Milwaukee Restaurants Open New Year's Day 2026

Finding a great restaurant on New Year's Day in Milwaukee doesn't have to be stressful. While many independent restaurants close to give staff a post-NYE break, dozens of excellent options across the metro area welcome families on January 1st—from upscale hotel brunches to beloved brunch spots, supper clubs, and reliable chains. This comprehensive guide covers confirmed openings, typical patterns, and strategic tips for the entire greater Milwaukee region, helping families plan a memorable first meal of 2026.

January 1, 2026 falls on a Thursday, which typically means better restaurant availability than weekend holidays. Most establishments will post final hours by mid-December 2025, so bookmark this guide and verify directly with restaurants as the date approaches.

Confirmed open: Downtown Milwaukee, Third Ward, and Walker's Point

The urban core offers Milwaukee's most diverse New Year's Day dining, from elegant hotel brunches to trendy dim sum experiences.

Saint Kate—The Arts Hotel hosts their popular "Bubbles & Brunch" from 8:00 AM–1:00 PM, featuring mimosa flights and curated entrées in an artsy boutique setting. Reservations require a $10 hold through OpenTable. This contemporary American spot at 139 E. Kilbourn Avenue works beautifully for families seeking something special without excessive formality. Contact: (414) 270-4422, saintkatearts.com. Price: $$$

DanDan in the Third Ward (360 E. Erie Street) has built their New Year's Day Dim Sum Brunch into a beloved Milwaukee tradition, serving an à la carte dim sum menu from 11:00 AM–2:00 PM. Created by former Top Chef contestant Dan Jacobs, highlights include short rib and foie gras potstickers and their signature DanDan wings. This experience sells out quickly—book immediately through OpenTable. A $20 deposit applies. Phone: (414) 488-8036. Price: $$–$$$

Dream Dance Steakhouse at Potawatomi Casino Hotel offers a prime rib and wine special from 5:00 PM–10:00 PM at $48 per person, including French onion soup or Caesar salad, herb-crusted prime rib, and half-price select wines. Casino restaurants rank among the most reliable holiday options since they operate year-round. Located at 1721 W. Canal Street. Reservations required. Price: $$$$

The Packing House, celebrating its 50th year near the airport (900 E. Layton Avenue), opens 4:00 PM–8:00 PM for fine dining featuring scratch-made American cuisine, steaks, and seafood. Call (414) 483-5054 for reservations. Price: $$$

Additional Third Ward and downtown options

Café Benelux (346 N. Broadway) serves their Crab Cake Benedict with Benelux breakfast potatoes alongside regular brunch offerings. Book through Toast at cafebenelux.com. The Belgian-inspired café features European charm with 100+ Belgian beers. Price: $$, family-friendly.

Tre Rivali at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel (320 E. Buffalo Street) opens for Mediterranean-inspired brunch 8:00 AM–2:00 PM with café service starting at 7:00 AM. Reserve through OpenTable. Price: $$$

Mader's German Restaurant (1041 N. Old World 3rd Street) brings 120+ years of authentic German dining tradition, typically open Sunday 10:00 AM–9:00 PM for brunch through dinner. This historic landmark houses a $4 million medieval art collection and offers free valet parking. Book through Resy or call (414) 271-3377. Price: $$$

Bay View brings comfort food and creativity

Centraal Grand Café & Tappery (2306 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue) serves the same crab cake benedict special as its sister Café Benelux, with Belgian-American comfort food in a neighborhood setting. Book through Toast. Price: $$

Honeypie Cafe (2569 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue) operates daily 9:00 AM–9:00 PM serving legendary Midwestern comfort food, famous homemade pies, and celebrated Bloody Marys. No reservations accepted—first-come, first-served works well for families comfortable with potential waits. Phone: (414) 489-7437. Price: $$

Goodkind (2457 S. Wentworth Avenue) focuses on modern American rotisserie in a cozy corner tavern setting, 5:00–10:00 PM typically. Walk-ins welcome at the bar; table reservations through Tock have a 90-minute limit. Call for holiday hours: (414) 763-4706. Price: $$–$$$

