Lower East Side - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

In the late 19th century, Brady Street became a commercial district. The area was also populated with immigrants from Poland, leading to the founding of St. Hedwig's Roman Catholic Church on the corner of Brady and Humboldt streets in 1871. Brady Street became the center of a large Italian community during the early 20th century and was known at that time as "Milwaukee's Little Italy."

The 1960s heralded a suburban migration from Milwaukee's urban core, causing bohemians and hippies to snatch up inexpensive housing. Economic slowdown during the 1980s brought decay and blight to the Lower East Side, but since the 1990s, the neighborhood has become a model for New Urbanism. Gentrification has pushed many bohemians and artists into surrounding neighborhoods, but a strong art culture remains in galleries and coffee shops.

The annual Brady Street Fair is a block-party gathering with live music, vendors and more.

In the Lower East Side, you can have it all. With high-end fine dining to kitschy bars, any visitor to the neighborhood is bound to be inspired. Brady Street, which took hold as a hippie enclave during the 1960s, retains some strong counter-culture character even as money has rolled in. North Avenue has a decidedly younger feel, with many more twenty-somethings and college students. Each street has several restaurant and nightlife options.

The elegant Sanford Restaurant gives evidence of the upscaling of the neighborhood in recent decades; this establishment serves up some of the most exquisite food in all of Milwaukee. Sanford presents American food with an international twist, combining taste profiles and food traditions from other countries. Menu options include seasonal four-course dinners, entrées and appetizers and a seven-course chef's special with optional wine pairings. For a great introduction to Wisconsin fine dining, try the char-grilled loin of elk, lovingly paired with maple polenta, balsamic grilled romaine and black currant mostarda.

For the vegetarian or comfort food seeker, look no further than the iconic Comet Cafe. Comet also specializes in classic breakfast and brunch fare such as breakfast burritos and omelettes. For an animal-free feast, order the vegan Salisbury steak made with a hazelnut-crusted cutlet, porcini mushroom gravy and chive mashed potatoes. Order drinks from Comet's full bar and attend fun events like variety shows, vinyl nights, and more.

Residents enjoy the Lower East Side's multiple bars. Dive bar aficionados will adore Wolski's Tavern, an off-beat Milwaukee institution with pool, darts and 100 years of history. Fans of the German-style pub flock to Von Trier, another centenarian establishment with palpable connections to the past.

The Lower East Side is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Milwaukee, with easy access to necessities such as groceries, restaurants and parks. Biking is also a popular form of transportation, and there are several streets with bike lanes. The Milwaukee County Transit system serves the neighborhood, linking it with downtown and most other neighborhoods and suburbs. Taxis are occasionally available to hail, but many more are available via telephone. Many residents use the Uber app to book rides as well. While metered parking is available for 50 cents an hour, public parking is limited around the Brady Street and North Avenue areas. Other residential parts of the area, however, remain unaffected. Access to Lincoln Memorial Drive and Interstate 43 make traveling in the metro area very easy.

Park goers, nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts find plenty to enjoy in the Lower East Side. There are small neighborhood parks like Brady Street Park, Pulaski Park and Cass Park, which provide residents with access to basketball, tennis and baseball courts, access to nature and off-leash dog areas. Nearby, the Milwaukee River Greenway, a system of parks and green spaces, extends along both banks of the river for over two miles.

In addition to these appealing recreation areas, Lake Michigan, a series of parks and a marina lie just east of the Lower East Side.

The confluence of Veteran's Park, the McKinley Marina and Juneau Park on Lake Michigan makes for great running, biking and hiking routes. The peninsula of Veterans Park contains multiple trails and viewpoints and provides access to the marina. Juneau Park also features an extensive trail system, as well as outdoor art installations and a historic cabin. The public uses all of these areas free of charge, and most areas allow dogs on-leash. Kids will have a blast exploring natural environments or playing on the playground.

Milwaukee County Parks puts on a spectacular Concerts in the Parks series at several parks throughout the city.

The cost of living in the neighborhood is higher than average for Milwaukee. The area has become quite popular as a destination, bringing in development and price increases. Public transportation to downtown costs $2.25 on MCTA's bus system. A one-bedroom apartment rents for about $998 a month. A typical beer at a local pub costs between $4 and $6, but options like PBR cans are cheaper. Gas prices are about 5 percent lower than the national average.

The major shopping areas are concentrated along Brady and North Avenues. The majority of retail stores here lean toward the hip and trendy, but there are a few higher-end options as well. Dragonfly Vintage Goods, a vintage clothing boutique for men and women on Brady Street, stocks home wares, furniture, gifts, incense and great threads. Picking up on the resurgence of vinyl music, this shop also carries records and record players. Clothing styles range from retro campy to elegant vintage.

Local culinary wizards adore Gloriosos Italian Market. This neighborhood mainstay stocks tons of hard to find and specialty Italian items, many of which have been crafted in Milwaukee. Upscale offerings include truffles, fine Italian wines and specialty cheeses. Don't leave until you've tried the fresh sausage lovingly prepared from a family recipe. Gloriosos also hosts great events and classes on wine pairing and Italian cuisine.

Grocery stores in the area include Pick'n Save and Metro Market. Farmers markets can be found on North Ave on the east side and also in the nearby Riverwest neighborhood.