’Tis Dining Month, the tastiest time of year! This means we’re dishing up fun and fascinating food content throughout October. Dig in, Milwaukee! OnMilwaukee Dining Month is served up by Potawatomi Hotel & Casino and Wollersheim Winery & Distillery.
There are plenty of great local eats to enjoy at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee’s premier sports and entertainment complex. But if you’re looking for a nearby spot to grab lunch, dinner or post-game eats, we’ve got a list of restaurants to try that are within walking or brief driving distance of the arena.
Pro tip: Some venues offer shuttles to and from the Forum, so don’t hesitate to call ahead to see if accommodations are available.
Scroll through the list for ideas or choose your cuisine for a list of locations that will fulfill your craving.
What are you hungry for?
Barbecue
Burgers & pub fare
Global & regional fare
New American
Pizza & Italian
Seafood Boils
Steak
Tacos
Vegan & vegetarian
Barbecue
Carson’s Prime Steaks & Barbeque (3-minute walk)
301 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 223-3311
ribs.com/milwaukee
[Read more]
Dig into corn bread, babyback ribs, prime rib and more at this stylish Chicago-based chain.
Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse (7-minute walk)
754 Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 935-2029
docsbbq.net
[Read more]
Enjoy traditional Southern-style barbecue at this down-home spot specializing in house-smoked meats and sides.
Turning Tables Tavern & Eatery (1 minute walk)
1040 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 210-3451
turningtablesmke.com
[Read more]
Comfort food is king at Turning Tables, which offers dishes made with house-smoked meats, burgers, wings and more.
Burgers & pub fare
3rd Street Market Hall (12-minute walk, 4 minute drive)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 249-5062
3rdstmarkethall.com
[Read more]
Head to this Downtown food hall and you'll have your choice of numerous cuisines from old fashioned burgers and housemade frozen custard to pierogi, tacos, sushi, ramen, salads and loaded hot dogs. There are also plentiful activities from bags and video games to Top Golf Suites. You can even visit their selfie museum.
AJ Bombers (8-minute walk)
1247 N. Water St., (414) 221-9999
ajbombers.com
[Read more]
Enjoy a burger, custard and more at this quirkily fun spot sporting rocket-fueled peanuts for your noshing enjoyment.
Buck Bradley's Saloon & Eatery
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
[Read more]
Enjoy a burger, pizza or sandwich at this old timey saloon-style eatery where you can also enjoy entrees like steak or pork chops after 4 p.m.
Coaches
Eleven25 at the Pabst, 1125 N. 9th St., (414) 708-5541
facebook.com/coaches1125
[Read more]
Head to the Eleven25 food hall and you'll have a variety of choices (thanks to vendors serving up Chinese, Filipino and globally inspired fare). Among them is Coaches, which serves up a menu focusing on soul food and American favorites like burgers and wings.
Drink Wisconsinbly Pub (1-minute walk)
320 W. Highland Ave.
drinkwi.pub
[Read more]
There's no kitchen at the new Drink Wisconsinbly Pub, but there are plenty of classic Sconnie snacks – meat sticks, jerky, cheese and more – to build a base for all the local brews you'll find on tap at the Badger State bar.
Good City Brewing (1-minute walk)
333 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 539-4343
goodcitybrewing.com
[Read more]
There are more than just craft brews on tap at Good City Brewing's second location. Here, you can find stone hearth-fired pizzas, tasty burgers, classic pub snacks and more, plus tasty locally-made suds to wash it all down.
Major Goolsby’s (5-minute walk)
340 W. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 271-3414
majorgoolsbys.com
[Read more]
This long-time sports-themed watering hole delivers on appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and wings.
The MECCA Sports Bar & Grill (1 minute walk)
1134 N Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 908-0401
themeccamke.com
[Read more]
Whether it's lunch, dinner or weekend brunch, MECCA serves up crowd favorites from nachos and wings to sandwiches and tacos. Visiting during a game? You'll enjoy front row seats thanks to MECCA's 42 foot wide Ultra High Definition screen.
Miller Time Pub (11-minute walk)
509 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-2337
millertimepubandgrill.com
[Read more]
Enjoy craft brews and pub standards at this moderately upscale Downtown staple.
Milwaukee Brat House (3-minute walk)
1013 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-8709
milwaukeebrathouse.com
[Read more]
Sausages are king at this downtown spot boasting a good dose of Old Milwaukee charm. But there are also wings, burgers and plenty of great beer.