North Shore dining

The residential North Shore—Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, Glendale, and Mequon—specializes in family-friendly brunch and neighborhood favorites.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn (1319 E. Henry Clay Street) represents Wisconsin supper club tradition at its finest. Famous for their German pancakes and one of the Midwest's largest beer stein collections, they typically serve Sunday brunch 10:30 AM–2:30 PM (includes sparkling wine or mimosa, pastries, soup/salad, and choice of entrées for $27). Reserve through OpenTable or call (414) 964-3800. Price: $$–$$$

First Watch Mequon (11032 N. Port Washington Road) confirms New Year's Day hours of 7:00 AM–2:30 PM. This chef-driven breakfast concept emphasizes fresh ingredients, fresh-squeezed juices, and healthy options including gluten-free and vegan choices—no deep fryers here. No reservations; join the waitlist online or call (262) 518-0028. Price: $

Café Hollander Mequon (5900 W. Mequon Road) serves their special New Year's Day offering: biscuits and gravy with sausage gravy on cheddar-chive biscuit topped with bacon, herb scrambled eggs, and breakfast potatoes. With two dining floors, Winter Domes, and an extensive kids menu, this Belgian-inspired spot excels for families. Book through Toast. Price: $$

Benji's Deli & Restaurant operates two locations—Shorewood (4156 N. Oakland Avenue) and Fox Point (8683 N. Port Washington Road)—serving kosher-style Jewish deli classics including their famous Hoppel Poppel (scrambled eggs with salami and potatoes) and matzo ball soup. A Milwaukee landmark since 1963. Typical Sunday hours: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM. Call to confirm: Shorewood (414) 332-7777, Fox Point (414) 228-5130. Price: $

Calderone Club (8001 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point) serves authentic Italian including thin-crust pizza, lasagna, and homemade tiramisu. Call directly for reservations (not on OpenTable). Price: $$

José's Blue Sombrero (8556 N. Port Washington Road, Fox Point) has served Mexican food with Wisconsin traditions since 1972, featuring a popular Mexican-style Friday Fish Fry. Happy hour runs six days weekly. Price: $$

BAWI Korean BBQ (6107 W. Mequon Road) accepts OpenTable reservations and typically opens for holidays, offering all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ where you grill at your table—interactive fun for families. Price: $$$

Western suburbs

Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Waukesha, and surrounding communities offer everything from Wisconsin's iconic supper club experience to reliable family chains.

Wauwatosa highlights

Eldr+Rime at The Mayfair Collection (2300 N. Mayfair Road) hosts New Year's Day Brunch 8:00 AM–1:00 PM with contemporary, globally-inspired American cuisine. Named "Best New Restaurant" by Milwaukee Magazine Reader's Choice. Reserve through OpenTable or call (414) 867-9200. Price: $$$

Café Hollander Wauwatosa (7677 W. State Street) serves the same biscuits and gravy special as other locations, with the added benefit of 100+ Belgian beers and Winter Domes for heated outdoor seating. Book through Toast, (414) 475-6771. Price: $$

Buckatabon Tavern & Supper Club (7700 W. Harwood Avenue) brings authentic Wisconsin supper club tradition—relish trays, from-scratch cooking, and signatures like the "Cheesehead Omelette" with Wisconsin cheese curds. Typically open for weekend brunch; call to confirm holiday hours: (414) 271-7700. Price: $$–$$$

Brookfield options

The Original Pancake House Brookfield confirms 7:00 AM–2:30 PM hours for New Year's Day 2026. Operating from a historic 1855 home, they serve world-famous pancakes made from scratch with real whipped cream. No reservations—first-come, first-served. Price: $–$$

Café Hollander Brookfield (20150 Union St.) joins its sister locations in serving the special New Year's Day brunch menu. Book through Toast, (262) 785-4490. Price: $$

Famous Dave's BBQ Brookfield confirms regular hours 11:00 AM–9:00 PM for New Year's Day. Reliable for families wanting barbecue without reservation stress. Price: $$

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (15665 W. Bluemound Road) typically operates 11:00 AM–10:00 PM on holidays. Call to confirm: (262) 782-9463. Price: $$$$

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant offers contemporary American dining with wine tasting rooms, vegetarian and gluten-free options. Reservations highly recommended. Price: $$–$$$

Ozaukee County charms with historic dining

Cedarburg, Port Washington, and Grafton offer destination-worthy restaurants in charming small-town settings.

