2026 North Shore Community Guide: Things to Do, Places to Eat and More

2026 North Shore Community Guide: Things to Do, Places to Eat and More

Shop, dine and explore your way through Glendale, Brown Deer, River Hills, Bayside, Fox Point, Whitefish Bay and Shorewood.

Image: Courtesy of the North Shore Chamber

DISCOVER THE NORTH SHORE of Milwaukee.

Experience the unique charm of Milwaukee’s North Shore, where scenic beauty, rich history and vibrant communities come together to create an unforgettable destination. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, the North Shore is home to welcoming neighborhoods, thriving local businesses, and an abundance of recreational and cultural attractions. 

From upscale shopping at Bayshore to the natural and cultural treasures of the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, each community offers something special. Enjoy diverse dining options, scenic parks and a full calendar of annual events that make the North Shore a delightful place to visit, live and explore. Its close proximity to Downtown Milwaukee makes it an ideal place to visit, conduct business or call home.  We are proud to showcase the North Shore as a premier destination.

We invite you to experience our welcoming atmosphere, exceptional amenities, and the distinctive charm that makes this region truly special.

The North Shore Chamber of Commerce is one of Milwaukee’s most dynamic and supportive business organizations. Our mission is to make our region the best place to do business and prosper. Built by local businesses for local businesses, we promote economic growth through advocacy, collaboration, education and networking. We’re supporting the success of our business community in Milwaukee, the North Shore and beyond.

— Becca Petrillo, President and CEO, Discover the North Shore & The North Shore Chamber of Commerce


SEE THE FULL GUIDE HERE


Welcome to the North Shore

You’ll find culture, shopping, entertainment and plenty of charm in the North Shore, just a short drive from Downtown Milwaukee. The area is made up of seven communities: Bayside, Brown Deer, Fox Point, Glendale, River Hills, Shorewood and Whitefish Bay. Here are just a few of the many reasons to visit: 

Unique Communities

Explore the charm of each North Shore community, from the upscale shopping to the cultural treasures. With a variety of dining options, scenic parks and annual events, Milwaukee’s North Shore is an unforgettable  destination for residents and visitors alike. Its convenient location and diverse offerings make it an ideal getaway on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Natural Oases

The North Shore is home to great parks, beer gardens, fishing spots and hiking trails. From The Lynden Sculpture Garden to the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center that features six miles of trails that take you through 185 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline. Explore the winding trails, catch a big salmon or even make a splash in the fresh waters!

Shopping Galore

You’ll find the nation’s top retail brands, as well as small, local retailers across the North Shore. Shop till you drop at Bayshore, Milwaukee’s shopping destination. Or check out the famous Silver Spring Drive in Whitefish Bay, full of local stores and boutiques to explore. There is something for everyone.

Dining Destinations

With a mix of family-friendly establishments and upscale options, the North Shore showcases a commitment to culinary, baking and mixology excellence. Embrace Milwaukee’s German heritage at The Bavarian Bierhaus, an old-fashioned beer hall with traditional hearty fare. Swing by Mallards Restaurant that brings Seafood & Southern Charm to Bayshore, or catch a game with the family or friends at The Brick Pub & Grill.

Family Fun

Take a fizzy tour of the Sprecher Brewery or create colorful paintings at Hawaii Fluid Art – the North Shore is full of things to do for the young and young at heart.

There’s Always Something New to Explore

New businesses are popping up on the North Shore all the time. Check out the North Shore Chamber of Commerce’s collection of trusted local businesses at discoverthenorthshoremke.com and plan your next excursion.


North Shore Highlights
These local businesses are the heart of the North Shore. Grab dinner, go shopping and more with these local gems.

1. The Argo 

This premium entertainment space located in the historic Fox Bay Theater opened at the end of 2025. Designed by industry veterans, the venue includes The Lounge, serving a menu by chef Dan Jacobs and craft cocktails by Schyler Isham, as well as a ballroom for weddings, fundraisers, Jazz Wednesday concerts and more. The Lounge is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday starting at 4 p.m., no ticket needed. Built to elevate both experience and impact, The Argo donates $1 from every ticket to music industry wellness efforts. 

Photo Courtesy of The Argo

2. Azura Memory Care 

People with early through late stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s can find high-quality care at Azura. The Fox Point location features four households staffed to handle differing conditions. The spaces are designed to look like homes, not hospitals, fostering comfort and familiarity. 

