Social Spaces
This section contains a small sampling of the social spaces that you may want to check out with a friend or your traveling group! We've organized them into the following categories: Bookstores & Creative Spaces, Cafes, Coffee Shops, & Sweet Treats, Entertainment, Local Brews, and Lounges & Bars & Pubs Oh My.
Features: Cocktails, dancing, food hall, kid friendly, LGBTQ friendly, POC owned
Bookstores & Creative Spaces
Boswells’ Bookstore (https://www.boswellbooks.com/) Local bookstore that regularly hosts readings and highlights local work. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Outwords Books, Gifts, and Coffee (https://outwordsbooks.com/) “From books exploring LGBTQ+ lives to all the latest romance and murder mysteries, [they] have what you love to read!” (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
The Retreat (https://www.facebook.com/theretreatmke/) A recently opened community, art, and decompression space where Milwaukee poets, activists, and change-makers are coming together. A series of events will be occurring during CCCCs and are open to the public, including an open poetry slam on Wednesday, March 25. (1.6 miles from Convention Center)
Sherman Phoenix (https://www.shermanphoenix.com/) This commercial space seeks to advance the entrepreneurship of communities of color in the area. It is open Monday – Saturday 7am – 8pm and features a variety of food vendors, health and wellness experiences, and cultural experiences. (3.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly, POC owned
Woodland Pattern Book Center (https://www.woodlandpattern.org) Colorful local bookstore with regular readings, open mics, workshops, and other events. The bookstore is also participating in the SJAC book drive and will have a booth in the exhibit hall throughout the duration of CCCCs. (2.7 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Cafes, Coffee Shops, & Sweet Treats
Coffee Makes You Black (https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeMakesYouBlack/) Diner-style space serving coffee and soul food, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (2.4 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Colectivo-Third Ward (https://colectivocoffee.com/cafes/third-ward) Local coffee chain with a surprisingly wide menu including breakfasts, pastries, and lunch entrees. Very vegetarian and gluten free friendly. (0.7 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Crossroads Collective (http://www.crossroadscollectivemke.com/) Milwaukee’s “foodiest food hall” features eight local food artisans and provides a range of food and drink options. Sustainability is important to the Crossroads Collective, which strives to be a zero net waste facility. (2.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Dunkin’ Donuts Two locations nearby. (0.1/0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Holey Moley Doughnuts (https://www.facebook.com/HoleyMoleyDoughnuts/) A popular local stop for coffee and doughnuts, including vegan varieties. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Hudson Business & Lounge (https://thehudson.org/) Stylish co-working space with coffee, food, and cocktails. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Cocktails
Milwaukee Public Market (https://milwaukeepublicmarket.org/) Indoor market modeled after the Seattle version with various venders, including Mexican, Middle Eastern, fresh seafood, soup, salad, baked goods, coffee. The second floor of the market offers ample seating to meet up with friends and chat outside of the convention center. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Purple Door Ice Cream (https://purpledooricecream.com/) Local ice cream shop with innovative flavors like Old Fashioned and Purple Moon. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
The R Cafe (https://www.rcafeonline.com/) Coffee and breakfast options as well as sandwiches and pastries. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Rise and Grind Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/rgcafe2mlk/) Local spot for coffee, soul food and a brunch buffet. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Starbucks You know the drill - multiple locations. (0 miles, 0.5 miles, or 0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Stone Creek Coffee - Factory Cafe (https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/) Local coffee chain with pastries and snacks; right across from the train station and Hop stop (our local light rail) and good for caffeinating for travel. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Third Ward Cafe (formerly Kickapoo Coffee) (https://kickapoocoffee.com/pages/historic-third-ward-cafe) Fair trade, organic coffee and a variety of pastries served in a bright space with plenty of seating. (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Zocalo Food Park (https://www.facebook.com/ZocaloFoodPark/) Zocalo, meaning public square, is Milwaukee’s first food truck park accommodating up to six food trucks. It also has a full service bar, bocce ball court, and indoor/outdoor seating. (1 mile from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Entertainment