Old German Beer Hall (3-minute walk)
1009 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 226-2728
oldgermanbeerhall.com
[Read more]
Modeled after Munich’s renowned Hofbrauhaus, the Old German Beer Hall serves traditional Bavarian festival fare including Usinger’s sausages, pork chops, schnitzel and more.
Oak Barrel Public House (2-minute walk)
1033 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 897-8320
oakbarrelmilwaukee.com
[Read more]
There’s plenty to love at this American Public House serving pub fare with a twist. The comfort food-filled menu runs the gamut from tacos and burgers to pizza. Wash it down with a whiskey drink or craft brew.
Punch Bowl Social
1122 Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 204-7544
punchbowlsocial.com/location/milwaukee
[Read more]
This interactive restaurant and bar offers both a menu of elevated pub fare (think: burgers, sandwiches, tacos and more) and a wide variety of socially engaging activities including karaoke, pool, bowling and arcade and board games.
SafeHouse (13-minute walk)
779 N. Front St., (414) 271-2007
safe-house.com
[Read more]
This iconic Milwaukee spy-themed hideaway features creative cocktails and casual fare in a quirky, dimly lit interior.
Truth Lounge (4 minute walk)
1111 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 581-5540
facebook.com/pg/truthloungemke
[Read more]
Great for happy hour or a post-event hang, Truth Lounge features a small food menu of wings and snacks along with a large list of signature cocktails. It's a great spot to catch DJs, karaoke and art performances as well as hookah and bar games.
Turning Tables Tavern & Eatery (1 minute walk)
1040 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., (414) 210-3451
turningtablesmke.com
[Read more]
Comfort food is king at Turning Tables, which offers dishes made with house-smoked meats, burgers, wings and more. Bonus: you'll be supporting the restaurant's mission to train BIPOC food entrepreneurs to operate their own successful restaurant.
Uncle Buck's (3-minute walk)
1125 N. Old World Third St., (414) 988-0355
unclebucksonthird.com
[Read more]
Enjoy drinks or a full meal at this nearby destination serving up a modern-industrial-meets-north-woods vibe. Menu options include shareable appetizers, wings, salads and sandwiches along with more composed entrees.
Who's on Third (3 minute walk)
1007 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 897-8373
whosonthirdmke.com
[Read more]
From wings and cheese curds to craft beer, brats and burgers, you'll find it at this low-key sports bar.
Global & regional cuisine
3rd Street Market Hall (12-minute walk, 4 minute drive)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 249-5062
3rdstmarkethall.com
[Read more]
Head to this Downtown food hall and you'll have your choice of numerous cuisines from old fashioned burgers and housemade frozen custard to arepas, pierogi, tacos, sushi, ramen, salads and loaded hot dogs. There are also plentiful activities from bags and video games to Top Golf Suites. You can even visit their selfie museum.
Benihana (7-minute walk)
850 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 270-0890
benihana.com
[Read more]
Want a little entertainment before the game? Enjoy a bit of theater with your dinner at this hibachi chain serving Japanese dishes grilled tableside by engaging chefs.
Bento Xpert (11 minute walk, 3 minutes by car)
Eleven25 at the Pabst, 1125 N. 9th St., (414) 935-2823
facebook.com/Bentoxpert
[Read more]
Head to the Eleven25 food hall and you'll have a variety of vendors from which to choose. Among them is Bento Xpert, which serves up a menu of traditional Taiwanese and Chinese dishes
Mader’s (2-minute walk)
1041 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 271-3377
madersrestaurant.com
[Read more]
Pay a visit to Milwaukee’s oldest German restaurant, serving classic German dishes in an Old World atmosphere.
Marco Pollo (11 minute walk, 3 minutes by car)
Eleven25 at the Pabst, 1125 N. 9th St., (414) 935-2823
marcopollomke.com
[Read more]
Head to the Eleven25 food hall and you'll have a variety of vendors from which to choose. Among them is Marco Pollo, which specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes featuring their signature crispy chicken plus traditional sauces from Thailand, China, India, Japan as well as regions of the U.S.
The King & I (7-minute walk)
830 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 276-4181
kingandirestaurant.com
[Read more]
Enjoy dishes like pad Thai and volcano chicken or branch out and try something new at this longtime Thai restaurant.
