Among the newest of the Milwaukee metro area’s beer gardens is The Baaree, a family friendly, dog friendly escape located just to the West of The Cheel, 105 S. Main St. in Thiensville.

The Baaree is also meant to be an escape from the outside world, a place to site back, relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Look around and you’ll see representations of the elements of earth, water, air and fire. You’ll also find landscaping comprised of edible gardens filled with fruits and berries, vegetables including hot peppers and Swiss chard and a wide variety of herbs, all of which reflect the ingredients used in the kitchens at both The Cheel and The Baaree.

At the bar

At the bar, you’ll find a rotating selection of craft beers (and ciders) from breweries like New Glarus, Deschutes, WarPigs and Third Space along with standards from Miller-Coors. Additional selections are also available in bottles. Most selections are priced in the $4-6 range.

You’ll also find a variety of wines, from Riesling and Chardonnay to rose, Malbec and Pinot Noir ($7 a pour), and a selection of house cocktails like the refreshing cosmo fizz (vodka, sour cranberry, orange curacao); the ginger 75 (gin, canton, lemon, rosemary syrup, cava, Bittercube Jamaican #1 bitters); and Down in Mexico (tequila, apricot liqueur, hickory smoked lemon) and rose sangria. All are $10 each.

Kids can enjoy creative mocktails (just ask) or ginger lemonade. There are also a variety of fun treats like Sassy Cow ice cream or warm cookies, along with accessible snacks and entrees like a crudite plate with pickles and ranch dressing ($12), hot dogs with chips ($6) and uncrustables ($3).

Tasty beer garden dishes

Of course, if you’re a food lover, you’d be remiss in not checking out the menu at The Baaree, which showcases a wide variety of shareable beer garden appropriate snacks (including vegetarian and gluten-free options), all with a Nepalese twist. Just submit your food order when you grab your drinks at the bar; the bartender will give you a buzzer which will alert you when you can pick up your food at The Baaree kitchen window (just to the left of the bar).

As for the food you can try, one of my favorites among the shareable items is the eggplant bharta (eggplant dip) featuring simmered smashed eggplant seasoned with garlic, ginger, onion and cilantro and served with ultra crisp gluten-free chips for dipping ($7). 

If you’re looking for something fresh and light, there’s the Baaree salad featuring spring mix, radishes, tomatoes, carrots and Parmesan with a unique vinaigrette containing herbs and spices like coriander and lemongrass ($10).

There’s also fing (bean noodle salad), a light gluten-free salad made with soft bean noodles marinated in olive oil with ginger, garlic, & fresh herbs and topped with crushed toasted peanuts and cilantro ($7); and crispy tea leaf salad, a slightly spicy slaw-style salad made with tasty fermented tea leaves, red and green cabbage, onion, garlic, cilantro, peanuts and sesame seeds ($10).

Or go all out with a boat of poutine featuring crisp French fries, cheese curds and beer sausage gravy ($8). Bonus, it’s also gluten-free.

On the more traditional side, you can indulge in The Baaree brat with sauerkraut, onion, mustard and a side of chips ($7); or the equally delicious chicken Italian sausage topped with Himalayan five-spice mayo and mango relish ($9).

Try the grilled drumettes served with ranch or barbecue sauce for dipping (five for $8, 10 for $15 or 15 for $21). There’s also a BBQ pork sandwich served with golden raisin slaw and chips ($10). But while you’re there, you shouldn’t miss the intoxicatingly fragrant and tasty smoked chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of spices including garlic, cumin and ginger and served with peanut salad and ranch dressing for dipping ($10). Try it with the crispy tea leaf salad on the side.

Sit back & enjoy

Looking for a bit of zen? Take a seat near the Baaree’s water feature and soak in the relaxing sound of trickling water and picturesque view of the shade garden.

Prefer something a bit more lively? Visit on select evenings for comedy performances and live music (check the events schedule for details). 

The Baaree will also host a series of beer classes with beer expert, Dr. David Ryder, who will cover topics including beer brewing, fermentation and aging and beer packaging. 

If you’re a gardener, stop by on June 27 between 3 and 7 p.m. for "Growing with the Community," during which you can pick up a few plants for your garden including rare hot peppers, marigold, Thai basil and a variety of other plants grown in The Baaree garden. Plants are free, but donations will be accepted for Teens Grow Greens.

The Baaree is open Tuesday through Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m.. Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.