There are good nights out, and then there are those special occasions, those nights that you’ll never forget. Those moments that remind you that you are alive. And living life to the fullest. Call it what you like – the good life, the sweet life, maybe even the high life. With a beautiful backdrop at these rooftop bars, waterside spots and more, you’ve got something special in store. One part scenic setting, two parts fun, here are just some of the beautiful views you can pair with your brews or cocktails around Milwaukee.
Rooftop Bars
You’ve got a room at the top of the world tonight – or a cocktail lounge anyway. High in the sky, these bars offer outstanding cocktails immersed in Milwaukee’s cityscape.
PufferFish Tiki
Ride the elevator to the sixth floor of Hotel Metro to uncover an urban tropical oasis in the heart of the Cream City. This cozy rooftop space brings island vibes to the Fresh Coast, slinging exotic libations in brightly colored tiki glasses, paired with views of the surrounding Milwaukee skyline.
The Aviary at Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
Perched high above the city streets, The Aviary is where your love of craft cocktails can really take flight. Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen’s rooftop bar and patio puts the distillery’s range of award-winning liquors on full display, with sensational craft cocktails, served beneath the warm ambiance of string lights.
The Outsider
A golden opportunity to soak up the warm weather and soak in the city views, this bar above The Kimpton Journeyman Hotel is a sleek indoor-outdoor space and the perfect space to savor summer vibes. With fireplaces setting the mood and the cityscape of the Historic Third Ward playing a beautiful backdrop for your night out, this is another rooftop bar you can’t miss.
Waterfront Views
Going with the flow has never been easier! Sip waterside at a local brewery or enjoy a stone-fired pizza with your bevy, the choice is yours. Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of Lake Michigan or the kayaks as they pass on the Milwaukee River, here are a few freshwater finds for your liquid adventure.
Barnacle Buds
If dockside drinks tickle your fancy, look no further than this hidden gem. Located along the Kinnickinnic River, finding Barnacle Buds is a little bit of a treasure hunt, but we promise, it’s totally worth it. Whether you’re arriving by car or by boat, pull up to this spot for sensational waterside drinks and even better vibes.
Lakefront Brewery
Did you really think we’d put together a list of places to grab a drink with a view and not include a brewery? Well, in addition to this long-time Milwaukee staple’s laugh-along brewery tour, Lakefront Brewery has a newly renovated patio space. Offering ample seating and plenty of space to dock your kayak for a beer or two, you can enjoy a brew with a view of the boats passing along the Milwaukee River.
Brisa Do Mar
We’ve visited the tropics, but now it’s time to take a trip to the Mediterranean for our next stop on this tour of dreamy drink spots. Located near the confluence of the Milwaukee and Kinnickinnic rivers, this restaurant near the Summerfest grounds offers drinks and bites on the outdoor patio. Raise your glass as the railroad tracks swing open, giving bigger boats access to float along the Kinnickinnic River. While you’re there, be sure to try Brisa Do Mar’s selection of wood-fired pizzas.
Roundhouse at McKinley Marina
Another hidden gem, for lakeside views in the great outdoors, you’ll find this tip-top sip stop along the bobbing boats at the McKinley Marina. Outstanding views of the skyline and the sailboats gliding along Lake Michigan, this hidden beer garden offers a selection of brews perfect for you to kick back, relax, soak in the rays and marvel at the expansive coastline of Lake Michigan. Stay tuned! This one’s opening soon.
Beautiful Brews
We do the brew a little differently in Milwaukee. The city that made beer famous (okay, maybe it’s the other way around) is also home to a wide variety of beer gardens that range from storybook-looking settings for a drink to tucked away urbane oases. Here are a few places to check out!
Estabrook Beer Garden
Where better to start with our list of beer gardens than the first beer garden to return after prohibition? Opened in 2012, this Northshore-adjacent beer garden serves Hofbräu München beers and offers a shaded seating area that overlooks Estabrook Park. As you sip your stein, you’ll hear the rushing flow of the Milwaukee River below, which is accessible by a nearby riverwalk.
South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden
For a view of the Milwaukee skyline, there are few places better than the South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden. The popular Bay View beer garden reveals the entirety of the Milwaukee skyline from a distance, with sweeping sights of Lake Michigan. Here, you can pick up a variety of MolsonCoors and Lakefront Brewery products, in addition to soft drinks and a robust food menu, which includes a High Life battered cod on Fridays.
The Landing at Hoyt Park Beer Garden
Beer gardens are known for their family-friendly atmosphere and their casual vibe, making them fun for the whole crew. Located just off the Oak Leaf Trail, this beer garden is also right next door to the Hoyt Pool, making it a great spot for the kids to splash and play while you kick back and relax for a few with a brew.
Something (Relatively) New
These relative newcomers to the city’s bar scene both opened in 2023, but their sights and experiences will make you look at Milwaukee in a new light from their unique vantage points. Check out these Fresh Coast hotspots.
Solomon's at the Trade
If you listen closely on the patio outside of Solomon’s, you can still hear the chants of “Bucks in Six” reverberating off every square inch of the Deer District below. Named after one of the city’s founders, Solomon Juneau, this upscale cocktail experience is just steps away from the excitement of Deer District, accented by décor that pays homage to the Milwaukee maker. Meanwhile, outside, you’ll enjoy a sleek space, complete with fire pits and unparalleled views of Fiserv Forum. Whether you’re staying at the hotel for a concert or just passing through and looking for a brew, this is a place for you.
Vault
Looking for an elevated experience (both figuratively and literally)? Vault’s got you covered. Perched above the Milwaukee River, this swanky space has it all. This premier cocktail bar offers a variety of signature Prohibition-style cocktails, a raw bar and sweet views of downtown Milwaukee. Whether you’re headed to a show in the Milwaukee Theater District or jumpstarting your night out, sign up for a signature Milwaukee moment at Vault.
N/A, Too
Who said drinks with a view have to include alcohol at all? Check out these stops for top city views and plenty to see without any of the ABV. Zero proof. 100% of the fun. Your adventure starts right here.
Blu's Afternoon Tea
Blu at the Pfister is a fantastic space for an upscale cocktail, but we wanted to include some drinks with a view without alcohol, too. Every Wednesday through Sunday, you can explore Blu's 365-degree view of downtown Milwaukee from the comfort of the great indoors during afternoon tea. Savor your selection of Milwaukee-based Rishi Tea, along with fresh scones, sandwiches and pastries immersed in Milwaukee's cityscape.
Colectivo at the Lakefront
Okay, you might have to walk across the street for this one, but we promise, it’s worth it. Colectivo’s Lakefront location is so close to McKinley Beach, McKinley Park, Veterans Park and Bradford Beach that we just had to include it. If you’d like to take your coffee on a walk, this is the perfect place to do a little skyline sightseeing and add a little cinematic flair to your liquid adventure in Milwaukee.
Looking to make al fresco dinner plans? Look no further! Check out rooftops and patios for outdoor dining options and even more places to grab a drink and catch a vibe this summer.