Cedarburg (historic downtown)

Stilt House Gastro Bar (W62 N630 Washington Avenue) confirms opening at 11:00 AM on New Year's Day 2026. This fine dining gastro pub features award-winning fish fry on Fridays, extensive craft beer and wine selections, and a kids menu. Reservations recommended for holidays. Phone: (262) 618-4889. Price: $$–$$$

Union House Cedarburg (W62 N559 Washington Avenue) occupies an 1883 historic building serving tapas, small plates, and award-winning craft cocktails. City vibes meet small-town charm. Typically closed Mondays but open Tuesday–Sunday; January 1st falls on Thursday. Call to confirm: (262) 421-8068. Price: $$

Anvil Pub & Grille (N70 W6340 Bridge Road) operates from a converted 19th-century blacksmith shop with a creekside patio overlooking a waterfall. American menu featuring stone hearth oven sandwiches. Phone: (262) 376-2163. Price: $$

PJ Piper Pancake House (W61 N514 Washington Avenue) draws breakfast crowds to downtown Cedarburg. Call to confirm holiday hours: (262) 421-8040. Price: $–$$

Port Washington (lakefront)

The Port Hotel Restaurant & Moonlight Tavern (101 E. Main Street) blends supper club meets fine/casual dining with lake views, offering jumbo prawns, tomahawk steaks, and specialty cocktails. Phone: (262) 235-1981. Price: $$$

Fork & Tap serves creative sandwiches, wings, and homemade flatbreads with a back patio featuring Lake Michigan and marina views—perfect for families. Price: $$

Java Dock Cafe opens at 6:00 AM in Old Theater Square for coffee, bakery items, and homemade soups. Price: $

Lake Country supper clubs and destination dining

The lakes west of Milwaukee—Oconomowoc, Delafield, Pewaukee, Nashotah—host some of Wisconsin's finest supper clubs.

Golden Mast Inn on Okauchee Lake has served Lake Country for over 50 years with German specialties, steaks, and gorgeous lake views. Sunday hours typically run brunch 10:30 AM–2:00 PM, dinner 2:30–8:00 PM. Closed Mondays, but January 1st is Thursday. Call to confirm. Price: $$$–$$$$

Red Circle Inn (N44W33013 Watertown Plank Road, Nashotah) holds the distinction of Wisconsin's oldest restaurant, established 1848—over 175 years of tradition. Classic supper club fare including Brandy Old Fashioneds and prime steaks. Hours: Monday–Thursday 4:30–9:00 PM, Sunday 3:00–8:00 PM. Phone: (262) 367-4883. Price: $$$–$$$$

Butler Inn of Pewaukee (742 Glacier Road) has served the community for 36+ years with hand-cut steaks, seafood, and live music by Pewaukee Lake. Business casual dress. Phone: (262) 691-0840. Price: $$$

I.D. Restaurant at the Delafield Hotel earned recognition from People Magazine as one of the top 50 most beautiful restaurants in America and holds Wine Spectator awards. Contemporary American with shared plates. Reserve in advance. Price: $$$

Hotel restaurants provide reliable holiday dining

Hotel restaurants remain among the most dependable options since they serve traveling guests year-round.

