ORIGINALLY BY DOMINIC INOUYE, UPDATED BY MILWAUKEE MAG STAFF
Brady Street has oft been compared to a mini-version of San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district or Chicago’s Lincoln Park. As a former Seattleite, I’m reminded so much of my old stomping ground on Capitol Hill’s Broadway Street or Ballard’s Fremont district.
In the 1860s, Polish, German and Irish immigrants settled in the area. During the first half of the 20th century, the Italian community set up shop, followed by the hippies, artists and antique dealers in the 1960s. Brady Street saw a renaissance in the late 1980s and quickly became the colorful, pedestrian-friendly melting pot destination that it is now, while still retaining elements of its historical identities.
With an eclectic array over 50 businesses packed right next to each other, there’s something for everyone: restaurants and bars, cafes and shops, a market and a bakery.
1. Classics Barbershop
918 E. BRADY ST.
Specializing in men’s haircuts, the barbers at Classics Barbershop are known for their friendly service and artistic, precision fades and designs. Experts with a pair of clippers, they take walk-ins and are also a hit with young children ready for their first cut
2. Dryhootch Coffeehouse
1030 E. BRADY ST.
While this “hootch” (military-speak for a sleeping hut or shelter) is both “dry” (free of alcohol) and a safe, social gathering place for combat veterans to receive peer mentoring and employment and housing resources, Dryhootch Coffeehouse also welcomes the public to enjoy its coffee and, in the summer, art and music.
3. Easy Tyger
1230 E. BRADY ST.
Calling itself an “Asian gastropub,” Easy Tyger fuses American and Asian flavors with steamed bao buns filled with fried chicken, miso ranch and lemongrass pickle, steamed mussels in a bacon-kimchi broth and turkey potstickers with curried root vegetable puree that are as tasty as they are beautiful.
4. La Masa Empanada Bar
1300 E. BRADY ST.
La Masa Empanada Bar elevates the traditional South American pastry with fillings like creamy sweet corn, potatoes and peanuts, mushrooms and truffle oil and even one inspired by the Cuban sandwich.
5. Art Smart’s Dart Mart & Juggling Emporium
1695 N. HUMBOLDT AVE.
I can’t say that I’ve ever actually purchased anything from Art Smart’s Dart Mart & Juggling Emporium, though I’ve done a lot of curious and amused browsing. But when I decide to take up ultimate Frisbee, join the circus or play an April Fool’s joke — or when someone tells me to “Go fly a kite!” — I know my first stop.
6. Kompali
1205 E. BRADY ST.
Speaking of occupying an old space, Kompali is a welcome sight after Cempazuchi closed after nearly two decades. Meaning “compadres” in Nahuatl, this new taqueria is still developing its reputation (and its website) after its first full month of operation. It has some big shoes to fill, but reviews of their traditional tacos (like chorizo, barbacoa, tinga) and international tacos (like Peruvian beef heart and Vietnamese beef) are, so far, promising.
7. Dorsia
1307 E. BRADY ST.
Integral to Brady Street’s late-80s renaissance, Mimma’s Cafe opened on Brady Street in 1988 and finally closed in 2016. When I moved to Milwaukee in 1994, I remember it as one of the places to go on a date. Dorsia now takes its place. However, while the old Mimma’s space, with its white-tablecloth intimacy, now looks and feels more like a sexy nightclub, Dorsia’s menu is already a hit: duck carbonara, three-meat bolognese, a meatball ciabatta sandwich and nine hearth-fired pizzas (all available gluten-free).
8. Up-Down MKE
615 E. BRADY ST.
A bit like Chuck E. Cheese for adults, this neon-lit bar has pinball, skee-ball, classic arcade games and of course, a wide lineup of craft beers to fuel a nostalgic night out.
9. Lakefront Brewery
1872 N. COMMERCE ST.
Just a quick pedal across the Milwaukee River lies Lakefront’s magnificent Beer Hall (the Friday fish fry is boss) and its outstanding RiverWalk-side patio. The beer here rarely misses; if you like the style, it’s probably gonna be good. Look for the neon-lit kegs.
10. Glorioso’s Italian Market
1011 E. BRADY ST.
This East Side landmark is foodie heaven: aisle after aisle of sweets, wines, cheeses, baked goods, meats. And oooh, that deli counter. Do not leave without one of the signature sandwiches, and when deciding what to take home, just try to remember the capacity of your bike’s basket!
11. Lilliput Records
1669 N FARWELL AVE.
This corner record store carries new and used vinyl and CDs for music fans of all tastes and genres. Especially if you’re looking for newer pressings, this spot has an extensive range of offerings.
12. The Diplomat
815 E. BRADY ST.
This cozy magnet for foodies – helmed by James Beard Award winner Dane Baldwin – offers a medley of great dining choices such as the Diplomac burger (inspired by that fast food staple but a zillion times better), the Knife and Fork Chicken (feeds two hungry folks), and the most elegant peanut butter pie.
Look up.
Look down.
Look closely.
