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Milwaukee's Beer Gardens

 

Beer gardens have a rich history in Milwaukee, dating back to the 19th century when German immigrants settled in the area. These immigrants brought with them a strong tradition of beer brewing and outdoor socializing, which laid the foundation for the city's beer garden culture.

One of the earliest beer gardens in Milwaukee was established in 1848 by German immigrant Jacob Best Sr., founder of the Best Brewing Company (later known as Pabst Brewing Company). These early beer gardens provided a place for locals to gather, socialize and enjoy locally brewed beer in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Today, beer gardens continue to play an important role in Milwaukee's cultural landscape. They serve as a gathering place where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy cold beer, delicious food and live entertainment. Be sure to make your way to a beer garden during your next visit to Milwaukee and raise a glass to the city's brewing culture. Prost!

 

   

2025 Beer Gardens

The season has arrived to dust off your pints and steins and savor a refreshing pour of Milwaukee’s finest ales and lagers. Grab a friend, loved one, or your furry pal, and head to your nearest beer garden to enjoy quality time while taking part in one of Milwaukee’s most cherished traditions.

Two men, on the left wearing a green shirt holding a beer, on the right wearing a red shirt holding a beer, in front of a tent with a navy roof in a park with green trees and grass in the background.

Elm Grove Beer Garden

Wednesday & Thursday 5-9 pm, Friday 4-9 pm, Saturday 3-9 pm, Sunday 2-7 pm
 
Location: 13600 Juneau Blvd, Elm Grove, WI 53122
 

Set in charming Elm Grove Village Park, this beer garden brings a welcoming, small-town feel just outside the city. It features craft brews from Milwaukee’s own Third Space Brewing and hosts food trucks, live music and family-friendly events. A favorite gathering place for locals, it’s a laid-back way to enjoy warm-weather weekends.

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Three men and a dog at the Estabrook Beer Garden, smiling and holding steins of beer.

Estabrook Beer Garden

Open daily at 12 p.m.
 
Location: 4600 Estabrook Pkwy, Milwaukee, WI 53217
 

As the first public beer garden in the U.S. since Prohibition, Estabrook Beer Garden offers a traditional German beer garden experience with imported beer from the Munich Hofbräuhaus. The menu includes brats, hot dogs, freshly baked soft pretzels, and a Friday fish fry. The venue is cashless and provides online food and drink ordering.

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A group of people sitting at a picnic table enjoying a meal and some beer at dusk in a beer garden setting.

The Franklin Beer Garden at Croatian Park

Thursdays from 5 PM to 10 PM, May 15 through October 16, 2025
 
Location: 9100 S. 76th St., Franklin, WI 53132
 

Set in the heart of the 30-acre Croatian Park, this Beer Garden brings the party every Thursday night with live music, local and Croatian brews and mouthwatering eats like Ćevapčići (homemade sausages) and Croatian nachos. Sip on the exclusive Croatian Park Ale or score a BOGO tap beer during the "Happiest Happy Hour" from 5–6 PM. With bocce ball courts, volleyball, a playground and TVs for catching the game, it’s the perfect spot for families, friends and even four-legged companions.

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Two people at Hubbard Park Beer Garden, drinking beer over a large hot pretzel.

Hubbard Park Beer Garden

Monday through Friday 3 PM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 12 PM to 10 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 9 PM, May through October
 
Location: 3565 N. Morris Blvd, Shorewood, WI 53211
 

Nestled along the Oak Leaf Trail in Shorewood, Hubbard Park Beer Garden offers a cozy riverside escape with a European flair. Sip on a rotating selection of German and local craft beers, enjoy hearty bites like Usinger’s sausages, giant pretzels and their popular Friday fish fry, all while relaxing under the trees or in a private cabana. Whether you're biking the trail, gathering with friends or just soaking in the park vibes, this spot is a hidden gem worth discovering.

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A group of friends sitting at a park picnic table smiling at the camera as they raise their glasses to cheers, with a group of men talking behind them, with trees in the background.

Juneau Beer Garden

Tuesday- Friday: 4 to 9 p.m.Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
 
Location: Juneau Park, 900 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 
 

Situated in historic Juneau Park on Milwaukee's East Side, this beer garden offers a serene setting close to downtown and the lakefront. It features a selection of local beers and is a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

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A wide, nighttime view of the Kegel's Inn patio, with string lights illuminating the space, as musicians play their instruments in the foreground and diners enjoy food and drinks in the background.

Kegel's Inn Beer Garden

Open Tuesday through Thursday 4 PM to 8 PM, Friday 11 PM to 9 PM and Saturday 4 PM to 9 PM
 
Location: 5901 W. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53214​
 

Located in the heart of West Allis, Kegel's Inn Beer Garden offers an authentic German experience with its traditional Hofbräu tables and umbrellas, reminiscent of Munich's beer gardens. Guests can enjoy a full-service outdoor dining experience, the only one of its kind in the Milwaukee area, with live local music every week: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5–8 PM, Fridays from 12-3 PM and 6–9 PM and Saturdays at 6–9 PM.

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Klode Park Beer Garden

Klode Park Beer Garden

Open Fridays 4 pm–9 pm & Saturdays 3 pm–9 pm from May 31 - September 26
 
Location: 5960 N Lake Dr, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
 

Whitefish Bay’s Klode Park Beer Garden is a popular seasonal pop-up hosted by local craft breweries like Torzala Brewing Company, set atop the bluff at Klode Park overlooking Lake Michigan. It pops up select Friday and Saturday evenings from late spring through early fall, offering rotating local brews, food trucks, live music, yard games and a family‑friendly lakeside atmosphere complete with playground access and picnic‑style seating.

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A group of people enjoying beers under umbrellas at the picnic tables outside of the Roundhouse Beer Garden in Milwaukee along the Lakefront.

