Summer in Milwaukee is the perfect time to enjoy meals outdoors with the family. Whether you’re craving tacos, pizza, or a hearty brunch, the city offers numerous kid-friendly patios where everyone can relax and dine al fresco. Here’s a curated list of spots that combine great food with welcoming outdoor spaces for families.
Love dining al fresco? Don’t miss our guide to kid-friendly snacks with a view – these scenic spots pair tasty bites with some of the best views in town.
Downtown Milwaukee & Third Ward
Milwaukee Public Market
📍 400 N. Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
🔗 milwaukeepublicmarket.org
While primarily an indoor venue, the Milwaukee Public Market offers some outdoor seating options. It’s a bustling spot where families can enjoy a variety of foods from different vendors. Keep an eye out for special events like the “Taste of Summer – Kids Mini Camp” in June, which offers cooking classes for children aged 5-12.
The Wicked Hop
📍 345 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202
🔗 thewickedhop.com
Located in the Historic Third Ward, The Wicked Hop features outdoor seating with heat lamps, making it a comfortable spot for families even on cooler days. They offer a diverse menu and are known for their lively atmosphere.
MOTOR Bar & Restaurant
📍 400 W. Canal St, Milwaukee, WI 53201
🔗 motorrestaurant.com
Situated at the Harley-Davidson Museum, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant boasts one of Milwaukee’s best patios right along the river. They offer a kids’ menu and plenty of room to run, making it a fun dining experience for the whole family.
Third Space Brewing
📍 1505 W. St. Paul Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
🔗 thirdspacebrewing.com
The owners are dads themselves, and former camp counselors! Offers a great outdoor area, often hosts food trucks, and is known to be kid-friendly.
Red Lion Pub
📍 1850 N. Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
🔗 redlionpubmke.com
It features a rooftop patio that is welcoming to families.
Bay View & Walker’s Point
Zócalo Food Park
📍 636 S. 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
🔗 zocalofoodpark.com
Zócalo is Milwaukee’s first food truck park, offering a variety of cuisines and ample outdoor seating. It’s a family-friendly destination where kids can enjoy different food options in a relaxed setting.
Barnacle Bud’s
📍 1955 S. Hilbert St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
🔗 barnaclebuds.com
You’ll feel like you’re on vacation! Tucked away along the Kinnickinnic River, Barnacle Bud’s offers a laid-back atmosphere with picnic table seating. It’s a unique spot where families can enjoy waterfront dining.
Centraal Grand Café & Tappery
📍 2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
🔗 cafecentraal.com
Located in Bay View, Centraal Grand Café offers private street-side dining and a picturesque courtyard, ensuring comfortable outdoor dining experiences for families year-round.
Transfer Pizzeria Café
📍 101 W. Mitchell St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
🔗 transfermke.com
Known for its delicious pizzas, Transfer Pizzeria Café offers limited outdoor seating when weather permits.
East Side
Eagle Park Brewing
📍 823 E. Hamilton St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
🔗 eagleparkbrewing.com
Features a decent-sized outdoor space and provides activities for kids, making it a family-friendly spot.
Pizza Man (Downer Ave)
📍 2597 N. Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
🔗 pizzamanwi.com
Offers rooftop seating, providing a wide range of pizza options and a unique dining experience for families.
Greater Milwaukee Area
Café Hollander
- East Side: 2608 N. Downer Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
- Wauwatosa: 7677 W. State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
- Mequon: 5900 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092
🔗 cafehollander.com
With locations in Wauwatosa, the East Side, and Mequon, Café Hollander offers expansive patios and even rooftop seating in Mequon. Their kid-friendly menu and relaxed atmosphere make it a great choice for families.
Jose’s Blue Sombrero
- Fox Point: 8617 N Port Washington Rd. Fox Point, WI 53217
- Wauwatosa: 7615 W. State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
🔗 josesbluesombrero.com
With locations in Bayside and Wauwatosa, Jose’s Blue Sombrero offers outdoor seating and a kid-friendly menu. It’s a casual place for families to enjoy Mexican cuisine.
BelAir Cantina
- East Side: 1935 N. Water St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Wauwatosa: 6817 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
- Brookfield: 250 High St, Brookfield, WI 53045
🔗 belaircantina.com
Known for its tacos and vibrant atmosphere, BelAir Cantina has multiple locations with outdoor seating options.
Café Corazón
- Riverwest: 3129 N. Bremen St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
- Bay View: 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
- Brown Deer: 4102 West Bradley Road Brown Deer, WI 53209
Offers Mexican dishes with outdoor seating available. The kids menu offers simple quesadillas and taco options.
Blue’s Egg Milwaukee
📍 317 N. 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53213
🔗 bluesegg.com
Offers a reader-favorite brunch menu with outdoor seating options.
North Suburbs
Bavarian Bierhaus
📍 700 W. Lexington Blvd, Glendale, WI 53217
🔗 thebavarianbierhaus.com
Located in Glendale, Bavarian Bierhaus features a spacious outdoor area and offers free meals for kids 12 and under on Tuesdays with the purchase of an adult entrée. They also host kid-friendly events throughout the year.
The Brick Pub & Grill
📍 6343 N. Green Bay Ave, Glendale, WI 53209
🔗 thebrickpubandgrill.com
Situated across from Kletzsch Park, The Brick Pub & Grill offers two outdoor patios. It’s a welcoming spot for families looking to enjoy a meal indoor or outdoors.
Foxtown Brewing
📍 6411 W. Mequon Rd, Mequon, WI 53092
🔗 foxtownbrewing.com
In Mequon, Foxtown Brewing is a family-friendly brewpub with a spacious beer garden where dogs are also welcome. They offer a variety of craft beers and a menu suitable for all ages.
Highland House
📍 12741 N. Port Washington Rd, Mequon, WI 53092
🔗 highlandhouse.ws
Highland House in Mequon offers a diverse menu with options like tacos and burgers. Their colorful patio is festive and welcoming for all ges.
West Suburbs
Golden Nest Pancakes Café
📍 11250 W Burleigh St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
🔗 goldennestpancakes.com
A breakfast spot that provides outdoor seating, making it a pleasant place for morning meals with the family.
Natty Oaks
📍 11505 W. National Ave, West Allis, WI 53227
🔗 nattyoaks.com
Features a spacious outdoor area!
Bullwinkle’s
📍 18900 W Bluemound Rd Suite 100, Brookfield, WI 53045
🔗 bullwinklesbrookfield.com
Known for its casual dining experience and outdoor seating.
Sunshine, fresh air, and gluten-free food? Yes, please. Don’t miss our list of Great Gluten-Free Restaurants in Milwaukee — many have outdoor seating and family-friendly vibes.
Note: While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information for 2025, it’s always a good idea to check with the individual establishments for the most current details regarding their outdoor seating and family-friendly amenities.
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
