Uncover the Flavor & Charm of Milwaukee’s Uptown Crossing

Travel down Uptown Crossing’s commercial corridors and enjoy a vibrant mix of small shops and restaurants housed in traditional main street buildings and storefronts. Situated a few miles west of downtown and a bit north of American Family Field, it’s a friendly neighborhood with diverse offerings that draw you in and leave you glad you made the stop. Here’s just a sampling of what to look forward to as you plan your visit.

Flavors That Feed the Soul

You can get to know a neighborhood through the meals that it shares, and Uptown Crossing greets you with casual comfort that’s deliciously satisfying.

It shines through at places like Heaven’s Table BBQ, where smoked pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs are served with signature sauces and classic sides like dirty rice, mac & cheese, and baked beans. The same is true at McBob’s Pub & Grill, a quintessential Irish pub where you’ll find classics like Celtic breakfasts and corned beef. Adding a fresh twist to the neighborhood’s culinary scene, Ruby’s Bagels is a 100% woman-owned shop serving handcrafted bagels known for their bold, inventive flavors.

Other neighborhood favorites include Paloma Taco & Tequila, which puts a modern spin on Mexican food with a particular focus on bold flavors and creative cocktails, and the Mekong Cafe, which offers the best in Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine.

Toasts & Roasts, Hidden Gems & Hometown Highlights

You’ll find a welcoming, down-to-earth spirit throughout Uptown Crossing, whether you’re hanging out at one of its locally owned watering holes or creative spaces, with their standing invitations for you to kick back and stay a while.

Vennture Brew Co. makes the most of its space, serving the community as a café by day and a brewery by night, meaning you’ll always find something delicious to drink no matter what time you arrive.

Bittercube started something of a cocktail renaissance in Milwaukee when it introduced its handcrafted line of bitters in 2009. You can see why they’re consistently trusted by countless mixologists at The Apothecary, which offers its full line of bitters and other cocktail essentials to purchase for your home bar.

Artistry energy runs strong here, too. Cloud 9 Workshop is a family-friendly art studio for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re attending one of its workshops or simply dropping in, it’s a perfect place to get your creative juices flowing. And for an invigorating physical workout, try Barre Milwaukee, a boutique fitness shop that’s known as much for its friendly atmosphere as its motivational classes.

Fresh Air, Friendly Faces, & Open Spaces

The consistent thread of the Uptown Crossing neighborhood is one of fostering a welcoming, engaging culture. It’s particularly evident at Uptown 56 Park, a small pocket green space with picnic tables that serves as a scenic spot for events and community gatherings. Even when no events are scheduled, it’s a popular place to simply relax and people-watch as folks pass by on bicycles, while pushing strollers or taking their dogs for a walk.

Uptown Crossing invites exploration with its mix of longtime staples and emerging small businesses. As a key connector on Milwaukee’s west side, the neighborhood is also home to a wide range of everyday services—auto shops, banks, child care, salons, retail, and more—that support residents and contribute to its vibrant, community-driven atmosphere. To experience it firsthand, don’t wait to plan your visit today.