Milwaukee Patios & Rooftops

Rooftop Bars (17)

Skyline views and elevated drinking. Most open May-October; some year-round.

The Outsider

Third Ward

9 floors up at Kimpton Journeyman with 360° skyline views. 5,000+ sq ft of indoor/outdoor space. Year-round with retractable walls.

310 E Chicago St (9th Floor)

Café Benelux Skyhaus

Third Ward

Milwaukee's first rooftop with retractable enclosure. Belgian beers, mussels, year-round operation with Lux Globes in winter.

346 N Broadway

Uncle Buck's

Deer District

3 levels including rooftop fire bar with panoramic downtown views. Perfect for Bucks/Brewers games.

1125 N MLK Jr Dr

Skyline Bar + Lounge

Downtown

Glass-enclosed bar with two outdoor patios atop Nō Studios. Limited public hours—check schedule.

1037 W McKinley Ave (Nō Studios)

The Aviary

Downtown

4th floor open-air terrace at Central Standard Crafthouse. Award-winning cocktails with skyline views.

320 E Clybourn St (Central Standard)

Pufferfish Tiki

Downtown

Tiki-themed rooftop with creative tropical cocktails. Transforms to winter wonderland in colder months.

411 E Mason St (Hotel Metro)

Blu at the Pfister

Downtown

23 floors up—Milwaukee's highest rooftop bar. Sophisticated martini bar with panoramic lake and city views.

424 E Wisconsin Ave (23rd Floor)

Camp Bar Third Ward

Third Ward

Two-story patio with northwoods cabin theme. Dog-friendly, fire pits, s'mores kits.

525 E Menomonee St

Pilot Project Brewing

Pabst District

3rd floor rooftop seating 150 guests. Brewery incubator with rotating guest taps. Open spring-fall.

1128 N 9th St

Il Cervo

Deer District

Modern Italian with wrap-around rooftop patio. Views of Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee River, downtown.

420 W Juneau Ave (The Trade Hotel)

Shaker's Cigar Bar

Walker's Point

Two rooftop levels—2nd floor patio and 4th floor Celestial deck. Vintage speakeasy atmosphere.

422 S 2nd St

Good City Brewing

East Side

2nd floor secluded rooftop terrace. Award-winning craft beers with a view.

2108 N Farwell Ave

Red Lion Pub

Lower East Side

Sunny 2nd floor rooftop terrace overlooking Kadish Park. Soccer HQ, British pub fare.

1850 N Water St

Movida at Hotel Madrid

Walker's Point

2nd floor rooftop patio with pink umbrellas. Spanish tapas, sangria, weekend brunch.

600 S 6th St

Pizza Man

East Side

2nd floor patio and atrium with retractable roof. Handmade pizza and pasta.

2597 N Downer Ave

Braise

Walker's Point

2nd floor rooftop garden terrace surrounded by fresh herbs. Farm-to-table dining.

1101 S 2nd St

Indeed Brewing (El Jardin)

Walker's Point

Rooftop patio atop historic Clock Shadow Building. Fri-Sun summer only, reservations recommended.

Clock Shadow Building

Waterfront Patios (15)

Rivers, lake, and sunset drinks. Milwaukee is a city of water.

Harbor House

Lakefront

Bartolotta's lakefront seafood spot. Seasonal patio with Adirondack chairs, full bar, Milwaukee Art Museum views.

550 N Harbor Dr

South Shore Terrace

Bay View

Historic 1930s bathhouse beer garden. Stunning lake and skyline views, beach access. Opens mid-April.

2900 S Shore Dr

Colectivo Lakefront

Prospect Ave

Historic 1888 River Flushing Station. McKinley Marina views, coffee to beer, summer concerts.

1701 N Lincoln Memorial Dr

Lakefront Brewery

Beerline B

Iconic riverfront patio along Riverwalk. Legendary fish fry, brewery tours. First-come seating.

1872 N Commerce St

The Harp Irish Pub

Downtown

Year-round riverside deck with heated floors. Boats can dock at their slips. DJs and live music.

113 E Juneau Ave

Blue Bat Kitchen

Third Ward

160+ tequilas with Riverwalk patio. Street food-inspired tacos, sunset views.

