Enjoy the food and fresh air!
Warmer weather has finally arrived, and it’s time to soak it all in! If you’re searching for the best rooftop and patio dining spots to enjoy the season, this guide is for you. From kid-friendly hangouts to perfect picks for a Mom’s Night Out or Date Night, we’ve rounded up the top spots to savor great food and sunshine—whether you’re with the family or taking a well-deserved break.
Third Space Brewing
Dog friendly (dogs only permitted outside)and beer friendly, this beer garden is located adjacent to the tap room. Grab a beer and catch some rays. Outside and carry-in food is welcome.
1505 W St Paul Ave, Milwaukee
Ash Hearth and Bar at the Iron Horse Hotel
With nearly 5,000 square feet of space featuring upholstered sectionals and a comfortable upscale vibe, you’ll feel like you’re in a whole different city.
500 W. Florida St., Milwaukee
Bar Louie
Bar Louie serves lunch, dinner, and late night dining.. The patio is lit with string lights and a bonfire offers warmth on those cool WI summer nights.
95 N Moorland Road, Brookfield
Barnacle Bud’s
Home of Milwaukee’s only outdoor Oyster Bar and the largest in Wisconsin! What used to be a hidden gem and is now an iconic Milwaukee restaurant, Barnacle Bud’s has mostly patio seating and serves dumpster punch in mason jars.
1955 S. Hilbert St., Milwaukee
Bel Air Cantina
Milwaukeeans have loved Bel Air for quite a while, but the location in Brookfield at The Corners of Brookfield has taken the #PoweredbyTacos experience to a new level with plenty of outdoor seating that overlooks the Market Square of The Corners and wraps around the side of the building. Is there anything better than a margarita and a taco al fresco? Nope. I think not.
2625 N Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211, (414) 964-1190, belaircantina.com
1935 N Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, (414) 226-2245, belaircantina.com
6817 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213, (414) 988-8533, belaircantina.com
410, W Town Square Way, Oak Creek, WI 53154, (414) 215-7995, belaircantina.com
250 High Street, Brookfield, WI 53045, (262) 784-4938, belaircantina.com
Belfre Kitchen-Closed for now
Ringed by a vintage-style fence and dotted with planters, this patio includes lounge furniture beside the fire pit.
606 N. Genesee St., Delafield
Boone and Crocket
Located on the Milwaukee River, the patio overlooks the Hoan Bridge and is a great way to take in a Milwaukee night. Check out the Light the Hoan light schedule and take in the show while you dine. Taco Moto truck is on-site, you can order online ahead of time, and I cannot recommend the nachos enough. *Chef’s Kiss*
818 S Water St, Milwaukee
Café Benelux
Inspired by the grand cafes of Lowland Europe, this kid-friendly restaurant is great for any meal of the day or even a cup of coffee with your girlfriends. Enjoy their rooftop dining down in the Third Ward with a gorgeous view of Milwaukee.
346 N. Broadway, Milwaukee
Café Centraal
You’ll be impressed with their bier books and one of Milwaukee’s longest bars. The bier list is long, and the food is mouthwatering. The patio area in the back is tucked-in and cozy. It’s one of my favorites for a cozy patio.
2306 S Kinnickinnic Ave., Bay View
Café Hollander
This is one of my all-time favorite places for brunch. Its casual atmosphere is a mixture of your favorite elements of the Benelux region’s rich culture. The Tosa location is perfect for littles who love to train watch. The Brookfield location has one of the best rooftop patio’s in Brookfield. And, the Downer location is filled with historical charm!
2608 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee
7677 W. State St., Wauwatosa
5900 W Mequon Rd., Mequon
20150 Union St., Brookfield
Camp Bar – Tosa
Don’t own a cabin up North? No worries, you can get the cabin vibe with a visit to the Camp Bar Tosa location. Their patio offers TVs if you want to watch a Brewers game or a fireplace to keep you warm when those Wisconsin summer nights get unexpectedly chilly.
6600 W North Ave., Wauwatosa
Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen
It took me a long time to figure out what restaurant the “guy carrying the big red bottle” I can see from the interstate was. But, guys, I found it! It’s Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen. They have a rooftop patio location downtown where you’re surrounded by the Milwaukee skyline while enjoying their full menu of food and delicious specialty cocktails.
320 E Clybourn St, Milwaukee
DanDan
Featuring a patio with a pergola strung with lights where you can enjoy your dim sum, noodles, or stir fry. I personally recommend getting the DanDan Noodles to share with the table, they’re amazing.
360 E. Erie St, Milwaukee
Good City Brewing
Who doesn’t want to drink fresh craft beer in the famous Deer District this summer? Right in the heart of where all the action is, this large taproom will have plenty out outoor seating perfect for people watching.
333 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee
The Gingerbread House
A cozy café in a historic farmhouse serving ice cream & baked & light bites, including soup. Sip a cold beverage from mason jars, savor their homemade soups and sandwiches, and browse their wide assortment of wines, beers, and cocktails. Find adorable home décor, jewelry, and more in their upstairs boutique.
S63 W16147 College Ave., Muskego
Jose’s Blue Sombrero
Known for their fresh guacamole made table-side, Jose’s patio seating is perfectly paired with a signature margarita.
7615 W State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 453-2300, josesbluesombrero.com
N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, (414) 351-9280, josesbluesombrero.com
6430 Washington Ave, Mt. Pleasant (Racine), (262) 886-5600, josesbluesombrero.com
La Fuente
Known for their authentic Mexican menu and margaritas, La Fuente (translated to The Fountain) has a great open patio for dining. Kids menus are available.
