Dog-Friendly Dining in Greater Milwaukee: Complete Guide

Milwaukee has quietly become one of the Midwest's most welcoming cities for dog owners who want to dine out with their four-legged companions.

From craft breweries that let pups lounge inside the taproom to elegant patios overlooking the Milwaukee River, the metro area offers dozens of options for pet-friendly outings. This guide organizes the best establishments by neighborhood, making it easy to plan efficient excursions with your dog across the North Shore, downtown, and surrounding communities.

Wisconsin law generally prohibits dogs in establishments serving food, but outdoor patios are typically permitted. Many breweries and bars without kitchens welcome dogs indoors. Always call ahead to confirm current policies, especially during seasonal transitions.

North Shore Communities

The North Shore suburbs offer an exceptional concentration of dog-friendly venues, from cozy taprooms to iconic beer gardens along the Milwaukee River.

Shorewood

Draft & Vessel stands out as a must-visit destination for dog owners. Located at 4417 N Oakland Ave, this craft beer bar welcomes dogs both inside the taproom and on the outdoor street parklet. Phone: (414) 533-5599 | Website: draftandvessel.com | Hours: Monday 3–10pm, Tuesday–Thursday 3–11pm, Friday 2pm–12am, Saturday 12pm–12am, Sunday 2–9pm.

What makes Draft & Vessel special is their genuine embrace of canine guests. Staff provides treats for visiting dogs, water bowls are readily available, and the no-TV policy creates a calm, conversation-focused atmosphere perfect for dogs. The bar features 16 rotating taps of craft beer, draft cocktails, wine, and kombucha. There's no kitchen, but guests can bring their own food or order delivery. The establishment earns 5 bones out of 5 on BringFido and employs certified cicerones. Price range: $.

Hubbard Park Lodge & Beer Garden (3565 N Morris Blvd) offers one of Milwaukee's most scenic dog-friendly settings. The seasonal beer garden operates May through October beneath mature oak trees along the Milwaukee River, with communal picnic seating, fire pits, and patio heaters for cooler evenings. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the outdoor area. The menu features German-style beer garden fare—pretzels, brats, and hot dogs—plus famous Friday Fish Fry with live polka music. Phone: (414) 273-8300 | Website: hubbardparklodge.com | Hours vary seasonally. Price range: $–$$.

Camp Bar Shorewood (4044 N Oakland Ave) brings Northwoods cabin vibes to Oakland Avenue with an expansive outdoor area called "The Campground" featuring fire pit tables and covered seating. Dogs are welcome on the patio, and some reviews indicate flexible indoor policies. The cabin-themed bar serves Cranky Al's pizzas and complimentary popcorn alongside an extensive Old Fashioned menu. Phone: (414) 962-5182 | Website: campbarmke.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday 3pm–2:30am, Saturday 12pm–2:30am, Sunday 12pm–2am. Price range: $–$$.

North Shore Boulangerie (4401 N Oakland Ave) provides a French café experience with outdoor tables available for dogs during warmer weather. This authentic boulangerie features a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef, Café Richard coffee imported from Paris, and scratch-made croissants, quiches, and tartines. It holds the #1 rating in Shorewood on Tripadvisor. Phone: (414) 963-2153 | Website: northshoreboulangerie.com | Hours: Counter service 7am–6pm daily, lunch 11am–2:30pm. Price range: $$–$$$.

Stone Creek Coffee (4106 N Oakland Ave) offers four dog-friendly outdoor tables during warmer months. This locally-roasted "farm to cup" coffee company serves pastries, light bites, and specialty drinks. Phone: (414) 964-1608 | Website: stonecreekcoffee.com | Price range: $–$$.

Whitefish Bay

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn (8501 W Bonniwell Rd) has been a North Shore institution since 1915, spanning four generations of family ownership. The dog-friendly outdoor patio features a garden-ringed terrace with string lights and mature trees—an elegant setting for enjoying German specialties like Wiener Schnitzel and Beef Rouladen, or their legendary pecan pie. Website: pandls.com | Price range: $$–$$$.