249 N Water St

Milwaukee Sail Loft

Third Ward

100+ seat riverside patio with 8 boat slips. Seafood-focused, two-sided river views.

649 E Erie St

Boone & Crockett

Walker's Point

NEW LOCATION (2026). 21,000 sq ft on inner harbor. Vast riverside patio, craft cocktails, Taco Moto food truck.

818 S Water St

Barnacle Bud's

Bay View

Key West-style dockside patio. Wisconsin's largest outdoor oyster bar. Open Thu-Sun only.

1955 S Hilbert St

The Bridgewater

Harbor District

Milwaukee's longest riverfront patio (245 ft). Wood-fired cuisine, dock access, dog-friendly.

2011 S 1st St

Estabrook Beer Garden

Shorewood

America's first public beer garden since Prohibition. Perched on bluff above waterfall.

4600 Estabrook Dr

Hubbard Park Lodge

Shorewood

1930s WPA log cabin with riverbank beer garden. Friday fish fry with live polka.

3565 N Morris Blvd

MOTOR Bar

Menomonee Valley

Milwaukee's largest riverfront patio at Harley-Davidson Museum. Custom fire pits, lounge furniture.

401 W Canal St

Twisted Fisherman

Menomonee Valley

Beach bar vibes along Menomonee River. Beach tent, private cabanas, boat docks. Heated domes in winter.

1200 W Canal St

Café Benelux

Third Ward

Award-winning rooftop plus street-level patio near Milwaukee Riverwalk.

346 N Broadway

Beer Gardens (12)

German heritage, Milwaukee style. Plus traveling beer gardens visiting 11 parks.

Estabrook Beer Garden

Shorewood

America's first public beer garden since Prohibition. Munich Hofbrauhaus imports, Friday fish fry, weekend schnitzel. BYO food welcome.

4600 Estabrook Dr

South Shore Terrace

Bay View

Historic 1930s bathhouse with Lake Michigan views. 20 rotating craft taps, farm-to-table menu, beach access.

2900 S Shore Dr

Hubbard Park Lodge

Shorewood

1930s WPA log cabin in the woods. German imports plus Wisconsin favorites. Friday fish fry with live polka.

3565 N Morris Blvd

The Landing at Hoyt Park

Wauwatosa

Nonprofit-run beer garden by Menomonee River. Now year-round with indoor Grand Hall. Pool access in summer.

1800 N Swan Blvd

Whitnall Park Beer Garden

Franklin

Unique setup: Sprecher fire truck dispenses 24 taps. Live music Fri-Sun. Near botanical gardens.

8831 Root River Pkwy

The Vine Humboldt

Bay View

Milwaukee's only combined beer AND wine garden. Free 'Chill on the Hill' concerts, Jazz on Fridays.

3000 S Howell Ave

Juneau Park Beer Garden

Lower East Side

Permanent installation with Lake Michigan overlook. 18 taps, live music Fri-Sat.

900 N Prospect Ave

Roundhouse Beer Garden

Lakefront

Circular nautical-themed pavilion at McKinley Marina. Sailboat views, rotating Wisconsin craft beers.

1750 N Lincoln Memorial Dr

Bavarian Bierhaus

Glendale

3.4-acre grounds with 300+ picnic tables. House-brewed lagers, live polka, Oktoberfest home.

700 W Lexington Blvd

Kegel's Inn Beer Garden

West Allis

Authentic German since 1924. Bootlegger's Alley year-round, heated Lent tent Feb-May.

5901 W National Ave

Third Ward Beer Garden

Third Ward

Pop-up container bar with rooftop stage. Live music Thu-Sat, Barks & Brews Sundays.

147 N Broadway (Catalano Square)

Brown Deer Beer Garden

Brown Deer

One of the only year-round beer gardens. Transforms to heated winter garden with ice rink.

8725 N Deerwood Dr

Bay View Patios (16)

The neighborhood with the most patios per capita in Milwaukee.

Sugar Maple

2,000 sq ft dog-friendly patio. One of the best craft beer selections in the city.

441 E Lincoln Ave

The Vanguard

Back patio with picnic tables and shade trees. House-made sausages, 65+ bourbons.

