Dinner & a Show in the Milwaukee Theater District

Bradley Symphony Center

On April 14 and 15, Roderick Cox will bring the words of the powerful “Don Juan” tone poem in all its majesty to the halls of the Bradley Symphony Center. The piece, composed by Richard Strauss in 1889, tells the tale of Don Juan and his adventures mired with romance and tragedy. Then, Israeli pianist Irnon Barnatan will perform Beethoven’s “Concerto No. 4,” before wrapping up the evening with Sibelius’ “Symphony No. 5.”

Dinner: Mader’s Restaurant
 The evening pays tribute to two composers from Germany, so it is only fitting that the evening begins less than six blocks from the Bradley Symphony Center at Mader’s Restaurant. The century-old restaurant, founded in 1902, serves delicious traditional German food like wiener schnitzel, pork shank, and roulade in addition to Reuben rolls, grilled salmon and apple strudel.
 

Drinks: After the show, keep the evening going with a stein or two at Old German Beer Hall. The beer hall is a short stroll from the Bradley Symphony Center and offers traditional German beers like Dunkels, Marzens and Helles in addition to a selection of spirits and wines.

Sunstone Studios

Catch a show on the intimate stages of Sunstone Studios this April with a production of "Lysistrata." As the Peloponnesian War rages between Greek city-states, the main character Lysistrata sets out on a mission to find a creative solution to end all conflict.

Dinner: Lupi & Iris

Get a taste of the Mediterranean at the 2023 James Beard Foundation Awards Nominee Lupi & Iris. Located less than a half-mile from Sunstone Studios, the restaurant offers upscale culinary creations from the mind of award-winning Chef Adam Siegel. Feast on flavors of Mediterranean-inspired dishes like grilled lobster, swordfish, and bone-in New York strip.

Miller High Life Theatre 

Alice Cooper is a regular visitor here, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors…for the iconic artist’s return to Mill-e-wah-que, as he brings his wildly exciting show to the Miller High Life Theatre on May 3. Jam-packed with Cooper’s greatest hits from “No More Mr. Nice Guy” to “Feed my Frankenstein,” each show is a can’t-miss performance complete with electric chairs, boa constrictors, and more, making for a night you won’t soon forget..

Dinner: MOTOR Bar & Restaurant

For an evening with an edge, rev up to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant at the world’s only Harley-Davidson Museum. Taking you on a culinary road trip of America, enjoy the flavors of a smoked brisket sandwich, a classic Wisconsin fish fry, or a selection of loaded burgers before exploring MOTOR’s signature cocktails like the big hog BBQ bloody or MOTOR mimosa.

The Arc Theatre

Enjoy an evening in The ARC Theatre for an album release party with Milwaukee Poet Tiffany Miller and KASE for beautifully orchestrated, improvised soundscapes. On May 19, the special one-night-only event will also feature art installations from the hotel’s artist-in-residence, Jeff Zimpel, and a pre-show set from DJ Bizzon. The event will serve as the launch of “KASE + Tiffany Miller Live at the Jazz Estate,” a limited vinyl release.
 

Dinner: Aria 

Make it a night and stay at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel for dinner at the hotel’s world-class restaurant, ARIA. Enjoy a refined meal steps away from the theatre with dishes like hangar steak frites, pan seared striped sea bass, and the creative revival of the classic Big Boy burger.

The Pabst Theater

You know that you wish you had…Jessie’s girl. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Rick Springfield returns to Milwaukee at The Pabst Theater on August 1 with his energetic brand of power-pop. Be sure to catch Springfield as he tears through the selection of his 17 Top 40 hits like “Jessie’s Girl,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “An Affair of the Heart” and so much more.

Dinner: Don's TV & Repair

Get in the spirit of the 80s at Don’s TV & Repair. Search the front room and find the password to enter the modern speakeasy in Walker’s Point. Known for their outstanding burgers and boozy shakes, let your hunger be your guide as you revel in the fluorescent ambiance and 1980s-themed decorations.

Marcus Performing Arts Center

We’ll give you a clue: it was Colonel Mustard in the study with the mallet! “Clue” arrives at the Marcus Performing Arts Center this March for an evening shrouded in mystery that will keep you guessing until the very last moment. Inspired by the board game and the cult classic 1985 film, visit Boddy Manor to experience the thrilling Broadway production.

Dinner: The SafeHouse 

Much like the evening’s entertainment, enter a world of deception, mystery and espionage at The SafeHouse. Thrills abound around every corner of the spy-themed restaurant including the most guarded secret in Milwaukee: the secret password needed for entry. Once you make you’ve gained clearance to the restaurant, dine in style with themed eats like Licensed to Kill mac & cheese, the Double Agent and the fried C4 cheese curds. Just don’t ask us for the password, we’ve said too much already!

Milwaukee Repertory Theater

Check out one of Stackner Cabaret’s most popular musical comedies at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater with the return of “Guys on Ice,” beginning in January 2024. The sidesplitting comedy chronicles the ice-fishing adventures of two long-time friends, Marvin and Lloyd, as they share wit, wisdom, and pure comedy.

Dinner: Lakefront Brewery

Couple one true Wisconsin classic with another at Lakefront Brewery’s Beer Hall. Known for its hilarious brewery tours and local culinary staples like cheese curds, fish fries, and delicious Lakefront Brewery beers on tap, the beer hall is the perfect setting to kick off the evening.

Or get dramatic and become part of the mystery with 10% off your registration to The Dinner Detective Milwaukee with the Milwaukee Theater District Pass.

Drinks: Drink Wisconsinbly

Visit Drink Wisconsinbly just a few blocks away for post-show drinks with a Wisconsin flare.