9155 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa
Leff’s Lucky Town
What used to be a tiny gas station is now one of Tosa’s favorite summertime outdoor dining spots. Grab some food and then go splash and play at Hart Park, down the street.
7208 W. State St., Wauwatosa
Mason Street Grill
Floor to ceiling windows open from the lounge to the outdoor patio sharing the live music experience. Enjoy the wall of perennials while sipping on your favorite beverage and ordering from the grill.
425 East Mason St., Milwaukee
Matty’s Bar & Grille
Looking for a great sports bar with a delicious Bloody Mary and burger? Matty’s has three beautiful patios, complete with HDTV’s to catch a Brewer’s game. Their outdoor seating is the perfect spot to sink your teeth into one of their award-winning build-your-own burgers. Or come on a Saturday or Sunday morning for a gourmet breakfast.
14460 W College Ave., New Berlin
Milwaukee Sail Loft
Not only is there a patio, but there is a patio on the water! Come by car or by boat to dine at this unique venue for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
649 E Erie St., Milwaukee
Movida at Hotel Madrid
Travel to Spain without leaving Milwaukee. The expansive patio will transport you while completely satisfying your taste buds.
600 S 6th St.
O’Lydia’s Bar & Grill
This adorable Irish bar and grill was built in the 1800s and serves sandwiches and out of this world pub food.
338 S 1st St., Milwaukee
The Outsider
The Outsider is the rooftop dining location dreams are made of. They have amazing food, a full bar with tasty cocktails, cozy places to keep warm around fires, all kinds of great seating options and they’re right downtown. Find them on the top floor of the Kimpton Journeyman hotel in the 3rd ward.
310 East Chicago St, Milwaukee
Parkside 23
PS23 is causal dining and features tasty seasonal menus right from the farm. Live music on Tuesday nights and 1/2 price bottles of wine all day Wednesday.
PRO TIP: Call ahead to make a reservation to make sure you get a table, but be aware that YOU CANNOT RESERVE THE PATIO. The patio is first-come, first-served. So get there early!
**Be sure to ask about their annual farm suppers where you get to enjoy a 5-course meal under a tent right out on the farm!
2300 Pilgrim Square Dr., Brookfield
People’s Park
Placed in a landmark building in historic downtown Waukesha, People’s Park offers the best sandwiches and appetizers. I highly recommend the tempura green beans! Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Rooftop dining open all summer long!
337 W. Main St., Waukesha
Pizza Man
The original Pizza Man burned down in a tragic fire in 2010. Rebuilt and better than ever, their East Side venue has an incredible rooftop dining! They also feature a vast collection of wine on tap. Live music on Wednesdays and 1/2 off bottles of wine!
2060 N Humboldt Blvd., Milwaukee
11500 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa
Pizzeria Piccola
Owned by Bartolotta’s and located in the village of Wauwatosa, Pizzeria Piccola serves amazing pizzas out of its wood-burning ovens. Make sure to support a local non-profit or cause on their Society Sundays. They also feature gluten and dairy-free pasta and pizza dough! NOTE: Pizzeria Piccola is temporarily closed. Visit their website for an update on status.
7606 W. State St., Wauwatosa
Pufferfish
As Milwaukee’s only rooftop tropical bar, Pufferfish offers the chance to have your favorite tropical cocktail without the plane ride.
411 E. Mason St., Milwaukee. Located on the 6th floor of Hotel Metro
Red Lion Pub
This pub is inspired by all the best in the UK from its décor to its food and drink. Dine on the patio for a great view of the Milwaukee River.
1850 N. Water St., Milwaukee
Solomon’s at the Trade Hotel
If you’re looking for an upscale place for dinner and cocktails, this is the place for you. It’s a new comer to Milwaukee, but I’m sure it’ll become a staple soon enough. It’s an upscale terrace found inside the Trade Hotel. Check their website for menu options and hours.
20 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee
The Bread Pedelars
The Bread Pedelars was created by sisters and professional cyclists, Sam & Skylar Schneider. This family-owned and operated bakery and café specializes in coffee and artisanal bread with a rooftop dining area worth checking out!
1436 S 92nd St, West Allis
The Twisted Fisherman
Welcome the ocean to your table at this riverside seafood shack. The Twisted Fisherman offers fresh seafood, crab, ribs, and specialty drinks. Picnic tables and Adirondack chairs offer outdoor seating right along the river.
1200 W. Canal St., Milwaukee
Vanguard
Best known for its vast sausage menu, Vanguard’s back patio is complete with string lights, picnic tables, and shade.
2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Bay View
Von Trier
If you’re looking to celebrate Milwaukee’s German heritage, this one’s for you. Von Trier’s patio is tucked behind the building and offers an escape to enjoy your dining experience.
2235 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee
The Wicked Hop
Boasting tons of outdoor seating under a huge metal awning, this is the perfect place for people watching.
345 N. Broadway St.
Obviously there are plenty of options to get out there and enjoy the weather while enjoying a fantastic dining experience. Where are your favorite stops for patio and rooftop dining in Milwaukee?
Hello,
I’m the general manager of Pizza Man Milwaukee and would like to mention a typo/correction. The location on Downer is now closed. We relocated to 2060 N Humboldt Blvd and have an even larger patio/balcony than what we had at our Downer location. It overlooks the Milwaukee River. Would be able to make this correction? Thank you!