A guide to Deer District restaurants and bars around Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee

Jordyn Noennig, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·9 min read
1

Fiserv Forum, the home of the Milwaukee Bucks at 1111 N. Phillips Ave., is surrounded by 30 acres of businesses, bars and restaurants known as the Deer District.

Here's what you need to know about where to eat and drink nearby.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS IN THE DEER DISTRICT NEXT TO FISERV FORUM

The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill was crowded as thousands of fans descended on the Deer District on May 25, 2019 to watch the Bucks compete in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill was crowded as thousands of fans descended on the Deer District on May 25, 2019 to watch the Bucks compete in the Eastern Conference Finals.

These bars and restaurants are officially part of the district's Entertainment Block:

The Beer Garden

This outdoor venue, which is owned by the Bucks, has a big screen for watching games. Seating consists of large picnic tables that fill quickly for big watch parties.

  • Food: Popcorn is available on-site. Patrons also can order food from the MECCA or The Cluckery

  • Patio: Yes

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 908-0401

  • Address: 1133 N. King Drive

Drink Wisconsinbly Pub

Drink Wisconsinbly first opened in Walkerā€™s Point in 2015 and moved to the Fiserv Forum entertainment block in 2019. The bar sells products from Wisconsin-based breweries, wineries and distilleries.

  • Food: Snacks like cheese curds and beef jerky

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 409-1740

  • Address: 320 W. Highland Ave.

Good City Brewing

Good City opened its first brewery on Milwaukeeā€™s East Side in 2016 and expanded to the Deer District in 2018.

  • Food: Lunch and dinner, including stone-fired pizzas and vegetarian and gluten-free options.

  • Patio: Yes, plus garage doors that open to the tap room when the weather allows.

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes. High chairs are available.

  • Phone: (414) 539-4343

  • Address: 333 W. Juneau Ave.

This 38-foot television monitor is the featured piece at The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill at the Fiserv Forum plaza. The Mecca is the last major business to open in this portion of the Deer District, the area surrounding the new arena.
This 38-foot television monitor is the featured piece at The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill at the Fiserv Forum plaza. The Mecca is the last major business to open in this portion of the Deer District, the area surrounding the new arena.

The Mecca Sports Bar and Grill

This Bucks-owned sports bar has a 42-foot-wide screen for watching games.

  • Food: Lunch and dinner daily with items like burgers, tacos and wings, plus brunch on weekends; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available

  • Patio: Yes, plus outdoor TVs

  • Reservations: By phone or online at Open Table

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 908-0401

  • Address: 1134 N. Phillips Ave.

KING DRIVE BAR DISTRICT

The Deer District borders a bar district on Martin Luther King Drive ā€” formerly Old World Third Street. Many establishments can be family-friendly during the day, but some of the bars cater to a 21-and-older crowd at night and during bar crawls. Here are all the bars on the stretch close to Fiserv Forum, along with a few other nearby.

Brick 3 Pizza

This pizzeria with counter service sells full pies or pizza by the slice, along with a craft beer selection.

  • Food: Serves lunch, dinner and late night. The menu includes more than 20 pizza selections, along with sandwiches and appetizers.

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 224-6040

  • Address: 1107 N. King Drive

Deer Camp MKE

This bar is one of four in the Milwaukee-area Camp Bar family, all featuring an Up North Wisconsin atmosphere. Deer Camp has a twist where it plays more with deer hunting aesthetic.

  • Food: Pizzas from Cranky Al's Bakery in Wauwatosa, plus appetizers.

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly:  Children are allowed if accompanied by an adult

  • Phone:  (414) 316-9900

  • Address: 1023 N. King Drive

Local Pub

This is one of the newest bars in the area. It took over the former Loaded Slate sports bar space and turned it into a more elevated bar.

  • Food: Elevated bar food and brunch on the weekends

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Children are allowed if accompanied by an adult

  • Phone: (414) 249-3336

  • Address: 1137 N. King Dr.

