Welcome to Milwaukee, college basketball fans!

No matter who you're cheering for, here's a guide to everything and anything you might be looking for during your Milwaukee visit – from nearby places to grab a delicious bite, to bars that'll quench your thirst for fun, to spots fabulous for the whole family and great entertainment beyond the basketball court. There's even options for where to grab food well after the game's final whistle. Enjoy:

Where to eat 

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While you're in town to watch basketball players feast on the boards, you're probably going to want to feast yourself at some point. And while Fiserv Forum has plenty of delicious food options around gametime, the dining options around Milwaukee are too dynamite to stick solely with arena food during your visit. Here are several strong nearby options for a supper or a snack – and for even more delicious spots to dive into, here's our full Downtown dining guide and Deer District dining guide. 

Calderone Club 
842 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-3236
calderoneclub.net
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If you want a slice of delicious Milwaukee dining – as well as a tantalizing bite of Milwaukee history – grab a table at Calderone Club. The classic Italian restaurant offers plenty of tasty favorites but it specializes in pizza, still using recipes from some of the city's first slices. It's a great place to gather for some great food. 

Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse
754 Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 935-2029
docsbbq.net
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Milwaukee isn't exactly a barbecue city (our smoked meat of choice tends to be a brat) but there are some solid spots to get some ribs and then some, including Doc's Smokehouse found in the heart of Downtown. Featuring all your favorite smoked snacks – including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, hot links and more – and of course, plenty of beer, Doc's may be just what the doctor ordered.

Mader’s 
1041 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 271-3377
madersrestaurant.com
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One of the last standing vestiges of Milwaukee's German culinary history, Mader's is a delicious taste of Milwaukee culture, cooking up filling German traditions like spaetzle, schnitzel, pork shank and more. You won't find a lot of diet plates here, but you'll definitely find delicious German food in a cozy warm setting.

Major Goolsby’s 
340 W. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 271-3414
majorgoolsbys.com
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There's The MECCA Sports Bar down the road and the literal former MECCA across the street – but Major Goolsby's is a sports Mecca in its own right, an iconic sports bar hangout for Admirals, Bucks, UWM and Marquette fans for decades, with all the awesome memorabilia on the walls to prove it. And in case the sports-loving setting wasn't enough, Major Goolsby's has some majorly good bar food as well, from their signature burgers to cheese curds and more. 

The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill 
1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 908-0401
themeccamke.com
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The best seat for the big game? Obviously inside Fiserv Forum. But the next best option is just across the plaza at The MECCA, featuring superb Milwaukee bar classics like wings, burgers, sandwiches, cheese curds and more served alongside a sizeable tap list. The true star at The MECCA, though, is the screen: a giant 38-foot television in the center of the bar impossible to miss from just about every table (with plenty of other screens too, if the main game isn't your sport of choice). It's the next best thing to an actual ticket next door. 

For even more dining options, click here or click here.

Where to drink 

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You're in Milwaukee – so you might as well find a place to have a great beer! Of course Milwaukee isn't short on options – you can find a full list of wonderful bars just around Deer District right here – but here are a few fabulous spots to sip on what made Milwaukee famous. (If you really want to feel like a local, check out one of the city's countless hidden gems, pubs and dives full of character that we all enjoy from time to time.)

Drink Wisconsinbly Pub
320 W. Highland Ave., (414) 409-1740
drinkwi.pub
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Drink Wisconsinbly: the number one spot for Sconnie memes online as well as the number one spot for Sconnie drinks IRL, with a charmingly supper club-approved setting found in the shadow of Fiserv Forum pouring up plenty of tasty local beers – and, of course, the Old Fashioneds. 

Milwaukee Brat House
1013 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr., (414) 273-8709
milwaukeebrathouse.com
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Found close by Fiserv Forum on MLK Drive, the Downtown branch of Milwaukee Brat House serves as a perfect Wisconsin sports hub with tons of TV screens, taps upon taps of beer and drinks, good company and – as you might expect from the name – sausages with distinctly Milwaukee flares to them. 

Pilot Project Brewing
1128 N. 9th St., (414) 395-1070
pilotprojectbrewing.com/milwaukee
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Pilot your way over to one of the closest craft breweries to Fiserv Forum: Pilot Project, found just a short walk away in the Brewery District. This special incubator brewery, helping launch new beers, features a bright rooftop patio space, fun events, tasty food and – of course – delicious craft beer from a variety of creative culinary minds you should be hopping to support.

Uncle Bucks
1125 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, (414) 988-0355
unclebucksonthird.com
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It's floors upon floors of fun at Uncle Bucks, found just a few feet away from Deer District on MLK Drive. The Downtown bar has three levels of fun, from a cozy cabin-like hangout bar and restaurant area to its outstanding rooftop offering people-watching views all around the neighborhood, as well as roaring firepits for a comfortable conversational atmosphere no matter the season. 

The New Fashioned
1122 Vel R. Phillips Ave.
newfashionedmke.com
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Behind the family-friendly venue just outside of the arena are the folks at Bars & Recreation, who've partnered with Benson's Restaurant Group (and a host of local brands) to do what they do best: create experiential venues that effectively transport guests to another place. In this case, that place is unmistakably Milwaukee.

