Milwaukee Bar Crawl Routes
Five epic themed bar crawls through Milwaukee's best neighborhoods. Discover curated routes with walking times, cost estimates, and insider tips for the ultimate Milwaukee bar hopping experience.
Milwaukee's walkable neighborhoods and legendary bar culture make it one of America's best cities for bar crawls. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, exploring with out-of-town friends, or just looking for a fun Saturday night, these curated bar crawl routes showcase the best of Milwaukee's diverse drinking scene.
Each route is designed to be completed in 3-5 hours, features 4-6 bars within walking distance, and offers a unique theme and atmosphere. We've included walking times, cost estimates, and insider tips to help you plan the perfect Milwaukee bar crawl.
🚨 Important Bar Crawl Safety Tips:
- Never drink and drive - use Uber, Lyft, or designated drivers
- Pace yourself - these routes span several hours
- Eat food between stops to stay energized
- Stay hydrated - drink water between alcoholic beverages
- Stick together as a group and watch out for each other
- Tip bartenders well (they'll remember you!)
Route 1: Third Ward Upscale Crawl
Sophisticated cocktails and riverfront views in Milwaukee's trendiest neighborhood
Duration
4-5 hours
Total Distance
1.2 miles walking
Estimated Cost
$80-120 per person
The Route:
Stop 1: Opening Cocktails (6:00 PM)
Start your evening at a craft cocktail bar in the Third Ward. Order a signature cocktail and enjoy the sophisticated atmosphere. Many Third Ward bars have happy hour until 6-7 PM, so arrive early for deals.
Budget: $15-20 per person
↓ 5 minute walk ↓
Stop 2: Wine Bar or Lounge (7:15 PM)
Move to an upscale wine bar or lounge with riverfront views. Order a glass of wine or beer and enjoy small plates. The Third Ward's waterfront patios are perfect during warm months.
Budget: $15-25 per person
↓ 3 minute walk ↓
Stop 3: Dinner & Drinks (8:15 PM)
Time for dinner! The Third Ward has excellent restaurants with full bars. Order entrees and continue with cocktails or wine. This is your fuel for the rest of the crawl.
Budget: $30-50 per person
↓ 4 minute walk ↓
Stop 4: Late Night Cocktails (9:45 PM)
Hit another cocktail bar for post-dinner drinks. Try something adventurous - the Third Ward's mixologists love to show off their skills. This is a great spot to linger and enjoy the atmosphere.
Budget: $15-20 per person
↓ 6 minute walk ↓
Stop 5: Closing Drinks (11:00 PM)
End the night at a lively bar with a more casual atmosphere. Order one last round and soak in the Third Ward's vibrant nightlife before calling your Uber.
Budget: $10-15 per person
Third Ward Crawl Tips:
- Dress code is smart casual - leave the athletic wear at home
- Make dinner reservations in advance (especially on weekends)
- Weekend parking is difficult - use rideshare or park once and walk
- Many bars offer riverfront patios in summer - request outdoor seating
- Third Ward has higher prices than other neighborhoods - budget accordingly
- Best days: Thursday-Saturday nights when the neighborhood is most lively
Route 2: Brady Street Dive & Live Music Crawl
Eclectic dives, live bands, and authentic Milwaukee character on the East Side
Duration
5-6 hours
Total Distance
0.8 miles walking
Estimated Cost
$40-70 per person
The Route:
Stop 1: Classic Dive Bar (7:00 PM)
Start at a legendary Brady Street dive bar. Order cheap beer, play some pool, and settle into the unpretentious vibe. These bars have been serving the neighborhood for decades.
Budget: $8-12 per person
↓ 3 minute walk ↓
Stop 2: Neighborhood Tavern (8:00 PM)
Move to a classic Milwaukee tavern with a jukebox and regulars at the bar. Strike up conversations with locals - Brady Street is famous for friendly bar culture. Try a Wisconsin old fashioned (made with brandy, not whiskey).
Budget: $8-12 per person
↓ 2 minute walk ↓
Stop 3: Dinner Break (9:00 PM)
Grab food at a Brady Street restaurant or bar with a kitchen. Options range from burgers to international cuisine. Have a beer or two with dinner to pace yourself.
