Downtown Milwaukee - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

Traditional German food, old-fashioned burgers, steaks and authentic Japanese cuisine are only a few of the tasty options you can find along the river. Lively bars are located along the river on North Old World 3rd Street, and the original Pabst Brewery can be found in the northwest corner of the neighborhood. It is now open to the public with a long list of draft beers.

Locals and frequent visitors know that Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub features a great night life. Live events, a full menu and 13 beers on tap make this old PBR brewery a very attractive venue. Start with rich appetizers, and build your own burger for a satisfying meal. Try the pasta of the day, or order pizza for the entire table to share. Come out every Wednesday night for a trivia competition.

Mader's has a long tradition in Milwaukee. The city's premiere German restaurant has served presidents, celebrities and legends of American history. Mader's is not only home to the best German food in the city, it also has a $3 million art collection. Savvy locals also know that Mader's hosts and caters weddings of up to 600 guests.

The historic Old World district is home to many long-standing establishments, including Calderone Club Downtown. The club has won awards for the best meatballs and thin-crust pizzas and has even been featured in Sports Illustrated. Try the veal rib chop or eggplant alla parmigiana for a meal to remember.

Getting onto the interstates and navigating the streets near the river can be a little tricky for the area novice. Roads, however, are well marked, and signs point travelers in the direction of the nearest interstate access points. Walking is an excellent option in the neighborhood. City streets are lined with wide sidewalks, making them pedestrian and bike friendly.

Cabs can be found on the commercial blocks, and Uber and Lyft serve the area. Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) stops at nearly every intersection in Kilbourn Town. Purchase a one-day ticket for $2 or $4 for a one-day pass. Drivers pay for street-side parking or use one of the fee-based parking lots in the city.

Zeidler Park, Pere Marquette Park, and Alfred C. Clas Park are all publicly accessible green spaces. Zeidler Park, home to Westown's Farmers Market, is full of vendors and shoppers every Wednesday during the growing season. Clas Park is bordered by the Milwaukee County Courthouse. Home of River Rhythms, Marquette Park follows the Milwaukee River on its western shore. It's a free-to-enter park that permits leashed dogs and bicyclists along the North Riverwalk Way.

River Rhythms brings local artists to perform at the gazebo of Pere Marquette Park. Entrance is free for all, but pets must stay at home.

The downtown shopping district is home to the historical Shops of Grand Avenue on West Wisconsin Avenue and North 2nd Street. Most retailer locations can be found along West Wisconsin and near the river. Home to exquisite shops, these stores are sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Wisconsin Cheese Mart has been catering to Milwaukee since 1938. They use only real Wisconsin cheese in all gift baskets and ship to anywhere in the United States. Choose from more than 200 varieties of cheese, and fill your basket with Wisconsin's best produce.

The Spice House, established in 1957, brings a product to Milwaukee that is unlike any other. This boutique grinds and blends spices to create aromas that inspire lifestyles and cuisine. Find gift sets, recipes and accessories for the kitchen at this savory shop.

Nikavonni's dresses men for success. Home of the $100 hook-up, Nikavonni's also provides high-end gentlemen's wear that's sure to impress. Find hats, shoes and suits for all occasions. The high-fashion, high-quality apparel has been trusted by Rapper Macklemore to furnish his performance attire.

Residents grocery shop at the Outpost Natural Foods Co-op on West Highland Avenue. The Outpost has a large selection of organic produce and protein. The co-op is a member of the Sustainable Food Trade Association and works to connect the community with meaningful activities and public events.

The Westown Farmers Market is open on Wednesdays from June to October at Zeidler Union Square. More than 60 vendors gather to sell their finest produce and merchandise. Shop for local art and food fresh from area farms while listening to live music in the gazebo.