Hidden Gems in Milwaukee
Defining a City: 20 Hidden Gems in Milwaukee, Wisconisn
Historically Relevant & Irreplaceable Modern Staples of Brew City
Hidden gems in Milwaukee can be found down just about any street in Brew City, but there are only a handful of local staples every Milwaukee resident or visitor should see while they’re here. From the business-backed East Side to the suburban haven of Bay View, there’s a memorable experience waiting for everyone in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
20 Must-See Hidden Gems in Milwaukee
5.Clear Water Outdoor Milwaukee Kayak Rental
8.Goodkind
14.Nite Owl Ice Cream Parlour & Sandwich Shoppe
17.Swing Park
18.The Rolling Cones Food Truck
While some hidden gems in Milwaukee are tucked away under bridges or off a side street, many are right under your nose! For the best, unique experiences in Milwaukee, you’ll want to make sure you bring this checklist along on your next trip to Miltown!
The Oldest Bar in Milwaukee | Landmark 1850 Inn
From the stagecoach stop to the leaded glass windows, Landmark 1850 Inn may be Milwaukee’s oldest bars, but it is also one of the most beautiful in the area. This hidden gem is located just west of General Mitchel International Airport and is a favorite among locals and out of town visitors – just check out the 138 reviews on Google!
The menu has changed over the last 160 years and currently includes:
+Appetizers
+Burgers
+Pizzas
+Sandwiches
+Friday Fish Fry
+Beer, Beer and More…Beer!
Address
Directions
Landmark 1850 Inn
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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The Oldest Restaurant in Milwaukee | Mader’s Restaurant
In business since 1902, Mader’s Restaurant is arguably the oldest in the city of Milwaukee.
Everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Kanye West has eaten at this German staple. The menu has changed quite a lot through the years, but presently boasts:
+Bavarian Weisswurst & Pretzel
+Salmon Salad
+Mader’s Oxtail Soup
+Pork Shank
+Rheinischer Sauerbraten
+Wiener Schnitzel
+Rouladen
+10 oz. Filet Mignon
Address
Directions
Mader’s Restaurant
Milwaukee, WI USA 53203
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Specialty Ice Cream Drinks & Cocktail Lounge | At Random
Just down the street from Beaulah Brinton Park, At Random is set to open again at the end of 2018!
Recently closed to undergo some minor renovations, this Ice Cream Drink & Cocktail Lounge offers a number of alcoholic drinks:
+Ice Cream Drinks
+Alcoholic Shakes
+Frozen Smoothies
+Wide Variety of Flavored Cocktails
+Chips & Guac
+Non-Alcoholic Drinks as Well
Address
Directions
At Random
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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Milwaukee Riverfront Seafood Joint | Barnacle Bud’s
Hidden on the Kinnickinnic River in Bay View, Barnacle Bud’s is a gem many locals aren’t even aware of.
A seafood restaurant with the atmosphere of a Florida shack. If you’re visiting Milwaukee in the summer, this will feel like a getaway within your own vacation! Menu items include:
+Buffalo Shrimp
+Grilled Ahi Tuna
+Fried Catfish
+Dam Nice Salad
+Italian Sausage
+Salmon BLT
Address
Directions
Barnacle Bud’s
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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3rd Ward Milwaukee Kayak Rental | Clear Water Outdoor
Another gem hidden in the 3rd Ward, Clear Water Outdoor Milwaukee Kayak Rental is just off the Riverwalk and across the street from the Milwaukee Public Market.
Perfect for dates or days out with family or friends, Clear Water Outdoor offers a number of rentals:
+Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental (From $25)
+Recreation Single Kayak (From $25)
+Recreation Tandem Kayak (From $30)
Address
Directions
Clear Water Outdoor Milwaukee Kayak Rental
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Comedy Club in the 5th Ward | ComedySportz Milwaukee
Its easy to find a laugh or two at the competitive comedy clubComedySportz in Milwaukee!