Glendale

Bavarian Bierhaus (700 W Lexington Blvd) welcomes leashed dogs throughout their 3.4-acre Old Heidelberg Park biergarten. This award-winning brewery crafts traditional German-style beers following the Reinheitsgebot, accompanied by authentic schnitzel, sauerbraten, and schweinshaxe. Live polka music fills Friday and Saturday nights. Phone: (414) 236-7000 | Website: thebavarianbierhaus.com | Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday 11am–10pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–7pm. Price range: $$.

Estabrook Beer Garden (Estabrook Park) holds the distinction of being America's first public beer garden since Prohibition. Perched atop a bluff with Milwaukee River views, it serves imported Hofbräu München beers in traditional dimpled glass steins. Dogs are welcome at picnic tables throughout the seasonal operation (May–September, daily 12–9pm). Crucially, it sits adjacent to Estabrook Dog Park, making it ideal for exercise followed by refreshment. Price range: $.

Sprecher Brewing Company (701 W Glendale Ave) permits leashed dogs in outdoor patio areas, though they're prohibited on brewery tours. This pioneering craft brewery—Milwaukee's first since Prohibition, founded in 1985—is famous for fire-brewed root beer ranked #1 in America by the New York Times. Phone: (414) 967-0411 | Website: sprecherbrewery.com | Price range: $–$$.

Sprecher Outdoor Oasis at Maslowski Community Park (2200 W Bender Rd) operates as a seasonal family-friendly beer garden (June–Labor Day) adjacent to a mega-playground. Dogs are welcome in this relaxed park setting featuring Sprecher beers and craft sodas. Phone: (414) 964-2739.

Fox Point & Bayside

Benji's Deli & Restaurant in Fox Point offers outdoor seating during nice weather where dogs can accompany their owners. This North Shore institution serves classic Jewish deli fare—Reubens, corned beef, potato pancakes, and mushroom barley soup. Price range: $$.

Downtown Milwaukee & Historic Third Ward

The Third Ward and downtown core offer Milwaukee's densest concentration of dog-friendly patios, many with river views or prime people-watching locations.

Historic Third Ward

Riley's Social House & Sandwich Co. (411 E Menomonee St) represents Milwaukee's gold standard for dog-friendly dining. Dogs are welcome inside the bar area—a rarity in Wisconsin—as well as on the outdoor patio. The establishment offers a dedicated dog menu featuring "Riley's Fave" (chicken, broccoli, carrots) and pup cups. Their unique colored carabiner system helps indicate whether your dog is social, needs space, or is neutral. Named after the owners' dog Riley. Phone: (414) 316-9118 | Website: rileysandwich.com | Hours: Tuesday–Wednesday 11am–9pm, Thursday–Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Price range: $$. Note: Cashless/card only.

The Explorium Brewpub Third Ward (143 W Saint Paul Ave) occupies the iconic historic Pritzlaff Building with a large dog-friendly patio featuring an outdoor bar and firepits. Twenty-four taps pour house-made beer alongside excellent gluten-free options. Phone: (414) 423-1365 | Website: exploriumbrew.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 11am–10pm, Friday 11am–9pm, Saturday 11am–10pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Price range: $$.

Café Benelux (346 N Broadway) offers extensive streetside seating with shade, perfect for dogs during warmer months. Note that their famous winter igloos are not dog-friendly. This Lowlands Group restaurant serves award-winning Bloody Marys and an extensive Belgian beer selection. Phone: (414) 501-2500 | Website: cafebenelux.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 8am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 8am–11pm, Sunday 8am–10pm. Price range: $$–$$$.

Camp Bar Third Ward (525 E Menomonee St) welcomes dogs both inside and on their two-story patio, maintaining the Northwoods cabin atmosphere found at their other locations. Phone: (414) 930-9282 | Website: campbarmke.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 3pm–2am, Friday 2pm–2:30am, Saturday 12pm–2:30am, Sunday 12pm–2am. Price range: $–$$.

