These new Milwaukee patios offer summer dining with a view
Sweet summer will soon be here, and with it comes loads of loads of outdoor dining options from parklet parcels to sidewalk seating to rooftop verandas and tucked-away terraces.
We all have our favorites, but every year, the Milwaukee area is treated to new spots to soak up the sun while snacking, sipping and dining al fresco. This year’s no different, with a slew of new garden oases, rooftop spaces and waterfront patios with major vacation vibes.
Here are some new Milwaukee patios worth checking out this year.
Movida
The ground-level patio has long been a draw at Spanish-influenced Walker’s Point restaurant Movida. But now, thanks to an extensive expansion that debuted in March, guests can move their patio dining to the new rooftop space, a chic spot with views of downtown Milwaukee.
The partially enclosed patio is shaded by a wooden pergola and outfitted with Palm Springs-inspired striped, fringed umbrellas: a pretty-in-pink setting that practically begs to be shared on Instagram, especially during Movida’s pink brunches on weekends, where pink plates and napkins add an extra-sweet touch to the table setting. For $25, you’ll get coffee service, a beverage, a starter, a main and a dessert. Dishes like birria grilled cheese, apple pie French toast, garden paella and churro funnel cake are always available a la carte, and if bottomless mimosas and sangrias are your thing, Movida’s got those, too.
But the patio’s just as pretty in the evening, too, when you can dine on $75 unlimited tapas (jamon croquettas, pimento cheese and patatas bravas are Movida musts), or dig in to Movida’s excellent paellas, with vegetarian, seafood, and chicken and chorizo varieties.
Location: 600 S. Sixth St.
Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
More information: hotelmadridmke.com, (414) 488-9146
Avli
Avli, the modern Greek restaurant that opened last September in Brewers Hill, technically debuted its patio last fall. But it was a super short patio season, and the restaurant’s double-decker setup should be hailed properly for its first full summer session.
It’s one of the main reasons the Chicago-area restaurant group chose the space for its first out-of-state location. Avli means “courtyard” in Greek, after all, so now is its moment to shine.
The upper balcony patio stretches just outside the main dining room, and, weather permitting, acts as an extension of the space when the large, south-facing glass doors are open. Perched on a hillside above Commerce Street, it’s the spot to be if you’re looking to eat al fresco with a view, whether for the blue skies above during brunch or the glimmering downtown lights during a romantic dinner.
Or head to the lower-level courtyard to slip away from the sounds and hustle-bustle of the dining room area. There are more dining tables down there, but also cushy lounge furniture, fire tables and an outdoor bar to sip in serenity.
It’s a fun spot to sit if you’re stopping in for nibbles, like Avli's signature phyllo-wrapped prawns or the spread trio of hummus, tzatziki and tirokafteri served with puffy pitas. Or to sip on a refreshing cocktail like the ouzo rose spritz or salty cucumber, made with tequila.
Location: 1818 N. Hubbard St.
Hours: 4 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch) and 4 to 10 p.m. (dinner) Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (brunch) and 4 to 9:30 p.m. (dinner) Sunday.
More information: avli.us/avli-milwaukee, (414) 395-1300
SAGE
Yep, there’s plenty of green surrounding the back patio at SAGE, the new American restaurant that opened in the former White House space earlier this year. In fact, the backyard — lush with shrubs, flowers, plants and herbs — was part of the inspiration behind the restaurant’s name.
Slip into the back patio for a garden oasis that makes you forget you’re dining along Bay View’s busiest thoroughfare. The Edison bulbs strung over the paved patio paint the space in an ethereal glow in the evenings, and umbrellas provide plenty of shade during lunch and brunch.
Many of the dishes at SAGE feature herbs and other ingredients plucked from plants growing on the patio, too, like the Door County smoke whitefish pate or egg salad sandwich with tarragon and microgreens. A new summer menu is on the way soon, with more fresh flavors from the garden.
Also inspired by the backyard garden is SAGE’s knockout cocktail and mocktail menu, with drinks like the bubbly Lavender #2 or the Tyme #22 with sage and mint.
Location: 2900 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
More information: sagemke.com, (414) 897-0495
Brisa Do Mar
The only thing better than a Milwaukee patio is a Milwaukee patio on the water. That’s the big draw of the riverfront patio space at Brisa Do Mar, the Third Ward Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that took over the former Riverfront Pizzeria space in May.
Tucked along the Third Ward Riverwalk, the 274-square-foot patio doesn’t look a whole lot different than it did under its predecessor, but chef-owner Ramses Alvarez said he’s hoping to build up the patio with plants and extra ambiance to make it feel special.
But for now, it’s a pleasant space to grab a table by the water, under the shade of an umbrella as you watch boaters and kayakers float by.
It’s a sunny spot for a slice, and Brisa Do Mar serves two styles: thin, wood-fired Neapolitan (try the La Vert, with sliced zucchini, hazelnuts and creamy fontina cheese) and thicker “brique” pizzas (the bacon, pepperoni and Canadian bacon pie is a must for meat lovers). Or go for wood-roasted entrees like whole fish or pork belly confit. Pastas, salads and sandwiches are on the menu, too, meaning any patio companion can find something they’ll like.
There’s a whole menu of “snackies,” too, perfect for boaters who tie up to one of the restaurant’s two slips in need of light bites while out cruising the river.
Location: 509 E. Erie St.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Wednesday through Monday (closed Tuesdays)
More information: brisadomarmke.com, (414) 231-9574
The New Fashioned
At The New Fashioned, in Milwaukee’s Deer District, curling and curds come together on the outdoor patio with an unbeatable view of Fiserv Forum.
That’s right, there’s an outdoor patio complete with street curling sheets (that’s the name of the typically icy surface the game of curling is played on) that can be used year-round. Reserve a sheet for $60 an hour, then order food from the self-service kiosks that will come to your table as you play. Classic Wisconsin staples from Benson’s Restaurant Group — including butter burgers, beer brats, a fish fry sandwich, cheese curds and pretzel bites — help fuel the game, and treats such as Purple Door ice cream and Pete’s Pops ice pops (there’s so much local love at The New Fashioned) help cool you down after a heated game.
But The New Fashioned is just as fun even if you’re not feeling sporty. There’s another narrow second-floor patio outfitted with tables and chairs just for those who want to eat and drink. Head to the tap beer wall and fill a glass with one of 50 beers, cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages on tap and soak up the sights of the Deer District while perched above it all.
There’s plenty of action inside — like hyper bowling and dartball games — but The New Fashioned’s patios are perfect for sunny-day fun outdoors, too.
Location: 1122 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, 3 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
More information: newfashionedmke.com, (414) 939-8592
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: These new Milwaukee patios offer summer dining with a view
