Once a bustling fishing hub and commercial port, Port Washington remains a waterfront destination with a slightly New England-esque vibe. Charming shops, inspired spots to dine and imbibe, and the world’s largest outdoor fish fry draw visitors to a vibrant downtown that embraces its Great Lakes legacy.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Port Fish Days
DOWNTOWN AND VARIOUS LAKEFRONT LOCATIONS
The community-defining event has expanded to three days of fried fun, July 18-20, for its 60th year. With abundant opportunities to partake in deep-fried fish and french fry combos, this festival draws massive crowds for other attractions as well, including a parade, live music, a car show, a seniors/veterans dinner and more.
Twisted Willow
308 N. FRANKLIN ST.
Inspired by the bounty of local farmers – and the Saturday morning Port Farmers Market – the 11-year-old restaurant changes its menu seasonally, with an emphasis on dishes that are familiar and comforting, like braised short ribs and Parmesan-crusted walleye. Enjoy a pineapple-ginger Bee’s Knees cocktail at the bar while you wait for a table. Friday nights feature live music at Twisted Willow’s third-floor bar-lounge, Three12.
Locally Inspired
407 E. JACKSON ST. | 226 E. MAIN ST.
Plenty of Port shops feature local artists and artisan-crafted products, but Locally Inspired takes that spirit to another level – everything sold there is made in Wisconsin, from glassware and bloody mary mix to soaps and stationery. In May, owner Kelly Brown opened Cavelier Wine Bar, located just a block from the new home of Inventors Brewpub.
Frankie’s Ice Cream
313 N. FRANKLIN ST.
From Memorial Day to Labor Day, folks flock to Frankie’s, which serves up ice cream and freshly made mini doughnuts (even doughnut sundaes!) out of a 1969 Airstream Safari. Stroll through downtown with your treat or sit at picnic tables and enjoy the summer night under twinkling strings of Edison lights.
Harbor
106 LAKE ST.
Perhaps the biggest reason to visit Port Washington is its harbor and marina. “Walk out to the breakwater and stand out by the lighthouse and watch the sunrise” over Lake Michigan, Neitzke says. There’s more to do besides observe. You can go charter fishing or rent a kayak.
Coal Dock Park
146 S. WISCONSIN ST.
A place where coal ships were once unloaded has been remade into the city’s newest park. The walkways offer wonderful views of the harbor and lead into a bird sanctuary where you can see songbirds and peregrine falcons. Then head south for a stroll along the sandy beach.
Bernie’s Fine Meats
119 N. FRANKLIN ST.
This local staple, open since 1941, is one of the last smokehouses in the state, a great spot to buy bacon and sausages. “I was once there, and I saw a couple of guys walking in with these gigantic coolers,” Neitzke says. “They boated over from Michigan to buy from Bernie’s. I was so proud.”