2659 S Kinnickinnic Ave

Burnhearts

Popular outdoor patio, craft microbrews. Home of Mitten Fest.

2599 S Logan Ave

Goodkind

Walk-in patio with handmade furniture, bourbon barrels, decorative brick. Rotisserie meats.

2457 S Wentworth Ave

Honeypie Cafe

NEW 56-seat patio with walk-up window. Farm-to-table brunch, homemade pies.

2569 S Kinnickinnic Ave

At Random

Year-round patio—'Ice Cream Social' in summer, 'Magic Forest' holiday wonderland in winter. Since 1964.

2501 S Delaware Ave

Palomino Bar

Summer patio, one of Wisconsin's best bourbon lists. Famous hot fried chicken.

2491 S Superior St

Lost Whale

Mid-century modern with permanent outdoor patio. Eco-friendly craft cocktails.

2151 S Kinnickinnic Ave

GTO Mexican

Large covered dog-friendly patio. Reader-voted best tacos in Milwaukee.

2317 S Howell Ave

Cafe Centraal

Street-side parklet plus heated courtyard tent for year-round outdoor dining.

2306 S Kinnickinnic Ave

Barnacle Bud's

Dockside patio on Kinnickinnic River. Key West vibes, oyster bar.

1955 S Hilbert St

SmallPie

10-table paved patio with grass and lawn chairs. Sweet/savory hand pies.

2504 E Oklahoma Ave

Riley's Bar + Burger

NEW (2025). 80-seat dog-friendly patio with outdoor bar. Wagyu smash burgers.

100 E Montana St

Crafty Cow

Outdoor seating. Stuffed cheeseburgers with adventurous toppings.

2671 S Kinnickinnic Ave

The Bridgewater

245-foot riverfront patio—longest in the city. Wood-fired grill, boat slips.

2011 S First St

Milwaukee Brewing Co.

NEW patio space (opened 2024). Local craft beer from MKE Brewing.

2335 S Kinnickinnic Ave

Restaurant Patios (14)

Great food, outdoor seating. From casual to fine dining.

Café Hollander (Downer)

East Side

Expansive patio in summer, Winter Domes in colder months. Belgian beers, mussels, brunch.

2608 N Downer Ave

Café Hollander (Tosa)

Wauwatosa

Huge wraparound patio overlooking Menomonee River and Hart Park.

7677 W State St

Story Hill BKC

Story Hill

James Beard semifinalist. Midwest-inspired sharing plates with patio.

5100 W Bluemound Rd

Odd Duck

Walker's Point

Sidewalk patio 'Duck Crossing'—first come, first serve. Creative global small plates.

939 S 2nd St

Harbor House

Lakefront

New England seafood with seasonal lakefront patio. Adirondack chairs, live music.

550 N Harbor Dr

Lake Park Bistro

Lake Park

Historic pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan. 4-star French bistro.

3133 E Newberry Blvd

La Merenda

Walker's Point

Large fenced backyard patio with outdoor bar, fireplace, and vegetable garden.

125 E National Ave

Engine Company No. 3

Walker's Point

Historic firehouse with fenced-in patio. Beloved brunch destination.

217 W National Ave

Black Sheep

Walker's Point

Outdoor patio dining. Wine on tap, craft cocktails, exposed brick interior.

216 S 2nd St

Morel

Walker's Point

Courtyard patio with rain barrels and native plants. Nearly 100% Wisconsin-sourced.

430 S 2nd St

Transfer Pizzeria

Walker's Point

Unique 'bus patio'—restored 1953 city bus converted to seating. Wood-fired pizza.

101 W Mitchell St

El Beso

South Side

Gorgeous patio with tropical fountain, koi fish, outdoor bar. Transports you to Mexico.

909 W Layton Ave

Cassis

Third Ward

NEW (Jan 2026). James Beard-nominated chef. French bistro with outdoor dining.

333 N Water St

Eldr+Rime

Wauwatosa

Seasonal patio with live music Thursdays. Winter 'Stuga' outdoor dining pods.

2300 N Mayfair Rd

Dog-Friendly Patios (15)

Verified spots that welcome your four-legged drinking buddy.