The venue hosts a number of events and shows, such as:
+Private Parties
+Shows for Kids
+Summer Camp
+Adult Improv Workshops
Address
Directions
ComedySportz Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI USA 53204
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New 5th Ward Spa | Float Milwaukee
The future is here with the trendy sensory deprivation spa at Float Milwaukee!
Submerge yourself in a flotation tank with 10 inches of heated water and 900 pounds of dissolved Epsom Salts for a variety of benefits, such as:
+Jet Lag Symptom Relief
+Stress Relief
+Improved Recovery from Injuries
+Pain Relief
Address
Float Milwaukee
Milwaukee, WI USA 53204
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Farm-to-Fork Restaurant in Bay View | Goodkind
One of Milwaukee locals’ favorite taverns tucked away in Bay View, Goodkind is a hidden gem you can’t pass up.
A classic and casual venue dedicated to the experience, there are many locally-sourced items to try on the menu:
+Chicken Liver Mousse
+Fromage Fort
+Hanger Steak
+Braised Pork Cheeks
+Bloody Mary Mussels
+Polenta Madame
Address
Goodkind
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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The Smallest Park in Milwaukee | Kaszube’s Park
Possibly the smallest hidden gem in Milwaukee, Kaszube’s Park is a fun, unconventional stop during your day in Milwaukee!
The menu boasts a wide array of options so everyone has something new to try, including:
+610 Square Meters Large
+Smallest Piece of Public Land Owned in Milwaukee County
+Area Surrounding Once Home to 2,000+ Immigrants
+Previous Residents Forced Out About 75 Years Ago
+Site of the Park Used to be The Old Harbor Tavern
Address
Kaszube’s Park
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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Empanada Bar on Brady Street | La Masa
Just a short walk down Brady Street, La Masa Empanada Bar is one of the hidden gems in Milwaukee that local foodies have tried to keep a secret.
With a handful of delicious empanadas to choose from, and daily specials, its hard to find a menu in Milwaukee that can compete:
+Cheese Curd & Bacon Empanada
+Wisco Corn Empanada
+Jerk Chicken Empanada
+Grapefruit & Goat Cheese Salad
+Grilled Vegetable Sandwich
+Grilled Ribeye Sandwich
+Banana Nutella Empanada
+Ricotta, Lemon Zest, Chocolate Chip Empanada
Address
La Masa Empanada Bar
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Private Lakefront Access in Milwaukee | Sheridan Park
Looking for more isolated Lake Michigan experience in Milwaukee? Private shoreline access is just south of the city in Sheridan Park!
The perfect family day or a great place for photography with friends, this Cudahy lakefront has everything you’re looking for:
+Basketball Court
+Tennis Court
+Softball Diamond
+Baseball Diamond
+The Oak Leaf Trail (Great for Walkers & Bikers!)
+Private Shoreline Access
Address
Sheridan Park
Cudahy, WI USA 53110
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Local Taco Truck in the 3rd Ward | Mazorca Tacos
This iconic taco truck is more than a hidden gem in Milwaukee – Mazorca Tacos is a local staple!
Located between Walker’s Point and the Third Ward, you can find plenty of delicious lunch and dinner options at E Pittsburgh Ave and S 1st St:
+Al Pastor Taco
+Birria Taco
+Vegetarian Taco
+Chips & Guacamole
+Bistec Taco
+Aguas Frescas: Horchata
Address
Mazorca Tacos
Milwaukee, WI USA 53204
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Best Picnic Date on Lake Michigan | Milwaukee Pier Head Light
Located just south of the Summerfest Grounds and below the Hoan Bridge, the Milwaukee Pier Head Light is a must-stop hidden gem in Milwaukee!
This active lighthouse is one of the best spots in Milwaukee, providing space for a number of leisure activities:
+Walking & Hiking
+Biking & Boating
+Photography & Painting
+Picnicking
Address
Milwaukee Pier Head Light
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Local Ice Cream Parlour & Sandwich Shoppe | Nite Owl
A seasonal diner just south of Milwaukee, Nite Owl is a hidden gem locals flock to every year.
