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Jan 09, 2024

Your 2023 Summer Dining Guide

Savor a delicious meal in the sun at these restaurants. 221 N. BROADWAY

Savor a delicious meal in the sun at these restaurants.

221 N. BROADWAY

Transport yourself to the streets of Italy when you dine al fresco on Onesto's patio in the Historic Third Ward. The restaurant can serve up to 36 guests outdoors, plus it has eye-catching fire tables that light up when the sun goes down.

2011 S. FIRST ST.

This new restaurant boasts the longest riverfront patio in the city. The 245-feet of outdoor and green space along the south bank of the Kinnickinnic River seats 80. The Bridgewater offers full service dining, an indoor/outdoor bar and lounge seating for you to soak up the summer.

420 W. JUNEAU AVE.

This rooftop destination in the brand-new Trade hotel in Westown just opened last month. Take in fantastic city views, while enjoying a hand-crafted cocktail and sampling the menu of Italian cuisine, including Florentine-style steaks, sourdough pizza and more.

420 W. JUNEAU AVE.

Just a few floors below Il Cervo, you’ll find this restaurant named after Milwaukee's first mayor, Solomon Juneau. The sophisticated spot offers shareable small plates and a collection of craft beer, fine wine and cocktails, which can all be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace.

425 E. MASON ST.

The Pfister Hotel's lively street-level restaurant is known primarily for its steaks, but it also offers burgers, seafood and more. The personalized service makes this dining destination a standout, and the sidewalk cafe is a summer destination.

401 W. CANAL ST.

Want to enjoy dinner with your pooch? This is the place to go. The spot at the Harley-Davidson Museum isn't just dog-friendly – it actually provides bowls and treats for your pup. And for humans, there is a wide range of options to enjoy on the patio overlooking the Menomonee River.

6501 W. BLUEMOUND RD.

The patio at this Italian classic is one of Milwaukee's favorite pizza destinations. It also offers a variety of Sicilian-inspired pasta and other Italian dishes. A pergola overhead and hanging flower baskets along the edges create a relaxed atmosphere for its outdoor dining area.

1007 N. CASS ST.

The greenery of the charming courtyard at The Plaza is the ideal spot for an outdoor breakfast or lunch, whether it's one of the cafe's delicious omelets, pastries or sandwiches.

550 N. VAN BUREN ST.

The rooftop patio at the Westin Hotel's Stella Van Buren offers a phenomenal view of our skyline, not to mention an extensive menu of craft cocktails, steaks, seafood and more. It also offers flexible seating options as well as private dining.

Fresh and New Dining Alert!

Potawatomi Casino Hotel recently reopened Dream Dance Steakhouse, one of the most exciting dining destinations right now. It's back in action for the first time in three years, bringing prime cuts of steak from Allen Brothers in Chicago, as well as more than 400 wines.

Considering a vacation? The Driftless Area's Richland Center is a scenic, rural escape, and while you’re there, be sure to stop at these patios.

101 W. COURT ST., RICHLAND CENTER

Swing by for breakfast or lunch at this lovely cafe. Sidewalk seating offers a front-row view of downtown Richland Center, and the flatbread pizzas are a particularly popular midday nosh.

100 N. MAIN ST., RICHLAND CENTER

Sip a margarita or a mojito on this Mexican dining spot's backyard deck. On a gorgeous summer day, what more could you want?

132. S. MAIN ST., LIME RIDGE

This restaurant hosts outdoor Friday fish fries, pizza nights on Saturdays, and on every third Thursday of the month, it brings out local musicians to perform live.

Grill at Home

Don't feel like leaving the comfort of your house? Well, consider a backyard barbecue. Outpost Natural Foods has you covered, with a wide selection of fresh, organic produce, naturally raised meat and poultry and grilling supplies. The one-stop shop's a great local spot to stock your next backyard bonanza.

Looking for the perfect cocktail to enjoy in your backyard? Try whipping up this Irish American Mule from Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey. It's simple enough to make at home, but sophisticated enough to impress.

INGREDIENTS/SUPPLIES

Copper mug

1½ oz. Keeper's Heart Irish + American Whiskey

⅓ oz. fresh lime juice

Ginger beer, to topCrushed ice

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In order above, add ingredients to copper mug, finishing with ginger beer.

2. Top with half of your crushed ice, stir briefly to mix, then add the rest of the ice.

BAYSHORE's annual Sounds of Summer concert series (Fridays, June 9-Aug. 25) is bringing 10 of the city's best food trucks out to cater the live music event. Pete's Pops, Shorty's Grilled Cheese, Twisted Plants, El Sazon Dominicano and more will be featured. Check out the full lineup of options at thebayshorelife.com.

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