The Pfister Hotel (424 E. Wisconsin Avenue) offers multiple venues:

• Mason Street Grill: Premium steakhouse with wood-fire grill and live jazz. Steaks $35–$65+. Contact: (414) 298-3131 or OpenTable

• Café at The Pfister: Casual breakfast/lunch with Starbucks, 6:00 AM–2:00 PM. Price: $$

• Lobby Lounge: Light fare and cocktails, 12:00 PM–midnight. Price: $$

Hilton Milwaukee (509 W. Wisconsin Avenue) features:

• Milwaukee ChopHouse: Exceptional steaks and seafood. Price: $$$$

• Miller Time Pub & Grill: Classic Wisconsin pub fare with sports bar atmosphere—excellent for families watching bowl games. Price: $$

Iron Horse Hotel (500 W. Florida Street) operates Ash Hearth & Bar serving contemporary American with wood-fired preparations. Call to confirm holiday hours: (414) 831-4615. Price: $$$

Chain restaurants and sports bars offer stress-free options

These establishments typically operate on New Year's Day with predictable hours—perfect for families wanting reliability without reservations.

Breakfast and casual dining chains (typically open)

• IHOP: Most locations open 7:00 AM–10:00 PM

• Denny's: Usually 24/7

• First Watch: Multiple locations, 7:00 AM–2:30 PM

• Perkins: Participating locations open

• Cracker Barrel: Normal business hours

Casual dining (typically open, call to confirm)

• The Cheesecake Factory (Mayfair area): Expect waits on holidays

• Applebee's: Multiple locations, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM typical

• Buffalo Wild Wings: Multiple locations—excellent for bowl game viewing

• Olive Garden, Chili's, LongHorn Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse: Generally open with possible reduced hours

Upscale chains (reservations recommended)

• Ruth's Chris Steak House (411 E. Mason Street): Typically 4:00–10:00 PM. Price: $$$$

• The Capital Grille (310 W. Wisconsin Avenue): Generally open until 9:00 PM. Price: $$$$

• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (Brookfield): 11:00 AM–10:00 PM. Price: $$$$

Sports bars for bowl game viewing

Major Goolsby's (340 W. Kilbourn Avenue) ranks as Milwaukee's premier sports destination near Fiserv Forum with 50 TVs, capacity for 400, and legendary wings. Books up 3–5 days before major games. Price: $$

Who's On Third (1007 N. Old World Third Street) features 45 TVs plus a 120" projection screen, capacity for 350, and free shuttle on game days. Price: $$

1st and Bowl (2969 N. 114th Street, Wauwatosa) combines bowling, full sports bar, NERF arena, and activities—ideal for families wanting entertainment plus food and football. Price: $$

Casino dining at Potawatomi: A reliable family option

Potawatomi Casino Hotel offers some of Milwaukee's most reliable holiday dining since casinos operate year-round.

Canal Street Café serves an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet 7:00 AM–2:00 PM featuring prime rib, seared salmon, smoked salmon, shrimp, omelet station, and mini desserts. At $28 per person (senior discount available), this represents excellent value for families seeking variety without individual ordering stress. No reservations required.

Dream Dance Steakhouse opens 5:00 PM–10:00 PM with the prime rib and wine special at $48 per person. Reservations required. Price: $$$$

Confirmed closed on New Year's Day 2026

Planning avoids disappointment. These popular restaurants confirm closure:

• Odd Duck (Walker's Point): Explicitly closed December 24–29 AND New Year's Day

• Five O'Clock Steakhouse (2416 W. State Street): Closed all holidays except Christmas Eve, Valentine's Day, and NYE—a significant note since this iconic 1946 supper club otherwise draws crowds

• The Melting Pot (Brookfield): Closed New Year's Day

• The Commodore—A Bartolotta Restaurant (Hartland): Confirmed closed for service January 1st

• Hong Anh Palace (Mequon): Closed January 1st and 2nd

• Mama Mia's (West Allis): Explicitly confirmed closed

• Roepke's Village Inn and Fireside Supper Club: Closed New Year's Day

• EsterEv (Bay View): Closed New Year's Day

General patterns for closures: Independent restaurants hosting elaborate NYE events often close January 1st for staff recovery. Small owner-operated establishments frequently take the day off. Farm-to-table spots may close due to limited supplier schedules.

