This story is part of our Summer Guide from the June Issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read our full guide to summer fun, order your copy today!
Downtown Milwaukee’s revitalized warehouse district, the Historic Third Ward is a walkable epicenter of local eateries, bars and shops. The Milwaukee Public Market, home to more than a dozen eclectic food and drink vendors, is a local and tourist favorite, but this trendy, chic neighborhood is also full of hidden gems.
1. MARN Art + Culture Hub
191 N. BROADWAY
The Milwaukee Area Resource Network, which encourages equitable access to the arts throughout the city, opened this gorgeous gathering place last fall. Grab a glass of wine or cup of Interval coffee and enjoy the light, airy café, then take in some art in the adjacent gallery.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Char’d
222 E. ERIE ST.
Chef Yosub Yoon cooks up Korean fare with an experimental twist – we’re talking barbecued meat cooked on hot lava stones – at this always-hopping Third Ward joint. The modern space and expansive cocktail menu are reasons to stay, but Char’d is also popular for takeout.
3. Cavas
401 E. ERIE ST.
Cavas – a high-octane tapas and wine bar with a terrace overlooking the river – has an off-the-beaten-track vibe that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging at a Latin café. Gregarious owner Ana Docta is a constant – not to mention energetic and welcoming – presence.
4. Trestle Park
501 E. ERIE ST.
There’s a pocket-sized patch of greenery, but the highlight of this 4-year-old park is the pier jutting out over the Milwaukee River, a new use for a decommissioned rail bridge. Stroll south (and look down) for an American history lesson spelled out in the planks of the RiverWalk.
5. Bavette la Boucherie
217 N. BROADWAY
This restaurant has mastered the sandwich, with locally-sourced meat, produce and more. Plus, it’s in a lovely space right in the heart of the neighborhood.
6. Portrait Society Gallery
207 E. BUFFALO ST. #526
On the fifth floor of the Marshall Building is one of Milwaukee’s most forward-thinking contemporary art galleries. Director and art historian Debra Brehmer curates works from artists around the region with an eye for unheard stories.
7. Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. WATER ST.
This is simply a terrific place to grab a meal (eat-in or carryout) or do a little shopping. Need some spices, hand-dipped chocolates, artisan-made cheeses, bottled wines, branded MKE apparel? They’ve got you. They’ve got a cornucopia of meal makers, too, from lobster rolls to tacos to ribs to Thai curry.
Insider Tips:
Here are some top picks from Kate Blake, co-founder of footwear boutique Shoo (241 N. Broadway.), which has been a Third Ward fixture since 2005.
8. Lela
321 N. BROADWAY
One of the first clothing boutiques to open in the Third Ward, Lela carries new and vintage women’s clothes and accessories. “If I ever need something fancy or unique, I go to Lela,” says Blake. “A lot of my favorite pieces are from there, and they last forever because they’re so well made.”
9. DanDan
360 E. ERIE ST.
Blake, a vegetarian, typically doesn’t eat much Chinese food, but she makes an exception for this buzzy Third Ward spot with a modern American take on the cuisine. We love DanDan’s namesake chili-garlic-pork noodles, but Blake’s go-to dish is the General Tso’s Cauliflower, which she simply describes as “oh my gosh.”
10. The Green Kitchen
400 N. WATER ST.
Whether you’re vegan or just appreciate fresh, nourishing food, don’t miss this Blake-approved juice, salad and sandwich bar in the Milwaukee Public Market. Rumor has it, you’ll find the biggest and best salads in town here.