The Wicked Hop (345 N Broadway) occupies the Third Ward's oldest building (1875) and brings water bowls to outdoor tables. Famous for "Milwaukee's Best Bloody Mary," the pub draws weekend brunch crowds. Phone: (414) 223-0345 | Website: thewickedhop.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 11am–2am, Friday 11am–2:30am, Saturday 9am–2:30am, Sunday 9am–2am. Price range: $$.

Colectivo Coffee Third Ward (223 E St Paul Ave) features a large outdoor patio and beer garden across from Milwaukee Public Market, making it an ideal morning stop with your dog. Phone: (414) 220-8330 | Website: colectivo.com | Hours: Daily 6:30am–6pm. Price range: $–$$.

Tre Rivali at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel offers outdoor dining that welcomes dogs, plus a dedicated "Yappie Hour Menu" with house-made treats in peanut butter, chicken, white cheddar, and bran-peanut flavors. The dog-friendly hotel provides beds, bowls, and toys in rooms with no weight limit. Price range: $$$.

Downtown Core

Milwaukee Brat House (1013 N Old World 3rd St) provides four outdoor tables for dog owners. Featured on Food Network and Travel Channel, this destination serves famous bratwurst, cheese curds, and Friday Fish Fry. They offer free shuttles to Brewers games. Phone: (414) 273-8709 | Website: milwaukeebrathouse.com. Price range: $$.

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (740 N Plankinton Ave) offers a dog-friendly patio overlooking the Milwaukee River where you can even dock your boat. Beers are brewed on-site. Website: rockbottom.com. Price range: $$.

Walker's Point (Adjacent to Downtown)

The Iron Horse Hotel – The Yard (500 West Florida St) provides Milwaukee's largest outdoor hotel patio beneath the 6th Street Viaduct, complete with outdoor bar, lounge furniture, and fire pits. Dogs are welcome throughout The Yard. The motorcycle-themed boutique hotel hosts annual "Yappy Hour" summer events and has no size limits for canine guests. Phone: (888) 543-4766 | Website: theironhorsehotel.com. Price range: $$–$$$.

MobCraft Beer (505 S 5th St) reopened under new ownership in September 2025 with a large dog-friendly patio. As the world's first crowdsourced brewery, they feature 29 draft lines and a full food menu. Phone: (414) 662-9252 | Website: mobcraftbeer.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 11am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–11pm, Sunday 11am–10pm. Price range: $$.

East Side, Riverwest & Brady Street

These eclectic neighborhoods feature some of Milwaukee's most genuinely dog-friendly bars and breweries, with several allowing dogs indoors.

East Side

Eagle Park Brewing Company (823 E Hamilton St) welcomes dogs on their patio with water bowls readily available. Staff will even prepare plain chicken breast for dogs upon request. Known for hazy IPAs and creative experiments. Phone: (414) 585-0123 | Website: eagleparkbrewing.com | Hours: Monday–Friday 3–10pm, Saturday–Sunday 11am–10pm. Price range: $$.

Red Lion Pub (1850 N Water St) offers approximately 20 dog-friendly outdoor tables at their British pub serving fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Wisconsin-influenced takes on UK classics. Phone: (414) 431-9009 | Website: redlionpubmke.com | Hours: Monday–Wednesday 4pm–12am, Thursday 11am–12am, Friday 11am–1am, Saturday 9am–1am, Sunday 9am–12am. Price range: $$.

Café Hollander – Downer (2608 N Downer Ave), the original flagship location since 2006, features an expansive outdoor patio, and notably, pets are allowed in their winter domes—providing year-round dog-friendly outdoor dining. Phone: (414) 963-6366 | Website: cafehollander.com. Price range: $$–$$$.