3. Bumble Bee Blinds

Start your blind-buying process with an in-home consultation from Bumble Bee Blinds. The team of home and design experts guides homeowners through budgets, styles and more, determining a personalized solution for every type of window. 

Photo Courtesy of Bumble Bee Blinds

4. Charter Senior Living

This Mequon senior living facility offers assisted living and independent living options, all centered around Charter Senior Living’s mission to “enhance the human spirit.” Charter’s core values include serving with heart, purpose and courage while having fun. 

5. Confluence Graphics

Looking for creative print designs to spice up your business or personal project? For over three decades, Confluence Graphics has provided award-winning print, signage and mailing services. Woman-owned and locally operated, Confluence has invested in new equipment and technology to offer creative, high-impact print options. The staff take a consultative, relationship-first approach and help clients think strategically about how to print to support their goals. 

6. Cream City Mortgage

Do you have a dream home in mind but aren’t sure how to make it happen? Cream City Mortgage has an expert team that understands a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. The team offers financing, loan products and other options so clients can focus on their new home, not the stresses of financing it. 

Photo Courtesy of Cream City Mortgage

7. Glendale Heights Child Care Center

Since 1990, Glendale Heights Child Care Center has served parents living and working in the North Shore area. The privately owned child care center is for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. Glendale Heights’ philosophy is rooted in treating each child as an individual to help them gain a positive self-image, develop social and cognitive skills and more. 

8. Heritage Outdoor Media

The next time you spot an eye-catching billboard driving down the highway, know that you might be looking at the work of Heritage Outdoor Media. This family-owned advertising company creates much of the outdoor advertising you see all over the metro area. From billboards to digital signage, Heritage Outdoor Media helps businesses create compelling and memorable ads that grab attention. 

9. Hildebrand Law Firm

Since 2001, Hildebrand Law Firm has navigated the complexities of Wisconsin law to shield the assets of families and fuel the growth of local enterprises. Hildebrand offers services in estate planning and elder law, business and commercial law, litigation and dispute resolution, and family law and domestic relations. The team delivers high-caliber strategy tailored to your goals. hildebrandlawfirm.net

10. Infinite Gymnastics

At Infinite, athletes learn more than gymnastics. Coaches help them gain confidence in themselves, work on social skills and model the power of a good work ethic. Infinite offers classes starting at preschool and competitive teams for students ages 6 and older. If you’re looking to test out some of the equipment, Infinite also offers open-gym time for children and adults. Families can enroll at any time and enrollment is month-to-month. 

11. Kristin Burke Interiors 

Founded by Kristin Burkemper, Kristin Burke Interiors is known for creating spaces that foster a profound sense of connection, warmth and authenticity. Burke leads her firm in delivering refined, full-service interior design for residential and boutique commercial clients throughout the Midwest and beyond. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that “designing a home should feel inspiring rather than overwhelming – an experience defined by creativity, ease and thoughtful collaboration.”

12. Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association

Since 2009, this organization has loaned out over $2.8 million interest-free and has over $1.1 million available within its loan fund. It’s the only interest-free financial alternative in the state and is sustained entirely through private donations. MJFLA empowers people with temporary financial needs to achieve their goals by offering interest-free loans on a non-sectarian basis. Personal loans are available up to $7,500. Larger loans, up to $10,000, are available for certain purposes, including adoption and green home improvements. Full-time students are eligible to take out student loans up to $5,000 per school year. Learn more, apply or donate online. 

13. Lynden Sculpture Garden

Admission is free at this 40-acre garden, where you’ll find 50 striking sculptures across the grounds. Patrons are encouraged to picnic among the artwork. You can explore, take in the scenery, check out the rotating exhibitions and appreciate the unique collection. And over the summer, the garden offers summer camps that highlight the intersection of art and nature for children ages 4 to 15.

Photo Courtesy of North Shore Chamber

14. Mosaic Catering 

Everything is made from scratch with fresh, high-quality ingredients at Mosaic Catering, which offers full-service catering for corporate, social and private events. The staff create customizable menus for any event’s needs, whether it’s a business lunch or a wedding. 

15. North Shore Montessori School

Established in 2013 by Tracy Theisen, North Shore Montessori started as a single classroom. Over the years, it has grown to five classrooms serving children aged 20 months to the sixth grade. The teachers are Association Montessori Internationale-certified and receive ongoing professional development. The curriculum is Montessori-based at all levels, and all children experience Spanish-language learning and other cultural exploration. 