New American
Birch (16-minute walk, 5-minute drive)
459 E. Pleasant St., (414) 323-7372
birchonpleasant.com
[Read more]
Enjoy delectable seasonal dishes – from pasta, vegetables, seafood and steak – many prepared using the restaurant’s wood-fired hearth.
Pizza & Italian
Calderone Club (6-minute walk)
842 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-3236
calderoneclub.net
[Read more]
Head here for thin-crust pizza, pasta and panini in a classic Italian restaurant environment.
Oak Barrel Public House (2-minute walk)
1033 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 897-8320
oakbarrelmilwaukee.com
[Read more]
There’s plenty to love at this American Public House serving pub fare with a twist. Their comfort food-filled menu runs the gamut from tacos and burgers to pizza. Wash it down with a whiskey drink or craft brew.
Pilot Project (13-minute walk, 3 minute drive)
1130 N. 9th St., (414) 395-1070
pilotprojectbrewing.com/milwaukee
[Read more]
This pilot brewery offers unique brews, plus a menu of Italian-inspired beer-friendly fare including shareable appetizers, sandwiches, salads and flatbreads.
San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana (6-minute walk)
838 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 276-2876
sangiorgiopizza.com
[Read more]
Enjoy certified Neapolitan-style pizza, antipasti and more at this rustic-chic eatery.
Seafood Boils
Lowcountry Seafood (6 minute walk)
1114 N. Water St., (414) 252-0015
lowcountrychicago.com/milwaukee-wi
Serving: Seafood boils
[Read more]
Head to this Downtown spot for its casual environs and down-home seafood boils.
Steak
The Capital Grille (9-minute walk)
310 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 223-0600
thecapitalgrille.com
Enjoy upscale dishes, including dry aged steaks at this well known steakhouse chain.
Carson’s Prime Steaks & Barbeque (3-minute walk)
301 W. Juneau Ave., (414) 223-3311
ribs.com/milwaukee
Enjoy prime rib, steaks and more at this stylish Downtown spot.
Milwaukee Chophouse (11-minute walk)
633 N. 5th St., (414) 226-2467
chophouse411.com
[Read more]
Steaks and seafood rule at this classic chophouse in the center of Downtown.
Tacos
3rd Street Market Hall (12-minute walk, 4 minute drive)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 249-5062
3rdstmarkethall.com
[Read more]
Head to this Downtown food hall and you'll have your choice of numerous options, including flavorful Mexican fare from Kompali Tacos Y Tortas. There are also plentiful activities from bags and video games to Top Golf Suites. You can even visit their selfie museum.
Lazo's Taco Shack (13 minute walk, 4 minute drive)
641 N. James Lovell St., (414) 988-6567
lazostacoshackmke.com
[Read more]
Enjoy traditional Mexican fare (including tacos) at this friendly Downtown restaurant.
Taco Mike's (3 minute walk)
1001 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 763-3325
tacomikes.com
[Read more]
This fast casual taco stop offers modern takes on traditional tacos. Both tacos and sides are 100% gluten-free.
Vagabond (5-minute walk)
1122 N. Edison St., (414) 223-1122
vagabondmke.com
[Read more]
Enjoy tacos, margaritas and more at this Airstream Trailer inspired taco joint.
Vegan & vegetarian
3rd Street Market Hall (12-minute walk, 4 minute drive)
275 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 249-5062
3rdstmarkethall.com
[Read more]
Head to this Downtown food hall and you'll have your choice of numerous vegetarian options from veggie burgers and custard to arepas, pierogi, tacos, sushi, salads and sandwiches. There are also plentiful activities from bags and video games to Top Golf Suites. You can even visit their selfie museum.
Beerline Cafe (6-minute drive)
2076 N. Commerce St., (414) 265-5644
beerlinecafe.com
[Read more]
Enjoy vegetarian and vegan options plus coffee and tea in a bright and spacious setting.
Benihana (7-minute walk)
850 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 270-0890
benihana.com
[Read more]
Want a little entertainment before the game? Enjoy a bit of theater with your dinner at this hibachi chain serving Japanese dishes grilled tableside by engaging chefs.
The King & I (7-minute walk)
830 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 276-4181
kingandirestaurant.com
[Read more]
Enjoy dishes like pad Thai and volcano chicken or branch out and try something new at this casual restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
