Spanning a mere 1.12 square miles in the heart of Milwaukee County, the village of West Milwaukee is home to thousands of residents (roughly 4,000), hundreds of businesses ranging from indie to industrial, three parks and one tight-knit community.
West Milwaukee’s Roots
West Milwaukee has changed tremendously in the past century. It was once part of the Town of Wauwatosa and the Town of Greenfield, but became its own village in 1906.
From the beginning, West Milwaukee was a place of industry. Pauling and Harnischfeger (P&H) – at one time known as the best crane, shovel and excavator producers in the world – set up shop in 1904 and was a prominent force in the field throughout the century. Komatsu Mining Corporation maintained a massive facility in the village until it relocated to the Harbor District last year. However, Komatsu's bright yellow crane remains a West Milwaukee landmark, with American Family Field looming in the background.
Originally, West Milwaukee was also a place of natural beauty, full of rolling hills, forest, meadows and ponds with rare black swans.
By the 1920s, West Milwaukee was a mix of farms, businesses, a gravel pit and many taverns. Primarily European immigrants settled in the area because work was plentiful and the land was cheap. But even though West Milwaukee residents started out almost entirely European, today the village is diversified, with many African American, Latino and Asian American people calling it home.
In the 1990s, redevelopment efforts started – and continue to this day – along Miller Park Way.
Where to stay in West Milwaukee
West Milwaukee has two hotels with top-notch accommodations and very good reviews.
Best Western Plus - Milwaukee West
5501 W. National Ave., (414) 671-6400
bestwestern.com
This Best Western Plus has free parking, free Wi-Fi, pool/spa, on-site bar and kids stay without charge. Click the website for rates and reservations.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot
4429 W. National Ave., (414) 645-2800
marriott.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites has free parking, free W-Fi, 24-hour fitness center, dry cleaning and more. Go to the website for reservations and rates.
West Milwaukee also has Airbnb options. Go here to find out more.
Where to eat and drink
The village of West Milwaukee boasts many independently-owned spots with high ratings and lots of personality.
4th Base
5117 W. National Ave., (414) 647-8509
the4thbase.com
Part sports bar, part high-end restaurant, 4th Base is one of the most enigmatic spots in the state.
Big Straw Cafe
2088 Miller Park Way, (414) 316-9512
bigstrawcafe.square.site
This family-owned cafe features a full menu of tea and fruit-based drinks, smoothies, croffles (croissant and waffle hybrid) and fresh poke bowls.
Cesar’s Inn
5527 W. National Ave., (414) 383-7388
cesars-inn.edan.io
Fans of friendly dive bars will appreciate Cesar’s, where the beer is always cold and the conversation lively. The spot was once owned by former Brewers manager Harvey Kuenn and his wife, Audrey. The couple met in the bar in the late 1960s and later got married, moved into an apartment behind the bar and operated it together. The bar was packed during the 1982 World Series when Kuenn was the team manager.
Fiesta Cafe
3812 W. Greefield Ave., (414) 885-0065
fiestacafegf.com
Fiesta Cafe is a family-owned Mexican-American bar and restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The setting is festive and casual.
J&D's Hideaway
1218 S. 45th St., (414) 643-5102
A family-owned corner tap with great drink prices and a friendly staff.
Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub
1675 S. 44th St., (414) 509-7011
jacksonson44th.com
Independently owned Jackson's features a full bar, burger-pizza-cheesecurd-type of food offerings and numerous flat screen televisions for game watching.
Lincoln Station
3812 W. Lincoln Ave., (414) 672-5209
Lincoln Station is a neighborhood tap with an affordable bar menu, pool tables, craft nights and more.
Mad Rooster
4401 W. Greenfield Ave., (414) 231-9120
madroostercafe.com
A quirky eatery with a farm motif that features global-inspired meals for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Mike & Mel's Handle Bar
5430 W. Burnham St.
Formerly 2 Bucks Saloon, Mike & Mel's Handle Bar is a newcomer to the West Milwaukee entertainment scene and features a lively motorycle theme.
National Pizza Pub & Grill
5501 W. National Ave., (414) 671-4224
nationalpizzapubandgrille.com
A casual bar and eatery with top-grade Americana food including burgers, pizzas, steaks, ribs, a Friday (and Saturday!) fish fry and more.
Siam Thai
4819 W. National Ave., (414) 672-7426
siamexpressmilwaukee.com
A casual restaurant that offers Thai and Pan-Asian food such as noodles, curry dishes, stir fries and more.
Spicy Tuna
4823 W. National Ave., (414) 671-4823
spicytuna-mke.com
Spicy Tuna is known for the artistic presentation of their sushi and classic-meets-creative Thai dishes.
Two Brothers
4625 W. Burnham St., (414) 384-4555
facebook.com/TwoBrothersMke
A family-owned, American-food diner that prides itself on excellent customer service.
West Milwaukee – particularly on busy Miller Park Way – also features an abundance of local and national chain eateries including Culver’s, Cousin’s, IHOP, Taco John’s, Taco Bell, Rocky Rococo, Dunkin’, Panda Express, Applebee’s, Starbucks, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Chili’s, Arby’s, Noodles & Company, Wing Stop, McDonald’s, Scooter’s, Taco Pros (coming soon) and one of two Sonic Drive-Ins in the state.
Shopping in West Milwaukee
Thanks to multiple grocery stores, grocery shopping is a breeze in West Milwaukee. Pick 'N Save, Aldi, Beloit Food Mart and one of two Cermak locations in Metro Milwaukee are all within the village's limits.
There are a plethora of big box shops that have groceries as well as home goods and clothing and furnishings such as Menard's, Walmart and Target.
West Milwaukee is also home to one of the only anime shops in the area, Hai Hai, located at 4916 W. Greenfield Ave. Hai Hai has clothing, collectibles, stuffed toys, key accessories, snacks and more.
Greenspace in West Milwaukee
West Milwaukee has three parks. The largest is West Milwaukee Park, 5000 W. Burnham St., which is part of the Milwaukee County Parks System. It has four softball diamonds, tennis court, picnic tables, playground and open areas for soccer, football and lounging.
Lion’s Park, located at West Beloit Road and Mitchell Street, is a small parklet with space for relaxing or quick dog walking. Centennial Park, 4912 Beloit Rd., provides a serene space to read, think or rejuvinate.
Giving back in West Milwaukee
West Milwaukee is in the heart of the county and, aptly, the village has a lot of heart.
Hunger Task Force, 5000 W. Electric Ave., is Metro Milwaukee’s only free and local food bank. The organization also has a farm, mobile market, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) initiative and organizes the largest food drives in the state. Hunger Task Force celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
West Milwaukee is not only a safe place for humans, it's also a respite for dogs in need of forever homes. The Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) and Rescue Gang are both located within the village.
Although the VA is technically across the street, there are myriad services for military veterans in West Milwaukee. Dry Hootch, 4801 W. National Ave., is a non-profit veteran's organization and coffeeshop. The free services include readjustment, legal help, peer support, family counseling, addiction, entertainment and more.
For more than 100 years, Catholic Charities has put their mission in motion: to improve lives and empower people to reach their full potential. Their services include counseling, refugee and immigration support and more.
For a healthy body and mind, Milluminate Holistic Wellness Center, 4813 W. National Ave., offers personal training, massage, foot baths, reiki, healing services and an array of products such as crystals, dream catchers and essential oils for ultimate relaxation.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
