If there is one city that surprised me for how much fun I’d have, it’s Milwaukee. It’s not that I thought it wouldn’t be fun, but I didn’t think I’d have that much fun. I’m glad I was wrong!
In late October we planned a little mini birthday getaway for me. We hopped aboard the Amtrack for the quick, hour and half ride north to the great Wisconsin city. If you haven’t taken the Amtrack from Chicago to Milwaukee, I highly recommend it. It’s super easy and quick. This trip was Mitch’s first Amtrack ride and now he’s addicted and opened up to a whole new world!
As CTA blue liners, it was even more convenient. Hopped on the L to Clinton then a quick five minute walk to Union Station. BAM!
We scored a warehouse-type loft Airbnb in the Historic Third Ward District. It was an easy walk from “The Hop” streetcar which takes you from the Amtrack station throughout different neighborhoods downtown. The Historic Third Ward was not only a perfect place for public transportation, but definitely our “vibes” and had the types of restaurants and businesses we wanted to explore near the water.
Historic Third Ward Neighborhood
According to Google, “The Historic Third Ward is one of the city’s creative hubs, home to art galleries and studios in former warehouses, and performing arts venues. Restaurants are upscale and trendy, and patio dining is popular. Indie boutiques sell fashion and homeware, while the indoor Milwaukee Public Market has produce, cheese and fish vendors.”
If any of that sounds like your jam (raises hand) then you need to go. That’s exactly what you get when visiting this neighborhood.
We loved staying here as you were right next to the river and the lake, the convenient streetcar and Amtrack access and all of the different businesses around. It was highly walkable and there were tons of Lime scooters to pick up and go too. There seemed be multiple events like art gallery showings, live music and such while we were there and it was really easy to get to other neighboring areas as well.
Local Things to Do in the Historic Third Ward District
Where to Eat
Brunch at Sweet Diner
An absolute must stop! Sweet Diner is an upscale take on a diner. Enjoy the bright, airy feelings, mod lights and a touch of grunge with the brick walls.
The menu is full of fresh juices, full coffee bar and cocktails galore. The food is truly to die for. A large breakfast/lunch menu with all the expected classics like pancakes, French toast, omelettes, sandwiches and salads, but with local ingredients and healthy twists sprinkled in.
Quick Breakfast at Holey Moley Donuts
Tucked inside the Landmark Building, Holey Moley donuts is a great pit stop for a quick donut and coffee morning to get your day going. They have a mix of classics, varieties for vegans or gluten free eaters and unique flavors like Blue Moon Yeast, Samoa or Cookies n Milk.
The staff was also so nice and a joy to talk to for an early morning convo.
Healthy Snacks from On the Bus
If you’re vegan or just going for a “healthier” option that’s also quick, pop inside the Public Market building and snag a smoothie, acai bowl, date shake or veg sammie to go from On the Bus.
Burgers from Stack’d
Ok, now this place is probably not the coolest, trendiest place to go to. However, it was right across the street from our Airbnb and was SO good.
Stack’d Burger Bar is a classic, casual burger and beer joint that did not disappoint. They had custom, build-your-own grass-fed burgers with chicken, turkey, bison and vegan options. Tons of toppings and sauces, unique bun options and the best part….TETRIS TOTS. Tater tots that were shaped like Tetris game pieces!
If you need a classic, hearty meal with tons of variety, this is your spot!
Where to Get Drinks
Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy
A true hidden gem, Bugsy’s is a fun, Roaring Twenties theme speakeasy bar. Find the door and head down the hallway and around the corner and you’ll be taken back in time. It’s an intimate space that’s not too intimate to feel “high class.” With live music and flapper girls dancing you are sure to have a blast!
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge
Ok, this is cheating because it isn’t in the Historic Third Ward neighborhood, but, it’s so worthy of your trip. I would be remiss skip it.
Bryant’s is just a 7 minute Uber ride south in the Walker’s Point area. What is a plain, house looking building on the outside, is a dark, vibey 60s/70s cocktail lounge on the inside. Red lighting, velvet interiors and a round bar make you feel a part of history. And it should! Bryant’s is the oldest cocktail lounge in Milwaukee dating back to 1938!
Now, what’s really unique about them is that they don’t have a menu. In fact, they have over 450 recipes they’ve made over the past 75 years and they believe a menu would limit customer choice’s to just popular options. Plus, they have many proprietary ingredients they’d like to keep secret. 😉
So, how does one order? Easy! Use your imagination. Order by flavor or color, strength or texture, base or size. Say what you like, don’t like or if you want it strong or weak. Or, to keep it simple, just ask the bartender to surprise you. You’re guaranteed to get something amazing!
Where to Shop Local
MOD GEN
MOD GEN is just that – a modern general store. They are in the epicenter of the neighborhood, so they’re easy to get to and a quick stop during your day.
Filled with stylish home goods and tons of house plants. They source from local and afar to bring customers creative, well-designed products for everyday living.
It was truly an endless adventure there. Mitch and I both had to be like, “ok….we’ve been in here too long!” But in best way. We ended up walking away with some locally made lip balms, soaps and a card or two.
Local MKE
This type of store is always my fave. Local MKE is dedicated to an inventory of items make by local Milwaukeeans. They have everything under the sun made right in the city. Art, kitchen wares, home goods, bags & accessories, candles, pet goodies and more. You’ll never find a better way to support or understand a city like this.
Cream City Restoration
Ok, now a vintage furniture store may not be the first type of place you think of when shopping while traveling (since you can’t really pack a couch in your bag). But, Cream City Restoration is still fun to check out! They have tons of funky, modern furniture and it gave me so much inspiration for my home. They even have a small little retail wall with cards, candles, plants and other trinkets as well.
Things to See and Do
Milwaukee Public Market
An absolute must stop and, in general, really hard to miss. It’s right off the streetcar line and boasts the big red sign. Much like other public markets you may have been to, Milwaukee’s is full of multiple vendors for food, coffee, drinks and a boutique or two. There’s an entire second level with plenty of seating for everyone.
Pierhead Lighthouse
Hop on a Lime scooter, found anywhere downtown, for an easy 5 minute ride to the lake. Check out the big, red Pierhead Lighthouse and soak up the breeze while enjoying views of the city, the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge and walk along the lakefront path.
Riverwalk
Technically a smidge north of the Historic Third Ward, the Riverwalk extends into the area and you can start there and head north further into downtown. Similar to Chicago, the Riverwalk is a great way to enjoy the water and just take a casual stroll. Pop in and out of the different businesses along the way.
Where to Get a Caffeine Fix
Anodyne Coffee Roasters
Anodyne is a local, small batch roaster. They have a location in the Public Market or the one we went to, a quick 5 minute scooter ride south. Come here for casual, vibes and a relaxing sip.
Wonderstate Coffee (formerly Kickapoo)
Right off the river is Wonderstate Coffee. A more contemporary vibe with a wide menu and knowledgeable staff. If you want the crisp, open feels, this is your spot.
I also would like to point out their commitment to positive change. Read more on how they’ve rebranded over the last year or so as they took ownership of cultural appropriation of The Kickapoo Nation.
