October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, special features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food. Bon appetit!
The Milwaukee experts at OnMilwaukee.com get many questions. A few that come almost weekly are, "Where can I book a group gathering in Milwaukee?" and "I need a semi-private room at a restaurant or bar for a party, do you have any suggestions?"
It seems we're always searching for places to party. And, why shouldn't we? If the task of planning a gathering at a local bar or restaurant falls upon you, where would you go to book that party for 20, 40 or even 80 to 100 of your closest friends?
Whether your event is a cocktail party, meeting, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, holiday dinner or reception -- many places in town can meet your needs, some for free others with a rental fee.
This guide is not exhaustive, but we've targeted some of our favorite restaurants and bars to begin. Please use the talkback or blog features to tell us about some of your favorite party room destinations.
Bacchus
925 E. Wells St., (414) 765-1166
bacchusmke.com
Bacchus takes your party and makes it a stylish, upper crust affair. Unique private dining rooms, an outdoor patio and a glass-enclosed conservatory are all fine party locales.
Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St., (414) 847-1492
barlouieamerica.com/milwaukee.html
It's all about the patio at Bar Louie, but don't forget that there's a front room too that can be used/rented for larger groups. Call them and Bar Louie will meet your needs by arranging tables and areas for your group.
Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
The northern half of Buck Bradley's second floor features the sports bar and has two pool tables, numerous dartboards and large TVs to view your favorite Wisconsin team / event. This second floor also includes three parlor (banquet) rooms that can accommodate groups of 30-350.
Cuvee
181 N. Broadway, (414) 225-9800
cuveemke.com
Cuvee, a new champagne celebration lounge, was built as a party destination. Contact them for rental rates.
Hotel Metro
411 E. Mason St., (414) 272-1937
hotelmetro.com
With private event spaces for up to 125 guests, Hotel Metro is a truly unique venue in Downtown Milwaukee. Whether you need to schedule a wedding, intimate board meeting or a dinner banquet, the expert staff has you covered.
Indulge
708 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 390-WINE
getindulge.com
Focusing on a lush wine list and complimentary plates of food, Indulge opened on Milwaukee Street earlier this year with the precise intention of serving your party or special occasion. Whether you're looking to rent out the entire space or reserve any number of "tasting tables", the sommelier can help create custom menus.
Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
From intimate parties of eight to functions of up to 70, Mason Street Grill's three private dining rooms offer flexible space for groups of all sizes.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St., (414) 226-2337
ale-house.com
Fresh beer on the river and plenty of room make the Ale House a nice group gathering spot. There's a smaller dining room area and a cozy "cellar," too.
Milwaukee Chop House
633 N. 5th St., (414) 390-4562
milwaukeechophouse.com
The back room is private and perfect for up to 20. Stop at the Miller Time Pub, next door, before or after.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St., (414) 336-1111
milwaukeepublicmarket.org
Cool space, for sure. The Market can provide you or your organization with several customized options, from a hands-on cooking class allowing participants to chop along with the chef or a team-building event structured as a scavenger hunt. Or, just rent out its upstairs area or kitchen.
Mi-Key's
811 N. Jefferson St., (414) 273-5397
mikeysmilwaukee.com
Dining room with full digital hook-up is available at this funky Cathedral Square Park bar / restaurant.
Mo's A Place for Steaks (upstairs)
720 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 272-0720
mosaplaceforsteaks.com
Perfect for client meetings, larger gatherings and presentations, Mo's upstairs rooms are easily reserved.
Mo's Irish Pub (upstairs)
142 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 272-0721
mosirishpub.com/milwaukee/index.html
Perched at Wisconsin and Plankinton, Mo's Irish Pub has a great spot to rent out upstairs. A nice library, bar and plenty of tables make the Guinness taste even better.
Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grill Sabor Sake Tumi The Pump House Water Street Brewery
8825 N. Lake Dr., (414) 352-7300
pandlsinbayside.com
Take a drive along Lake Drive, and you'll hit Pandl's. Banquet space for up to 250 and great views to boot.
509 E. Erie St., (414) 277-1800
This bright, airy space on the Milwaukee River has a party room and a comfortable back area that can be "roped off." Great pizza and pastas too. Smoke-free, as well.
777 N. Water St., (414) 431-3106
saborbrazil.net
Solid food in an eclectic setting make for an interesting mix.
714 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 224-7253
sake-milwaukee.com
Upstairs from the contemporary Japanese and Korean restaurant Sake Tumi is the Kai Buddha Lounge. It's a nice space for a bigger bash. Call for details.
2001 S. 1st St., (414) 744-7008
Need an eclectic spot? Try The Pump House. This two story original pump house was gutted and remodeled to serve as a bar and restaurant along the Kinnickinnic River. The upstairs mezzanine overlooks the downstairs lounge and is a perfect location for a special event or company party.
1101 N. Water St., (414) 272-1195
waterstreetbrewery.com
The Water Street Brewery space seems to keep going and going, and once you get to the back area, it's prime for a gathering of less than 50 people.