Budget: $15-25 per person
↓ 4 minute walk ↓
Stop 4: Live Music Venue (10:15 PM)
Check out live music at a Brady Street venue. Local bands typically start around 10 PM. Cover is usually $5-10. Stay for a set or two while enjoying drinks and the energy of live performance.
Budget: $12-18 per person (including cover)
↓ 3 minute walk ↓
Stop 5: Late Night Spot (11:45 PM)
End at a bar that stays open until close (2 AM). Brady Street's late-night bars have character, cheap drinks, and a mix of night owls. Perfect for winding down the crawl.
Budget: $8-12 per person
Brady Street Crawl Tips:
- Dress code: super casual - jeans and t-shirt are perfect
- Bring cash - some dive bars are cash-only
- Check live music schedules in advance to catch the best bands
- Street parking is easier than downtown but can fill up on weekends
- This is Milwaukee's most inclusive, welcoming bar scene - everyone fits in
- Best days: Friday-Saturday for live music, any night for dive bar vibes
Route 3: Game Day Sports Bar Crawl
Cheer on the Bucks, Brewers, or Packers at Milwaukee's best sports bars
Duration
4-6 hours (game dependent)
Total Distance
1.5 miles walking
Estimated Cost
$50-80 per person
The Route:
Stop 1: Pre-Game Bar (2 hours before game)
Start at a sports bar near downtown Milwaukee. Watch pre-game shows, order wings or nachos, and get hyped with fellow fans. Wear your green and gold (Packers), blue and cream (Bucks), or blue and gold (Brewers).
Budget: $15-25 per person
↓ 6 minute walk ↓
Stop 2: Main Game Viewing (Kickoff/First Pitch/Tipoff)
Move to your primary viewing spot - a bar with excellent sightlines to TVs, good sound, and passionate fans. Order a pitcher or bucket of beers to share. Most downtown bars have game-day specials on beer and food.
Budget: $20-30 per person
↓ 5 minute walk ↓
Stop 3: Post-Game Celebration/Commiseration (After game)
If Milwaukee won, celebrate! If they lost, commiserate with fellow fans. Either way, discuss the game's highlights at a lively bar. Order shots if it's a big win, or comfort food and beer if the result didn't go your way.
Budget: $12-20 per person
↓ 4 minute walk ↓
Stop 4: Wind Down Bar (Late night)
End the night at a more relaxed bar where you can decompress from game-day intensity. Discuss the season, make predictions, and enjoy a final beer before heading home.
Budget: $10-15 per person
Game Day Crawl Tips:
- Arrive early on game days - bars fill up fast, especially for Packers games
- Wear team colors to show your Milwaukee pride
- Most sports bars offer game-day specials - ask your bartender
- Playoff games and big rivalry matchups create electric atmospheres
- Consider taking an Uber to avoid game-day parking chaos
- Best for: Packers Sundays, Bucks playoffs, Brewers Opening Day, rivalry games
Route 4: Craft Cocktail Tour
A sophisticated journey through Milwaukee's best mixology experiences
Duration
3-4 hours
Total Distance
2.0 miles (rideshare recommended)
Estimated Cost
$70-100 per person
The Route:
Stop 1: Classic Cocktail Bar (7:00 PM)
Begin at Milwaukee's most renowned cocktail bar, known for perfecting classic drinks. Order an Old Fashioned (brandy, naturally - this is Wisconsin), Manhattan, or Negroni. Take your time savoring the craftsmanship.
Budget: $15-20 per person
↓ 10 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 2: Speakeasy-Style Bar (8:15 PM)
Take a rideshare to a speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge. These hidden gems feature creative house cocktails, vintage decor, and intimate atmospheres. Ask the bartender to recommend something unique based on your taste preferences.
Budget: $15-25 per person
↓ 8 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 3: Modern Mixology (9:30 PM)
Visit a bar pushing creative boundaries with innovative techniques, house-made ingredients, and unexpected flavor combinations. Try something adventurous - smoked cocktails, clarified drinks, or seasonal specials featuring local ingredients.
Budget: $18-25 per person
↓ 6 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 4: Nightcap (10:45 PM)
End with a digestif or nightcap at an upscale lounge. Order a quality whiskey, aged rum, or after-dinner cocktail. Reflect on the evening's flavors and craftsmanship.
