Here are 12 rooftop patios to check out this summer in Milwaukee, from The Outsider to Pufferfish Tiki
One of the only times it's acceptable to look down on people: When you're on a rooftop patio.
One of the best things about Milwaukeeans is that we know warm weather is fleeting, and we go hard in summer (see also: festivals, waterfront patios, beer gardens).
Rooftop patios offer another way to embrace the season. Here are 12 options:
Be sure to check the establishments' websites and/or social media for their hours of operation.
The Outsider at the Journeyman Hotel
Step into one of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel's elevators and press floor No. 9. When you get out, you'll have reached The Outsider. The rooftop lounge — described by its website as "an elevated social experience" — offers a variety of seating, from indoor and outdoor couches with low tables to outdoor high-tops. It boasts breathtaking views of the Third Ward and has fire pits throughout the terrace. The menu features festive cocktails, regional small-batch spirits, craft beer on draft and bottled options, wine and champagne, per its website. And if you're hungry, there's a brief food menu that includes wakame fries, bulgogi wagyu Bao, furikake popcorn, spam musubi and more. Reservations are not accepted; it's first come, first served.
Address: 310 E. Chicago St.
Website: outsiderrooftop.com
Pufferfish Tiki at Hotel Metro
Pufferfish Tiki, created by Jc Cunningham, is located on Hotel Metro's rooftop. It features two outdoor decks that overlook the city and a cabana bar. The Tiki bar serves a signature menu featuring tropical drinks, a classic menu with cocktails you'd expect to find at a hotel bar, "spiritless" offerings and an "intimate" food menu in collaboration with Chef Aaron Miles of Oggie's Kitchen & Bar. Pufferfish also has two indoor areas: A main room and a room designed to look like a fish bowl.
Address: 411 E. Mason St. Enter the Mason Street side door of the hotel and take the elevator to the sixth floor; follow the PufferFish signs down the hallway. Outside the PufferFish entrance is a pink neon sign. If it's lit, the bar is open. Enter the door, which looks like a hotel door, then take the stairs up to the seventh floor/rooftop.
Website: instagram.com/pufferfishtiki
Red Star above Uncle Bucks
Upstairs the Northwoods-themed Uncle Bucks bar-restaurant, there's Red Star, a galaxy-themed bar and lounge. The building's third level is where you'll find its outdoor rooftop patio, which features a fire table at the center and high-top tables. There's an indoor bar on that level with additional seating. On the second floor, patrons will find huge windows that open and overlook The Beer Garden in Deer District, along with another bar and communal seating for large groups and parties.
Address: 1125 N. King Drive
Website: unclebucksonthird.com
Il Cervo at the Trade Hotel
Il Cervo is a rooftop restaurant located on the ninth floor of the new upscale Trade Hotel. The restaurant, owned and operated by Madison-based Food Fight, features Italian food, including pizzas and hand-rolled pastas. It has an outdoor terrace on the east and south sides that overlooks Juneau Avenue and Fiserv Forum. Inside, a U-shaped bar and couches near a fireplace could also be places to hang out and grab a drink.
Address: 420 W. Juneau Ave.
Website: thetradehotel.com/dine-drink
Pilot Project
Pilot Project, a brewery incubator and tasting room, has a rooftop bar that features "beautiful" skyline views, per the company. It serves up Pilot Project craft beer, draft cocktails, wine and in-house snacks, including house-seasoned popcorn, house-made chips, house-mixed nut mix, rotating hummus and naan, cheese and charcuterie, and chai stout-aleppo chile brownies. There's "comfortable" lounge and high-top seating for 150 guests, plus standing room. Pilot Project also has two ground-level outdoor areas: A dog-friendly patio and beer garden that seats 184 and has standing room. Also out there: QR codes for ordering and lawn games.
Address: 1128 N. 9th St.
Website: pilotprojectbrewing.com/milwaukee
Cafe Benelux
The Lowlands Group knows its way around a patio — and Cafe Benelux's rooftop is no exception. Its expansive outdoor terrace is nearly always bustling with people eating lunch, dinner and (of course) brunch. It's the perfect place to sip your Belgian beer while taking in Third Ward views. And if you find yourself in the suburbs, two of Lowlands' Cafe Hollander locations (Mequon and Brookfield) offer second-story half indoor/half outdoor patios.
Address: 346 N. Broadway.
Website: cafebenelux.com
The UpTop Rooftop across from Indeed Brewing Co.
Indeed Brewing Company has a new pop-up rooftop taproom this summer, according to a news release. The UpTop Rooftop is located on the Eagleknit building across the street from the brewery. It offers "great views" of downtown and the Hoan Bridge. UpTop features a variety of Indeed craft beers, including Pistachio Cream Ale and Flavorwave. There's both indoor and outdoor seating options.
Address: Located on the fifth floor of the Eagleknit building, 507 South 2nd St., across the street from Indeed, 530 S. 2nd St.
Website: indeedbrewing.com/visit/milwaukee
The Aviary at Central Standard
The Aviary is the rooftop patio of Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen that has views of the city and Lake Michigan. During the week, patrons can grab a cocktail on the first-floor bar, then bring it upstairs. Bartenders serve handcrafted drinks made with Central Standard spirits and pour-ready premium cocktails, including the new Lemon Honey Bourbon Smash and Peach Bourbon Smash, on The Aviary level on Thursday and Friday nights, and all-day Saturday and Sunday. The patio's seating is first come, first served.
Address: 320 E. Clybourn St.
Website: thecentralstandard.com
Good City Brewing Co. on the east side
Good City Brewing, which has multiple area locations, has a rooftop deck at its east side brewery. The patio features a bar that serves beer and craft cocktails. Food is available out there during kitchen hours. Good City's ground level features a front patio and a garage door-style window that opens.
Address: 2108 N. Farwell Ave.
Website: goodcitybrewing.com
Hamburger Mary's
Hamburger Mary's — known for its brunch and dinner drag shows, karaoke, bingo and more — also has a rooftop patio. It offers comfortable seating and is open during regular business hours, weather permitting. The restaurant's menu features burgers, apps and desserts "all served up with a side of sass," according to its website.
Address: 730-734 S. 5th St.
Website: hamburgermarys.com/mke
Shaker's Cigar Bar
Spirits — of both the alcohol and haunted varieties — cigars, live music and tours. The iconic Shaker's Cigar Bar has a rooftop patio with a full-service bar as well as table seating. Food and pre-batched liters of palomas and margaritas are available seven days a week, according to the business. Often, there's live music. Rooftop dinner events this summer include The Father's Day Wild Game, Bourbon and Cigar Dinner on June 18, and The Independence Day Blue Crab, Shrimp and Roast Pig Fireworks Event on July 3 (reservations can be made at shakerscigarbar.com). The street-level has a front deck veranda. On the very top of the building is the Celestial Lounge, which can be rented for private events for an additional fee. It features lots of lounge seating, a piano and a bartender when an event is happening.
Address: 422 S. 2nd St.
Website: shakerscigarbar.com
Nō Studios Skyline Bar + Lounge
Skyline Bar + Lounge at Nō Studios is open to the public Friday nights. The creative arts hub's members also have access to it daily Monday through Friday. The bar-lounge has not one, but two outdoor rooftop patios. The indoor area is glass-enclosed with "unobstructed views of the city." A sake bar is available for private bookings. Nō Studios is owned by Mequon native and filmmaker John Ridley, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of "12 Years a Slave."
Address: 1037 W. McKinley Ave.
Website: nostudios.com/skyline-lounge
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee restaurant, bar rooftop patios with great views of the city
