Milwaukee’s East Side has a vibe all its own, one borne from a combination of chic community, trendy dining and a love of all things artistic. It’s also one of the city’s top destinations for daytime and nightlife fun. And because it’s one of Milwaukee’s most walkable neighborhoods, it’s an easy place to spend the day taking in everything on offer, including these gems below.
What to See & Do
Active Adventures
The East Side is a veritable playground for those who prefer their activities to be active. For an out-of-the-ordinary experience, head to Nine Below, where you not only play miniature golf but also design one of the holes, then play it and eight more holes created by other patrons.
Plan a trip to Adventure Rock, a premier indoor rock-climbing gym that features bouldering, top-roped, lead climbing and auto-belayed routes for all abilities.
Find out why crowds have flocked to the chill ambiance of Landmark Lanes for nearly a century and bowl a game, play some pool, throw some darts or test your retro arcade skills.
Stroll Black Cat Alley to gaze upon 30,000 square feet of murals created by top local and traveling artists, or take in a movie at the Oriental Theatre, an ornate throwback to when the cinemas themselves were as engaging as their movies.
Outdoor enthusiasts have lots of options to choose from, too. A good stretch of the 135-mile Oak Leaf Trail runs through the heart of the East Side, and the area provides easy access to trails that run along the shore of Lake Michigan. The neighborhood is also home to Lake Park, which boasts gorgeous lake views, a par-three golf course, tennis courts and lawn bowling.
Shopping
The area is also home to many eclectic and engaging shopping boutiques. Check out Skilos: A Family Pet Store, where you’ll find treats, gifts and gear for your favorite furry friend, and Kind Oasis, a family-run apothecary specializing in THC, CBD and hemp-derived products.
Where to Eat & Drink
Foodies could spend weeks on the East Side and still not run out of new options to try.
If you’ve got a crew with different cravings, a good compromise is Crossroads Collective, a modern food hall featuring eight independently owned restaurants with dine-in and takeout options. Von Trier, one of Milwaukee's best German bars that features German culinary creations and cocktails. And Asian Fusion offers a wide variety of authentic Chinese cuisine and a flavorful selection of bubble tea. For some good BBQ, head to Backstreet BBQ, which doubles as a hotpot spot, or Smokin' Jack's, that also has remote locations throughout the city.
When the focus is as much on drinks as food, make your way to Wayfinder MKE, which features rotating craft beer brewed onsite, creative cocktails, and a curated wine. If you’re more in the mood for mixology, just off Black Cat Alley, you’ll find Shanghai, a hidden speakeasy and cocktail lounge that prides itself on craft cocktails and an amazing selection of absinthe, to say nothing of its collection of movie posters and artwork.
And when you simply want a good pizza, it’s hard to beat Pizza Shuttle, a Milwaukee favorite for 40 years that offers the added bonus of late-night/early-morning hours.
The East Side hosts an exciting lineup of events throughout the year.
The Milwaukee Film Festival brings the magic of cinema to life with an incredible lineup of films from around the globe, including captivating documentaries, heartwarming stories, and bold indie creations that will leave you inspired. When summer rolls around, Summer Soulstice turns the East Side into a massive street party, with live music on multiple stages, local vendors, food trucks, and nonstop good vibes. Whether you’re diving into the world of film or soaking up the energy of summer, the East Side has all the excitement you’re looking for!
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