Cocktailing is a year-round sport in Milwaukee, but the peak season generally coincides with our all-too-brief flirtation with warm weather.
Though we have not had an extended stretch of outdoor drinking days yet this spring (the Brewers haven't even played a game with the roof open yet), we've been keeping ourselves warm by daydreaming about our favorite outdoor drinking venues.
Here is a list of our editorial staff's favorite bar patios. Use the Talkback feature to add yours.
Molly Snyder Edler
Staff writer
Pick: Von Trier
Once upon a time, summer drinkers desiring an outdoor locale had, basically, three choices: Von Trier, La Casita or The Harp. I was always a "Von Trier" person myself, and today, despite the myriad of choices, it remains my favorite bar patio. I really like being able to watch people walk to and fro while I remaining "hidden" behind the iron fence. Runners-up for me include La Fuente on a sunny afternoon and Nomad World Pub at any ol' time.
Julie Lawrence
Staff writer
Pick: Comet Café
When it comes to outdoor drinking, you've got the obvious biggies like Barnacle Bud's, Hooligan's and Milwaukee Ale House. I like Comet Café, which does its "Beermergency" happy hour all year, but when the warm weather allows patrons can take that $1 can of Old Style outside and bask in the sun while watching the Farwell Avenue foot traffic. My runner up is Paddy's Pub, one of the city's finest outdoor drinking experiences. The beautiful -- and large -- patio is adorned with natural foliage, small white lights and ornate stonework. The music is lively and authentically Irish and the snacks are, of course, free and plentiful.
Drew Olson
Senior editor
Pick: Milwaukee Ale House
In the past, I spent far too many hours on patios at Barnacle Bud's, La Casita and the old Brew City Barbecue (now Bar Louie) on Water Street. About 10 years ago, former Brewers TV announcer Matt Vasgersian and I regularly rallied our friends for Sunday gatherings at the Harp Irish Pub, which provided the backdrop for some happy hour hilarity. My new favorite place to have a cocktail outside is the Ale House. I've never visited by boat, but I find the combination of great beer and a great setting to be unbeatable. I'd mention the rooftop deck at La Perla as a runner up, but I want to keep that one a secret for awhi ... Never mind.
Bobby Tanzilo
Managing editor
Pick: Von Trier
Von Trier, Hooligan's and Paddy's are my three favorite watering holes on the East Side, so it's no surprise that I'd name them as my favorite outdoor drinking venues (with something like the Ale House next in line). Hooligan's is right in the thick of things, Paddy's has that inimitable patio and Von Trier's small, triangular beer garden is cozy and enclosed, making you feel like part of an exclusive beer-swilling club on a warm summer evening. I'd pick Von Trier, then, as my top spot with the others as runners-up.
For food, I enjoy the sidewalk dining at Wicked Hop and Louise's and I enjoy sitting riverside, so I like the outdoor seating at the Ale House and Riverfront Pizza, for example. But I also like the couple tables that Pizzeria Piccola sticks curbside and I'm eager to see the new patio open soon. It looks like it will more than double the current seating capacity at the restaurant!
Andy Tarnoff
Publisher
Pick: Barnacle Bud's
Milwaukee has so many great places to grab a drink outside. Just off the top of my head, I enjoy Hooligan's, The Garage, Nomad World Pub, Milwaukee Ale House (especially by boat), Slim McGinn's and the Wicked Hop. But I have a special place in my liver for Barnacle Bud's, 1955 S. Hilbert St. This place is great for so many reasons, perhaps the No. 1 being that so few know where it is. That's because it's nestled behind Skipper Bud's on the north side of Bay View, and you have to drive through a few parking lots to find it. Once you do, you'll see a totally unique view of the city, with converging rivers and a backdrop that feels more Key West than Milwaukee. The bar is far from fancy -- it's good for greasy bar food, Coronas and margaritas. In terms of vibe, it's filled with people who've docked their boats, as well as landlubbers who just came to adjust their latitude. It's not normally my goal to head somewhere that doesn't feel like Milwaukee, but it's easy to pretend you're somewhere far, far away at Barnacle Bud's.