Roundhouse Beer Garden at McKinley Marina

Season grand opening on Thursday, May 22, 2025; open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 AM – 8 PM
 
Location: 1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53202
 

Located next to the Milwaukee Yacht Club, Roundhouse Beer Garden offers lakeside views and a welcoming atmosphere. Operated by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, it features a menu with items like the Milwaukee Pretzel Company's Bavarian Beast pretzel, walking lobster rolls and a variety of local beers and boozy slushies. Guests can enjoy live music on Sunday nights and participate in outdoor yard games.

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A large group of people sit and stand at a Third Ward Beer Garden, enjoying conversation and beer.

Third Ward Beer Garden

 
Wednesday-Friday 3-9 p.m., Saturday 12-9 p.m., Sunday 12-6 p.m. 
 
Location: 147 N Broadway St.
 

Nestled in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, the Third Ward Beer Garden at Catalano Square brings neighbors together around a unique two-level container bar. It's an easy spot to grab dinner to go from a local restaurant and enjoy local brews from Third Space, cocktail or wine, while free live music fills the summer air. Or stop by on your way to a festival at Henry Maier Festival Park.

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South Shore Beer Garden

South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden

Open Wednesday - Friday from 4 PM to 9 PM, Saturday & Sundays 11 AM to 9 PM until October
 
Location: 2900 South Shore Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53207
 

Set inside a historic 1930s bathhouse in Bay View, South Shore Terrace offers a beautiful lakeside dining experience where Milwaukee’s culture meets stunning Lake Michigan views. The menu celebrates fresh, crowd-pleasing flavors with pretzels, cheese boards, sandwiches and the beloved Friday fish fry. With plenty of indoor and outdoor communal seating, it’s the perfect spot to relax, mingle, and savor the best of summer.

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A group of beer garden employees behind the counter pouring beers from tap handles on a sunny day.

The Vine Humboldt Beer Garden

2025 Season Announcement Coming Soon!
 
Location: 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207
 

Located at the historic Humboldt Park Pavilion, The Vine Humboldt serves up four craft beers on tap in a relaxed, picturesque setting. In the summer, the garden comes alive with smooth jazz performances and is just steps away from the popular Chill on the Hill concert series. It’s the perfect spot to sip, sway to live music and enjoy the Milwaukee County Parks.

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DTN - PPS - Beer Gardens - War Memorial Beer Garden

War Memorial Beer Garden

Opens Thursday, May 22, 2025; open Memorial Day Weekend, including Monday, May 26
 
Location: 750 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53202
 

Nestled on Milwaukee’s picturesque lakefront, the War Memorial Beer Garden offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Operated by Kegel’s Inn, it features a selection of locally brewed craft beers, refreshing ciders and seasonal favorites. Guests can enjoy live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. The venue is family-friendly and offers loaded brats, pretzels, and other German/Midwestern-inspired dishes. It's also a gateway to nearby attractions like the Milwaukee Art Museum and Veterans Park.

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A father holding his child next to his partner at a beer garden counter ready to order some food or drinks in a summer setting with trees in the background.

Whitnall Park Beer Garden

Monday-Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
 
Location: 8831 N. Root River Pkwy, Franklin, WI 53132
 

Tucked away among the trees along the Root River, Whitnall Park Beer Garden serves up some of Wisconsin’s best brews in a laid-back, scenic setting. With 24 tap lines pouring craft favorites, live music rocking the stage every Saturday and tasty themed nights like Taco Tuesdays and Fish Fry Fridays, there’s always something to toast to. Every pint you raise helps support Milwaukee County Parks, so go ahead and have another!

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Traveling Beer Gardens

Torzala at Bayside Beer Garden

Bayside Beer Garden

 
Beer Garden Dates/Locations:
  • May 3: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
  • May 24: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
  • June 21: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
  • July 12: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
  • August 2: myBlue Day Out & Car Show: 12p to 6p @ Village Hall
  • August 30: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
  • September 20: Fall Fest & Movie: 2p to 9p @ Village Hall
  • October 18: 3:30p to 9p @ Ellsworth Park
 

The Bayside Beer Garden is a summertime highlight of the North Shore community, popping up at Ellsworth Park (600 E Ellsworth Ln) and  Village Hall. Organized in partnership with Torzala Brewing Co., each of the eight seasonal events features their craft beers on tap, paired with rotating local food trucks and live music under the gazebo. It's designed as a laid‑back, family‑friendly gathering, so bring lawn chairs, blankets, kids (there’s a playground) and even your dog, while neighbors relax, sample brews, enjoy tunes and mingle in the open green space.

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Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Garden

Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Garden

May 14 - September 1
 
Mon-Fri: 5 PM to 9 PM
Sat, Sun & Holidays: 11 AM to 9 PM
 
Beer Garden Dates/Locations:
  • May 14 - May 18: Wilson Park
  • May 21 - Jun 8: Greenfield Park
  • June 11 - June 22: Cooper Park
  • June 25 - July 6: Grant Park
  • July 9 - July 20: McCarty Park
  • July 23 - August 3: Lake Park
  • August 6 - August 17: Doctor's Park
  • August 20 - September 1: Sheridan Park
  • September 6 & 7: Trmborn Farm
 

The Milwaukee County Parks Traveling Beer Garden is a summer-long event that brings a restored firetruck-turned-mobile-taproom to different parks every two weeks from May through September. Featuring craft beers from Sprecher and other local breweries, along with snacks like brats and soft pretzels, the beer garden also offers live music on select nights and commemorative glassware with each pour. Rooted in Milwaukee’s beer garden tradition, the event fosters community, supports park improvements, and delivers a laid-back outdoor experience in scenic settings across the county.

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