Strategic reservation tips for New Year's Day

Booking timeline

• Premium spots: Book immediately—popular venues sell out weeks in advance

• Popular brunch spots: 1–2 weeks minimum

• Hotel restaurants: 1 week recommended

• Chain restaurants: Usually no reservation needed, but confirm hours

Best booking platforms

1. OpenTable: Most comprehensive with 133+ Milwaukee restaurants accepting holiday reservations

2. Toast: Used by Lowlands Group (Café Benelux, Café Hollander, Centraal)

3. Tock: Handles upscale/ticketed experiences

4. Resy: Featured restaurants include Mader's

5. Direct booking: Required for Bartolotta restaurants, Eddie Martini's, Potawatomi

Peak times and strategies

• 10:30 AM–1:00 PM: Prime brunch hours, most crowded

• Noon: Absolute peak for brunch

• Best strategy: Book early (8–9 AM) or late (after 2 PM) for easier availability

Large family groups (6+)

• Call restaurants directly—many online systems cap party sizes at 6–8

• Book further in advance; expect $25–$50 deposits per person at upscale spots

• Consider private dining rooms at Rodizio Grill (accommodates 50) or Motor Restaurant at Harley-Davidson Museum

Walk-in friendly options

• Casino restaurants (Potawatomi Canal Street Café)

• Chain restaurants

• Bar seating at upscale restaurants (Goodkind welcomes walk-ins at bar)

• Saint Kate's bar area (free celebration, no reservations)

What to expect and final tips

Pricing patterns: New Year's Day typically costs less than New Year's Eve. Expect casual brunch at $15–30/person, upscale hotel brunch at $50–75/person, and fine dining at $60+/person. Potawatomi's buffet at $28 represents strong value.

Service considerations: Staff may work with skeleton crews; service might be slower than usual. Tip generously—restaurant workers sacrificing their holiday deserve appreciation.

Confirmation strategy: Even restaurants listed as "open" may modify hours. Call 24–48 hours before to confirm. Many restaurants post last-minute updates on Facebook and Instagram.

Backup planning: Make a primary reservation plus a backup, or identify walk-in-friendly alternatives nearby.

Suburban advantage: Brookfield, Mequon, Wauwatosa, and Whitefish Bay locations often have better availability than downtown Milwaukee.

Quick reference: Top picks by category

Category Top Recommendations Confirmed fine dining Saint Kate Brunch, Dream Dance Steakhouse, The Packing House Best family brunch Café Hollander (4 locations), First Watch, Original Pancake House Asian/dim sum DanDan (confirmed dim sum brunch), BAWI Korean BBQ Supper clubs Jack Pandl's, Red Circle Inn, Golden Mast Inn, Butler Inn North Shore families Benji's Deli, Jack Pandl's, Calderone Club, José's Blue Sombrero Lake Country destination Golden Mast Inn, Red Circle Inn, I.D. Restaurant Budget-friendly Canal Street Café buffet ($28), First Watch, Benji's Deli Bowl game viewing Major Goolsby's, Who's On Third, 1st and Bowl, Buffalo Wild Wings No reservation needed Honeypie Cafe, Potawatomi casino restaurants, chain restaurants Historic atmosphere Mader's (120+ years), Red Circle Inn (1848), Jack Pandl's

Conclusion

Milwaukee's New Year's Day 2026 dining scene offers excellent variety across every budget and neighborhood—from confirmed fine dining experiences at Saint Kate and Dream Dance to beloved family spots like Café Hollander and Jack Pandl's, reliable casino options at Potawatomi, and charming destination dining in Cedarburg and Lake Country.

The key insight: Hotel restaurants, casino dining, and chain restaurants provide the most reliable holiday options, while independent restaurants vary significantly. DanDan's dim sum brunch has become a genuine Milwaukee tradition worth booking immediately. For families seeking the quintessential Wisconsin supper club experience, Red Circle Inn's 175-year legacy or Golden Mast's lakeside German specialties deliver authenticity unavailable elsewhere.

Book confirmed spots now through OpenTable, Toast, or direct calls. Verify hours one week before January 1st, and always have a backup plan. Most importantly, tip generously—the staff working New Year's Day make holiday dining possible for the rest of us.