There’s no better indication of how much Wisconsinites loves summer than when the first mildly warm day after winter has passed. In that murky in-between period before we’ve even truly reached spring, much less summer, that first day brings swarms of people donning shorts and flip flops, jumping at the opportunity to shed layers and expose our skin to the sun once more.
It’s at this time that the area restaurants, cafés and bars begin to drag their patio furniture out each day, anticipating our growing desire to be outside as much as possible. Now as the days seem to only get warmer, Milwaukee is buzzing at all hours. And where better to spend time relaxing after work or out on a day off then at a few of the city’s best outdoor bar patios and rooftops? Let me take you on a journey northbound from Walker’s Point to the Third Ward, ending on the East Side.
Horny Goat Hideaway
If you are not familiar with this local brewer, the Horny Goat Hideaway’s name may be a little off-putting, or at least puzzling, but don’t be alarmed, it’s just the brew pub for Horny Goat Brewing Company—and home to easily the largest patio I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying in Milwaukee. Nestled on the bank of the Kinnickinnic River in an industrial part of the neighborhood, the patio is delightfully hidden from the metropolitan hustle and bustle and has an inexplicably laid back vibe. The Hideaway has twelve of their own beers on tap—including three new brews: the Summer Ale, Double IPA and 2011 Barley Wine—and some killer cocktails, like the pomegranate mojito, all sure to quench your thirst after watching a few rousing matches of sand volleyball on the bar’s nearby courts.
Horny Goat Hideaway is located at 2011 S. 1st St. Open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Café Benelux
Cafe Benelux is located at 346 N. Broadway Ave. Open Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday 7 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Brocach Irish Pub and Restaurant
If ever you wanted to feel like were tucked away in Europe sipping on your beer or cocktail of choice, Brocach’s patio is the place to do it. Picture this: You’re watching the sun come down while lounging on a giant wooden chaise. You can’t see the street with the cars racing by. The greenery, the tiled ground, the simple black metal railing and furniture mixed with wooden perching places, Brocach’s patio is the peaceful counterpoint to our over-stimulated culture. And thanks to their impressive liquor selection, this bar may also be the best place to get your scotch or Irish whiskey fix—or the best place to take the edge off of the work day with their happy hour special of a Guinness pint (out of a nitro tap, which – trust me – makes a difference) and a shot of Powers for $6.50.
Brocach is located at 1850 N. Water St. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