Black Husky Brewing

Dogs allowed INSIDE and on patio. Water bowls, treats.

Riley's Social House

Specifically designed for dogs. Dog menu including 'Pup Cup.'

Camp Bar (All Locations)

Super dog-friendly two-story patios. Water bowls provided.

Gathering Place Brewing

Dogs welcome BOTH indoors and on large patio.

The Vanguard

Back patio welcomes dogs. House-made sausages.

Sugar Maple

2,000 sq ft dog-friendly patio. Great beer selection.

Boone & Crockett

Dogs allowed inside AND on outdoor patio.

MobCraft Beer

Dog-friendly patio with water stations and cleanup supplies.

Lakefront Brewery

Dogs allowed on patio ONLY (not in Beer Hall).

Third Space Brewing

Dogs allowed on outdoor beer garden. Water dishes provided.

Estabrook Beer Garden

Leashed dogs welcome. Adjacent dog park in Estabrook Park.

The Bridgewater

Dog-friendly patio with pet menu.

GTO Mexican

Large covered dog-friendly patio.

Riley's Bar + Burger

80-seat dog-friendly patio.

Ope! Brewing Co.

'UBER dog friendly'—inside and out. Fire pits, volleyball.

When do Milwaukee patios open for the season?

Most Milwaukee patios open between late April and mid-May, depending on weather. Beer gardens (Estabrook, South Shore Terrace) typically open late April. Rooftop bars usually open in May. Peak patio season runs May through September, with many spots staying open through October.

What are the best rooftop bars in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's top rooftop bars include The Outsider at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (best 360° skyline views), Café Benelux Skyhaus (retractable roof, year-round), Uncle Buck's in the Deer District (game day favorite), Blu at the Pfister (highest at 23 floors), and The Aviary at Central Standard (craft cocktails). Most require reservations on weekends.

Where are the best sunset patios in Milwaukee?

The best sunset spots are South Shore Terrace (Lake Michigan views), The Outsider rooftop (skyline), Boone & Crockett (inner harbor), and Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee River). For lakefront sunsets, Colectivo Lakefront and Juneau Park Beer Garden are also excellent. Arrive 1-2 hours before sunset for the best seats.

Are there dog-friendly patios in Milwaukee?

Yes! Many Milwaukee patios welcome dogs. Top dog-friendly spots include Black Husky Brewing (dogs allowed inside too), Riley's Social House (has a dog menu), Camp Bar, The Vanguard, Sugar Maple, and most beer gardens. Estabrook Park Beer Garden is near an off-leash dog park. Always call ahead to confirm policies.

What are Milwaukee's beer gardens?

Milwaukee has 8+ permanent beer gardens including Estabrook Park (America's first since Prohibition), South Shore Terrace (lake views), Hubbard Park Lodge, The Landing at Hoyt Park (now year-round), Whitnall Park, The Vine Humboldt, Juneau Park, and Roundhouse at McKinley Marina. Plus the Traveling Beer Garden visits 11 parks May-September.

Do I need reservations for Milwaukee rooftop bars?

Reservations are recommended for popular rooftops on weekends and during sunset hours. The Outsider, Café Benelux, Blu at the Pfister, and Skyline Bar typically require reservations. More casual spots like Camp Bar, Uncle Buck's, and Pilot Project are usually walk-in friendly.

What are the best waterfront patios in Milwaukee?

Milwaukee's best waterfront patios include Boone & Crockett (NEW location on inner harbor), Lakefront Brewery (Milwaukee River), Barnacle Bud's (Kinnickinnic River), The Bridgewater (longest patio in the city), The Harp (boats can dock), South Shore Terrace (Lake Michigan), and Harbor House (lakefront fine dining).

Which Milwaukee patios are open year-round?

Year-round options: Café Benelux Skyhaus (retractable roof, Lux Globes), The Outsider (heated areas), At Random (transforms to 'Magic Forest'), The Landing at Hoyt Park (indoor Grand Hall), Brown Deer Beer Garden (heated with ice rink), Kegel's Inn (Bootlegger's Alley), and Twisted Fisherman (heated domes).