Dining inside a restaurant – we’re going to put that topic aside for three months. This is al fresco’s time in the limelight, and we couldn’t be more delighted.
When we asked our staff to pick their favorite patio, they did – eagerly. If you’re looking for us, we’re out here, living our best summer lives on one of these outdoor escapes.
Know somebody making an impact in Milwaukee?
Ca’Lucchenzo
6030 W. NORTH AVE, WAUWATOSA
This patio is an unexpected urban oasis. Yes, it is right off the parking lot, but a handsome brick wall shuts out that view, creating the atmosphere of an outdoor room. Small trees and flowering plants soften the space and set the mood. By candlelight, with a glass of wine in hand and a plate of something delicious and Italian, it’s easy to feel transported – and to linger a little longer in the glow of a perfect summer evening. – Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
The Bridgewater
2011 S. FIRST ST.
When you think of what makes a great patio, “long” might not be the first descriptor that comes to mind. But hear me out. The Bridgewater’s vast riverfront patio – the longest in the city – creates a lovely summer scene. Boats pull up to the dock, folks play yard games, and you remember why a Milwaukee summer is worth waiting for. – Archer Parquette, Managing Editor
Charles E. Fromage
5811 W. VLIET ST.
Sipping and snacking on this rooftop patio feels like luxuriating on the terrace of your own teeny-tiny manor. Intimacy is the spirit of this wine bar – its cozy interior holds only 14 seats – but the patio overlooking Vliet Street takes that joie de vivre out in the summer air. The spot has live music on occasion, but it’s best experienced on quiet evenings, when wine and chocolate meet warm conversation. – Evan Musil, Arts & Culture Editor
La Merenda
125 E. NATIONAL AVE.
The patio’s comforting, relaxed outdoor vibe is like being seated in someone’s beautifully manicured backyard complete with wildflowers, park-style benches, a pergola and outdoor bar. Just beware of bees – they seem to enjoy it, too! – Sophie Yufa, Editorial Designer
The Outsider
310 E. CHICAGO ST.
A patio needs three things to win me over: comfy seating, great drinks and a beautiful atmosphere- (with sunshine as a bonus). The Outsider rooftop bar has it all, plus tasty small bites, in a cozy yet upscale vibe that keeps me coming back every patio season. – Katy Woods, Junior Designer
Café Hollander
7677 W. STATE ST., WAUWATOSA
The sidewalks in the Tosa Village spill over with patio diners all summer long. I would be happy to be tucked alongside any of the historic buildings, but Café Hollander has the prime spot. Get a table on the bridge over the Menomonee River on a Saturday morning, order a bloody mary and watch the foot traffic heading to and from the farmers market while live music floats across the river. – Chelsea Mamerow, Creative Director
Paloma Taco & Tequila
2156 S. KINNICKINNIC AVE.
This modern Mexican joint’s Bay View location is bright, vibrant and airy, and during warmer weather, that immaculate vibe extends out its big garage door with eight umbrella-ed tables on the edge of Zillmer Park. You’ll find me there, Pacifico in hand and Usual Suspect Burrito on plate (half spicy chicken, half chorizo), soaking up dappled sun and the neighborhood’s endearing bustle. – Chris Drosner, Executive Editor
Harbor House
550 N. HARBOR DR.
It’s hard to not feel lucky sitting here facing two of our city’s defining assets – Lake Michigan and the soaring wings of the art museum’s Burke Brise Soleil. That view steadies and calms as you drink a prosecco and wait for that beautiful piece of grilled fish to find you. Life can be complicated, but here it’s so simple; we wait, it always seems, so terribly long for this. Now we just need summer to slow down. – Ann Christenson, Dining Critic
