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The Best Bars for Foodies in Milwaukee

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 26, 2020

Every one of the best bars in Milwaukee can trace its success to the breweries established back in the 1830s. Immigrants from 'drinking cultures' settled the area, and while nearly every community in Wisconsin had at least one brewery, Milwaukee had the largest in the world. But where do patrons with demanding taste buds choose to toss back a few? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve gathered data from thousands of bars and restaurants to find the places that OpenTable’s most experienced users love the most. Milwaukee is well-known for its butter burgers, cheese curds, and bratwurst, and it just so happens that all these foods go great with an ice-cold brew. Check out these popular spots and book a table today!

Oak Barrel Public House
4.3 (731)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Milwaukee
Located in the Downtown area, Oak Barrel Public House has worked hard to maintain its designation as one of the best bars in Milwaukee. This includes offering a shuttle bus to every Brewer game and to Summerfest events. It's also within walking distance to the Bucks arena. Those who don’t have tickets to games can watch live surrounded by whiskey barrels, exposed brick walls and vintage art. They also offer over two dozen styles of whiskey along with craft cocktails and the increasingly popular “beer cocktail.” This place somehow discovered just how great certain IPAs taste when combined with lemonade and bourbon.
Top review
Melissa
Dined on May 31, 2025
Nice place! The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the ambience was great. Definitely going back!
Located in the Downtown area, Oak Barrel Public House has worked hard to maintain its designation as one of the best bars in Milwaukee. This includes offering a shuttle bus to every Brewer game and to Summerfest events. It's also within walking distance to the Bucks arena. Those who don’t have tickets to games can watch live surrounded by whiskey barrels, exposed brick walls and vintage art. They also offer over two dozen styles of whiskey along with craft cocktails and the increasingly popular “beer cocktail.” This place somehow discovered just how great certain IPAs taste when combined with lemonade and bourbon.
Top review
Melissa
Dined on May 31, 2025
Nice place! The service was excellent, the food was delicious, and the ambience was great. Definitely going back!
Johnny Manhattan's
4.7 (1734)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Menomonee Falls
The oak wood ceiling, mounted deer head, vintage chandeliers and stone fireplace are not what make Johnny Manhattan’s one of the favorite bars of Milwaukee. They do create an aura, however, that perfectly complements many of the classic cocktails that guests enjoy. There are no worries for those with more contemporary tastes, though, because the bartender can make just about anything. What’s really impressive is the list of around 200 wines that the bar offers. Toss in the wide variety of pizzas and delicious entrees like seared carpaccio, shrimp cocktail or seasoned calamari, and guests get the best of all worlds.
Top review
Rosann
Dined 3 days ago
The food was cooked to perfection, our waitress was awesome.
The oak wood ceiling, mounted deer head, vintage chandeliers and stone fireplace are not what make Johnny Manhattan’s one of the favorite bars of Milwaukee. They do create an aura, however, that perfectly complements many of the classic cocktails that guests enjoy. There are no worries for those with more contemporary tastes, though, because the bartender can make just about anything. What’s really impressive is the list of around 200 wines that the bar offers. Toss in the wide variety of pizzas and delicious entrees like seared carpaccio, shrimp cocktail or seasoned calamari, and guests get the best of all worlds.
Top review
Rosann
Dined 3 days ago
The food was cooked to perfection, our waitress was awesome.
Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum
4.3 (483)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
A trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Motor Restaurant. The décor is exactly what one would expect: classic motorcycles, whiskey barrels, engine displays and vintage images of bikers from the past. They also have great food that includes wings, burgers, stuffed potatoes and sandwiches. It’s the variety of drinks available, though, that designate the Motor as one of the best bars in Milwaukee. There are around 20 whiskey and ryes available along with wine, beer, other spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings.
Top review
donna
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Food was great and plentiful and the service was very good.
A trip to the Harley-Davidson Museum simply wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Motor Restaurant. The décor is exactly what one would expect: classic motorcycles, whiskey barrels, engine displays and vintage images of bikers from the past. They also have great food that includes wings, burgers, stuffed potatoes and sandwiches. It’s the variety of drinks available, though, that designate the Motor as one of the best bars in Milwaukee. There are around 20 whiskey and ryes available along with wine, beer, other spirits, cocktails and non-alcoholic offerings.
Top review
donna
Dined on Jun 3, 2025
Food was great and plentiful and the service was very good.
East Town Kitchen & Bar
3.8 (527)
$31 to $50
American
Milwaukee
Many bars claim that they'll eventually become the preferred downtown hot spot, but East Town Kitchen & Bar could actually pull it off. Their whiskey list is one of the best in the state, and they’ve got a variety of wine, cocktail, beer and locally brewed offerings. Happy Hour happens on the weekdays and lasts from 3 pm to 6 pm, so those who need a drink after work can still enjoy a great price at one of the best bars in Milwaukee. The décor is basic – only the archways and exposed brick particularly stand out. Fortunately, the food and alcohol menus speak for themselves.
