Where to Stay, Play and Invest in Milwaukee

The Worth guide to businesses, hotels, restaurants and experiences in Milwaukee, Wisc.

WORTH

Published on May 14, 2019

The terrace at the Kimpton Journeyman

Milwaukee is dynamic, historic and full of bustling businesses, charming hotels, innovative eateries and intriguing attractions. Worth is breaking down the places you should have on your radar.

Businesses

ManpowerGroup

As a Fortune 500 global expert on labor market and employment trends, ManpowerGroup connects human potential to businesses of all kinds by providing technological solutions related to human resources functions. 100 Manpower Place, 414.961.1000, manpowergroup.com

Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance

Having earned the highest financial-strength rating of any U.S. life insurer by all major rating agencies, the Milwaukee-based financial services mutual organization had upward of $29 billion in assets in 2017. 720 E Wisconsin Ave., 414.271.1444, northwesternmutual.com

No Studios

Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridley founded this art hub in the heart of the historic Pabst Brewery complex to foster creative exchange in the community. The 40,000-square-foot headquarters features offices, a screening room, performance stage, bar and rooftop lounge. 1037 W. McKinley Ave., 414.333.1936, nostudios.com

Hotels

Kimpton The Journeyman Hotel

Despite being located in the art-infused historic Third Ward, this hotel presents a solid case for never stepping outside. The rooftop bar overlooking downtown, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, evening social hour in the lobby and other amenities almost distract from the grand decor. 310 E. Chicago St., 414.291.3970, journeymanhotel.com

Kinn Guesthouse

Variously described as a boutique hotel, micro hotel, glamtel and hometel, this exclusive guesthouse offers unparalleled amenities in the heart of Bay View. 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 888.546.6021, kinnmke.com

Pfister Hotel

Just three blocks from Lake Michigan, this historic hotel offers reprieve from the bustle of downtown Milwaukee. Guests browse Victorian art and decor while enjoying modern luxuries including the Well Spa, Janice Salon and a cocktail lounge overlooking the lake. 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414.273.8222, thepfisterhotel.com

Restaurants

Ardent

If you’re up for innovative molecular-gastronomy cuisine, look no further. A relatively new addition to the trendy East Side, this cozy establishment serves locally grown seasonal ingredients with a contemporary twist. 1741 N. Farwell Ave., 414.897.7022, ardentmke.com

Boone & Crockett

Don’t be fooled by the rustic saloon vibe and taxidermy-covered walls. This cocktail bar seeks to “explore and exploit the adventurous palettes [sic] of the modern imbiber,” and that it does. Order the oak-aged old fashioned, aged in small oak barrels that also serve as chandeliers. 818 S. Water St., 414.212.8115, boonemilwaukee.com

Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge

This vintage 1938 cocktail lounge serves Depression-era libations from its unlisted selection of 450 drinks. That’s right, there’s no menu. Tell the bartender what you’re in the mood for and sit back and revel in the dim quirky lighting (you have to see it to understand) and old-school music blaring from the McIntosh hi-fi system. 1579 9th St., 414.383.2620, bryantscocktaillounge.com

Sanford

Famed for its “modern ethnic” cuisine, this upscale dining experience incorporates flavor profiles and techniques from around the world into contemporary dishes. Order the tasting menu of seven rotating courses for a complete turnkey culinary venture. 1547 N. Jackson St., 414.276.9608, sanfordrestaurant.com

Experiences

Brewery Tour

On a hill just west of the new Fiserv Forum sits the former Pabst Brewery complex, where several brewery buildings have been refurbished. The highlights include Pabst MKE—a trendy microbrewery and bar built into the rehabbed 1800s brewery chapel—and Milwaukee Brewing. As of mid-September 2018, guests can enjoy its acclaimed brews from a rooftop bar overlooking the arena. 1037 W. Juneau Ave., 414.908.0025, pabstmkebrewery.com / 1150 N. 9th St., 414.226.2337, mkebrewing.com

Milwaukee Bucks

Enjoy a Milwaukee Bucks game in style by booking a private party room with upscale amenities. Worth recommends the Tower Lounge—an intimate, exclusive setting with an outstanding vantage point. 1111 Vel R. Phillips Ave., 414.227.0504, nba.com/bucks/tickets/premium

Old World Third Street

The historic heart of Milwaukee’s German community, now referred to as Old World Third Street, remains traditional but with a modern flair. Located directly east of the Fiserv Forum, the heritage street is lush with 1800s facades and a three-mile Riverwalk that runs parallel.