As the weather warms, patios are opening across town. And that includes The Pier Garden, which reopens to the public on Tuesday, May 23.
The Third Ward Riverwalk pop-up is located along the river at The Starling, 102 N. Water St. where, once again, guests can enjoy craft cocktails, locally brewed beer and bites, along with a variety of special events on The Pier Garden’s riverfront patio.
Among the menu highlights at the venue will be Tall Guy & A Grill’s White Claw tempura battered fish fry, which will be served on Fridays beginning May 26.
“A big part of what we like to do is take Wisconsin classics and put our own spin on them,” says Dan Nowak, owner of Tall Guy & a Grill and CEO of Brazen Standard Hospitality. “We really think people will like this fun, summertime menu that highlights seasonal favorites and features locally sourced ingredients.”
Hours at The Pier Garden will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Since The Pier Garden will be closed on select Fridays to accommodate private events at The Starling, which is operated by Two Birds Event Group, guests are advised to check Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date weekly schedules @TheStarlingmke and @piergardenmke.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
