A Very Indecisive Guide to Milwaukee Beer Gardens

READ MORE FROM OUR SUMMER GUIDE HERE.

Milwaukee and its surrounds have no shortage of outdoor places to put back a liter and a big pretzel. So many, in fact, that we couldn’t pick just one for each corner of town.

Central

1. Juneau Park  

900 N. PROSPECT AVE.

The location, right in the heart of Downtown, makes this formerly temporary, now permanent, spot stand out. Opens at 4 p.m. Tues-Fri, 11 a.m. Sat-Sun. 

2. Third Ward at Catalano Square  

147 N. BROADWAY

Grab takeout from any of the Third Ward’s great restaurants and head to a picnic table for live music Thurs-Sat. Opens at 3 p.m. Wed-Fri, noon Sat-Sun.

North

3. Estabrook  

4600 ESTABROOK DR. 

Gemütlichkeit is in abundance but shade is sparse at this über-
popular, Munich-style garden high above the Milwaukee River, with frequent live music and lots of German brews. Opens daily at noon. 

4. Hubbard Park

3565 N. MORRIS BLVD., SHOREWOOD

Shade from soaring trees, the rush of the Milwaukee River and a nice selection of beverages. Pack bug spray for evening outings. Opens at 3 p.m. Mon-Thurs, noon Fri-Sun. 

South

5. South Shore Terrace

2900 SOUTH SHORE DR. 

The eats here go well beyond typical garden fare, the lakeside vibe is chill and the skyline view is unparalleled. Opens at 4 p.m. Wed-Fri; 11 a.m. Sat-Sun. 

6. Whitnall  

8831 N. ROOT RIVER PKWY. 

The playground is nearby for the kids; for the adults, it’s a craft-focused beer list and live music on most weekend nights. Opens at 4 p.m. Mon-Fri; 11 a.m. Sat-Sun. 

West

7. The Landing at Hoyt Park 

1800 N. SWAN BLVD., WAUWATOSA

You’ll be enjoying live music, a Cranky’s pizza and a liter of German and craft beer; the kids will be enjoying the nearby pool or playground, or climbing the big pine tree. Opens at 3 p.m. Wed-Fri, noon Sat-Sun.  

8. Elm Grove

13600 JUNEAU BLVD., ELM GROVE 

There’s always a lot to enjoy (along with a Third Space beer) here, including Thursday trivia and a Sunday volleyball league on the adjacent court. Opens at 5 p.m. Thurs, 4 p.m. Fri, 3 p.m. Sat, 2 p.m. Sun.