Your Guide to Outdoor Dining in Milwaukee 2025

Your Guide to Outdoor Dining in Milwaukee

Nothing says a Milwaukee summer more than enjoying a drink and a meal on a patio. Here are a few restaurants serving delicious food and drinks in sunny, scenic spaces.

Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn 

6501 W. BLUEMOUND RD. 

This patio offers expansive space while still keeping a cozy feel with its hanging flowers and wooden railings. It matches the vibe of the cuisine – comforting and delicious Milwaukee thin crust pizza, other Italian favorites, steaks and seafood.   

Café at the Plaza 

1007 N. CASS ST.  

This charming and beloved eatery is well-known for its horseshoe-shaped lunch counter where diners gather around to watch chefs cook. A bustling favorite for breakfast, lunch and brunch, the cafe’s courtyard is flanked by tall buildings covered with ivy – a hidden oasis serving up classic flavor in the heart of Milwaukee’s Lower East Side.

Photo courtesy of Cafe at the Plaza

Harbor House

550 N. HARBOR DR.

For the past 15 years, Harbor House has boasted quite possibly the best view in the city, thanks to its position right on the Downtown lakefront, next to Discovery World. The restaurant serves New England-style seafood, including fresh fish and oysters, and the lake front patio is an idyllic spot to watch the sun set behind the city skyline. 

Rice N Roll and KIN 

1952 N. FARWELL AVE. & 7484 W. STATE ST., WAUWATOSA

The East Side’s Rice N Roll serves a menu full of classic Thai dishes and a wide selection of sushi, with a patio in a central location on the East Side. Westward, Rice N Roll’s sister restaurant, KIN, also has a spacious patio on which diners can enjoy sushi, ramen and modern Asian cuisine while overlooking State Street.


Dine and Game

Potawatomi Casino Hotel offers diners 12 places to enjoy a meal, with options for every palate. Guests can find pizza, burgers, tacos, ramen, artisanal sandwiches, sweet treats and cocktails at the Marketplace dining area. Or consider one of the sit-down spots, like RuYi, an Asian eatery with an extensive sushi menu; Dream Dance Steakhouse; or Rock & Brews, a restaurant launched by Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS, with over 50 craft and classic beers on tap. 1721 W. Canal St.

Photo courtesy of Potawatomi Casino Hotel

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

7616 W. STATE ST., WAUWATOSA

When you sit down at this patio, you leave Tosa Village and enter La Terrazza, where you can enjoy Ristorante’s traditional Italian dishes, inspired by the country’s vibrant regional cuisine.  

Sweetgreen 

300 E. BUFFALO ST.  

This popular fast-casual restaurant is on a prime corner in the bustling Third Ward. Salad lovers can enjoy custom-made creations while relaxing on the sidewalk patio. With a menu of fresh and convenient options, Sweetgreen is a great stop for an unfussy al fresco lunch or dinner while enjoying the energy of the trendy neighborhood.

Wayfinder MKE 

2108 N. FARWELL AVE. 

The new Wayfinder brings a warm, welcoming vibe to a historic East Side gem with sidewalk patio seating and a full menu of globally inspired plates perfect for sharing. Upstairs, The Rooftop offers tropical cocktails, craft beer and light appetizers with stunning views of the neighborhood. 

Faklandia Brewpub

3807 S PACKARD AVE, ST FRANCIS

Faklandia Brewpub is the world’s first storybook brewery where all of our creations are parts of our very own fantasy tale. Craft Beers, in-house smoked BBQ, food made from scratch & massive Dog-Friendly patio all come together as something truly magical. 

People’s Park

337 W. MAIN ST., WAUKESHA

People’s Park is a charming multi-level civil war-era building transformed into an airy urban space in the heart of historic Downtown Waukesha on the corner of Clinton and Main. Housed in a landmark building, our fun and hip gastropub has a full serve patio and funky rooftop in the warmer months perfect for people watching! Serving full menu until 11pm Weekdays and Midnight Friday and Saturday! Great food.. drinks.. and PEOPLE! 


This story is part of Milwaukee Magazine’s Summer Guide issue.

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