16. Revolutions Couples and Sex Therapy

Whether you’re struggling with physical or emotional pain, Revolutions can help. The therapists understand that sexual connection can be complicated and relationships are difficult. Clients can be seen in-office or through a secure telehealth platform. Revolutions offers couples counseling, group therapy, trans-affirming therapy and teen therapy covering topics like sexual pain, sexual trauma recovery, libido concerns and more. 

17. Schlitz Audubon Nature Center 

Visitors will find 6 miles of trails winding through 185 scenic acres of forests, wetlands, prairie, bluffs and Lake Michigan shoreline at the gorgeous Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. It’s also a prime spot for birders. Located along the Mississippi Flyway, the center is a designated Important Bird Area, with 266 unique bird species documented there. 

Photo Courtesy of North Shore Chamber

18. Stan’s Shoes

The Stan’s team believes shoes should cradle you, ground you and inspire you to move forward. The store curates fresh styles from around the world with exceptional comfort and craftsmanship, and fit them with expertise and care. Visit and look around. The team will help you discover the shoes you can’t live without. 

19. Village Park

Summer events in Brown Deer’s Village Park include a weekly farmers market, Community Vibes Music in the Park series, Summer Scenes Movies in the Park and swimming at the pond. Stop by for an event and check out the park’s historic Little White School House, creek and recreational trail. 


North Shore Listings
Whether you’re just looking for a place to grab a bite or are planning a full day of shopping and exploring, you’ll find dozens of great places to stop here.

Food & Drink

Bavarian Bierhaus
700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale
thebavarianbierhaus.com

The Brick Pub and Grill
6343 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale
thebrickpubandgrill.com

Photo Courtesy of North Shore Chamber

Cafe Corazón
4102 W. Bradley Rd., Brown Deer
corazonmilwaukee.com

The Daily Dose
619 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
dailydosejuicebar.com

Goody Gourmets
6369 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale
facebook.com/goodygourmets

Mallards
5689 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale
mallardsmn.com

Mosaic Catering
6
255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Whitefish Bay,
cateringbymosaic.com

Pastiche Bistro
4313 W. River Ln., Brown Deer
pastichebistro.com

Sprecher Brewery
701 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale
sprecherbrewery.com

Photo Courtesy of North Shore Chamber

Home and Garden

AJ Development Group
316 E. Silver Spring Dr., Milwaukee
ajdevelopmentgroup.com

Bumble Bee Blinds
9055 N. 51st St., Brown Deer
bumblebeeblinds.com/milwaukee-wi

Gerhard’s Kitchen Bath and Lighting
402 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
gerhardsstore.com

Z Plumberz
zplumberz.com

Entertainment

The Argo
334 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
theargolive.com

Brown Deer Golf Course 
7625 N. Range Line Rd., Brown Deer
mke.golf/browndeer

Lynden Sculpture Garden
2145 W. Brown Deer Rd., River Hills
lyndensculpturegarden.org

Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
1111 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside
schlitzaudubon.org

Shopping & Services

Azura Memory Care
7770 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point
azuraliving.com

Bayshore
5800 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale
thebayshorelife.com

Bricks & Minifigs
8681 N. Port Washington Rd., Fox Point
bricksandminifigs.com

Confluence Graphics
265 E. Hampton Ave., Milwaukee
confluencegraphics.net

Cream City Mortgage
205 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
creamcitymortgage.com

Cultural Cloth
523 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
culturalcloth.com

Global View Capital Advisors
N14 W23833 Stone Ridge Dr., Suite 350, Pewaukee
financegvc.com

Hildebrand Law Firm
hildebrandlawfirm.net

Infinite Gymnastics
8989 N. 55th St., Brown Deer
infinitegymnastics.com

Kristin Burke Interiors
623 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
kristinburkeinteriors.com

Milwaukee Jewish Free Loan Association
409 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
mjfla.org

MDRN Wellness
318 E. Silver Spring Dr., Whitefish Bay
mdrnwellnessmedical.com

North Shore Montessori School
4650 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale
montessorinorthshore.org

Stan’s Shoes
505 W. Silver Spring Dr., Glendale
stansshoes.com


This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s April 2026 issue.

Find it on newsstands or buy a copy at milwaukeemag.com/shop.

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