This guide was made possible through a partnership with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts.
Whether it’s a Broadway show, a modern ballet or concert, there’s always something brewing at the Marcus Center for Performing Arts. There's something for everyone with tickets available per show or in discounted packages. Check out what’s showing!
Be sure to secure the best parking deal by purchasing your spot ahead of time in the Marcus Center Parking Structure. It’s easy and you’ll avoid paying too much during busy times Downtown.
But why not make it a full night out? There are plenty of great local bars and restaurants to enjoy before or after the show. Make your reservations early and you can concentrate on having a fabulous time.
*Take advantage of one-stop parking in the Marcus Center Parking Structure.
**Take advantage of shuttle service to the MPAC
*ARIA
Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4422
saintkatearts.com
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From its delicious trademark fried chicken to salads, steak and seafood, there’s a bit of something for everyone at this lovely second-floor restaurant at the Saint Kate Arts Hotel. Take advantage of one-stop parking in the Marcus Center Parking Structure.
Bollywood Grill
1038 N Jackson St., (414) 369-6131
bollywoodgrill.us
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Spice things up with something from the tandoor at Bollywood Grill, an East Side destination for flavor-filled Indian fare.
Cubanitas
728 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 225-1760
getbianchini.com
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Experience delectable Cuban cuisine at this upbeat Downton spot that serves up some of the most delicious plantain chips and mojitos in the city, Be sure to take advantage of Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
**Deco Cafe
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 345-5010
thefitzmke.com
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Enjoy breakfast and lunch classics at this casual cafe inside the historic Ambassador Hotel. Score free parking by grabbing dinner at The Ambassador and taking their shuttle to the theater.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
15665 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, (262) 782-9463
flemingssteakhouse.com
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In the mood for steak? Head to Flemings for premium cuts, seafood and thoughtful vegetarian entrees. Don’t miss their daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring bar bites and drink specials.
**The Fitz
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 345-5010
thefitzmke.com
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Enjoy inventive sandwiches, burgers and entrees at this well-appointed restaurant inspired by the storytelling of 1920s literary legend F. Scott Fitzgerald. Score free parking by grabbing dinner at The Ambassador and taking their shuttle to the theater.
**Gin Rickey
2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 345-5010
thefitzmke.com
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Stop in for lunch, dinner or late night dining in the Gin Rickey Lounge, which offers a stellar menu of prohibition-era craft cocktails. Don’t miss Happy Hour Sunday through Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. Be sure to show your MPAC ticket and receive discounts on food and beverage. Score free parking by grabbing dinner at The Ambassador and taking their shuttle to the theater.
Il Cervo
420 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 279-6660
ilcervorestaurant.com
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Indulge in modern interpretations of Italian fare, from Porterhouse steak Fiorentina to grilled octopus, hand-rolled pasta and sourdough pizza. Il Cervo is also a great spot to gather following a performance, thanks to late night offerings after 10:30 p.m.
*Proof Pizza
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4433
proofpizzamke.com
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Simply delicious. This fast-casual pizza restaurant offers delicious Neapolitan style pies, salads and antipasti for order at the shop or inside the Saint Kate Bar. It’s a great spot for a quick dinner before the show. Take advantage of one-stop parking in the Marcus Center Parking Structure.
Rodizio Grill Brazilian Steakhouse
777 N. Water St., (414) 431-3106
rodiziogrill.com
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Stop in for Rodizio’s all-inclusive menu featuring unlimited Brazilian sides, gourmet salads, and rotisserie-grilled meats carved table-side
Sam's Place Jazz Cafe
3338 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Dr., (414) 837-5127
samsplacejazz.com
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Make a stop at Milwaukee’s jazziest coffee house for house-roasted coffee, delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, plus live jazz on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.
**Saz's State House
5539 W. State St., (414) 453-2410
sazs.com
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Enjoy Saz’s famous appetizers, BBQ baby back ribs, BBQ sandwiches or any number of other mouthwatering dishes that have kept Saz’s on the Milwaukee map for over 45 years. Save on parking by enjoying dinner at Saz’s and taking their shuttle to the theater.
Shake Shack
220 E. Buffalo St., (414) 509-1080
shakeshack.com
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Indulge in made to order classics like Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken tenders and sandwiches and housemade milkshakes.
Sweetgreen
300 E. Buffalo St., (414) 250-0205
sweetgreen.com
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Stop in for crafted salads, bowls and protein plates, using whole ingredients from local Wisconsin farmers.
*The Vault
111 E Kilbourn Ave., (262) 333-3052
vaultmke.com
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Take in the view from The Vault’s three-season Riverfront terrace while enjoying classic and prohibition-style cocktails, wine, beer snacks and the swanky raw bar. Take advantage of one-stop parking in the Marcus Center Parking Structure.
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.