The Roman Coin (1004 E Brady St) has earned its reputation as "The East Side's most well-known Dog Bar." This 50-year Brady Street staple keeps treats behind the counter and water bowls always ready. All dogs welcome in this casual dive bar atmosphere. Phone: (414) 278-9334. Price range: $.

Comet Cafe (1947 N Farwell Ave), featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, offers dog-friendly sidewalk patio seating. Famous for scratch-made comfort food including their celebrated meatloaf. Website: thecometcafe.com. Price range: $$.

Riverwest

Black Husky Brewing (909 E Locust St) ranks among Milwaukee's most authentically dog-centric breweries. Dogs are allowed inside the taproom and on the patio. Named after the owners' beloved husky Howler, the brewery maintains a photo wall of "furry regulars," and staff remembers regular dogs by name. The outdoor patio features a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and a sandbox for kids. Phone: (414) 509-8855 | Website: blackhuskybrewing.com | Hours: Tuesday–Thursday 4–9pm, Friday 4–10pm, Saturday 12–10pm, Sunday 12–7pm. Price range: $–$$.

Art★Bar (718-732 E Burleigh St) welcomes dogs inside the bar and on the patio, though they discourage multiple dogs inside simultaneously. Dogs must remain leashed and tethered to their owner. Note: No pets allowed at the adjacent Wonderland diner. Phone: (414) 372-7880 | Website: artbarwonderland.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 3pm–1:30am, Friday 3pm–2am, Saturday 9am–2am, Sunday 9am–1:30am. Price range: $–$$.

Gathering Place Brewing Company (811 E Vienna Ave) keeps dog treats behind the bar and welcomes socialized dogs on their large patio. This award-winning, community-focused brewery crafts European-inspired styles with modern American twists. Phone: (414) 635-0569 | Website: gatheringplacebrewing.com | Hours: Monday–Friday 4–10pm, Saturday 12–10pm, Sunday 12–6pm. Price range: $–$$.

Walker's Point & Harbor District

Boone & Crockett (818 S Water St) permits dogs inside the bar and on their small riverside patio. This premier cocktail destination features north woods hunting lodge decor and innovative craft cocktails. TacoMoto food truck operates on-site. Phone: (414) 212-8115 | Website: boonemilwaukee.com | Hours: Wednesday–Thursday 4pm–2am, Friday–Sunday 3pm–2am. Price range: $$.

Broken Bat Brewing Co. (231 E Buffalo St) welcomes dogs inside the taproom and on the patio, with treats available behind the bar. This baseball-themed brewery hosts "7th Inning Fetch" happy hours during warmer months. Phone: (414) 316-9197. Price range: $–$$.

Transfer Pizzeria Café (101 W Mitchell St) offers a quiet dog-friendly patio at this historic 1908 pharmacy-turned-pizzeria. Over 40 creative pizza varieties plus extensive gluten-free and vegan options. Phone: (414) 763-0438 | Website: transfermke.com | Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11am–9pm. Price range: $$.

Bay View

This eclectic neighborhood along Kinnickinnic Avenue offers diverse options from dive bars with grills to lakefront beer gardens.

South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden (2900 S Shore Dr) occupies a stunning 1930s WPA-era bathhouse pavilion with Lake Michigan views and Milwaukee skyline panoramas. Dogs are welcome throughout the outdoor areas of this seasonal operation in South Shore Park. Classic American fare includes burgers, brats, and Friday Fish Fry. Phone: (414) 257-5616 | Website: southshoreterrace.com | Hours (seasonal): Thursday–Friday 4–8pm, Saturday–Sunday 12–7pm. Price range: $–$$.

The Backyard (2155 S Kinnickinnic Ave) offers one of Milwaukee's most unique experiences: dogs are welcome inside the bar and on the massive patio where you can grill your own meat on free-to-use grills. The outdoor space features a fire pit, bag toss courts, and projection screen. Phone: (414) 751-4087 | Website: thebackyardmke.com | Hours: Opens 3pm weekdays, noon weekends. Price range: $.