Top review
Cody
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
We had the Easter brunch and all the different selections to choose from were amazing!!
Many bars claim that they'll eventually become the preferred downtown hot spot, but East Town Kitchen & Bar could actually pull it off. Their whiskey list is one of the best in the state, and they’ve got a variety of wine, cocktail, beer and locally brewed offerings. Happy Hour happens on the weekdays and lasts from 3 pm to 6 pm, so those who need a drink after work can still enjoy a great price at one of the best bars in Milwaukee. The décor is basic – only the archways and exposed brick particularly stand out. Fortunately, the food and alcohol menus speak for themselves.
Top review
Cody
Dined on Apr 20, 2025
We had the Easter brunch and all the different selections to choose from were amazing!!
Five O'Clock Steakhouse
4.9 (4399)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Milwaukee
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and in Wisconsin, ‘somewhere’ is the Five O’Clock Steakhouse. It’s often called Milwaukee’s best steakhouse, and with options like filet mignon, New York strip, porterhouse and lamb chops, this isn’t really surprising. With over 30 craft, import and domestic beers in addition to 60 wines and a variety of cocktails, it’s also easy to see why the establishment is considered one of the best bars in Milwaukee. Posh lighting, rustic décor and live music in the Alley Cat Lounge round out this experience.
Top review
Mary
Dined 4 days ago
We love this restaurant. It’s one of our favorite places for a delicious steak dinner. I highly recommend the beef tenderloin with mushrooms. It is so tender it melted in my mouth. You also get a relish tray, a large salad bowl and a loaf of warm bread. Our waitress Joanie was fantastic and so attentive to our needs. We will be returning in the near future.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and in Wisconsin, ‘somewhere’ is the Five O’Clock Steakhouse. It’s often called Milwaukee’s best steakhouse, and with options like filet mignon, New York strip, porterhouse and lamb chops, this isn’t really surprising. With over 30 craft, import and domestic beers in addition to 60 wines and a variety of cocktails, it’s also easy to see why the establishment is considered one of the best bars in Milwaukee. Posh lighting, rustic décor and live music in the Alley Cat Lounge round out this experience.
Top review
Mary
Dined 4 days ago
We love this restaurant. It’s one of our favorite places for a delicious steak dinner. I highly recommend the beef tenderloin with mushrooms. It is so tender it melted in my mouth. You also get a relish tray, a large salad bowl and a loaf of warm bread. Our waitress Joanie was fantastic and so attentive to our needs. We will be returning in the near future.
Stella Van Buren
4.4 (1296)
$31 to $50
American
Milwaukee
The bourbon collection that lines the walls behind the bar is impressive, and this alone would throw Stella Van Buren into contention for the ‘Best Bar in Milwaukee’ title. Those who enjoy variety, though, will love the extensive beer list, cocktails, seasonal offerings and wines from around the world. Tuscany? Southern Italy? California? Oregon? Stella Van Buren has reds and whites from all these areas and more. Toss in the delicious offerings of an Italian American steakhouse, and this place is understandably a Wisconsin favorite.
Top review
Kimberly
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic anniversary dinner! Our waiter Dahlip was so friendly and attentive. The filets were perfectly cooked and delicious with the truffle bearnaise sauce. The hot rolls that came to the table were so warm and fluffy. They helped us celebrate our anniversary with a yummy chocolate torte, I think. The ambiance was private and perfect, would definitely come back and recommend to family and friends!
The bourbon collection that lines the walls behind the bar is impressive, and this alone would throw Stella Van Buren into contention for the ‘Best Bar in Milwaukee’ title. Those who enjoy variety, though, will love the extensive beer list, cocktails, seasonal offerings and wines from around the world. Tuscany? Southern Italy? California? Oregon? Stella Van Buren has reds and whites from all these areas and more. Toss in the delicious offerings of an Italian American steakhouse, and this place is understandably a Wisconsin favorite.
Top review
Kimberly
Dined 6 days ago
Fantastic anniversary dinner! Our waiter Dahlip was so friendly and attentive. The filets were perfectly cooked and delicious with the truffle bearnaise sauce. The hot rolls that came to the table were so warm and fluffy. They helped us celebrate our anniversary with a yummy chocolate torte, I think. The ambiance was private and perfect, would definitely come back and recommend to family and friends!
Butcher & Barrel
4.5 (429)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Racine
The wood paneling outside makes Butcher & Barrel Gastropub stand out among its neighbors. Its selection of drinks, however, makes it stand out from its contemporaries. Their signature cocktails include the Habanero Matador, California Old Fashioned, Harvest Sangria and Autumn in New York. They also have an extensive collection of pilsners, lagers, porters, stouts, ales and domestics. Guests get to enjoy fine dining in a pub atmosphere – complete with industrial lighting, exposed brick, mounted deer head and television behind the bar.
