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This feature was made possible through a partnership with the Milwaukee Public Market.
There are so many reasons why you might want to make a trip to the Milwaukee Public Market, whether it’s to grab a bite, pick out a locally inspired gift for a friend, meet someone for coffee or pick up a few items to prepare for dinner.
But the Market is also a surprisingly great spot to grab a drink. Whether you’re seeking out a beer, a glass of wine or any number of classic cocktails, you’re likely to find it at one of the market’s 8 bars.
1. Cafe Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
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Yes, Cafe Benelux is part of the Public Market. Established inside the boundaries of the Public Market’s District, the popular restaurant is technically considered to be among the Market’s vendors. Venture just a few yards beyond the market’s eastern exit and you can enjoy any number of specialty cocktails, zero proof beverages or an impressive list of Belgian (or local craft) brews.
2. David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon
Location: next to West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shop
(414) 616-1079
daasmokehouse.com
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David Alan Alan’s Smokehouse & Saloon is the newest vendor in the market. In addition to serving smoked meats and sides, they also have a nice little bar that you can belly up to for specialty drinks like a bloody mary, P.O.B.’s Smokin’ Sweet Tea (Deep Eddy Lemon, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea and lemonade); and their best-selling Smoked Old Fashion (House infused smoked brandy, muddled cherries, orange and bitters and Sprite).
Fun fact: You’ve probably noticed the unusual nature of David Alan Alan’s moniker. It’s a holdover from owner David Alan O’Bryan’s wild and crazy snow-boarding days, during which he suffered more than one concussion. One time in particular, he was rushed to the hospital with a concussion and when they asked him for his name, he insisted it was: “David Alan Alan”. The name stuck.
3. The Draft Patio
Location: the sidewalk on St. Paul Ave., next to the market
draftandvessel.com
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Alright, so this bar is seasonal. But during the clement months, this outdoor bar is open Friday through Sunday from 12-8 p.m. During operating hours, you can purchase craft brews and other adult beverages from a 1941 vintage Ford pick-up truck retrofitted with eight draft lines by by Draft & Vessel owner Nathaniel Davauer and local artists Nicholas Hardrath and Brandon Mingawith in 2019. It’s almost like a little outdoor beer garden at the market!
4. Margarita Paradise
Location: across from The Spice House and Anodyne Coffee
(414) 226-2422
margarita-paradise.com
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Among the most popular stops in the market is Margarita Paradise, a spot for delicious breakfast dishes, tacos, enchiladas and burritos. But it’s also a popular place for… you guessed it: Margaritas. In fact, there are at least 25 Margaritas from which to choose, along with Mojitos, Palomas and ice cold cervezas.
5. The Palapa
Location: behind St. Paul Fish Company
(414) 220-8383
stpaulfish.com
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Sure, you can take a seat at St. Paul Fish Company’s Oyster Bar. But why not take it to the next level by stepping just outside the market and into The Palapa where a tropical breeze is always blowing? The Palapa just behind the fish market and it offers up a convivial atmosphere along with a menu of beer, tropical drinks (and even seafood, if you’d like) all year round.
While their most popular beverage is a simply delicious margarita, there’s a menu filled with delicious things for the drinkinking. That includes options like a Bay Breez, A Wakiki Beachcomber, Rum Punch (pictured) and even frozen drinks like a Strawberry Banana Daiquiri, Pina Colada and Miami Vice.
7. Thief Wine Bar
Location: Next to Brew City Apparel and adjacent to Forage Kitchen on the south
(414) 277-7707
thiefwine.com
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If you’re in the mood for a glass of wine, there’s nowhere better in the market than Thief Wine, a full-service wine shop and wine bar all in one. Take a seat at the wine bar and you can choose from a rotating list of over 30+ wines by the glass. Or purchase a bottle of your favorite wine, pay a corkage fee and enjoy it at the bar. Can’t decide quite what to drink? Order a flight! The staff is knowledgeable and more than willing to guide you toward something you’re sure to love.
7. West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
Location: across from Foltz Family Market and Brew City Brand Apparel
(414) 289-8333
westallischeese.com
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When you think of West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe, you probably think of the 200+ varieties of cheese that they carry. But they also boast a nifty little bar where you can order up a Spotted Cow, a classic Wisconsin Old Fashioned or – even better – one of their popular spiked slushies, including popular flavors like the Brandy Old Fashioned or Mimosa! Kiddie Cocktail Slushies are also available for the younger set.
Hungry? Pair up your cocktail with any number of sandwiches and sides including bar snacks like cheese curds, poutine and mozzarella sticks.
8. The Wurst Bar
Location: at Foltz Family Market across from Oro di Oliva and Marius Bell Floral
(414) 277-5070
foltzfamilymarket.com
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Maybe the most hidden bar in the market, The Wurst Bar is a cozy spot to hang out and people watch, or simply get away from the crowds. It’s dimly lit like a little corner bar and you can take a seat there to enjoy a wide variety of craft brews (including their most popular beer, Spotted Cow) along with select cocktails like hand-muddled Old Fashioneds and Bloody Marys.
Fun fact: You can also order up a wood-fired pizza, a burger or even pick out a steak from the meat case to have cooked to order.
Watch for more fun 20th anniversary features on the Milwaukee Public Market at OnMilwaukee all year long.
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.
