1. Café at the Plaza
1007 N. CASS ST.
Tucked away in the lower East Side’s art deco hotel is an intimate ivy-covered patio. I go for the Café Signature Latte (topped with whipped cream!) and the seasonal pastries, but there’s a full menu of brunchy options. As I sip my espresso, I feel transported far, far away.
– Alli Watters, Editor, Digital & Culture
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
249 N. WATER ST.
I was first introduced to Blue Bat a few weeks after I started working at MilMag, and it’s been my go-to outdoor dining spot ever since. Sitting on a RiverWalk patio just feels like summer, with the sun setting over the water, pleasure boats cruising by and a margarita in hand.
– Archer Parquette, Managing Editor
3. Bass Bay Brewhouse
S79 W15851 AUD MAR DR., MUSKEGO
Imagine this: You’re sitting in the sun and sipping mimosas, deep in conversation while lounging on a huge patio that overlooks a peaceful lake. That’s exactly what a Sunday morning brunch at Bass Bay Brewhouse looks like. It’s heavenly.
–Brianna Schubert, Associate Digital Editor
4. La Merenda
125 E. NATIONAL AVE.
The thing about this patio is it’s really more like a big, beautiful backyard. There are grass and flowers, and the vibe is chill. If you like shade, ask for a table on the deck, which has an awning. The setting makes the food taste that much more delicious. All together, it’s more than a meal; it’s a mini respite.
– Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
5. BelAir Cantina
6817 W. NORTH AVE., WAUWATOSA
There’s no better way to enjoy this local favorite’s wide-ranging but accessible fusion tacos than the patio at its Wauwatosa location. Comfortable, welcoming and shady, it’s perfectly paired with a Pacifico and some chips and guac.
–Chris Drosner, Executive Editor
6. Lulu Cafe & Bar
2265 S. HOWELL AVE.
I originally had a more traditional patio-y pick in my head but kept going back to LuLu. It’s just basic outdoor furniture and some flowery planters set on the sidewalk in front – but get a load of the people-watching! You’ve got busy Kinnickinnic Avenue where it branches off into Howell, with Lincoln Avenue running perpendicular. The commotion is fascinating meal-time entertainment.
– Ann Christenson, Dining editor
Fresh Air
The patios where everyone’s gonna want to be this season
Who’s eating inside? Nobody I know. I’ll sit outside in a parka with a blanket over my knees if I have to. Here are just a few newbies to enter the fray. The Bridgewater Modern Grill’s spot faces the Kinnickinnic River and includes an indoor/outdoor bar, and a “social” patio with soft seating and fire tables. Westin Hotel resto Stella Van Buren’s rooftop space seats up to 24 people catching amazing sunset views but, shoot, it doesn’t accept reservations. Saffron Indian restaurant is giving its MKE River-facing patio a lift with greenery and sun shades. Greenfield’s Lebnani House is transforming its pergola-topped area into an all-season dining space. (Good thing, too – the place is crazy busy.) And Chicago-based Avlí Restaurant Group’s upscale Greek restaurant in the former Wolf Peach/View MKE is due to open in June, with two stacked outdoor spaces boasting a stellar view looking south from Brewers Hill.