Lucky Clover Irish Pub

This Irish Pub is one of the newest spots near Fiserv Forum. It has 24 craft beers on tap and a Scotch tasting menu.

  • Food: Modern Irish and American pub food including reubens, pizza and nachos

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: Available for groups over 10

  • Kid-friendly: Yes, and kids menu is available

  • Phone: (414) 316-9986

  • Address: 1048 N. King Drive

Mader's Restaurant

This restaurant features classic German cuisine, decor and even waitstaff wearing dirndl and lederhosen.

  • Food: German fare in a fine-dining setting for lunch, dinner and brunch on weekends. Items can be prepared gluten-free and vegetarian.

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: By phone or online at madersrestaurant.com/reservations

  • Kid-friendly: Kids are always welcome. The restaurant has a kids menu, high chairs and booster seats

  • Phone: (414) 271-3377

  • Address: 1041 N. King Drive

Milwaukee Brat House

As the name implies, this destination is popular for its various brat dishes. The bar also offers shuttles to Brewers games and bus trips to Lambeau Field.

  • Food: Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with about a dozen brat plates plus a vegan burger and vegan brat. Items can be ordered bun-less or crouton-less for gluten-free patrons.

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating plus a beer garden behind the restaurant

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Kids are welcome when accompanied by an adult. The menu has kid-friendly items plus the restaurant has high chairs and booster seats. Weekends after 9 p.m. are strictly 21+.

  • Phone: (414) 273-8709

  • Address: 1013 N. King Drive

Oak Barrel Public House

This pub has a more laid-back atmosphere with two bars and three levels of table seating.

  • Food: Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Menu consists of pizzas, tacos and butter burgers. Oak Barrel also has gluten-free brunch and dinner options, plus a vegan menu that is available at all times.

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating and large windows that open to the sidewalk

  • Reservations: By phone or online at oakbarrelmilwaukee.com

  • Kid-friendly: Kid-friendly menu options, along with high chairs and booster seats are available. Weekends after 10 p.m. are strictly 21+.

  • Phone: (414) 897-8320.

  • Address: 1033 N. King Drive

Old German Beer Hall

Here's another bar that shows off Milwaukee's German heritage. Play a game of hammerschlagen or enjoy live German music on weekends.

  • Food: Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, with classic German plates like schnitzel and spaetzle. Vegetarian options are limited. A handful of entrees are made gluten-free.

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating

  • Reservations: Large parties may reserve a seating area but must meet a bill minimum or pay a fee.

  • Kid-friendly: The menu has kid-friendly options. The bar is strictly 21+ after 9 p.m.

  • Phone:(414) 226-2728

  • Address: 1009 N. King Drive

RWB Milwaukee

RWB Milwaukee is a late-night destination popular for dancing, with a second bar that is more low-key.

  • Food: No

  • Patio: The back of the building has a patio overlooking the Milwaukee River.

  • Reservations: Party bookings are available by phone.

  • Kid-friendly: No

  • Phone: (414) 226-6044

  • Address: 1044 N. King Drive

State Street Pizza Pub

This modern sports bar touts pizzas that can be ready in under 10 minutes and has 17 TVs for watching games.

  • Food: Pub fare including appetizers, salads, sandwiches and pizzas

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: Available for groups over 10

  • Kid-friendly: The pub has a kids menu

  • Phone: (414) 316-9986

  • Address: 322 W State St.

Taco Mike's

Tacos Mike's is a quick, cashless, over-the-counter spot to get tacos, beer and more.

  • Food: Tacos and quick apps

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes, with high chairs and booster seats available

  • Phone: (414) 763-3325

  • Address: 1001 N. King Drive

Third Street Tavern

This corner tavern has bar and classic arcade games for patrons to enjoy.

  • Food: Lunch and dinner menu consists of burgers, wraps and cheesesteaks, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

  • Patio: Ample outdoor seating on Highland Avenue

  • Reservations: Available by phone

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 897-8137

  • Address:  1110 N. King Drive

Truth Lounge

This club is open in the evening for dancing and game-watching. It also doubles as a hookah lounge.