Who's On Third
1007 N Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr, (414) 897-8373
whosonthirdmke.com
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Who's On Third? I dunno who – but I know who should be in Who's On Third: you! Found on the former Old World Third Street, this sporty taproom features plenty of screens for watching the day's big games, a friendly and festive atmosphere of young and old fans, and tasty bar snacks perfect for a night out.

For even more drinking options around Deer District, click here. 

Where to take the whole family 

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Bringing the whole family to Milwaukee? The city is full of fun food options, with something for all ages while also serving up a side of entertainment with your main courses. Here's some great options for everyone during your visit – and for even more options, for food and fun, check out our full Downtown family guide right here. 

3rd Street Market Hall 
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 249-5062
3rdstmarkethall.com
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No matter what the family's craving, the market hall has it – with vendors serving top-notch arepas, ramen, pasta, diner-style burgers, pizza, hot dogs, wings, sandwiches and much more. Secondly, though, your dinner comes with a dynamite time in a colorful space filled with games and activities!

AJ Bombers
1247 N. Water St., (414) 221-9999
ajbombers.com
For families looking for fun and food, AJ Bombers is a burger haven. Better yet, they're served alongside a fun atmosphere filled with bombers flying around the restaurant dropping peanuts on tables in need of snacking or simply a smile. 

Benihana 
850 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 270-0890
benihana.com
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The ultimate iconic dinner and a show option, Benihana's Downtown spot can still thrill – and deliciously fill – all ages with its teppanyaki cooking style, masterfully and acrobatically grilling up your eats right in front of your eyes. Plus, it's within easy walking distance of just about everywhere your family wants to be, whether that's a theater show, roaring concert or big game.

Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St., (414) 336-1111
milwaukeepublicmarket.org
The parents want one thing, but the kids are all craving something completely different. Not a problem at the Milwaukee Public Market. This favorite for visitors and residents alike features a flavor for all palates – from fresh fish to tacos to Thai food to baked goods to brews and wine, and much more, plus fun vendors to bring something authentically Milwaukee back home with you. 

SafeHouse 
779 N. Front St., (414) 271-2007
safe-house.com
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Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to bring the whole family on an utterly unique dinner experience. SafeHouse serves up dinner – but most importantly serves up a thrilling space filled with spy memorabilia, ephemera, oddities and even some spy games for your own incognito crew. Secret's out: SafeHouse is a one-of-a-kind fun time ... as long as you know where to find it and the password to get in. 

For even more family-friendly options, click here. 

Where to go around campus 

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The Marquette campus has gotten fairly dryer over the decades – but there are still plenty of places to grab dinner and a drink, and either talk ball with your friends or maybe try to forget the game altogether. Here are a few friendly spots for a night out on campus – and for even more options, check out OnMilwaukee's full Marquette bar guide. 

Caffrey's
717 N. 16th St., (414) 933-9047
caffreyspub.com
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Caffrey's is one of the lone surviving bars on Marquette's campus, and there's a reason for that: It's a staple. Nothing is too special, which is what makes it special. Caff's is an ideal spot to grab a beer before or after the game (or a particularly rough lecture), enjoy some popcorn and maybe play some bar games surrounded by students. 

Miss Katie's Diner
1900 W. Clybourn St., (414) 344-0044
miss-katies.com
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No matter your needs, Miss Katie's Diner has you covered. Thirsty for a fun night out? Miss Katie's has a full cocktail lounge serving as a delightful diner dive hangout. For the morning, Miss Katie's cooks up all sorts of delicious diner staples for breakfast and brunch, as well as lunch and dinner. Need shuffleboard? Somehow, yes, Miss Katie's has that too. There's a reason why this Miss Katie's has been a regular visit for celebs and statesmen over the decades.

Murphy's Irish Pub
1613 W. Wells St., (414) 344-0116
murphysirishpub.net
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You're either Caff's or Murph's, and that's just the way it is. Marquette's other irish bar is comfortable, with a feeling similar to its brother bar just around the corner, Murphy's offers a fairly robust list of beer options along with an energetic youthful atmosphere, solid specials and more. Win or lose, Murphy's is a victorious choice for your gameday drinking plans. 

Sobelman's
1900 W. St. Paul Ave., (414) 931-1919
sobelmanspubandgrill.com
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Just a short jaunt away from Marquette's campus is one of the most popular burgers in the entire city: Sobelman's, a cozy little tavern tucked into the Menomonee Valley where you'll want to tuck into one of their nationally recognized burgers and a beer to pair with it. Plus, if you like Bloody Marys, Sobelman's makes some of the most outlandishly packed ones you'll ever see. 

Stella's
746 N. James Lovell St., (414) 276-9610
facebook.com/stellasmke
If you're kind of spot is charmingly low-key and low-frills, look no further than Stella's, just a few blocks away from the main Marquette campus. Formerly Jim's Time Out, but revamped and renamed in honor of a longtime beloved bartender, Stella's is a dive mixed with a cocktail lounge – aka the perfect concoction for a great night out. 

