If there's anything the city of Milwaukee knows best, it's bars. In honor of the new year and its many upcoming opportunities to have a good drink, have a look at the 16 best bars in Milwaukee for 2016.
A romantic, intimate location with an award-winning list of wines, Balzac is not only Milwaukee's top wine bar, but also one of the most popular date locations in the city. Patrons can also enjoy an affordable tapas-style small plate menu.
Balzac
1716 N. Arlington Pl.
(414) 755-0099
Yelp: 4 stars, 223 reviews
For those seeking a lively atmosphere and classic pub food, no Milwaukee bar satisfies like Stubby's. Featuring a staggering 53 tap beers, Stubby's Gastrogrub & Beer Bar is the place for locals to grab a decent brew.
Stubby's Gastrogrub & Beer Bar
2060 N. Humboldt Avenue
(414) 763-6324
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 175 reviews
Catch the game on the 120" projection screen of this official Milwaukee Bucks sports bar. Patrons of Who's can enjoy daily food and drink specials and even plan to host a party there.
Who's on Third
1007 N. Old World 3rd St.
(414) 897-8373
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 63 reviews
Known as Milwaukee's bourbon bar, Distil is a true artisan drink establishment. This bar focuses on carefully developed craft and classic cocktails, bringing guests back through time to a bygone era of whiskey and refinement.
Distil
722 N. Milwaukee St.
(414) 220-9411
Yelp: 4 stars, 98 reviews
Featuring one of Milwaukee's best-loved happy hours, Bosley on Brady is the perfect place to drop by after-hours. Influenced by the style and flavors of Key West, Bosley offers appetizers, tropical drinks, beer and wines.
Bosley on Brady
815 E. Brady St.
(414) 727-7975
Yelp: 4 stars, 120 reviews
Locals love the dive atmosphere of Blackbird Bar, with its comfortable, no-frills atmosphere, great beer and classic pinball machines.
Blackbird Bar
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
(414) 486-1344
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 49 reviews
In operation since 1938, Bryant's is the oldest cocktail lounge in the city, featuring over 450 different cocktails. In lieu of a menu, Bryant's relies on talented mixologists to help guests find their perfect drink.
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
1579 S. 9th St.
(414) 383-2620
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 229 reviews
The Milwaukee Ale House thrills guests with live music from top local performers several nights a week. In addition to the show, patrons can enjoy house-brewed, national and international beers and wines.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.
(414) 276-2337
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 284 reviews
Bar Louie on Water Street features an extensive outdoor patio area, with large fire pits available in the warmer months. Bar Louie also offers an extended happy hour and $5 martini specials.
Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St.
(414) 847-1492
Yelp: 2.5 stars, 111 reviews
While it may come as a surprise that this bar was not chosen for the "Best Whiskey Bar" category, its drink prices and high-class atmosphere take it a step above the others with regard to the dent it might make in your wallet.
Whiskey Bar
788 N. Jackson St.
(414) 312-8566
Yelp: 3 stars, 51 reviews
Having served beer in Milwaukee for over 100 years (yes, really!), Wolski's easily takes the spot of "Best Local Joint." With 15 beers on tap, multiple dart boards, classic Wisconsin dive bar atmosphere and a strong community of loyal local patrons, this is a bar that truly says "welcome to Milwaukee."
Wolski's Tavern
1836 N. Pulaski St.
(414) 276-8130
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 83 reviews
The Safe House is an eccentric location to grab a brew and catch a magic show all over lunch. Ladies, prepare for the craziest bathroom ever, voted "Milwaukee's Best Bathroom, 2009" by onmilwaukee.com.
Safe House
779 N. Front St.
(414) 271-2007
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 436 reviews
Located in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood, Nessun Dorma is a small, intimate location that made the list of the top 5 Milwaukee bars for first dates from onmilwaukee.com in 2012. This bar offers a variety of wines, beers and cocktails, as well as small plates of Italian food.
Nessun Dorma
2778 N. Weil St.
(414) 264-8466
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 157 reviews
Milwaukee's top juice bar serves handcrafted, cold-pressed juice beverages that are purported to maintain all of the good nutrients and vitamins of the fruits and veggies from which they're made.
Juiced!
1749 N. Farwell Ave.
262-955-4295
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 15 reviews
The oldest operating gay bar in all of Wisconsin, This is It is a major Milwaukee institution for the LGBT community. Named the #1 Gay bar on WISN's A-List for both 2012 and 2013, it offers unique events and daily specials.
This is It
418 E. Wells St.
(414) 278-9192
Yelp: 4 stars, 28 reviews
Source: wikimedia.org
This is the lakeside sibling of downtown geek bar 42 Lounge. Since its opening in the spring of 2015, 42 Ale House has garnered strongly positive reviews. With regular events and great pub grub, the Ale House looks to be heading into a successful 2016.
42 Ale House
3807 S Packard Ave
Saint Francis, WI 53235
Yelp: 3.5 stars, 28 reviews
