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In Dining
Al fresco: An outdoor dining guide
Dining on the river at Milwaukee Ale House.  
By OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers

Last updated June 26, 2005 at 6:04 a.m.
Tags: dining, al fresco, milwaukee restaurants, knick, osteria, rock bottom, outdoor seating, riverwalk, outside dining, mimmas,


Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on June 26, 2005. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.

Whether on the Riverwalk, along Brady Street, in the Third Ward or Downtown, fresh-air feasting and drinking in Milwaukee has become more widespread than ever before. So, get out there and dine al fresco, before we're all trapped inside for the winter!

To make your outdoor dining experience even easier, we've compiled a big list of many places with outside seating. Please note that while many places now feature outdoor seating -- since two chairs and a table do, technically, constitute dining outdoors -- this guide focuses on places that have put a little more into their outdoor experience.

But before you drive, trolley or walk to one of these joints, here's an exclusive OnMilwaukee.com tip. It's 85 degrees and your drink is sweating up a storm. How do you keep it from sticking to your cocktail napkin? Merely sprinkle a little salt on your napkin, and it's magic -- no more stickiness.

Now find a destination, and get outdoors. Use the talkback feature at the bottom of the story to tell us your favorite.

African Hut africanpresentations.com
1107 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 765-1110

African Hut serves authentic African cuisine from West and East African nations perfectly balanced for the American palate. Menu items include: Ostrich bashi, zanzi fries, banfi and jollof rice.

Anaba Tea Room
2107 E. Capitol Dr., (414) 963-9510

A unique feature of this tea room is the rooftop seating and garden area. Enjoy crumpets and tea sandwiches and choose from a wide variety of loose-leaf, chai or english-style teas.

The Anchorage
4700 N. Port Washington Rd., (414) 962-4710

You feel like a part of the natural habitat of the Milwaukee River when dining al fresco at this North Shore eatery located inside the Hilton. The outdoor deck has a bit of an upscale, up north feel but make no fish bones about it, the fresh seafood at The Anchorage is some of the city's best.

Apollo Cafe apollocafe.com
1310 E. Brady St., (414) 272-2233

A quick and cost effective Apollo Cafe lunch or dinner is sure to please even the pickiest gyro lover in brew city. After stuffing your face with Greek delights, it's a short walk to the Brady Street footbridge for a stroll on the lakefront to help you shed those new Greek pounds.

Aqua Lounge and Restaurant aquamilwaukee.com
1011 N. Astor St., (414) 272-1011

Located on the East Side, Aqua's unique decor makes it a memorable dining experience for everyone. The menu offers seafood, seafood and more seafood, as well as appetizers, salads, steaks and dessert.

Ardor ardorpub.com
607 N. Broadway, (414) 224-1476

Ardor is located in the historic Loyalty Building at the corner of North Broadway and Michigan Avenue in Downtown Milwaukee.The building features a four-story atrium with original ornamental ironwork and a patterned glass skylight.They serve wraps, veggie burgers, salads, pulled pork and a fish fry.

Azteca on Fifth
816 S. 5th St., (414) 383-8816

Just five minutes from Downtown, Azteca serves Mexican specialties such as sopa de tortilla, chile Colorado, chicken mole and red snapper filet. Enjoy a margarita or a Mexican beer while you soak up the sun.

Bacchus bacchusmke.com
925 E. Wells St., (414)765-1166

Inside the Cudahy Tower, Bacchus brings fine dining into a stylish space. Outdoor patio dining and private dining rooms make dining here an experience for lunch, dinner or special occasions.

Bang Thai Cuisine
6107 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 242-4455

Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine at Bang Thai. Try the spring rolls, Bangkok chicken and shrimp, and sear rare tuna steak while eating on their outdoor patio.

Barnacle Bud's
1955 S. Hilbert St., (414) 481-9974

Next to Skipper Bud's down on the KK (Kinnickinnic) River der hey is Barnacle Bud's. A favorite stop for boaters, burger and beer lovers, Bud's is perfect for an afternoon lunch or after-work beer. As seen in the film, "The Lady in the Box."

Beans and Barley beansandbarley.com
1901 E. North Ave., (414) 278-7878

An East Side institution, and one of Milwaukee's vegetarian hot spots, Beans & Barley features some of the city's best soups and sandwiches. The attached grocery store features gifts, magazines, vitamins, produce, sweets and organic, vegetarian and ethnic foods.

Beer Belly's
512 W. Layton Ave., (414) 481-5520

The home of the Belly Burger! A wide range of choices also makes Beer Belly's fish fry one of the best in town. There's also great tenderloin and baby back ribs.

Bella's Fat Cat
1233 E. Brady St., (414) 273-2113
4429 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 431-8480

Bella's dishes up creamy custard in an old-style custard/burger stand. Great onion rings, fries, shakes and other treats are the perfect complement to your big burger.

Botanas botanasrestaurant.com
816 S. 5th St. (414) 672-3755

Seafood, particularly shrimp and fish items, are the specialty at this Mexican restaurant. The food isn't too spicy, and the guacamole is great.

Bremen Cafe bremencafe.com
901 E. Clarke St., (414) 431-1932

Bremen Cafe, located at the corner of Bremen and Clarke in Riverwest, draws customers from all over the city. Coffee, conversation and free high speed Internet can all be found at Bremen, along with live music from local and touring acts. Work by local artists is on an ever-changing art on display.

