Explore Downer Avenue

Milwaukee’s East Side Destination

The Downer Avenue business district combines the quaint coziness of a small-town enclave with all the convenience of a major city. It’s nestled within Milwaukee’s popular East Side, just a few minutes north of downtown and within walking distance of Lake Michigan. It’s a favorite for locals and visitors alike, who delight in its variety of dining, shopping and entertainment offerings. Here is just a small taste of what awaits. 

Dining & Cafés

Restaurants on Downer Avenue are known for their friendly and casual atmospheres, and most of them have patio seating that lets you soak up the neighborhood around you. At Café Hollander, that patio seating extends into the colder months, thanks to placing the outdoor tables inside transparent warming domes. Whether you’re outside or inside, you’ll love the refined pub menu and the massive international beer list that will transport you to a classic Belgian cafe.

Other neighborhood staples include BelAir Cantina, known for its flavorful California coastal Mexican cuisine and its margaritas that are mixed to perfection. Pizza Man has served up handcrafted pies around Milwaukee since 1970, and its location is as comforting as its pizza is tasty.

Canela Café specializes in savory and sweet breakfast and lunch offerings, and its pancakes are worth the trip alone. And when you need a caffeinated boost, Stone Creek Coffee serves up gourmet cups, including pour-over options, and delicious baked goods. 

Shopping & Local Finds

Downer is a browser’s paradise, an avenue full of charm and character that’s tailor-made for pleasant strolls and window shopping. Storefronts welcome you with old-school awnings and colorful chalkboards announcing daily specials or greetings. And once you step inside, personalized customer service is the norm.

Nowhere is that truer than at Boswell Book Company. The independent bookstore is something of a legend in the literary community, a place where you’ll find knowledgeable staff as well as author readings and the quiet joy that comes with losing yourself among the shelves.

In Goodland Home & Goods, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of art, dishware, and home items galore. They’re all sourced from quality makers, artists, and independent brands, making it the perfect place to find that uncommon gift for your friends, your loved ones, or even for yourself.

A Cultural Landmark & Must-See Events

One of the country’s oldest theaters opens its doors onto Downer Avenue, and if you’re looking for things to do in Milwaukee, visiting the Landmark Downer Theatre should be near the top of the list. Its history dates back to 1915, and it has been respectfully restored to highlight the detailed craftsmanship of that era, including a replication of the carpeting and lobby, as well as a restoration of its gold leaf accoutrements.

Today, the Downer Theatre stands as a neighborhood cultural anchor. Its two movie screens have the modern tech you’d expect from a contemporary cinema. The theater is also one of the main venues for the annual Milwaukee Film Festival, which showcases dozens of films over a two-week period and is one of the Midwest’s largest events of its kind. It’s just one of the many ways that Downer Avenue serves as a hub for the arts and community cohesion.

You’ll experience more of that community vibrancy at other popular annual activities in the district. For almost half a century, the Downer Classic bicycle races have delivered daylong thrills. And in the fall, Haunted Halloween is a family-friendly celebration featuring food, fun, and a neighborhood pumpkin carving contest.

Downer Avenue is the quintessential East Side Milwaukee neighborhood, and an ideal year-round destination for exploration and enjoyment. See for yourself why it’s a generational favorite by planning your visit today.