It might be rainy and cool right now, but Memorial Day weekend is looking like a stunner. That’s all the more reason to consider where you’re going to spend your holiday weekend (and all the rest of your beautiful sunny summer days).
Among the options is the baaree, the gorgeous community beer garden located just next to the former cheel at105 S. Main St. in Thiensville.
The urban escape is the perfect spot to relax, gather with friends and enjoy a beverage (or a meal). And it’s been updated for the summer with a new paved patio (replacing the former gravel) and updated stage area.
If you need more reasons to stop by, here are five.
1. The beautiful atmosphere
Even now, before the edible gardens have reached their full potential, the baaree offers a cozy escape thanks to the handiwork of landscape designer Katie Fedorski of Katie Jean Designs.
Alongside the lush greenery, the baaree brings together the elements of earth, air, water and fire in the form of a calming water feature, a fire feature by Milwaukee Blacksmith and an open air environment surrounded by heirloom varieties of amaranth, chard, ornamental peppers, nasturtium, kale and fruit trees.
2. The food
The baaree offers a casual menu featuring beer garden staples with a twist. Options include Wagyu beef sliders, hot dogs, brats, wings and sandwiches, along with Milwaukee Pretzel bites, baaree fries and chips and salsa.
Opt for summer classics like the chicken Italian sausage (pictured above) with Himalayan 5-spice mayo and pineapple salsa is a win alongside a Rum Diaries cocktail, White Rascal Belgian Wit or Down East Blackberry cider.
Or order up one of my favorites: the fermented tea leaf salad scented with fresh ginger, garlic and cilantro. It’s fresh, delicious and perfect for summer!
There are also new options to try including a lentil protein bowl (fresh vegetables, massort lentil dal, jalapenos, pico de gallo and cilantro) and the Smokey Jack featuring Jack Daniels smoked pork, Himalayan 5-spice mayo, cucumber, apple, jalapeno carrot giardiniera and cilantro.
3. The drinks
It might be a beer garden, but there are more than craft and domestic brews to enjoy. Enjoy a glass of wine, cider or seltzer, along with a short list of craft cocktails from housemade rose sangria to a Weller Special Reserve old fashioned.
It gets better when you factor in happy hour, which takes place Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. (featuring $1 off all taps).
4. Live music
There’s always a new band to enjoy at the baaree, thanks to live music every day but Mondays (the baaree is closed) and Thursdays (that’s trivia night).
Genres range to rock n roll cover bands, blues and funk to jazz and interactive open jams with The Benedon Open Jam. You can check out the full schedule online.
5. Makers Markets on Sundays
The baaree is also a spot to support local makers. Starting June 6, every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., you can stop by to check out the wares from a rotating cast of over 20 local vendors.
Featured makers include
- Dennis Pearson Beasties (beasties)
- Gearhead (apparel and accessories)
- Sages Studio (one of a kind art pieces)
- Tera (earrings)
- Sable Design (jewelry)
- The Weld Guy (metal frames, sculpture, home decor)
- Thom Ertl Designs (modern folk art)
- Gifts for the Journey (body products, merchandise)
- Felt Art by Emilia (apparel, textiles)
- Gabor Woodworks (wood crafts, furniture)
- Sundog (jewelry made from upcycled materials)
- Clay it on Me (clay earrings made by a 9-year-old and his mom)
- Mystery Box Jr (family friendly mystery box games)
- Rough to Touch (handmade home decor)
- Love and Flour (desserts)
- Folkfae Creations (botanical jewelry)
- Mermaid's Tear
- LJO Jewelry
- Twinkleberry Treasures (whimsical handmade art)
- Mind Blown Arts (wall art)
- Tender Essentials (aromatherapy, essential oils)
- Creative Metals
- Get Cozy (handmade knitwear)
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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