Budget: $15-20 per person
Cocktail Tour Tips:
- Pace yourself - these are strong, carefully crafted drinks
- Use rideshare between stops - cocktail bars are spread across the city
- Ask bartenders about their specialties and let them show off their skills
- Dress smart casual - these are upscale establishments
- Budget extra for tips - these bartenders are artists
- Best days: Thursday-Saturday when top bartenders are working
Route 5: Historic Milwaukee Tavern Tour
Experience Milwaukee's legendary tavern culture at establishments serving the city for generations
Duration
5-6 hours
Total Distance
3.5 miles (rideshare recommended)
Estimated Cost
$45-65 per person
The Route:
Stop 1: German Beer Hall (5:00 PM)
Start at a historic German beer hall or tavern that's been serving Milwaukee since the 1800s. Order a German beer and appreciate the Old World atmosphere. Many of these establishments still have original woodwork, tin ceilings, and family photos from a century ago.
Budget: $8-12 per person
↓ 15 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 2: South Side Polish Tavern (6:30 PM)
Journey to Milwaukee's South Side for an authentic Polish tavern experience. Order Żywiec beer and pierogi. These taverns have served Polish immigrants and their descendants for generations, maintaining traditions brought from the old country.
Budget: $10-15 per person
↓ 12 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 3: Classic Corner Tavern (8:00 PM)
Visit a neighborhood corner tavern that's been the heart of its community for decades. These are the bars where regulars have "their" stools, where bartenders know everyone by name, and where Milwaukee's working-class heritage lives on. Order a beer and a bump (shot).
Budget: $8-12 per person
↓ 10 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 4: Historic Downtown Tavern (9:30 PM)
Return downtown to a tavern that's weathered Prohibition, world wars, and generations of change. These establishments are Milwaukee institutions. Order whatever beer they're proudest of and soak in the history.
Budget: $8-12 per person
↓ 8 minute rideshare ↓
Stop 5: Late Night Classic (11:00 PM)
End at a legendary late-night tavern that's been serving Milwaukee night owls since long before you were born. Order a final beer, play the jukebox, and appreciate that you've experienced authentic Milwaukee bar culture at its finest.
Budget: $8-12 per person
Historic Tavern Tour Tips:
- Bring cash - many historic taverns don't accept credit cards
- Be respectful - you're a guest in neighborhood institutions
- Strike up conversations with regulars - they love sharing tavern history
- These bars span different neighborhoods - plan rideshare accordingly
- Try local beer brands that have Milwaukee roots
- Best day: Friday for fish fry at stop 2 or 3
General Milwaukee Bar Crawl Tips
Planning Your Crawl
- Choose the right day: Weekends are busier but more energetic. Weeknights are quieter but easier to get served quickly and have conversations.
- Group size: 4-8 people is ideal. Larger groups may struggle to get seated together or move efficiently between bars.
- Start time: Most crawls work best starting 5-7 PM, giving you time to complete the route before bars close at 2 AM (2:30 AM on weekends).
- Flexibility: These routes are suggestions - feel free to skip stops, add bars, or modify based on your group's energy and preferences.
Safety & Logistics
- Never drink and drive: Use Uber, Lyft, designated drivers, or Milwaukee's MCTS bus system. DUI laws in Wisconsin are strict and checkpoints are common.
- Stay together: Assign a "group leader" to keep everyone moving and ensure nobody gets left behind.
- Hydrate: Drink water between stops. Many bartenders will happily provide water.
- Eat food: Don't skip meals. Food helps you pace yourself and enjoy the full crawl.
- Budget wisely: Bring more cash than you think you'll need. ATM fees add up.
Etiquette
- Tip well - bartenders remember good tippers
- Don't monopolize bar stools if the place is packed
- Be friendly and respectful to other patrons
- Don't be the loud, obnoxious group - Milwaukee values friendly vibes over chaos
- Clean up after yourselves and bus your own tables when appropriate
Ready to Plan Your Milwaukee Bar Crawl?
Use the Milwaukee Bar Navigator to discover the perfect bars for your crawl. Filter by neighborhood, amenities, and style to customize your ideal route through Milwaukee's legendary bar scene.
Third Ward Bars
Perfect for upscale crawls
Brady Street Bars
Dive bars & live music
Cocktail Bars
Craft cocktail tours
Sports Bars
Game day crawls
Or check out our Complete Guide to Milwaukee Bars for more neighborhood and bar insights.