Take a step back in time with the classic menu selection at this ice cream parlour & sandwich shoppe:
+Jumbo Burger
+Chicken Strips
+Shrimp Dinner
+Fish & Chips
+Choc-o-holic Ice Cream Sundae
+Malts & Shakes
+Ice Cream Sodas
+Banana Split
Address
Nite Owl Ice Cream Parlour & Sandwich Shoppe
Milwaukee, WI USA 53207
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Milwaukee’s Historic East Side Theater | Oriental Theatre
Located on the East Side of Milwaukee, the Oriental Theatre is operated by Milwaukee Film & features many different movies and shows, including the monthly performance of The Rocky Horror Picture show which features local performs like Divine Trash.
If you’re planning on making a date night out of The Theatre, there are a number of nearby restaurants to stop by before the movie:
+Chubbys Cheesesteaks East Side
+Beans & Barley
+Insomnia Cookies
+Ma Fischer’s
+Simple Cafe Milwaukee
+Good City Brewing
Address
The Oriental Theatre
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Milwaukee Painting & Woodwork Bar | Splash Studio
Art AND drinking – does it really get better than Splash Studio?
Located on Broadway in the Third Ward, this Amateur Art School Bar offers a number of exciting opportunities for artists and drink lovers:
+Semi-Private Events
+Corporate Events
+Private Events
+Mini-Painting
+Splash Sessions
+Paint, Canvas & Lessons
Address
Splash Studio
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Milwaukee’s Hidden Park Under Holton St Bridge | Swing Park
The best place to take your friends, family or date during the day, Milwaukee’s Swing Park is a unique hidden gem in Brew City.
From the classic swings to the tires on chains, this memorable Milwaukee stop is the perfect appetizer to a number of nearby restaurants:
+Casablanca
+Lakefront Brewery
+Red Lion Pub
+BelAir Cantina
+Jack’s American Pub
+Wolski’s Tavern
Address
Swing Park
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Milwaukee’s Most Unique Food Truck | The Rolling Cones
Started just a couple years ago, The Rolling Cones Food Truck is one of the best food trucks in Milwaukee.
Serving bread cones with different fillings, they cater to a number of different events and companies with their unique menu, which includes:
+The New Orleans Roller
+The Reuben
+The Chicken Pot Pie
+The Mediterranean Vegetarian
+The Chana Masala
+The Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie
+The Ham & Bacon Mac & Cheese
+The BBQ Pulled Pork
Address
The Rolling Cones Food Truck
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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Environmental Center in Riverside Park | Urban Ecology Center
Not marketed as a tourist destination, the Urban Ecology Center in Riverside Park is one of the greatest hidden gems in Milwaukee.
From holding Wedding ceremonies to meetings, small reunions & plenty of volunteer opportunities, the Urban Ecology Center has a lot to offer locals and visitors, including:
+The Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum
+40-Foot Climbing Wall
+A Hidden Classroom
+The Riverside Park Habitat Playgarden
+Early Morning Birdwalks
+Weekly Botony Walk
+Kayaking & Canoeing Programs
+Benefit Hikes
Address
Urban Ecology Center – Riverside Park
Milwaukee, WI USA 53211
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Milwaukee’s First Cat Café | Sip & Purr
New to Milwaukee, the Sip & Purr Cat Café has already gained traction is a local staple.
Aside from having a separate room to pet and meets cats available for adoption, there are many menu items you’ll want to check out:
+Apple Pie Cinnamon Roll
+Spinach Artichoke Flatbread
+Breakfast Bowl
+Broccoli Cheddar Puffs with Aged Cheddar Sauce
+Vanilla Bean Cheesecake
+Cheese Board with Seasonal Fruit, Candied Nuts & Bread
+Breakfast Sammie with a Side of Fresh Fruit
Address
Sip & Purr Cate Café
Milwaukee, WI USA 53202
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