  • Food: Limited entrees including pasta and salads, along with appetizers and wings.

  • Patio: None.

  • Reservations: By phone

  • Kid-friendly: Children may be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older.

  • Phone: (414) 581-5540

  • Address: 1111 N. King Drive

Uncle Buck's is a Northwoods-themed bar on N. Phillips Ave., with the astro-themed Red Star bar operating upstairs.
Uncle Buck's is a Northwoods-themed bar on N. Phillips Ave., with the astro-themed Red Star bar operating upstairs.

Uncle Buck's / Red Star

This bar's lower level has dining in a Northwoods-themed bar, while the upper level astro-themed bar has tables that overlook The Beer Garden and an upper level patio.

  • Food: A full dinner menu is available in Uncle Buck's, with small plates available in Red Star. The menu has vegetarian options. Gluten-free options are available on request.

  • Patio: Rooftop patio outside Red Star

  • Reservations: Call to reserve VIP tables in Red Star

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 988-0355

  • Address: 1125 N. King Drive

Whitetail

This lounge features cocktails and wine and has nightly music from Milwaukee DJs.

  • Food: No

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: No

  • Phone: (414) 810-0390

  • Address: 1110 N. King Drive

Who's on Third

This is a popular spot for watching sports, with two bars in separate rooms and plenty of TVs in both. The bar also offers shuttles to Brewers games, Packers games and Summerfest.

  • Food: Lunch and dinner, plus brunch on weekends

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating, plus garage doors.

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Yes, plus a kids menu

  • Phone: (414) 897-8373

  • Address: 1007 N. King Drive

ALSO NEARBY

The dining area overlooking the city and wine cellar pictured Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at II Cervo restaurant located on the roof of the Trade Hotel in Downtown Milwaukee.
The dining area overlooking the city and wine cellar pictured Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, at II Cervo restaurant located on the roof of the Trade Hotel in Downtown Milwaukee.

Craft

Craft is a modern restaurant serving both local and international beers in the new Trade Hotel next to Fiserv Forum.

  • Food: Upscale breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: Available online

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 644-0080

  • Address: 420 W. Juneau Ave.

Il Cervo

This upscale Italian restaurant sits on the 9th floor of the Trade Hotel, offering a full view of Fiserv Forum and downtown.

  • Food: Modern Italian fare plus brunch on weekends

  • Patio: Rooftop patio on the 9th floor

  • Reservations: Recommended and available online

  • Kid-friendly: Yes

  • Phone: (414) 279-6660

  • Address: 420 W. Juneau Ave.

Major Goolsby's

This 50-year-old sports bar is a few blocks away, and closer to the UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena, making it a popular spot for Panther, Admirals and Wave fans. It's also a buzzing bar on Fiserv Forum game days.

  • Food: This sports bar serves sandwiches, burgers, and includes an "in a hurry" section for food that can be prepared fast before heading to an event.

  • Patio: Sidewalk seating in the summer

  • Reservations: No

  • Kid-friendly: Kids are welcome with their parents.

  • Phone: (414) 271-3414

  • Address: 340 W. Kilbourn Ave.

Solomon's

This lounge is found in the Trade Hotel next to Fiserv Forum, featuring handcrafted cocktails, craft beer and select wines.

  • Food: Shareable small plates

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: Available online

  • Kid-friendly: No

  • Phone: (414) 644-0080

  • Address: 420 W. Juneau Ave.

Turning Tables Tavern

Turning Tables is a restaurant and teaching kitchen next to Fiserv Forum serving up meals to the public while providing training to aspiring food entrepreneurs.

  • Food: Rotating menu from chefs-in-training. Menu staples include BBQ and smoked meat.

  • Patio: No

  • Reservations: Available online at turningtablesmke.com 

  • Kid-friendly: Yes, and high chairs are available

  • Phone: (414) 651-3041

  • Address: 1034 N. Phillips Avenue

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Deer District restaurants, bars by Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee

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