long day or week at the office. Keep your eyes open at Taylor's. It's a favorite stop for several Green Bay Packers.
Tequila Rita's
1131 N. Water St.
The name says it all! Plus, it's in the former Terrace space, which means the unique architecture, including a rooftop terrace, has a agreat view of Downtown.
The Lodge
134 E. Juneau
The signature promotion of The Lodge is the popular "Pizza and Pitcher Night", which means, if you buy any pitcher of beer from 5 p.m. to midnight on Thursdays, you get a free 12-inch, two-topping pie made from scratch.
Yaffa
106 W. Wells St.
Sure, it's more of a restaurant. But, Yaffa Restaurant and Lounge is it's official name. Stop in a drink on the patio and be sure to try the teas.
If we've left out your favorite Downtown drink spot, use the talkback feature below to share it with the rest of us. And watch for another Downtown bar guide coming soon!
