Top of the 'Tops!
Updated: Nov 30, 2019
It's that time of year, my favorite season - patio season. Nothing makes me happier than enjoying a cocktail outside on a beautiful day. Luckily, Milwaukee has over 100 patios to enjoy in the summer. But how does a girl choose?! I've got a technique, and it goes all the way to the top! The rooftop, that is. I'm comin' atcha hot with the best rooftops in the city so you can enjoy your booze with some views!
1. Summer Camp - Shorewood
Wednesdays & Thursdays 4-10pm
Summer Camp is the coolest little spot perched above The Atrium on Capitol. The Atrium is an event space run by Camp Bar and Sound by Design, so you know the setup is top notch. For two days a week, you can get yourself a cocktail named after some of the classics (Brandy, You're A Fine Girl and Santeria Sangria, for example) in a courtyard reminiscent space surrounded by lilacs, fire pits, twinkle lights, and great views! Yes, please.
2. The View at Trio - Old World Third St
Sundays offer bottomless mimosas from 12-3p and DJs start spinning at 2p
Trio offers some of my favorite views in the city! This cozy patio is perched right near the bones of the Bradley Center and gives you the prettiest perspective of Milwaukee. And bottomless mimosas to boot? I'll be there.
3. The Outsider - 9th floor of The Journeyman
M-Th 4p-12a; F 3p-2a; Sat 2p-2a; Sun 3-11p
If you've been on a rooftop in Milwaukee, the chances are it was The Outsider. With an expansive patio and views of the city on three sides, this one can't be beat! My personal favorite is their frose cocktail. She's got a little kick to her, and she does the trick. Enjoy a game of shuffleboard in the sky, or just relax and take in the city!
4. Zen on 7 - 7th floor of Hotel Metro
Call ahead
Boy, oh boy. Zen on 7 has had a little slice of my heart from the moment I set foot on their tropical little oasis. This quaint space is just begging you to relax with a drink, there's even a waterfall! Surrounding by the tall buildings on the block, it truly does feel like you're in a concrete jungle.
5. Blu - 23rd floor of The Pfister
M-Th 5p-1a; F-S 4p-2a; Closed Sunday
While it's not technically a patio, Blu is known for it's incredible views of Milwaukee, and I promised you views with your booze. If you're feelin' swanky, head up for a cocktail and on Fridays and Saturdays, take in the sounds of live music from 8-12. They also offer the opportunity to be a Blutender - a night where you tend bar and the proceeds go to a charity of your choice. How cool!
6. Cafe Benelux - Third Ward
Open at 7 on weekdays, 8 on Saturday and Sunday
This restaurant is a part of the Lowlands Group (along with Hollander, Benelux, Bavaria, and Centraal), so you know it's going to be sensational. This dutch girl loooooves a biermosa made with their signature High Speed Wit bier, especially on a roof! During the winter, they took advantage of the Domes trend, and I got to enjoy some hot chocolate from the comfort of our own lux dome! Out in the elements, but away from the cold.
7. Casablanca - Brady St
11-2a seven days a week
One of my favorite places to go in the city is the patio at Casablanca! There is nothing more freeing that having a hookah and an Attitude Adjustment (a cocktail that lives up to it's name) above the bustle of Brady St! I've even attended yoga classes up there - amazing. Apparently all it takes to get to the ultimate relaxation is a flight of stairs. Who knew.
8. Red Lion Pub - Lower East Side
M-F 11a-2a; S-S 6a-2a
The Red Lion Pub is right along the Milwaukee River and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I once attended their Harry Potter trivia and was so impressed by the turn out, and their staff's ability to respond to the hoards of PottHeads trying to get their hands on some Butterbeer or a Shepard's Pie. It was March, so the conditions weren't ideal...but we still had a great time on their patio!
The following are spots that I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy, but I'll definitely be checking them off of my list this season!
9. Ugly's - Old World Third St
M-F 4p-2a; S-S 11a-2a
10. Braise - Walker's Point
5-10p
11. Good City Brewing - Deer District
11a-12a
12. The Rooftop MKE - Milwaukee Brewing Co
Grand Opening June 14-15 (9th St location)
If you're looking for me this summer, you can find me at the top of the 'tops!
Go!