ComedySportz Milwaukee (http://www.cszmke.com/) All-ages comedy-as-a-sport, complete with referee, featuring 2 improv teams competing for applause. (1.2 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Local Brews
Ale Asylum (https://aleasylum.com/) Local brewery serving appetizers and pub food, situated right on the Milwaukee river with excellent views. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (https://www.bestplacemilwaukee.com/) Forget your can of PBR - Best Place brings back recipes for a wide range of Pabst’s classic brews!! Also don’t miss the Pabst memorabilia shop just a block down filled with old pint glasses, t-shirts, and brewery-related kitsch. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Black Husky Brewing (http://www.blackhuskybrewing.com/) A favorite spot for dog watching, with a rustic, cabin-themed interior. (2.7 miles from Convention Center)
City Lights Brewing (http://citylightsbrewing.com/) Scenic spot by the river with lots of seating and a pub-style menu in addition to their beers on tap. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Deer District (https://deerdistrict.com/) A grouping of various pubs and restaurants outside the new Bucks basketball stadium, Fiserv Forum. Includes local brewery, Good City Brewing and The Drink Wisconsibly pub. Check the Bucks home game schedule to make sure these won’t be packed. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Eagle Park Brewing (http://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/) Serving a variety of their own taps as well as eclectic small plates in an often crowded warehouse space. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Gathering Place Brewery (http://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/) Large, warehouse brewery in the Riverwest neighborhood. Not serving food at this time. (4.0 miles from Convention Center)
Indeed Brewing Company (https://www.indeedbrewing.com/) Originally a Minneapolis microbrewery, now with a new Milwaukee location. Large, open space with plenty of seating. (1.2 miles from Convention Center)
Lakefront Brewery (http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/) Known for having the best brewery tour in town (make sure to book ahead!), Lakefront offers a wide variety of beers including gluten free options in a large, open space great for large groups. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Mobcraft Brewery & Taproom (https://www.mobcraftbeer.com/) Local microbrewery with a creative tap menu, including at least one “crowd-sourced” flavor, and in-house pizzas (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Stubby’s Gastropub and Bar (http://stubbyspubandgrub.com/) A 2019 runner up for best place to drink beer, according to OnMilwaukee. Absolutely huge beer menu. (2.1 miles from Convention Center)
Sprecher Brewery (https://www.sprecherbrewery.com/) Old-school brewery with an indoor Bavarian beer garden. Offers tours, tastings, live music, and a full menu. (5.0 miles from Convention Center)
The Sugar Maple (http://mysugarmaple.com/) Voted the 2019 best place to drink beer in Milwaukee by OnMilwaukee. Also a great spot for a cocktail. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Third Space Brewing (https://thirdspacebrewing.com/) Warehouse-style microbrewery and taproom offering craft beer and sometimes food trucks or pop-up food options. (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Urban Harvest Brewing Company (https://www.urbanharvestbrewing.com/) A large rustic taproom offering a variety of small-batch beer. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Lounges & Bars & Pubs Oh My
Art*Bar (https://www.facebook.com/artbarmke/) Queer bar and art space/gallery with in-house pizza available. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Bad Genie (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Genie/199171190433921) Bi-level nightclub and bar serving craft beer & cocktails, with pool tables & live music several nights. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
BLU Milwaukee (https://www.blumilwaukee.com/) Stylish venue on the 23rd floor of the Pfister hotel with sweeping views, unique cocktails, and live jazz music. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Brownstone Social Lounge (https://www.facebook.com/brownstonesociallounge/) Intimate lounge with classic cocktails, hookah service, small plates and music. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (https://www.bryantscocktaillounge.com/) Cocktail bar in a stylish, vintage space with a “secret” menu. You tell the waiter what kinds of flavors you like and they make you a delicious cocktail to match. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy (https://www.bugsysmke.com/) Twenties–style nightclub with classic cocktails, live music, and a light menu. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
