Milwaukee Rooftop Bars: The 11 Best Picks for 2026

Overview:The Outsider Rooftop Bar is a spacious and swanky cocktail lounge, located 9 floors up at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel in the historic Third Ward. Modern and elegant in decoration, the rooftop comes with six unique indoor and outdoor areas.

View:Amazing views over the city skyline.

Menu: In a sophisticated yet vibrant ambience, the rooftop bar serves festive cocktails, crafts on tap, a wide selection of wines and shareable plates with a modern, Japanese twist.

Price:Cocktails: $15-18

Why visit:For an unbeatable mix of panoramic city views, stylish ambience, and expertly crafted drinks, The Outsider is Milwaukee’s rooftop must-visit.

Our insider tip

• Check out the happy hour, Monday to Friday 4-6pm.

Overview:Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, the Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen is housed in a beautiful and renovated 11,700-square-foot building. Covering five floors, the true gem is the top floor rooftop terrace, called The Aviary.

View:Spacious and modern, the open-air rooftop comes with plenty of bar-style seating, all surrounded with fantastic views over the Milwaukee skyline.

Menu:Award winning cocktails created with Central Standard spirits, like the 'Wisconsin Old Fashioned' or 'Milwaukee Mule', complemented with spirit flights and a nice selection of beers.

Price:Cocktails: $11-13

Why visit:To taste Milwaukee’s finest spirits while soaking up fantastic city views in a stylish, airy setting.

Our insider tip

• Hungry? Make it a combo with rooftop sips and reservations at the downstairs restaurant.

Overview:Café Benelux brings a large slice of Lowlands Europe-vibes to the the heart of the vibrant Third Ward in Milwaukee. And best of all, they do so with a fantastic rooftop terrace. Warm and sunny during daytime, and cosy under strings of lights at night.

View:Surrounded by the high-rise buildings of downtown Milwaukee.

Menu:Enjoy a massive and award-winning Belgian bier selection, specialty and tap cocktils, as well as a large menu of 'from-scratch-food'.

Price:Cocktails: $10-15

Why visit:To gather with friends for food and drinks any time of the day, from breakfast until the late hours.

Our insider tip

• Book a Lux Globe in winter for a unique, heated rooftop experience.

Overview:Located atop the 6th floor of Hotel Metro in downtown Milwaukee, Pufferfish invites to a true tropical oasis experience. With its lively tiki theme and inventive cocktail menu, this venue offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary.

View:Perched above the city center, Pufferfish offers sweeping rooftop vistas over the downtown Milwaukee skyline.

Menu:Sip on creative, rum-forward tiki cocktails, paired with light tropical bites, shareable snacks and an array of local and international beers.

Price:Cocktails: $12-15

Why visit:A great spot for a fun and refreshing escape above downtown Milwaukee.

Our insider tip

• The rooftop is available for private events.

Overview:Located in the Pabst Brewery District, Pilot Project offers brewery incubator, restaurant and rooftop bar in one vibrant venue. The spacious rooftop terrace offers both comfy lounge seating and bar spots, as well as open air spaces and a covered area.

View:The terrace comes surrounded with lovely views over the downtown skyline and Deer District.

Menu:The rooftop menu features Italian street food, craft beer, hard kombucha, wine, draft cocktails and much more.

Price:Cocktails: $13-16

Why visit:Experience Milwaukee’s brewing innovation and skyline scenery all in one lively, relaxed rooftop setting.

Our insider tip

• Always open to the public, but the rooftop bar is usually only staffed towards end of the week.

Overview:Taking over from Good City Brewing in 2025, Wayfinder MKE brought along a tiki-inspired rooftop bar to the heart of Milwaukee's vibrant East Side, open to all for sips and views from May to October.

View:Breathtaking views of Milwaukee’s East Side.

Menu:The rooftop bar serves plenty of tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, beer, and wine. You can also bring in take-out from your favorite local spots.

Price:Cocktails: $10-12

Why visit:A perfect spot to enjoy sunny afternoons and evenings with friends, filled with tropical vibes and island flavors.

Overview:Found in the heart of Deer District, downtown Milwaukee's most prominent entertainment area, Uncle Bucks on 3rd is a multi-level venue, mixing high end pub fare with sporting events and nightlife. From the fun and vibrant interior, up to the third floor rooftop.

View:Up top you get great views of the Milwaukee river and skyline.

Menu:High end pub fare, along with a large selections of crafted brews, cocktails and plenty of spirits.

Price:Cocktails: $10-13

Why visit:Come for weekend brunch, to watch a game, to dance the night away, or just to chill with some friends at the fire bar on the rooftop.

Overview:A lovely farm to table restaurant, as well as a culinary school, Braise also comes with a unique rooftop terrace. Charming, simple and very natural in setting, the wood- and garden inspired rooftop fits very well with the local, farmer and community supported restaurant. The rooftop is in full swing during the warmer months, but it also holds cosy rooftop greenhouses, that can be reserved for private dining experiences year-round.

View:The rooftop offers tranquil views over Harbour View neighbourhood.

Menu:Slow grown and seasonal natural food, made with local ingredients, paired with crafted and unique cocktails and local beers.

Price:Cocktails: $10-13

Why visit:For a special and local-inspired night out with a loved one or some friends.

Our insider tip

• Check the schedule for cooking classes to take home a taste of Braise.

Overview:The Red Lion Pub is a one of a kind downtown Milwaukee destination, bringing a large slice of the UK to the trendy East Side neighborhood. Set over two levels, British hospitality, food and drinks are available inside year-round, and when the weather allows, also on the lush and sunny rooftop terrace.

View:Overlooking Kadish Park across the river.

Menu:A full menu of favorite British dishes paired with Wisconsin infused, favorite American fare, along with a variety of authentic brews, spirits and cocktails.

Price:Cocktails: $10-14

Why visit:A great spot for relaxing drinks, patio games and the occasional live music, or to catch a game of English footy.

Our insider tip

• Happy hour specials is offered Monday to Friday from 4-6pm.

Overview:For pizza, wine, fun times and some elevated al-fresco vibes, head to Pizza Man, located in the Murray Hill area of East Side Milwakuee.

View:While the Pizza Man rooftop is more like a second floor balcony than a sky-high terrace, it is a charming and lovely outdoor spot, offering nice views over the iconic Downer Avenue.

Menu:Indulge in fresh and handmade pies and signature pastas, along with a wide selection of wines from around the world, and beers on both tap and bottle.

Why visit:For a local vibe while enjoying some of the city’s best pizza and wine al fresco.