Must-see nightlife in Wisconsin

  • Champion's

    Milwaukee

    Champion's is the perfect choice if you're looking for something quiet, friendly and authentic. It has been a neighborhood fixture since the 1950s and not…

  • Joynt

    Wisconsin

    Landmark bar on popular Water St is worth a trip in its own right to admire the photos of the jazz and blues legends who used to play here when it was a…

  • Memorial Union

    Wisconsin

    The campus Union is Madison's gathering spot. The festive terrace, overlooking Lake Mendota, pours microbrews and hosts free live music and free Monday…

  • New Glarus Brewery

    Wisconsin

    This hilltop brewery, about a mile south of New Glarus, has won kudos around the state for its excellent Spotted Cow ale and Belgian Red (with Door County…

  • Vermutería 600

    Milwaukee

    The bar at the Hotel Madrid is a warm, magical space that transports you to 1930s Spain. It serves cocktails inspired by what Ernest Hemingway and pals…

  • Jules Coffee House

    Wisconsin

    This downtown coffeehouse offers organic coffees and freshly baked treats, like mocha cupcakes and peanut-butter cookies, in a pretty, 19th-century…

  • Hinterland

    Wisconsin

    Hinterland brings a touch of rustic swankiness to the local beer-drinking scene. Stouts, IPAs and seasonal farmhouse ales fill the glasses, while elevated…

  • Hi Hat

    Milwaukee

    One of the city's best watering holes, Hi Hat sits along a strip of legendary bars on E Brady St on the near-north side. There's drinking on two levels,…

  • Luna Cafe

    Wisconsin

    Snug coffee-roaster and cafe located in downtown De Pere, about 5 miles south of Green Bay, and the ideal spot to grab a cup of tea or coffee (or slice of…

  • Fat Cat Coffee Works

    Wisconsin

    Delicious coffees, breads and cakes as well as an excellent, inventive lunch-time sandwich menu set this casual New Glarus cafe apart. You can drink (or…

  • Capital Brewery

    Wisconsin

    Lots of families and groups of friends gather at this social spot. From April through October, they congregate at picnic tables in the outdoor beer garden…

  • Von Trier

    Milwaukee

    Consistently voted the city's best German bar – a worthy distinction given Milwaukee's Teutonic lineage. You'll find lots of unusual German and Belgian…

  • Lazy Monk Brewing

    Wisconsin

    Family-friendly pub and brewery, with a large drinking room, a cozy terrace in warm weather and friendly owners who are happy to tell you about Prague and…

  • Bodega Brew Pub

    Wisconsin

    It's hard to argue with an affable, centrally located bar that boasts no fewer than 15 taps, 400 different beers and free popcorn to munch on as you drink…

  • Best Place

    Milwaukee

    Join the locals knocking back beers and massive whiskey pours at this small tavern in the former Pabst Brewery headquarters. A fireplace warms the cozy,…

  • Uber Tap Room

    Milwaukee

    It's touristy, in the thick of Old World 3rd St and attached to the Wisconsin Cheese Mart, but Uber Tap Room is a great place to sample local fare. Thirty…

  • Colectivo – Foundry

    Milwaukee

    This is the Walker Point branch of a popular local chain that serves great coffee drinks as well as sandwiches and pastries. It's a decent spot to open a…

  • Hagemeister Park

    Wisconsin

    Fun riverside hang, with lots of local and craft beers on tap and a festive vibe in good weather. There's an extensive food menu as well, with some…

  • Colectivo Coffee – State St

    Wisconsin

    The University of Wisconsin branch of the popular Milwaukee-based coffee chain is a hive of activity. Students wander in to grab a cup and something light…

  • Puempel's Olde Tavern

    Wisconsin

    We challenge you to find a prettier tavern room than Puempel's in the heart of New Glarus. This atmospheric 'olde world' gem began life as a boarding…

  • Biergarten at Olbrich Park

    Wisconsin

    Come to this hugely popular spot overlooking Lake Monona to indulge in some al fresco quaffing on warm summer evenings. Purchase some German-style brats…

  • Root Note

    Wisconsin

    This vintage, exposed-brick cafe is a fine place to soak up the river-town vibe. Linger over coffee, beer or a banana Nutella crepe while listening to…

  • Great Dane Pub

    Wisconsin

    Big, friendly and rambling like its namesake dog, the Dane is a popular brewpub cooking up some 14 beers on site. In warm weather, head to the ivy-walled…

  • Colectivo Coffee - On The Square

    Wisconsin

    Good coffees, cakes and sandwiches right on Capital Sq. You'll find lots of tables inside (though this place can fill up) or you can take away.

  • Avant Cycle Cafe

    Wisconsin

    Roll into this downtown cafe-meets-bike shop to fuel up on nitro cold brew or turmeric chai before taking a spin along Lake Geneva's scenic backroads – or…

  • Eau Claire Downtown Coffee

    Wisconsin

    Handy coffee counter on the ground floor of the Lismore Hotel. Good coffees as well as cakes, sweets, salads and sandwiches. Eat in or takeaway. The main…

  • Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall

    Milwaukee

    Live polka and rockabilly music rules at kitschy Kochanski's, with beers from Schlitz to Polish drafts to Wisconsin craft labels on offer. There's a great…

  • Creamery

    Wisconsin

    Dependable downtown coffee dispensary with an inspiring riverside location. Locals know about the good breakfasts, including a classic eggs Benedict ($11)…

  • Colectivo – Prospect

    Milwaukee

    The northside locale of the local Colectivo coffee chain was the company's first stand-alone cafe and remains the main roasting plant. It's a neighborhood…

  • Wolski's Tavern

    Milwaukee

    Legendary Wolski’s celebrated its 110th anniversary in 2018 and is still bringing them in for its choice local Lakefront beers on tap, darts, pool and…

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