Yankee Hill - Milwaukee, WI Area Guide

First settled in the early- to mid-1800s, Yankee Hill stands as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Milwaukee. It lies just uphill from the old Juneau Town Settlement that once competed with West Side's Killbourn Town just across the river for residents and resources. A historically wealthy district, Yankee Hill once held rows of fine homes on Prospect Avenue that have since been replaced by high-rise apartment buildings.

Yankee Hill remains a cultural hot spot in the downtown area with museums such as Lincoln Center of the Arts and the Grohmann Museum showcasing art devoted to human industry. Residents also find themselves just steps from several big events, including Jazz in the Park held in Cathedral Square and the annual Summerfest.

Downtown Milwaukee may stand as the community hub for trendy cafes and gastropubs, but locals know that Yankee Hill's creative spread of eclectic cuisine makes up for its small selection with dishes that cause your taste buds to tingle. The bars and grills known for Mediterranean, Italian and brunch-focused cuisine cater to the neighborhood's younger crowd with cool vibes underscored by the area's historic elegance. When the sun sets, the dining strip along Astor Street transforms into Party Central with live music and authentic pubs open late into the night.

When your stomach's growling for some homemade tater tots and a Bloody Mary, stop by The Knick, tucked away in a historic building featuring artsy decor with a touch of class. Brunch meets gourmet in the restaurant's famous crab hash, a steaming specialty that always sells out early in the day. If you come for a later meal, be sure to try a few of the specialty cocktails, such as the Purple Haze and Third Coast. Take advantage of the valet parking, and sit on the patio for a relaxing dining experience.

Head to Safe House on N. Front Street to enjoy your favorite American classics. The walls are covered in memorabilia and photographs, providing the guests with a pleasant setting as they wait for their meals to be served. An always popular food throughout Wisconsin, locals rave about the cheese curds at this bar and grill. Make sure you get an order in and order a passion fruit margarita before you place your dinner or lunch order.

For Mediterranean delicacies, head to Mykonos Gyro & Cafe to enjoy a light meal on an outdoor patio surrounded by a mural that transports you to the seaside villas of Greece. Fill up on the lamb shank special, or savor the avgolemono soup with chicken, eggs and notes of lemon.

For a night of fun, locals head to Monica's on Astor. Located in the basement of an old mansion, this getaway features pool tables, board games and cheap tunes in the jukebox. The drink selection may be sparse, but you can enjoy a mug of Guiness or whiskey shots for just a few bucks. For a different vibe, head to County Clare to listen to traditional Irish folk music and regular live bands as you sip on a pint. The rustic Irish atmosphere and strong drinks never fail to put a smile on your face.

Drive, bike or even walk to reach Milwaukee's city center within minutes for a speedy work commute. Drive west on Kilbourn Avenue to reach Interstate 43 in less than a mile, or head south to reach Interstate 794. This primarily residential neighborhood has free public parking along the streets, but finding a space can be a hassle. For a quick ride to downtown, call a rideshare service, such as Uber, or a taxi service, such as Yellow Cab.

For public transportation, hop on a bus from one of the Milwaukee Transit bus stops. During the summer months, cruise your trusty bicycle down the dedicated bike lane along County Road 32, or take the bike trails along the lake shore. The neighborhood's compact layout makes it easy to run your errands by bike or on foot.

Yankee Hill provides plenty of community squares with playgrounds for a quick escape from city living, but the waterfront public parks remain the neighborhood's crown jewel, complete with breathtaking vistas and a cool lake breeze during the summer. Head to Juneau Park to see the statue of Solomon Juneau while walking your dog in the wide expanse of green grass. You won't find many modern facilities here, but this underrated park provides a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the grass or watch the fireworks over the lake on the Fourth of July.

Explore Veterans Park on the lake shore to discover the community's recreational hub in a family-friendly environment. Rent some roller blades or bikes to cruise down the paved trails overlooking the lake, or rent a paddle boat, kayak or canoe to get out on the water. Be sure not to miss out on the park's big kite festival, which gives you a chance to get to know your neighbors while taking in the kites.

Due to its convenient downtown locale, Yankee Hill comes with a high cost of living by Milwaukee standards. Renters find a diverse array of options, with a one-bedroom apartment renting for an average of $1,004 a month. Take the bus into downtown for around $2.25, or fill your tank while paying 11 percent below the national gas price average. Entertainment remains affordable, with a mug of beer costing $3 to $4 at Monica's on Astor or other local bars.

Living in Yankee Hill places you at the doorstep of some of downtown Milwaukee's finest shopping areas, where you find upscale boutiques, trendy thrift shops and dozens of specialty stores. The retail scene within the neighborhood itself remains sparse, featuring only a few supermarkets, beauty supply shops and galleries. However, a few hidden gems stand out with creative displays and hard-to-find items.

After marveling at the home-turned-store's stately architecture, step into David Barnett Gallery to discover a diverse collection of artwork and treasures from all over the world. If you're willing to shell out some big bucks, choose anything from an African tribal sculpture to a unique Japanese painting for museum-worthy decor to make your new apartment shine.

Just south of the neighborhood, Musical Memories enchants visitors with a collection of vinyl records spanning every genre. Find classic artist like Elvis Presley alongside newer musicians like Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson. Local music fans spend hours browsing the vintage records for hidden treasures.

When it comes to picking up your weekly groceries, you have a few options in Yankee Hill, ranging from the standard fare at Metro Market to discount groceries at Pick 'n Save. Be sure to check out the East Town Market just south of the neighborhood for fresh fruits and veggies during the growing season.