Dance clubs, live music, rooftop bars, speakeasies, LGBTQ+ nightlife, listening bars and late-night dives across Milwaukee, with where to go and what is worth the late night.
Dance Clubs in Milwaukee
1 place-
The Rave
The Rave on West Wisconsin Avenue is a six-floor music venue in the 1927 Eagles Club ballroom, with concerts, dance nights and the smaller Eagles Hall side.
Live Music in Milwaukee
3 places-
The Jazz Estate
The Jazz Estate on North Murray Avenue on the East Side has hosted nightly live jazz since 1977, with a tin-ceilinged room, a long cocktail list and table.
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Shank Hall
Shank Hall on North Farwell Avenue on the East Side is a 300-cap concert venue named for the Spinal Tap club, with national and local rock and folk acts.
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Company Brewing
Company Brewing on East Center Street in Riverwest is a craft brewery, music venue and kitchen with Wisconsin sours, IPAs and a deep weekend brunch and live.
Book food experiences in Milwaukee
Rooftop Bars in Milwaukee
1 place-
The Outsider
The Outsider rooftop bar atop the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel on East Chicago Street in the Third Ward runs craft cocktails, small plates and Milwaukee skyline.
Speakeasies in Milwaukee
2 places-
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge on South 9th Street in Lincoln Village has poured no-menu cocktails since 1938 with dealer's-choice service in a speakeasy-style.
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Safe House
Safe House on North Front Street downtown is a spy-themed bar since 1966 with password entry, hidden doors and a long cocktail list aimed at out-of-town.
LGBTQ+ in Milwaukee
3 places-
Walker's Pint
Walker's Pint on South 2nd Street in Walker's Point has been Milwaukee's lesbian bar since July 2001, with a back bar, a small stage, karaoke and darts.
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Fluid
Fluid on South 2nd Street in Walker's Point is a Milwaukee gay bar with rotating drink specials and a back patio with heaters and a fire pit for cold months.
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La Cage
La Cage on South 2nd Street in Walker's Point is Milwaukee's LGBTQ dance club, 40 years old in 2024, with several dance floors, DJ nights and drag upstairs.
Listening Bars in Milwaukee
1 place-
Boone and Crockett
Boone and Crockett on South Water Street in Walker's Point is a craft cocktail bar with a deep brandy Old Fashioned program, vegan snacks and a small natural.
Late Night Dives in Milwaukee
2 places-
Wolski's Tavern
Wolski's Tavern on North Pulaski Street has been a Lower East Side corner tavern since 1908, with the city's most famous I Closed Wolski's bumper sticker.
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Holler House
Holler House on West Lincoln Avenue is the oldest sanctioned bowling alley in America since 1908, with two basement lanes and a corner-bar shot-and-beer.