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, we've been keeping ourselves warm by daydreaming about outdoor drinking venues.
These days, outdoor patios come a dime a dozen. That's not a bad thing, but it would be futile to try to list them all here in a comprehensive guide. Instead, we're picking a few of our favorites and adding a few more that make Milwaukee famous in the summer months.
Barnacle Bud's
1955 S. Hilbert St., (414) 481-9974
barnacle-buds.com
This place is great for so many reasons, perhaps 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.
Comet Café
1947 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 273-7677
thecometcafe.com
Comet 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.
Harp Irish Pub
113 E. Juneau Ave., (414) 289-0700
theharpirishpub.com
Perfect for outdoor drinks and tomfoolery from spring to fall, The Harp is located half a block off Water Street. Nothing beats sitting on the patio overlooking the water on a hot summer night.
Hi-Hat / Garage
1701 N. Arlington Pl., (414) 220-8090
hihatlounge.com
The Hi-Hat is one of those quintessential East Side Milwaukee staples that makes you want to impress out-of-town guests. On a warm evening, it's all you can ask for: good drinks, plenty of people watching, a friendly, carefree vibe all within a cozy neighborhood setting.
Hooligan's Super Bar
2017 E. North Ave., (414) 273-5230
hooliganssuperbar.com
Hooligan's is right in the thick of things, and during the summer, the outdoor patio is a fun place to dine and casually take in the view of the bustling East Side.
La Perla
734 S. 5th St., (414) 645-9888
laperlahot.com
Let's be honest; drinking on a rooftop is somehow inherently more fun than drinking on ground level. There's just no two ways around it. Add a few fire pits and colorful lights strung above your head and you've got one of the coolest outdoor spots in the city.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St., (414) 226-2337
ale-house.com
The Ale House, with its picturesque location on the Milwaukee River, gives diners and drinkers a spectacular backdrop to conduct the pursuit of merriment. (The craft beer selection doesn't hurt, either).
Nomad World Pub
1401 E. Brady St., (414) 224-8111
nomadworldpub.com
Why do we all love The Nomad? Maybe because we can sit outside on their tiny patio during the summer and watch the hustle and bustle of Brady Street while we sip a microbrew. Maybe it's their dangerously delicious Bloody Marys? Their happy hour specials? Their on-going "prix fixe" deal: a shot of Jameson, a can of Pabst and a cigarette for $5. Need we go on?
Paddy's Pub
2339 N. Murray Ave., (414) 223-3496
paddyspub.net
This is undoubtedly 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.
Slim McGinn's
338 S. 1st St., (414) 271-7546
slimmcginns.com
The secluded yet spacious patio in Walker's Point is a St. Patrick's Day hotspot and the outdoor fun continues on well into September.
Von Trier
2235 N. Farwell Ave., (414) 272-1775
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.
Water Buffalo
249 N. Water St., (414) 431-1133
waterbuffalomilwaukee.com
Water Buffalo's two-story terrace is one of the restaurant's biggest draws. Perched along the RiverWalk, the large patio offers great views of the city at night while providing the perfect sanctuary to enjoy your drink.
Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway St., (414) 223-0345
thewickedhop.com
The Wicked Hop might just be the perfect spot for a Downtown happy hour. In the warm months, there's plenty of outdoor seating under the huge metal awning and plenty of people-watching, yet, since it's on Broadway, it's off the path of Water Street enough to still feel calm and relaxing after a long day at the office.