Sugar Maple (441 E Lincoln Ave) features a small dog-friendly patio at this craft beer mecca housed in a 1918 bank building—restrooms are famously located in the former vault. Over 60 rotating craft beers on tap. Website: mysugarmaple.com. Price range: $–$$.

Cafe Lulu (2265 S Howell Ave) provides six pet-friendly outdoor tables on their patio overlooking Bay View's iconic triangle intersection. This Bay View pioneer since 2001 serves eclectic sandwiches and their famous Bleu Lulu chips. Phone: (414) 294-5858 | Website: lulubayview.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 11am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–10pm. Price range: $$.

Palomino Bar (2491 S Superior St) welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio where you can reportedly order a Pabst poured in a bowl for your pup. Southern-inspired comfort food pairs with one of Wisconsin's best bourbon lists. Phone: (414) 747-1007 | Website: palominobar.com | Hours: Bar daily 4–11pm, brunch Saturday–Sunday 10am–3pm. Price range: $$.

New Barons Brewing Cooperative and Component Brewing Company (both at Lincoln Warehouse, 2018 S 1st St) offer dog-friendly taproom experiences. New Barons is Wisconsin's first co-op brewery; Component features 20+ beers on tap in a cozy industrial setting. Both welcome well-behaved dogs.

Kindred on KK at Kinn Guesthouse (2535 S Kinnickinnic Ave) provides a lovely outdoor patio beneath a hawthorne tree with fire pit, welcoming dogs at this upscale bar in a 150-year-old brick building. Website: kindredonkk.com. Price range: $$–$$$.

Wauwatosa & Western Suburbs

Wauwatosa's thriving dining scene offers numerous options concentrated in Tosa Village, along North Avenue, and at the Mayfair Collection.

Wauwatosa

Café Hollander Tosa Village (7677 W State St) features a stunning dog-friendly patio on a bridge overlooking the Menomonee River. Winter Domes provide cold-weather outdoor options. Phone: (414) 475-6771 | Website: cafehollander.com | Hours: Monday–Thursday 8am–10pm, Friday–Saturday 8am–11pm, Sunday 8am–10pm. Price range: $$.

Big Head Brewing Co. (6204 W State St) welcomes dogs inside the taproom and on outdoor picnic tables. This relaxed industrial warehouse brewery offers rotating craft beers, free popcorn, and games including pinball, darts, and shuffleboard. No kitchen, but food trucks visit regularly. Phone: (414) 257-9782 | Website: bigheadbrewingco.com. Price range: $.

Camp Bar Tosa (6600 W North Ave) continues the Camp Bar tradition with a spacious dog-friendly patio featuring fireplace, comfortable seating, and covered areas. Phone: (414) 763-3793 | Website: campbarmke.com/tosa. Price range: $$.

Gathering Place Brewing Company (7208 W North Ave) welcomes dogs on their patio at this cozy neighborhood brewery designed to feel like an extension of your living room. Website: gatheringplacebrewing.com. Price range: $–$$.

The Landing at Hoyt Park operates as Wauwatosa's beloved seasonal beer garden under century-old trees, featuring local beers, live music, and food trucks. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout this beautiful park setting. Price range: $.

Lion's Tail Brewing Company welcomes leashed dogs in their expansive outdoor Biergarten, featuring 15+ house beers on tap from a 15-barrel brewhouse. Website: lionstailbrewing.com. Price range: $–$$.

Explorium Wauwatosa (11200 W Burleigh St, Mayfair Collection) offers a large dog-friendly patio. Formerly Good City Brewing, this location joined Explorium Hospitality Group in January 2025. Phone: (414) 539-4343 | Website: exploriumbrew.com/wauwatosa. Price range: $$.

