With more businesses returning to an in-office setting, whether on a hybrid or full-time basis, the city once again has a host of downtown workers looking for healthy, filling lunches 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 and relax in a curated theatre district experience, or if your schedule is tight, they’ll deliver it right to your door. They have a gigantic menu, offering sandwiches, sushi, salads, pizza, house-made soups and even fresh bakery for dessert (yum). It’s a convenient walk for anyone downtown, with “a price that will keep you coming back daily.” Check out their online menu here: https://www.milwaukeewaterfrontdeli.com/menu
Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Third Street Market Hall
275 W. WISCONSIN AVE. | 414-249-5062
This is a dream location for anyone working near the Baird Center, the Riverside Theater or on West Wisconsin Ave. The Third Street Market Hall is the place to celebrate the city’s cuisine, culture and diversity with myriad local options. It excels in its inclusivity, offering vegan and gluten free options. An online list of vendors can be found here: https://3rdstmarkethall.com/vendors
Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m,. Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Haven Café
1201 N. VAN BUREN ST. | 414-635-0023
Haven Café is truly an all-day life-saver for anyone working downtown. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, one can stop here at any point in their workday for a variety of sandwiches and bowls. You can view their online menu here: https://havencafemke.com/milwaukee-lower-eastside-haven-cafe-food-menu
Open Tuesday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
State Street Pizza Pub
322 W. STATE ST. | 414-249-5386
Who doesn’t love pizza? The State Street Pizza Pub invites you in to experience some cheesy gourmet goodness during your workday. This veteran-owned restaurant offers 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 their 17 TVs. You can view their menu online here: https://statestreetpizzapub.com/order
Closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Uncle Wolfie’s
600 N. BROADWAY | 414-935-2076
Uncle Wolfie’s opened their breakfast tavern in Brewers Hill in 2018, but it’s their second location downtown that’s absolutely perfect for (or after) the workday. The locally-owned joint serves a creative take on classic brunch fare. This is a prime spot for people working near North Broadway. You can the menu here: http://www.unclewolfies.com/
Open Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. as well as 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. as well as 5 p.m to 10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Swingin’ Door Exchange
219 E. MICHIGAN ST. | 414-276-8150
Once named the best soup spot in the state, the Swingin’ Door Exchange in the historic Mackie Building offers a cozy dining experience for anyone working 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 their menu which offers fresh, made to order, American comfort food: https://www.swingindoorexchange.com/menu.php
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. WATER ST. | 414-336-1111
From fresh fish to baked goods, the Milwaukee Public Market has something for everyone 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: https://milwaukeepublicmarket.org/vendor-listing
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wicked Hop
345 N. BROADWAY | 414-223-0345
Right around the corner from the Milwaukee Public Market in the heart of the Third Ward lies the Wicked Hop, a 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 their menus here: https://thewickedhop.com/menus
Open Monday Through Thursday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Lucky Ginger
221 N. WATER ST. | 414-269-8699
Anyone looking for authentic Asian cuisine in the Third Ward area should make their way to Lucky Ginger. You can take a look at their menu here: https://eatluckygingermke.com/milwaukee-lucky-ginger-food-menu
Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m to 8:30 p.m.
Lazo’s Taco Shack
641 N. JAMES LOVELL ST. | 414-988-6567
Located in the heart of downtown, anyone looking to get some delicious local Mexican cuisine should try Lazo’s Taco Shack. Their menu is full of traditional favorites like Carne Asada, Tinga, Al Pastor, Carnitas and more. They also deliver at the office if the day is running a little long.You can take a look at their vast menu here: https://lazostacoshackmke.biz/milwaukee-lazo-s-taco-shack-food-menu
Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
