Wisconsin is renowned across the nation for its prowess at cheesemaking, but there’s a lot more to this scenic state than just its dairy products. During a visit to the lakeside city of Milwaukee, visitors can stumble upon a truly diverse drinking and dining scene, with high-end restaurants and acclaimed breweries scattered all across city limits. As you plan your next foray into the Badger State, don’t miss out on these beloved spots, each one shining a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of Cream City.

Discover Milwaukee’s Top Spots for Fine Dining

While Milwaukee is known for classic Badger State dishes spanning from fried cheese curds to the butter burger, the city is also home to its fair share of sophisticated dining establishments. Case in point: Birch, a polished venue located on the banks of the Milwaukee River in the Lower East Side. Operated at the behest of James Beard Award-nominated Chef Kyle Knall, this prestigious spot has mastered the art of wood-fired cuisine, providing diners with a wealth of flavorful dishes cooked over an open hearth. Upon arrival, diners can look forward to dishes like the ember-roasted head-on shrimp and charred beef carpaccio, while the Contramar-inspired fish is a top-tier main dish thanks to its savory cumin aioli and poblano and fermented beet salsa.

Just south of the Menomonee River, Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood is a treasure trove of fine dining destinations, with Morel drawing diners in droves thanks to its sophisticated New American fare that changes with each season. While menu items span from wood ear mushroom-loaded rabbit ragout to ricotta gnudi in a pea-mint broth, each dish stands as a testament to Chef Jonathan Manyo’s affinity for fresh, locally-sourced Wisconsin meat and produce. Meanwhile, those in search of inventive small plates can make their way ten minutes south to find Odd Duck, a sophisticated tapas spot that debuted in 2012. In addition to offering creative creations like wood-fired Tibetan bread, Vietnamese-inspired bánh xèo and galbi-jjim, this restaurant has also earned acclaim for its high-end cocktails, with the mezcal and hibiscus-forward #48 and citrus and jasmine-heavy #83 serving as two top choices for first-time visitors.

Immerse Yourself in Milwaukee’s International Cuisine

Milwaukee has earned recognition for its strong German and Polish cultural ties, but the city’s dining scene spans far beyond the reaches of just Central Europe. During a visit to the city’s aforementioned Walker’s Point district, guests can discover a wealth of restaurants that highlight Milwaukee’s thriving Latin American food scene, with Zócalo Food Park serving as one of its most intriguing spots. Home to ten distinct drinking and dining venues operating across one space, diners are welcome to pay a visit to Anytime Arepa for a deep dive on one of Venezuela’s staple dishes, while Las Virellas has earned abundant acclaim for their hearty Puerto Rican classics, with pernil, tostones and tripletas all gracing the menu.

Further west, fans of Mexican cuisine can sample dishes like chiles rellenos and enchiladas poblanas at Guadalajara Restaurant, while Movida is a top spot for classic Spanish tapas, with sofrito-slathered meatballs, patatas bravas and garlic shrimp all up for grabs alongside a wealth of high-end wines—but of course, Walker’s Point isn’t the only neighborhood worth visiting in the heart of the city. In spite of its small size, the Historic Third Ward is packed full of can’t-miss venues like Saffron—a top spot for smoked tandoori lamb chops and dal makhani—and the Korean barbecue-focused Char’d, while those in search of traditional East African cuisine can make their way to East Town to find Alem Ethiopian Village, a cozy venue that’s home to classic dishes like quosta, doro wot, and asa tibs.

Sip Top-Tier Craft Beer Across Milwaukee

First developed due to an influx of German immigrants during the mid-1800s, Milwaukee’s craft brewing scene stands as a major draw for tourism today—and for those in search of a truly iconic destination for beer lovers, there’s no beating Lakefront Brewery. Established in 1987, this storied enterprise has consistently broken barriers across the national brewing scene over the decades, serving as the first certified organic brewery in the U.S. as well as the first government-certified producer of gluten-free beer. Today, visitors can sample groundbreaking creations like the New Grist—a crisp gluten-free pilsner—or keep it classic with a pour of Eastside Dark, their award-winning Bohemian-style dark lager. Post-visit, tourists can keep the brews flowing with a stroll over to neighboring Eagle Park Brewing Company, a polished space that crafts an amazing DDH Bowie’s Space Suit New England hazy.

For those who prefer to stick closer to the Historic Third Ward, The Explorium Brewpub offers a wealth of refreshing brews served in a historic space. There are 24 taps to sample during a visit, with options ranging from the refreshing Cream City Crusher cream ale to Watermelon Peppercorn wild ale—and to sweeten the deal, the venue also crafts some truly stellar fried cheese curds alongside hearty main courses like Nashville hot wings and roasted mushroom calzones. Once you’ve made your way through Milwaukee’s top breweries, history buffs should be sure to book a tour of the Best Place, a storied facility that offers a deep dive into the history of Badger State beer. During a history tour, guests can gain insight into the past of Best Brewing Co, an iconic organization that served as the largest brewery in the nation in the late 1800s and even gave rise to the renowned Pabst Blue Ribbon lager—and of course, each tour comes with plenty of fresh PBR to enjoy along the way.