West Allis

Ope! Brewing Co. (6751 W National Ave) is self-proclaimed "super dog-friendly" with dogs welcome indoors and outdoors. The outdoor bar features four fire pits, pergolas, five bag board lanes, and two volleyball courts. Twenty taps pour from a 60+ beer roster. Phone: (414) 509-6700 | Website: opebrewingco.com | Hours: Monday–Wednesday 4–10pm, Thursday 4–11pm, Friday–Saturday 11am–11pm, Sunday 11am–8pm. Price range: $$. Note: Check their official pet policy online; mischievous pups best left at home.

Westallion Brewing Company welcomes dogs in their taproom, continuing the trend of West Allis breweries embracing four-legged visitors. Price range: $–$$.

Kegel's Inn offers a seasonal dog-friendly beer garden at this authentic German restaurant. Call ahead to confirm seasonal availability. Price range: $$.

Brookfield

Café Hollander – Brookfield (The Corners, 250 High St) provides a large rooftop deck and street-level patio, both dog-friendly, plus Winter Domes for cold weather. Website: cafehollander.com. Price range: $$.

BelAir Cantina – Brookfield (250 High St) welcomes dogs on their outdoor patio with fire pit and lounge furniture overlooking Market Square. Website: belaircantina.com. Price range: $$.

Lee's Dairy Treat (14040 W Greenfield Ave) has been a Brookfield tradition since 1971, offering 40 ice cream flavors at their walk-up window. Dogs welcome in outdoor areas. Seasonal: March–October only. Price range: $.

Planning efficient outings with your dog

For North Shore residents, a perfect Saturday might start with morning coffee at Stone Creek Coffee in Shorewood, followed by a walk on the Oak Leaf Trail to Hubbard Park Beer Garden for lunch, then craft beers at Draft & Vessel before dinner at Jack Pandl's patio in Whitefish Bay.

For a Third Ward excursion, begin with coffee at Colectivo across from the Public Market, explore the neighborhood with your dog, grab lunch at Riley's Social House (one of few spots allowing dogs inside), then finish at The Explorium's patio.

In Bay View, start at South Shore Terrace for lakefront views, wander Kinnickinnic Avenue, then enjoy dinner at Cafe Lulu or Palomino Bar before drinks at Sugar Maple.

In Wauwatosa, the Menomonee River Parkway connects Café Hollander's river-view patio to Hoyt Park's beer garden, making for an excellent walking route with your dog.

Indoor-friendly options for inclement weather include Draft & Vessel (Shorewood), Black Husky Brewing (Riverwest), Riley's Social House (Third Ward), Big Head Brewing (Wauwatosa), Ope! Brewing (West Allis), The Backyard (Bay View), and Boone & Crockett (Walker's Point).

Best dog menus and treats: Riley's Social House offers a full dog menu; Draft & Vessel and Gathering Place Brewing keep treats on hand; Tre Rivali features a "Yappie Hour Menu"; and many coffee shops provide pup cups upon request.

Seasonal considerations and best practices

Most outdoor patios operate May through October, though many establishments extend seasons with heaters and fire pits. Café Hollander's Winter Domes notably permit pets, providing rare cold-weather outdoor dining. Beer gardens like Hubbard Park, Estabrook, South Shore Terrace, and The Landing at Hoyt Park are strictly seasonal.

Standard requirements across nearly all establishments include keeping dogs leashed, ensuring they're well-behaved, and cleaning up after them. Water bowls are commonly provided, but bringing your own ensures your dog stays hydrated. Peak dining times may limit availability of dog-friendly seating, so consider off-peak visits or calling ahead for popular destinations.

Some establishments have closed recently, including 1840 Brewing Company (July 2025) and Enlightened Brewing Company (January 2025) in Bay View. Always verify current operating status before planning visits. MobCraft Beer closed briefly but reopened under new ownership in September 2025.

With careful planning, Milwaukee's dog-friendly dining scene allows pet owners to enjoy everything from morning coffee to evening craft cocktails without leaving their beloved companions at home.