CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
It’s a million-dollar view of the lake for the price of a pint. Plus, they have a fairly extensive menu and the food is good! 2900 S. Shore Dr., Milwaukee
2. Whitnall Beer Garden
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
My first visit to this sprawling beer garden, situated in a grove of massive maples on the edge of a wide-open lawn and the Whitnall woods, was a revelation. There are tables with full sun, in dappled shade and under the pavilion. There’s intimate seating, where other biergartners might join you (as in Germany), but also tables away from the crowd. There’s a playground near enough to bring the kids without intruding on the gemütlichkeit. It’s truly a choose-your-own adventure of outdoor social drinking. 8831 N. Root River Pkwy, Franklin
3. Hubbard Park Riverside Beer Garden
KATY WOODS, JUNIOR DESIGNER
My first time finding this “hidden” beer garden happened by accident while taking a long walk on the Oak Leaf Trail. To my surprise it has become my favorite beer garden to visit during the warm months. You can get a whole liter of beer! I recommend trying their “Giant Old World Pretzel” while playing a game of cards for the perfect experience. 3565 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood
Experience an unforgettable evening celebrating great design!
4. Estabrook Beer Garden
SOPHIE YUFA, EDITORIAL DESIGNER
I like Estabrook Beer Garden mainly because it sits right on the Milwaukee River and there’s so much wildlife there! I’ve spotted deer, cranes and hawks to name a few. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy nature and a good brew. 4600 Estabrook Pkwy.
5. The Vine at Humboldt Park
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I’m a simple man – just put some tables in a field, pour a beer, and I’m satisfied. This Bay View park hits those basics while also bringing the sort of pleasant, lively summer atmosphere that is fundamentally the whole point of a beer garden. Humboldt is perhaps best known for the Chill on the Hill concert series hosted on Tuesday evenings in the summer. That’s certainly when its Vine beer garden is liveliest, with just about every table full of folks who’ve stopped by for the show, but its also open Wednesday through Sunday for a quieter drink as the sun sets.
