By Molly Snyder Senior Writer Published May 08, 2013 at 1:30 PM

You might want to put Harp Irish Pub (aka "The Harp") on your mental list of outdoor drinking destinations this summer.

The iconic Irish bar recently got a new patio and patio furniture. The wood will get stained in the near future, but the deck is currently open to the public. And it looks and smells really good. (Ah, fresh wood!)

About five years ago, RC Schmidt, Matt Schmidt, Andrew Schmidt and Michael Foy took over The Harp. They also operate Trinity, RC's and The Black Rose.

At the time of the takeover, both bars and the ceilings were rebuilt. The kitchen was also relocated.

"The next phase of the remodel was the deck which needed to be updated as well," says Tina Lawler, who handles communications for The Harp. "We decided rather than just patch it, rebuilding was the best way to go. "

Brew City Builders did the work. The format of the deck is the same with two tiers offering the same great view of the river and landmark Milwaukee buildings like Usinger’s.

Three new docks were also built.

The Harp has a new menu, focusing on burgers, hotdogs, a Friday fish fry and a build-your-own-basket of The Harp’s signature chips, fries or onion rings.

A "Sunday Rehab" takes place every Sunday on the deck with live music by Dan Harvey at 4 p.m. Specials will include $3 Skyy bombs, $5 sangrias and mimosas, $6 buckets of Miller Lite Shorties and $7 buckets of Coronitas. 

There’s also a happy hour that runs Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. featuring a variety of other specials.

"The Harp is definitely a long-standing landmark and Milwaukee favorite," says Lawler.

I spent some time there recently and had absolutely no complaints. Other than the fact my pint of Guinness didn't magically refill itself.


Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.

Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.