For even more options in and around campus, click here. 

Where to go for a late bite to eat 

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By the time the final buzzer sounds, you might get a bit hungry. Here are several great spots around Downtown and the arena to grab a meal even if it's approaching midnight – and for even more options, here's our full late night eats guide. 

George Webb
812 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., (414) 278-0225
georgewebb.com
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A true Milwaukee late night tradition, George Webb offers a classic no-frills diner experience with burgers, soul-warming soup, or breakfast platters no matter if the sun's coming up and gone down and much more. They're always available, because the restaurant's open 24 hours a day. (With two clocks in each locale, just to make sure and keep track.)

Ian’s Pizza
146 E. Juneau Ave., (414) 727-9200
ianspizza.com
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Students and Milwaukee bar patrons are forever grateful to Ian's Pizza for their delicious signature slices and late weekend hours. You can get in on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30 a.m. – perfect for finishing off the night. Ian's loves putting just about anything on pizza dough, from mac and cheese to penne pasta to ravioli to buffalo cauliflower and much, much more.

Miller Time Pub 
509 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-2337
millertimepubandgrill.com
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Any time is the right time for Miller Time Pub, serving up classic pub fare with – as one would hope with Miller right there in the name – an impressive lineup of beer to enjoy deep into the night. The Downtown tap is open until midnight Sundays through Thursdays (kitchen until 11:30 p.m.) as well as until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (food service until 1 a.m.). 

Old German Beer Hall 
1009 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr Dr., (414) 226-2728
oldgermanbeerhall.com
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Found right around Deer District on MLK, Old German Beer Hall is a great stop when the night is still young – no matter what the clock technically says. This spot pours steins of beer and cooks German classics until 11 p.m. on Sundays through Wednesdays as well as 1 a.m. on Thursdays through Saturdays. 

Real Chili
419 E. Wells St., (414) 271-4042
1625 W. Wells St., (414) 342-6955
realchilimilwaukee.com
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Real Chili is a real classic when it comes to late night eats (and for people-watching). Open until 2:30 a.m. on Thursdays and 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, this diner favorite serves up bowl after bowl of Cincinnati-style spaghetti and spicy chili, with your choice of toppings, curing any late night hunger. It's perhaps the most flavorful way to fight off the late night munchies. 

For even more late-night options, click here. 

What to do for fun 

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Obviously you're in town for the game – but that's only about two or three hours of your visit to Milwaukee. There's so much more fun to have in town beyond the arena! Here's a handful of fun spots and classic visitors' favorites to hit while you're in Milwaukee.

(And, to get this out of the way: The Bronze Fonz statue is found on the Riverwalk just south of Wells Street, across the street from the Milwaukee Rep. It wouldn't be a Milwaukee visit without a proper pic.)

Amped
910 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 939-8592
ampedmke.com
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Whether you're in the mood to sing "We Are The Champions" or Beck's "Loser" after the big game, Amped is the spot to sing your heart. This private suite karaoke bar offers multiple ways to live out your "American Idol" dreams – and speaking of competition shows, the Downtown activity bar also has a game show experience, bringing the fun of popular TV game shows live to your night out. 

Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W. Canal St., (414) 287-2789
harley-davidson.com/us/en/museum.html
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Rev up your Milwaukee visit with a stop at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Filled with awesome exhibits, antique motorcycles and cool gear – not to mention food and drink at Motor right on the museum campus – the H-D Museum will give you new perspective on a time-honored American brand.

Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. Commerce St., (414) 372-8800
lakefrontbrewery.com
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Would it even be a visit to Milwaukee without a craft brewery stop and a brewery tour? There are gallons of great taps and tours in and around Milwaukee – find a full list right here – but if you're looking for a classic around Downtown, look no further than Lakefront Brewery, a cozy spot with tasty craft beer creations, great atmosphere, delicious food and one of the most lauded tours for locals and visitors alike. 

Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N. Art Museum Dr.,(414) 224-3200
mam.org
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A great dunk can be a work of art to behold – but for some actual art, check out the Milwaukee Art Museum and its marvelous galleries, new and permanent. Plus, the building itself is a work of art, an iconic modern Calatrava design that's mesmerizing for visitors and long-time residents alike and the perfect picturesque backdrop for a photo from your travels. 

Potawatomi Casino Hotel
1721 W. Canal St., (800) 729-7244
potawatomi.com
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Down in the valley there's a place where your drinking, dining and fun options might feel nearly endless. For example there are three bars plus seven dining establishments (some also with bars). Then there's Sportsbook, which has a wide range of sports betting options and a restaurant of its own, plus a TV lounge that – like screens around the casino – will surely be tuned to the tourney. Plus, it's open 24 hours a day, so the fun never ends.

Up-Down MKE
615 E. Brady St., (414) 585-0880
updownarcadebar.com/milwaukee/
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Get in the game yourself with a stop at the arcade bar Up-Down, found just at the start of Brady Street. No matter your game of choice – classics like Galaga or Pac-Man, new innovative cabinets, or arcade favorites like pinball or skeeball – Up-Down is a cheat code for a great Milwaukee time.