Top review
Jerry
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
Another outstanding meal Just love the decor and atmosphere Service was good to great, minor issue with server giving the kitchen the entire dinner order but they had great service recovery.
The wood paneling outside makes Butcher & Barrel Gastropub stand out among its neighbors. Its selection of drinks, however, makes it stand out from its contemporaries. Their signature cocktails include the Habanero Matador, California Old Fashioned, Harvest Sangria and Autumn in New York. They also have an extensive collection of pilsners, lagers, porters, stouts, ales and domestics. Guests get to enjoy fine dining in a pub atmosphere – complete with industrial lighting, exposed brick, mounted deer head and television behind the bar.
Top review
Jerry
Dined on Jun 1, 2025
Another outstanding meal Just love the decor and atmosphere Service was good to great, minor issue with server giving the kitchen the entire dinner order but they had great service recovery.
Mason Street Grill
4.7 (3916)
$31 to $50
American
Milwaukee
When asked what they enjoy most about Mason Street Grill, many people will mention sitting in the lounge – right where the wood-fired oven aroma and live jazz can tickle their senses – and enjoying a specialty cocktail. Drink selections include artistic options like the Five Fifteeni, Hope Floats, Widow's Kiss and Rhubarb Daiquiri. Those who prefer an ice-cold beer also won’t be let down since there are over two dozen bottled options and several drafts available. Even as one of the best bars in Milwaukee, though, guests are still treated to a fine dining atmosphere.
Top review
GaryVIP
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
Never disappoints, dinner was wonderful and and service was excellent, they always make you feel special!
When asked what they enjoy most about Mason Street Grill, many people will mention sitting in the lounge – right where the wood-fired oven aroma and live jazz can tickle their senses – and enjoying a specialty cocktail. Drink selections include artistic options like the Five Fifteeni, Hope Floats, Widow's Kiss and Rhubarb Daiquiri. Those who prefer an ice-cold beer also won’t be let down since there are over two dozen bottled options and several drafts available. Even as one of the best bars in Milwaukee, though, guests are still treated to a fine dining atmosphere.
Top review
GaryVIP
Dined on Jun 6, 2025
Never disappoints, dinner was wonderful and and service was excellent, they always make you feel special!
Harry's Bar and Grill
4.6 (753)
$30 and under
American
Milwaukee
Just a short distance from Lake Michigan – and sporting an outdoor deck that would fit in perfectly at the lake – Harry’s Bar and Grill is a popular bar in Milwaukee’s east side. The décor is contemporary and chic, and the food menu is modern America at its finest. Those who are focused on a great drink, however, will adore the alcohol selection. There are a variety of wines and beers to go around - including macro brews - but everyone should try out a few of the cocktails. The Dirty Harry, Pear Smash, Shorewood Collins and Vanilla Cosmo have remained consistently popular over the years.
Top review
Steve
Dined on May 30, 2025
Love the $6 Happy Hour menu, especially the spinach, feta etc. flatbread and the $5 Merlot. We enjoy the many large TVs and outdoor deck.
Just a short distance from Lake Michigan – and sporting an outdoor deck that would fit in perfectly at the lake – Harry’s Bar and Grill is a popular bar in Milwaukee’s east side. The décor is contemporary and chic, and the food menu is modern America at its finest. Those who are focused on a great drink, however, will adore the alcohol selection. There are a variety of wines and beers to go around - including macro brews - but everyone should try out a few of the cocktails. The Dirty Harry, Pear Smash, Shorewood Collins and Vanilla Cosmo have remained consistently popular over the years.
Top review
Steve
Dined on May 30, 2025
Love the $6 Happy Hour menu, especially the spinach, feta etc. flatbread and the $5 Merlot. We enjoy the many large TVs and outdoor deck.
Carson's Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue - Milwaukee
4.7 (1747)
$31 to $50
Barbecue
Milwaukee
Everyone knows that barbecue and beer go great together, and this is the driving force behind the popularity of Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue. It’s located in the luxurious Moderne high rise, and it fits in well here thanks to the sleek white seating, marble-style bar, impressive lighting and variety of photographic art featured on the walls. Being in such a fine dining atmosphere should never stop guests from enjoying a beer or delicious cocktail such as the Lisa Lisa or Moderne. It may be called America’s No. 1 barbecue, but it’s no doubt still one of the best bars in Milwaukee.
Top review
chris
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, our waiter was a cool guy, all around good experience
Everyone knows that barbecue and beer go great together, and this is the driving force behind the popularity of Carson’s Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue. It’s located in the luxurious Moderne high rise, and it fits in well here thanks to the sleek white seating, marble-style bar, impressive lighting and variety of photographic art featured on the walls. Being in such a fine dining atmosphere should never stop guests from enjoying a beer or delicious cocktail such as the Lisa Lisa or Moderne. It may be called America’s No. 1 barbecue, but it’s no doubt still one of the best bars in Milwaukee.
Top review
chris
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, our waiter was a cool guy, all around good experience

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