Brew City brewcitybbq.com
125 E. Juneau, (414) 278-7033

One of the first big outdoor dining venues in town, Brew City serves a contemporary menu, offering items such as seared ahi tuna, pecan crusted chicken breast, and legendary red velvet cake

Broadway Bistro 241broadway.com/broadwaybistro
241 N. Broadway, (414) 431-2880

In the heart of the Third Ward, this is a great place for lunch or brunch outside on the sidewalk during the warm months. You can BYO (Build Your Own) burger or sample lighter items, such as the grilled tuna sandwhich. Brunch features specialties such as mini-morning bun french toast and creme brulee oatmeal.

Buca di Beppo bucadibeppo.com
1233 N. Van Buren St., (414) 224-8672

Buca offers southern Italian food with huge portions served family-style.

Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500

A favorite before and after Bradley Center events, Buck Bradley's features the city's longest bar, great casual dining, gourmet entrees, deli sandwiches and daily specials.

Butler Inn
742 N. Glacier Rd., Pewaukee, (262) 691-0840

A screened patio, tropical bar and two gazebos give patrons at Butler Inn options for thier outdoor dining experience. Tender Black Angus steaks, homemade soups and salads are some of the restaurant's specialties, not to mention the friendly staff and excellent service.

Café 1505
1505 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 241-7076

Specializing in soups, salads, vegetarian fare and sandwiches, as well as weekly specials, Café 1505 serves up excellent brunch all day Saturday and Sunday. There's also a full carryout menu and an espresso bar.

Cafe at the Plaza
1007 N. Cass St., (414) 272-2494

A truly unique, art deco dining experience -- the Cafe at the Plaza is a favorite of Downtown and East Side dwellers. The Plaza Scrambler and other breakfast items are all made fresh to order, and are available all day long. You will love the quaintness of the building and the lovely outdoor patio.

Cafe Brucke
2102 N. Prospect Ave., (414) 287-2053

This café/bar/restaurant boasts an eclectic beverage and food selection, including an affordable array of appetizers, entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Cafe La Scala
631 E. Chicago St., (414) 223-2185

Featuring its pizzas and paninis, Cafe La Scala is true to its Italian name. Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. Courtyard seating is available.

Cafe Vecchio Mondo cafevecchio.com
1137 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-5700

Fondues, focaccia and a wonderful cheese tortellini are just some of the items on Russ Davis' menu at Café Vecchio Mondo. A lovely and well-kept patio and an impressive wine list await.

Calderone Club
842 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-3236

The Downtown spot features the best in outdoor dining. Great pizza (this writer thinks it's one of the best in the city) and friendly service make Calderone a wonderful little Italian dining adventure.

Carini's La Conca d'Oro
3468 N. Oakland Ave., (414) 963-9623

Obviously, with fishnets on the wall the seafood portion of the menu is a favorite. Tuna, swordfish and salmon are the mainstays, and all go great with a smothering of garlic, olive oil and bread crumbs. Conca'd'Oro is the restaurant's signature dish.

Cempazuchi
1205 E. Brady St., (414) 291-5233

Creative Mexican, tex-mex items mixed with a wonderful environment that is bright and full of flowers. Tamales are tops, but all the items are great.

The Cheesecake Factory thecheesecakefactory.com
2350 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa (414) 257-2300

Almost any type of cheesecake you can imagine and every one is delicious. The menu is huge and full of most foods you could be craving. Just a tip, no reservations are accepted, so go early to beat the rush.

Chip & Py's chipandpys.com
1340 W. Towne Square Rd., Mequon, (262) 241-9589

Chip and Py's offers casual yet sophisticated dining, featuring an eclectic, value-oriented gourmet menu and wine list. Changing art exhibits and jazz pianists are a highlight.

Ciao Cafe
404 E. Silver Spring Dr., (414) 906-1555

Reasonably priced lunches and dinners are served at Ciao Cafe. Italian food favorites like pizza and Italian sausage are served, as well as healthier choices such as salads and low-carb items.

City Market
2205 E. Capitol Dr., (414) 962-0100
8700 W. Watertown Plank Rd., (414) 479-0479

This is one of the best lunch places on the East Side with a mix of pastas, salads, sandwiches, soups and other delights. A host of breads, cookies, scones, muffins and tempting desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Coast coastrestaurant.com
931 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 727-5555

Great views of the Lake and Milwaukee Art Museum don't overshadow Coast's wonderful food.

Coquette Café coquettecafe.com
316 N. Milwaukee St. (414) 291-2655

Milwaukee's world-class chef Sandy D'Amato and his wife have brought upscale, yet casual, dining to Downtown. Coquette Cafe is a lovely restaurant serving salads, pizzas, sandwiches and French and American entrees.

County Clare countyclare-inn.com
1234 N. Astor St., (414) 272-5273

Milwaukee's Irish inn, with all the feel of Ireland. A pub, restaurant and an inn, County Clare serves up great food, wonderful beer and Irish music.
Root soup, meat loaf, smoked salmon and of course, corned beef. Stop by for a bite and a pint.

Crazy Water crazywaterrestaurant.com
839 S. 2nd St., (414) 645-2606

Crazy Water has seared tenderloin, pasta, shrimp, scallops and halibut, all prepared with interesting twists, like fresh blackberries with the tenderloin, mmmm. Reservations are accepted.

Cubanitas cubanitas.us
728 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 225-1760

Cubanitas brings the taste of Cuba to Milwaukee. Featuring favorites like empanadas, plantains and mojitos, Cubanitas is the brainchild of local restaurateur Marta Bianchini.

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OMCreader Eesider said: Try the garden/courtyard at Tess before everyone else does....the ...
OMCreader Dear CONCERNED said: Can you be more specific?
OMCreader smartypants said: Welcome Back John, we missed you!
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