Milwaukee, Wisconsin, might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a getaway, but after spending a long weekend there, we realized it’s an underrated gem. From incredible food to unique attractions, we packed our trip with as many activities as possible. If you’re looking for a mix of culture, history, and delicious eats, Milwaukee is the perfect destination!
Day 1: A Taste of New Orleans in Wisconsin
After arriving in Milwaukee, we kicked off our trip with dinner at Crawdaddy’s on Greenfield in West Allis. This New Orleans-style eatery instantly transported us to the French Quarter with its lively ambiance and NOLA-inspired decor.
What We Ordered:
- Appetizer: Fresh oysters (a must!)
- Main Course: Fish tacos (me) & Lobster wedge salad (Patrick)
If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors, this is a fantastic spot to start your Milwaukee adventure!
Day 2: The Ultimate Milwaukee Food Tour
We dedicated our second day to exploring the city’s incredible food scene with Secret Food Tours. To our surprise, we were the only two on the tour, making it a private experience! Our guide, Yazmin, was fantastic, providing historical insights and local recommendations.
Stops on Our Food Tour:
- Usinger’s Sausage – A historic shop where we learned about their famous sausages and saw their impressive selection.
- Wisconsin Cheese Mart – We sampled the famous 5-year-old cheddar and even tried chocolate cheese with walnuts (surprisingly delicious!).
- Old German Beer Hall – We indulged in a Hofbräuhaus Wurst platter featuring smoked bratwurst, classic bratwurst, red cabbage, and homemade rye bread. The Beer Hall also has hammerschlagen and a goat you can climb to kiss (yes, really!).
- SafeHouse – A hidden ‘speakeasy’ and the second-largest spy museum in the world. Each section is themed to a different European country. Here, we sampled cheese curds and I treated myself to an espresso martini.
- Milwaukee Public Market – This bustling market reminded us of Pike Place Market in Seattle. We sampled a walleye fish fry and a brandy old-fashioned slushie—both were amazing!
- Colectivo Coffee – A cozy coffee shop where we ended our tour. I ordered an iced caramel macchiato, while Patrick opted for an iced tea.
The tour lasted about three hours, covering a few miles of walking. It was a great way to see the city and taste its best offerings.
Day 2 Evening: March Madness at Fiserv Forum
That night, we headed to Fiserv Forum to watch two March Madness basketball games:
- Kentucky vs. Troy
- Illinois vs. Xavier
The energy was electric, and we had fantastic seats to enjoy the games. Whether you’re a basketball fan or just love a great sports atmosphere, catching a game at Fiserv Forum is a must!
Day 3: Sprecher Brewery Tour
Before heading home, we squeezed in a Sprecher Brewery Tour. This 45-minute experience walked us through the history of Sprecher Brewing Company, and we got to sample unlimited sodas and four different beers.
Though we didn’t have time to enjoy the games and food there, Sprecher is a great spot for families and beer lovers alike.
Final Thoughts on Milwaukee
Milwaukee completely exceeded our expectations! Between the incredible food, fun attractions, and lively atmosphere, we’re already planning our next trip back. If you’re looking for a weekend getaway with great food, unique experiences, and a friendly Midwestern vibe, Milwaukee should definitely be on your list!
Tips for Your Milwaukee Trip:
- Book a food tour to sample the best local flavors.
- Check out Fiserv Forum for sports or concerts.
- Explore Milwaukee Public Market for unique eats and shopping.
- Visit Sprecher Brewery for beer and craft sodas.
Have you been to Milwaukee? Share your favorite spots in the comments below!
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