Cuvee Lounge (https://www.cuveemke.com/) Champagne and cocktails in trendy Third Ward neighborhood. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Dix Milwaukee (https://dixmke.com/) Gay bar featuring drag shows and dancing. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing, LGBTQ friendly
Fluid Milwaukee (https://fluidmke.com/) Relaxed gay bar offering craft cocktails, daily specials & event nights. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
The Harbor Room Old school leather bar, mostly gay men, cruise spot, dive bar. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Hudson Business & Lounge (https://thehudson.org/) Stylish co-working space with coffee, food, and cocktails. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Jazz Estate (https://jazzestate.com/) Long-running but recently revamped cocktail bar and intimate music venue with regular jazz performances, some free and others with a cover charge. (2.5 miles from Convention Center)
Kruz (https://m.facebook.com/kruz.kruzbar/) Relaxed gay dive bar; mostly men. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Mad Planet (http://www.mad-planet.net/) Classic dance club featuring hometown bands and national acts plus two weekly retro night with DJs. (2.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
My Office (https://www.facebook.com/MyOfficeMilwaukee/) Classic Milwaukee dive bar, if you’re looking for a local experience. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Oak & Oyster (http://www.thirdcoastprovisions.com/menus) Cocktails, oysters, and happy hour, oh my. The cozy basement accompaniment to the restaurant, Third Coast Provisions. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Riverwest Public House (https://riverwestpublichouse.wordpress.com) Queer cooperatively owned bar; radical political space, intersectional space. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
This is It! (http://www.thisisitbar.com/) Oldest gay bar in Wisconsin, serving drinks since 1968. Drag shows and karaoke on certain nights. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Walker’s Pint (https://walkerspint.com/) Historically a lesbian bar, but feels pretty queer-friendly. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Features: Cocktails, dancing, food hall, kid friendly, LGBTQ friendly, POC owned
Bookstores & Creative Spaces
Boswells’ Bookstore (https://www.boswellbooks.com/) Local bookstore that regularly hosts readings and highlights local work. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Outwords Books, Gifts, and Coffee (https://outwordsbooks.com/) “From books exploring LGBTQ+ lives to all the latest romance and murder mysteries, [they] have what you love to read!” (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
The Retreat (https://www.facebook.com/theretreatmke/) A recently opened community, art, and decompression space where Milwaukee poets, activists, and change-makers are coming together. A series of events will be occurring during CCCCs and are open to the public, including an open poetry slam on Wednesday, March 25. (1.6 miles from Convention Center)
Sherman Phoenix (https://www.shermanphoenix.com/) This commercial space seeks to advance the entrepreneurship of communities of color in the area. It is open Monday – Saturday 7am – 8pm and features a variety of food vendors, health and wellness experiences, and cultural experiences. (3.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly, POC owned
Woodland Pattern Book Center (https://www.woodlandpattern.org) Colorful local bookstore with regular readings, open mics, workshops, and other events. The bookstore is also participating in the SJAC book drive and will have a booth in the exhibit hall throughout the duration of CCCCs. (2.7 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Cafes, Coffee Shops, & Sweet Treats
Coffee Makes You Black (https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeMakesYouBlack/) Diner-style space serving coffee and soul food, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (2.4 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Colectivo-Third Ward (https://colectivocoffee.com/cafes/third-ward) Local coffee chain with a surprisingly wide menu including breakfasts, pastries, and lunch entrees. Very vegetarian and gluten free friendly. (0.7 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Crossroads Collective (http://www.crossroadscollectivemke.com/) Milwaukee’s “foodiest food hall” features eight local food artisans and provides a range of food and drink options. Sustainability is important to the Crossroads Collective, which strives to be a zero net waste facility. (2.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Dunkin’ Donuts Two locations nearby. (0.1/0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Holey Moley Doughnuts (https://www.facebook.com/HoleyMoleyDoughnuts/) A popular local stop for coffee and doughnuts, including vegan varieties. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Hudson Business & Lounge (https://thehudson.org/) Stylish co-working space with coffee, food, and cocktails. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Cocktails
