Food and beverage offerings from Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel’s restaurant Aria
Milwaukee is home to more than 200 locally owned restaurants, an array of shops and boutiques, a vibrant Theater District and outdoor attractions like beaches, golf courses, state parks and more—all located just 90 minutes from downtown Chicago. We’ve compiled the city’s top destinations for dining, shopping, entertainment and leisure.
Where To Eat
View this post on Instagram
1751 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee / Website
Chef and owner Justin Carlisle helms this upscale, dual-concept eatery, which features an ever-changing tasting menu and a lounge for slightly more casual outings. On the 8-course tasting menu, visitors may find offerings such as deviled egg and bone marrow beef tartare, caviar and New York strip steak, accompanied by optional beverage pairings. At the lounge, restaurant-goers can try Yuzu barbecue-topped hamachi collar, pork chops, smash burgers and more.
View this post on Instagram
925 E. Wells St., Milwaukee / Website
Located in Cudahy Tower, this chic outpost serves a three-course menu with favorites like smoked wagyu pastrami, yellowfin tuna crudo, Hudson Canyon scallops, Pinn Oak lamb loin, chocolate truffles and cheesecake mousse. Guests can also opt for the restaurant’s five-course tasting menu with pork bolognese, filet mignon, asparagus salad and optional wine pairings.
View this post on Instagram
550 N. Harbor Drive, Milwaukee / Website
Dine on seafood, steak, pasta, sandwiches and salads at this New England-inspired lakefront restaurant, which features a three-sided bar, a raw bar, an open kitchen and a private dining room. Dig into Boston-sourced king crab fra diavolo, steamed Cambridge mussels, black Angus ribeye and Maine or Connecticut-style lobster rolls, served chilled or warm with a fresh brioche bun.
View this post on Instagram
1547 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee / Website
Guests at this globally inspired dining destination can choose from a four-course tasting menu or a surprise tasting menu curated by chef and owner Justin Aprahamian, who often highlights ingredients from local farms and artisans. Try staples like fennel-dusted beef tenderloin, seared swordfish and chargrilled chanterelle mushrooms.
Where To Shop
View this post on Instagram
215 N. Water St., Ste. 100, Milwaukee / Website
This family-owned jewelry shop offers in-house collections, vintage jewelry and custom pieces, personally designed by fifth-generation jeweler Amy Shallow Bern. Shop for rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings with precious gemstones like diamonds, emeralds, quartz, rubies, garnets and more.
View this post on Instagram
2559 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee / Website
Visit this independently owned bookstore to browse new and second-hand books, special orders, greeting cards, journals and gifts for adults and kids. Keep an eye on the Boswell Book Company website to uncover the latest events, from author meet-and-greets to group discussion forums.
View this post on Instagram
3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Ste. A, Milwaukee / Website
Bayview neighborhood vintage and contemporary boutique Plume carries men’s, women’s and unisex vintage apparel, along with shoes, accessories, beauty products, print materials and handmade gifts. Peruse popular offerings like embellished Y2K-inspired tank tops, floral Western boots, pleated gowns, dyed cardigans and more.
View this post on Instagram
151 S. 1st St., Milwaukee / Website
Elevate your living space with rugs, pillows, furnishings, throws, lighting fixtures and more from this decor retail store, which also offers design services from full-service residential interior design firm Kate Kazlo Interiors. Whether you’re searching for stoneware vases, chic table settings or on-trend wall decor, this one-stop-shop has got you covered.
What To See & Do
View this post on Instagram
7625 N. Range Line Road, Milwaukee / Website
As the first golf course to host the U.S. Bank Championship and the location of Tiger Woods’ professional debut, this scenic 18-hole public golf course features tree-lined fairways, bent grass greens and a spacious clubhouse. Hone in on your game with lessons, practice courses and junior golf or book a tee time to put your skills to the test.
View this post on Instagram
215 W. Bruce St., Milwaukee / Website
Considering Milwaukee is one of the most prominent beer producers in the world, it seems only fitting to embark on an all-inclusive tour of the area’s top craft breweries. City Brew Tours ushers visitors through a tour of three to four different production sites as they sample up to 16 varieties and learn about the city’s colorful beer-making history.
View this post on Instagram
400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee / Website
Get a premier look at an extensive collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and memorabilia at this iconic museum, which features two floors of exhibits, two newly debuted retail stores, a restaurant, a cafe and a 20-acre park-like outdoor space. Visitors can also partake in guided tours and events, from museum bike nights to family holiday celebrations.
View this post on Instagram
700 N. Art Museum Drive, Milwaukee / Website
This expansive museum features more than 25,000 works of art in various mediums, from photography and painting to sculpture and the decorative arts. Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum website to explore new and upcoming collections and discover recently acquired exhibitions.
Where To Stay
View this post on Instagram
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee / Website
Nestled in the heart of the Milwaukee Theater District, this stylish boutique hotel offers a range of luxurious amenities, including contemporary guest room furnishings, a 24-hour fitness center, business travel benefits, pet accommodations and more. Hotel visitors can enjoy indulgent food and drink offerings from several on-site dining spots, including Proof Pizza, The Bar, Aria, Giggly and The Dark Room.
View this post on Instagram
500 W. Florida St., Milwaukee / Website
The Iron Horse Hotel features an industrial-chic design with urban loft-style environs, on-site dining, a fitness center and spacious accommodations with in-room bars, 42-inch LCD TVs and expansive bathrooms. Choose from a variety of different rooms like the Custom Deluxe King with a private bar, robes, a stocked fridge and a king bed and the top-floor Premium Loft with king and double queen beds, 12-foot, all-wood ceilings and windows that overlook the city.
View this post on Instagram
424 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee / Website
This historic travel destination, built in 1893, has remained popular spot for for locals and newcomers alike. It boasts lush furnishings, around-the-clock personal service, dining at Mason Street Grill and Café at the Pfister and rejuvenating treatments from Pfister WELL Spa + Salon.
See also: The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide
Photography by: COURTESY OF SAINT KATE – THE ARTS HOTEL
