Brewer's Hill - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

In the late 1800s, Brewer's Hill was home to the beer barons and employees who owned and worked at the Schlitz and Blatz beer breweries. Many of the incredible Victorian buildings owned by these former magnates fell into disrepair during the 20th century but have since seen a major resurgence as rehabbers have brought these beauties back to life. There are no museums in this neighborhood, but the striking architecture hearkens back to another time. The neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Regarding the art scene in Brewer's Hill, two excellent tattoo parlors serve the area, both providing rotating galleries with a focus on fine art.

Long after the golden era of beer production in this storied neighborhood, Brewer's Hill is the location of one of Milwaukee's favorite brew pubs as well as some tasty restaurant and food cart options.

Lakefront Brewery, on the scenic Milwaukee River, has long been a star on the microbrew scene and was the first brewery in the country to produce a certified-organic beer. Stop in to sample some famous Milwaukee sausages, including the classic beer brat, and specialties such as chicken with feta. A major draw, Lakefront's riverside patio reigns as the place to be to enjoy the hot Midwest summer in style.

For a slightly more upscale, international affair, try Wolf Peach, a restaurant focused on rustic European foods with a wide variety of options. Have your pick between French favorites, such as rabbit or veal, or the wildly inventive sunchoke ravioli. Wolf Peach sources many of its ingredients from its own on-site garden as well as another restaurant-operated farm in Milwaukee County. It also has several spaces available for private events. For nightlife, head over the river to nearby Brady Street for live comedy shows, bars, live music and more. Check out Wolski's Tavern for some real Milwaukee bar fun, including pool table, darts and all.

Brewer's Hill lies north of downtown, situated close to the geographical heart of Milwaukee. MCTS buses serve the area, making a commute downtown quick and painless. Hailing a cab is typically difficult, but plenty of local taxi services are available with a phone call. Uber is another option for rides.

Public parking is easy to find, as the area is primarily residential. Interstate 43 runs nearby, linking Brewer's Hill with downtown and other neighborhoods north and south. Walkability rates highly here, with close access to grocery stores, banks and restaurants. Biking is a safe option in the neighborhood, especially on the more quiet residential streets.

Brewer's Hill doesn't have any parks within its boundaries, but it is located very close to Kilbourn Reservoir Park and Brady Street Park, two public recreation centers that are free of cost.

Kilbourn Reservoir Park contains a 35-acre recreation area with a 135-year-old drinking water reservoir. Situated on a green hilltop overlooking downtown Milwaukee, the area has been popular with visitors of all ages and lifestyles for ages. For kids and sports enthusiasts, there is a large playground and basketball and baseball fields for all to enjoy. During the winter season, kids and the young-at-heart flock to this great urban park for unparalleled sledding access. Kilbourn is also a popular destination for dog walking and picnics during the summertime. The park also hosts an annual plant sale in May.

Brady Street Park seems very small in comparison to Kilbourn, but it offers a convenient place to hang out after shopping or picking up a coffee on Brady Street. This green space borders the end of Brady and faces the beautiful Milwaukee River. There is a small play structure for kids, some outdoor sculpture art and benches for taking in the view. Canine visitors must be leashed. Make sure to visit the park during the Brady Street Fair, held during the last week of July.

The cost of living in this up-and-coming neighborhood is slightly above the national average. MCTS buses take riders to downtown Milwaukee for $2.25, and the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood is $1,038.26. Typical beer prices range from $3 to $5 for a draft at a local pub, and gas prices are on par with Milwaukee's average, which is about three percent lower than the national average.

Shopping opportunities exist mainly on North Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, where tantalizing treats can be found alongside an incredible nonprofit community bicycle shop.

Northern Chocolate Co. is a fine chocolatier with a quirky ambiance. Stop in for the incredible mint meltaways, a crowd favorite since the 1980s. The shop has an extensive collection of gift packages and unique goodies that help you share your love of Milwaukee's best chocolate.

DreamBikes is a local bike shop with a strong dedication to getting bikes into the hands of marginalized Milwaukee residents. Since 2008, this nonprofit bike shop has refurbished and returned over 5,000 bikes to the local community, as well as provided jobs and work experience for a bevy of the community's teens. DreamBikes represents a handy shop for cyclists on a budget and kids bikes, and it's a one-stop shop if you need your bike repaired. Prices remain low to keep these fantastic bikes accessible.

Brewer's Hill's grocery shopping options including Pueblo Supermarket, with Piggly Wiggly and ALDI available in the nearby Riverwest neighborhood. Riverwest also hosts the Riverwest Gardeners Market, held on Sundays. This market provides fresh, locally-grown, organic produce, local honey and eggs, baked goods, and more. The market includes live music every week, as well.