When Gustave Eiffel sketched the plans for his sky-grazing symbol of Paris, I’m
quite certain he neglected to include a panoramic restaurant or bar in the
blueprint. More than half a century later, however, tower planners realized
tourists might enjoy toasting the unforgettable view with a glass of champagne
(nothing like drinking wine when you can almost glimpse the actual vineyard.) I
certainly would have appreciated gazing out upon the City of Lights from the
warmth of a restaurant instead of huddling outside with fellow parka-clad
travelers on the windy top level last winter. C’este Le Vie.
Thankfully, Milwaukee is a bit less expensive than Paris and, despite its
lack of wineries and Arc de Triomphes to gaze upon, the city is filled with
breweries, beautiful parks and a certain sparkling lake and river. Tis’ the
season for clear skies and I plan to bask in them from a window seat or under an
umbrella at every opportunity. Here are a few locations where the scenery is
good and the drinks are stiff.
First up is the much-fawned-over latest edition to the Milwaukee River club,
which includes such favorites as the Rock Bottom Brewery and Milwaukee Ale
House. Water Buffalo, nestled – you guessed it – on the corner of Water
and Buffalo Street opened this spring to the immediate attraction of hip young
professionals and wealthy river-rats. The Third Ward restaurant features a pair
of lengthy bars and multiple levels of dining and deck seating, which are
enhanced by window-lined walls and a veritable junkyard of industrial art
pieces. I particularly enjoyed their unusual take on sangria – they skip the
middleman and use fruit-flavored liquors instead of infusing the wine with
fruit. I hope to someday dock my 50-foot yacht at Water Buffalo’s riverfront
entrance but for now, I will certainly go back for its picturesque glimpse of
the river and trendy atmosphere.
I found a more sophisticated watering hole with a grand perspective of
Milwaukee’s feature body of water at Coast. Located in the O’Donnell Park
Pavilion where Wisconsin Avenue meets Lake Michigan, the patio-lined rear of the
building overlooks the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Brise Soleil wings. Coast features
a Happy Hour of fruity concoctions, such as the raspberry and pineapple blended
mojito I sipped down. From the viewpoint of the Wave Bar and Fireside Lounge, I
had to squint a little to see the sparkling blue lake, so I would advise drinks
on the patio – the higher up, the better.
If staring at water for a couple hours just isn’t your flute of mimosa,
follow me to Roots for arguably the best view of the city. Tucked into a
largely residential section of Brewers hill, the restaurant – acclaimed for its
“green” operation – was wildly different from the previous two I visited. I
followed crawling brown iron roots down the steps and straight to the earthy
feeling Roots Cellar bar. I was impressed by the imaginative fusion of flavors
in many of the cocktails. The elevated building’s panoramic vantage of the city
got better with each round. My Blind Chai – which featured a blend of kahlua,
Baileys and chai tea – was creamy and surprisingly strong, and it offset the
unusual cucumber-and-lemon table water, which I would probably leave out the
next time. The low-lit Zen décor and view from the window a romantic ambiance
perfect for drinks with a date. To experience the best view, snag a table on the
main-level restaurant or garden-surrounded patio.
Milwaukee summers are some of the most beautiful around, and trust me, they
feel even more gorgeous and breathtaking with a drink in your hand. Wherever you
go and whatever you drink, just make sure you have a good view!
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