This content is presented in partnership with Potawatomi Hotel and Casino.
If you've somehow missed that exciting sound coming from just west of Walker's Point, it is the Menomonee Valley – and it is buzzing. In fact, it is thrumming with activities for just about every taste: bars, restaurants, outdoor activities, antiquing, concerts, Major League Baseball and more.
If you've got a day to spend in the Menomonee Valley – which runs from Miller Park all the way east to Lake Michigan, with Potawatomi Hotel and Casino smack dab in the middle – what do you do when there's so much on tap?
Well, if adding a second day isn't possible, follow these suggestions for a fun- and food-filled experience in this former industrial zone that is beginning to become one of the most booming areas in Milwaukee.
Start with coffee
Canal Street Cafe
1721 W. Canal St., (800) PAYS-BIG
paysbig.com/dining/canal-street-cafe
Get your morning started with breakfast – you can go hearty, healthy or both here – and a good dose of caffeine.
Velobahn Coffee and Cycle
3618 W. Pierce St., (414) 249-5657
velobahncoffee.com
This coffee shop is adjacent to the Wisconsin Bike Fed and Fyxation Bicycle’s headquarters, and serves up a full menu of coffees, teas, treats, pizzas and more in a lively atmosphere sparked by the comings and goings of Milwaukee's two-wheel elite.
What to do next
(PHOTO: Courtesy of Menomonee Valley Partners)
Menomonee River Kayak Tours
318 S. Water St., (414) 301-2240
milwaukeekayak.com/event/menomonee-river-evening-paddle-w-menomonee-valley-partners
There’s no better way to experience the Valley than the way its residents did for thousands of years who harvested wild rice and hunted and fished here, so hop into a kayak and get a different look at the Milwaukee of today and a glimpse of the land of yesterday.
The Warehouse
1635 W. St. Paul Ave., (414) 252-0677
thewarehousemke.org
The Menomonee Valley has its own art museum, too, so you can absorb some culture during your visit. Read the story here about the recently-opened museum's background.
Riverview Antique Market
2045 W. St. Paul Ave., 2nd Floor, (414) 278-9999
riverviewantiquemarket.com
Get a little shopping in at this must-visit collection of antiques. Riverview has a huge selection of everything from vintage clothing to light fixtures to artwork to crafts and more.
Lunch
Sobelman’s
1900 W. St. Paul Ave., (414) 931-1919
Sobelmanspubandgrill.com
You'll be tired by now, so hit Sobelman’s – in a former Schlitz tied house tavern – where the burgers and bloody marys are both over the top and among the most beloved in Milwaukee.
More fun
Harley-Davidson Museum
400 W. Canal St., (877) 436-8738
Harley-davidson.com
Harley was born in Milwaukee and this in-depth museum, packed full of bikes, riding gear, helmets, memorabilia, original documents, photos and more, tells the whole story of this iconic American brand. You don't need to be a Hog enthusiast to be wowed. Learn more here.
Milwaukee Brewers
1 Brewers Way, (414) 902-4000
mlb.com/brewers
Miller Park, located on the western end of the Valley, is home to Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers, who are still on a pretty good tear these days. Catch a day game or, when the team’s away, get a peek inside by dining at Friday’s Front Row bar and restaurant.
Dinner time
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
1721 W. Canal St., (800) 729-7244
paysbig.com/dining
Milwaukee’s Valley casino offers a variety of dining options, from pub fare to fine dining to tasty Asian and a wide-ranging buffet. Whatever you're craving is likely right here.
A view from the top floor of Potawatomi Hotel.
Ease into the evening with a beer
City Lights Brewing
2200 W. Mt. Vernon Ave., (414) 436-1011
citylightsbrewing.com
One of Milwaukee’s most popular craft brewers is located in a former power plant with an eye-catching tower, designed by landmark Milwaukee architect Alexander Eschweiler. There's also an outdoor patio for when the weather cooperates. Read more.
Third Space Brewing
1505 W. St. Paul Ave., (414) 909-2337
thirdspacebrewing.com
One of America’s fastest-growing craft brewers makes some of the city’s tastiest brews in its Valley brewery, which many might call Brew City’s, ahem, happy place. Learn more here.
Into the night
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
1721 W. Canal St., (800) 729-7244
paysbig.com
Close out your night with a little blackjack or some slots, a comedy show or a concert, a late-night snack while you watch a game at the sports bar, or a nightcap at Bar 360. Don’t want the night to end? You’re in luck (or your luck has continued!) as Potawatomi added a luxury hotel in 2017 and will be adding another tower this fall.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he lived until he was 17, Bobby received his BA-Mass Communications from UWM in 1989 and has lived in Walker's Point, Bay View, Enderis Park, South Milwaukee and on the East Side.
He has published three non-fiction books in Italy – including one about an event in Milwaukee history, which was published in the U.S. in autumn 2010. Four more books, all about Milwaukee, have been published by The History Press.
With his most recent band, The Yell Leaders, Bobby released four LPs and had a songs featured in episodes of TV's "Party of Five" and "Dawson's Creek," and films in Japan, South America and the U.S. The Yell Leaders were named the best unsigned band in their region by VH-1 as part of its Rock Across America 1998 Tour. Most recently, the band contributed tracks to a UK vinyl/CD tribute to the Redskins and collaborated on a track with Italian novelist Enrico Remmert.
He's produced three installments of the "OMCD" series of local music compilations for OnMilwaukee.com and in 2007 produced a CD of Italian music and poetry.
In 2005, he was awarded the City of Asti's (Italy) Journalism Prize for his work focusing on that area. He has also won awards from the Milwaukee Press Club.
He has be heard on 88Nine Radio Milwaukee talking about his "Urban Spelunking" series of stories, in that station's most popular podcast.
