Best Views
The rooftops where the view is as impressive as the drinks.
The Outsider
Upscale, trendy, hotel chic
Nine floors up at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, The Outsider is Milwaukee's most sophisticated rooftop experience. Six unique indoor and outdoor areas, swanky cocktail lounge vibes, and stunning skyline views year-round. This is where the views meet the cocktails.
THE VIEW
Downtown skyline, 360° views
BEST TIME
Sunset for golden hour views
RESERVATIONS
Recommended, especially weekends
INSIDER TIP
Make a reservation for sunset. The heated areas make this a year-round option.
Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, 310 E Chicago St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Skyline Bar + Lounge
Modern, artistic, sophisticated
Perched atop Nō Studios, Skyline Bar + Lounge delivers unobstructed 360° views of the city. The modern, glass-enclosed space opens to two outdoor patios. It's equal parts art gallery and rooftop bar.
THE VIEW
360° unobstructed city views
BEST TIME
Late afternoon through sunset
RESERVATIONS
Recommended for groups
INSIDER TIP
Check out the studios and art spaces before heading up for drinks.
Nō Studios, 1037 W McKinley Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53205
Café Benelux / Lux Skyhaus
European al fresco, Belgian-inspired
Milwaukee's first rooftop with a retractable enclosure. The Lux Skyhaus transforms from open-air European vibes on beautiful days to a heated, enclosed space when weather demands. Belgian beer selection is excellent.
THE VIEW
Third Ward streetscape, downtown skyline
BEST TIME
Summer afternoons, any season with the enclosure
RESERVATIONS
Recommended, especially weekends
INSIDER TIP
The Belgian beer list is extensive—ask for recommendations. Brunch is popular too.
346 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Deer District / Game Day
Perfect for pre-game drinks or watching the Deer District energy from above.
Uncle Buck's
Sports bar, lively, energetic
The ultimate game-day rooftop next to Fiserv Forum. Two patios stretch across the rooftop, built around a fire bar. Views of the skyline and the Deer District crowd below make this perfect for Bucks or Brewers game days.
THE VIEW
Deer District, downtown skyline
BEST TIME
Game days, summer evenings
RESERVATIONS
Walk-in friendly, but early arrival recommended for games
INSIDER TIP
Arrive early on game days—it fills up fast. The fire bar is great for cooler evenings.
1120 N Phillips Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Pilot Project
Craft beer focused, casual, brewery vibes
Brewery incubator, restaurant, and rooftop bar in one vibrant venue. The spacious rooftop terrace offers comfy lounge seating and bar spots, covered and open-air areas, with lovely views over downtown and the Deer District.
THE VIEW
Downtown skyline, Deer District
BEST TIME
Pre-game drinks, summer afternoons
RESERVATIONS
Usually walk-in friendly
INSIDER TIP
Try the rotating guest brewery taps—each one brings something different.
1128 N 9th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233
Cocktail-Focused
When the drinks matter as much as the views.
The Aviary
Craft cocktails, trendy, modern
Central Standard Crafthouse's crown jewel. The open-air rooftop terrace called The Aviary is spacious and modern with plenty of bar-style seating surrounded by fantastic skyline views. Craft cocktails are the star.
THE VIEW
Milwaukee skyline
BEST TIME
Evening cocktail hour
RESERVATIONS
Helpful for groups
INSIDER TIP
The cocktail program is serious—don't be afraid to ask the bartenders for recommendations.
Central Standard Crafthouse, 320 E Clybourn St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Pufferfish
Tiki bar, tropical, escapist
Tiki-inspired rooftop escape with creative cocktails like 'Get Lost' and 'Ocean Eyes.' The tropical vibes make you forget you're in the Midwest. Perfect for escaping the everyday.
THE VIEW
Urban rooftop
BEST TIME
Summer evenings
RESERVATIONS
Recommended on weekends
INSIDER TIP
Embrace the tiki theme—order something with rum and a tiny umbrella.
Walker's Point, Milwaukee
Casual Vibes
Laid-back rooftops for relaxed afternoons and easy evenings.
Camp Bar Third Ward
Casual, camping-themed, dog-friendly
A two-story camping-themed bar with a rooftop patio that's more casual than most. Think fire pits, cozy seating, and a laid-back vibe. Dog-friendly too.
THE VIEW
Third Ward neighborhood
BEST TIME
Casual afternoons, after-work drinks
RESERVATIONS
Usually walk-in friendly
INSIDER TIP
Bring your dog—the patio is pet-friendly. The s'mores kit is a fun move.
525 E Menomonee St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
The Rooftop at The Cambria Hotel
Hotel bar, relaxed, accessible
Hotel rooftop bar with solid views and accessible vibes. Less scene-y than some options, making it a good choice for a relaxed evening drink.
THE VIEW
Downtown views
BEST TIME
Evening drinks
RESERVATIONS
Usually not needed
INSIDER TIP
Good option when other rooftops are packed.
503 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
More Milwaukee Bar Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooftop bars in Milwaukee?
Top Milwaukee rooftop bars include The Outsider at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (best overall views), Skyline Bar + Lounge at Nō Studios (360° views), Café Benelux/Lux Skyhaus (retractable roof), and Uncle Buck's near Fiserv Forum (best for game days).
Are Milwaukee rooftop bars open year-round?
Some are! The Outsider and Café Benelux's Lux Skyhaus have heated/enclosed areas that operate year-round. Most seasonal rooftops open in late spring and close in early fall. Call ahead to confirm seasonal hours.
Do I need reservations for Milwaukee rooftop bars?
Reservations are recommended for popular spots like The Outsider, Café Benelux, and Skyline Bar, especially on weekends and during sunset hours. More casual spots like Camp Bar and Uncle Buck's are usually walk-in friendly.
Where can I watch Bucks games at a rooftop bar?
Uncle Buck's in the Deer District is the premier rooftop for Bucks games with views of Fiserv Forum and the plaza below. Pilot Project in the nearby Pabst Brewery District is another great pre-game option.
Which Milwaukee rooftop bar has the best views?
The Outsider at Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (9 floors up with 360° views) and Skyline Bar + Lounge at Nō Studios are considered to have the best panoramic city views. Café Benelux offers great Third Ward streetscape views.
Are there any dog-friendly rooftop bars in Milwaukee?
Camp Bar in the Third Ward has a dog-friendly rooftop patio. Always call ahead to confirm current pet policies, as they can change seasonally.
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