With more businesses returning to an in-office setting, the city once again has a host of Downtown workers looking for lunch during the workday. Luckily, Milwaukee offers plenty of options, though it can be hard to navigate the culinary landscape of the city. We’re here to make things a little easier by showcasing ten local places you can choose for your lunch hour.
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Milwaukee Waterfront Deli
761 N. WATER ST. | 414-220-9300
Are you looking for a mid-day lunch experience that will give you the feeling of being on stage at a Broadway show? If the atmosphere is everything, and you like your murals from the window to the wall, we know just the spot. At the Milwaukee Waterfront Deli, you can sit down or if your schedule is tight, they’ll deliver to your door. The deli has a gigantic menu, offering sandwiches, sushi, salads, pizza, house-made soups and fresh bakery for dessert. Check out their online menu here.
Open Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
3rd Street Market Hall
275 W. WISCONSIN AVE. | 414-249-5062
This is a convenient location for anyone working near the Baird Center, the Riverside Theater or on West Wisconsin Avenue. 3rd Street Market Hall offers myriad culinary options. An online list of vendors can be found here.
Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m,; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Haven Café
1201 N. VAN BUREN ST. | 414-635-0023
Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, Haven Café is an easy stop at any point in the workday for a variety of sandwiches and bowls. You can view their online menu here.
Open Tuesday-Thursday 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
State Street Pizza Pub
322 W. STATE ST. | 414-249-5386
You’ll find signature pies such as the State Street Deluxe as well as unique offerings like their Italian Beef Pizza. If you come when the Brewers are playing during their mid-day games, you will likely be able to catch it on one of the 17 TVs. You can view the menu online here.
Closed Monday-Tuesday. Open Wednesday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Thursday, 12 p.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m; Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Uncle Wolfie’s
600 N. BROADWAY | 414-935-2076
Uncle Wolfie’s opened its original breakfast tavern in Brewers Hill in 2018, but this Broadway location is well-situated for Downtown workers. The locally-owned joint serves a creative take on classic brunch fare. You can check out the menu here.
Open Monday-Tuesday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Wednesday-Friday, 8 a.m-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., 5 p.m-10 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Swingin’ Door Exchange
219 E. MICHIGAN ST. | 414-276-8150
In the historic Mackie Building, Swingin’ Door Exchange offers a cozy dining experience Downtown. If you have extra time after you finish your meal you can walk around the building that housed Milwaukee’s Grain Exchange Room and the original trading pit. Take a look at the menu which offers fresh, made-to-order, American comfort food.
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. WATER ST. | 414-336-1111
From fresh fish to baked goods, the Milwaukee Public Market has a lot to offer for anyone working Downtown. If you need a coffee, Anodyne will satiate that mid-day caffeine craving. You can find fresh ingredients from Wisconsin farmers at Forage Kitchen, and East Side staple La Masa recently made their way in as well, offering a collection of freshly made empanadas. You can see their full list of vendors here.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Wicked Hop
345 N. BROADWAY | 414-223-0345
Right around the corner from the Public Market is the Wicked Hop, a local staple that’s been around for over 20 years. The lively atmosphere inside is perfect for anyone needing a mid-day boost, with a variety of American cuisine up for order. You can check out the menu here.
Open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
Lucky Ginger
221 N. WATER ST. | 414-269-8699
You’ll find Asian cuisine in the Third Ward’s Lucky Ginger, which first opened in 2015. You can take a look at their menu here.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sunday, 4 p.m-8:30 p.m.
Lazo’s Taco Shack
641 N. JAMES LOVELL ST. | 414-988-6567
Located in the heart of Downtown, Lazo’s Taco Shack has a menu is full of traditional taco favorites like carne asada, tinga, al pastor, carnitas and more. Lazo’s also delivers at the office. You can take a look at the menu here.
Open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
