A guide to Water Street bars

There has been some turnover during the last few years, with a handful of new hotspots popping up alongside venerable Milwaukee landmarks.

Here's a quick look at the bars of Water Street (focusing on those north of State Street):

Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St.
(414) 847-1492
barlouieamerica.com
Bar Louie, a chain of restaurant/bars, has a large bar sitting in the middle of the location, making it inviting for any after work get together or just a nice night out. The list of drinks is expansive with all types of beer on tap, 20 different kinds of wine by the glass and specialty cocktails. For the sports fans, there are more than enough flatscreens playing a variety of sporting events.

Bar None
1139 N. Water St.
(414) 226-6969
barnonemilwaukee.com
The newcomer on the street, Bar Bone opened in fall 2009 and is the smallest space on the street. Bar None is a comfortable, no-frills bar that welcomes regulars and newcomers alike with nightly specials, loud music and bartenders always willing to roll the dice.

Brothers Bar & Grill
1213 N. Water St.
(414) 224-1690
brothersbar.com
Not just for Minneapolis, Madison or La Crosse anymore, Milwaukee now has it's own Brothers. A very popular hangout for UWM and Marquette students, Brothers is packed on the weekends. A lively atmosphere, cheap drinks, and plenty of pool tables and dartboards keep people coming back for more.

Duke's on Water
152 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 221-0621
Connected to Scooter's Pub, Duke's on Water stands at the ever-bustling corner of Water and Juneau. Catering to college students, Duke's pours cheap drinks and plays loud music. Named after surfing legend Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, Duke's subtly reminds patrons of life on the beach but adds the convenience of sports watching on giant TVs.

Fitzgibbons Pub
1127 N. Water St.
(414) 278-8847
www.fitzgibbonspub.com
A classic Milwaukee tavern on Water Street, Fitzgibbons is Water Street's authentic Irish pub. This turn of the century historic building has housed Milwaukee bars since 1933 (before that, it was a butcher shop and a restaurant). Much of the original bar is still intact, and old-time photos of Milwaukee line the walls. Fitzgibbons features seven taps of beer, including Irish favorites like Guinness, Harp and Bass. More than 25 bottled beers and several fine scotches and whiskeys add to the authentic Irish charm. The bar even sells cigars and light snacks to keep you feeling festive. In the summer, enjoy Fitzgibbons outside bar. In the colder months, play pool, shoot darts and listen to the bar's eclectic but excellent choice of music.

McCarthy's
134 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 755-0333
Formerly Fat Abbey and, before that, The Lodge, McCarthy's has an Irish name but doesn't fall into the trap of being a "Irish Pub." With a big beer selection and two levels -- as well as a patio -- you'll find the older end of the Water Street demographic.

McGillycuddy's
1135 N. Water St.
(414) 278-8888
mcgillycuddysmilwaukee.com
A good Irish bar on Water St., McGillycuddy's features tasty bar food and a slightly older crowd. Also has excellent Irish beers on tap. When the weather turns nice, the back patio is one of the best spots in Milwaukee for outdoor drinking.

Rosie's Waterworks
1111 N. Water St.
(414) 274-7213
rosieswaterworks.com
One of the longest-lived bars on the lively stretch of Water Street, Rosie's serves up great grill food and has a friendly staff and clientele, making it one of the homey-ist pubs in the area.

Scooter's Pub
154 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 274-7204
Opened in 2006, Scooter's Pub and Duke's on Water collaboratively took over the space that used to be Mel's on Water. Scooter's aptly attracts bikers and college students alike with a cheap happy hour and good conversation.

Sullivan's
1227 N. Water St.
(414) 223-3213
sullivansmke.com
Owner Joe Sorge describes it as a "Water Street version of Cans." It's basically a party bar with a classic Water Street vibe.

The Harp
113 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 289-0700
theharpirishpub.com
If you have been in Milwaukee for more than say, 20 minutes, you've probably heard of The Harp. Its patio overlooking the Milwaukee River is where many locals have spent the summer portion of their youth and inside, the two somewhat seperated bar areas allow you to enjoy the classic pub setting, or gather around a table with friends.

Trinity Three Irish Pubs
125 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 278-7033
trinitythreeirishpubs.com
Claiming a "trio of irish authenticity," this is a hotspot for the college crowd, just west of the intersection of Water and Juneau. Comprising three interconnected bars, Trinity cooks up a full Irish lunch and dinner while pouring tappers of your favorite Irish brews.

A.J. Bombers
1247 N. Water St.
(414) 224-8281
ajbombers.com
Burgers served with an avalanche of peanuts ... a little out of the ordinary, sure, but it's one of the things that makes a trip to Bombers a great alternative to the usual ritual of late-night debauchery. Order food all day and late-night and enjoy a pretty big selection of mainstream and microbrews ... or the "Bloody Bomber" if you subscribe to the "hair of the dog" theory.

Water Street Brewery
1101 N. Water St.
(414) 272-1195
waterstreetbrewery.com
One of the first brewpubs in Milwaukee, WSB features brewing on premises and a variety of seasonal and specialty beers, including seasonal fresh berry beers. Serving appetizers, sandwiches and nightly entrees, Water Street Brewery offers something for everyone. Brewery tours, merchandise and carry-out freshly brewed products are also available.

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

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by HmongkeyHmongsta on March 10, 2010 at 10:48 a.m. (report)

could have made this guide a lot better and shorter by reducing it to just one tip: avoid the ones south of brady.

Posted by eh on March 9, 2010 at 2:18 p.m. (report)

@devidia I think it's the building Sullivans is in.

Posted by devidia on March 9, 2010 at 12:42 p.m. (report)

Which of these bars used to be Luke's Sports Spectacular? Or am I thinking of somewhere else?