Milwaukee Public Market (https://milwaukeepublicmarket.org/) Indoor market modeled after the Seattle version with various venders, including Mexican, Middle Eastern, fresh seafood, soup, salad, baked goods, coffee. The second floor of the market offers ample seating to meet up with friends and chat outside of the convention center. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Purple Door Ice Cream (https://purpledooricecream.com/) Local ice cream shop with innovative flavors like Old Fashioned and Purple Moon. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
The R Cafe (https://www.rcafeonline.com/) Coffee and breakfast options as well as sandwiches and pastries. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Rise and Grind Cafe (https://www.facebook.com/rgcafe2mlk/) Local spot for coffee, soul food and a brunch buffet. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Starbucks You know the drill - multiple locations. (0 miles, 0.5 miles, or 0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Stone Creek Coffee - Factory Cafe (https://www.stonecreekcoffee.com/) Local coffee chain with pastries and snacks; right across from the train station and Hop stop (our local light rail) and good for caffeinating for travel. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Third Ward Cafe (formerly Kickapoo Coffee) (https://kickapoocoffee.com/pages/historic-third-ward-cafe) Fair trade, organic coffee and a variety of pastries served in a bright space with plenty of seating. (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Zocalo Food Park (https://www.facebook.com/ZocaloFoodPark/) Zocalo, meaning public square, is Milwaukee’s first food truck park accommodating up to six food trucks. It also has a full service bar, bocce ball court, and indoor/outdoor seating. (1 mile from Convention Center)
Features: Food hall, kid friendly
Entertainment
ComedySportz Milwaukee (http://www.cszmke.com/) All-ages comedy-as-a-sport, complete with referee, featuring 2 improv teams competing for applause. (1.2 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Kid friendly
Local Brews
Ale Asylum (https://aleasylum.com/) Local brewery serving appetizers and pub food, situated right on the Milwaukee river with excellent views. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery (https://www.bestplacemilwaukee.com/) Forget your can of PBR - Best Place brings back recipes for a wide range of Pabst’s classic brews!! Also don’t miss the Pabst memorabilia shop just a block down filled with old pint glasses, t-shirts, and brewery-related kitsch. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Black Husky Brewing (http://www.blackhuskybrewing.com/) A favorite spot for dog watching, with a rustic, cabin-themed interior. (2.7 miles from Convention Center)
City Lights Brewing (http://citylightsbrewing.com/) Scenic spot by the river with lots of seating and a pub-style menu in addition to their beers on tap. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Deer District (https://deerdistrict.com/) A grouping of various pubs and restaurants outside the new Bucks basketball stadium, Fiserv Forum. Includes local brewery, Good City Brewing and The Drink Wisconsibly pub. Check the Bucks home game schedule to make sure these won’t be packed. (0.3 miles from Convention Center)
Eagle Park Brewing (http://www.eagleparkbrewing.com/) Serving a variety of their own taps as well as eclectic small plates in an often crowded warehouse space. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Gathering Place Brewery (http://www.gatheringplacebrewing.com/) Large, warehouse brewery in the Riverwest neighborhood. Not serving food at this time. (4.0 miles from Convention Center)
Indeed Brewing Company (https://www.indeedbrewing.com/) Originally a Minneapolis microbrewery, now with a new Milwaukee location. Large, open space with plenty of seating. (1.2 miles from Convention Center)
Lakefront Brewery (http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/) Known for having the best brewery tour in town (make sure to book ahead!), Lakefront offers a wide variety of beers including gluten free options in a large, open space great for large groups. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Mobcraft Brewery & Taproom (https://www.mobcraftbeer.com/) Local microbrewery with a creative tap menu, including at least one “crowd-sourced” flavor, and in-house pizzas (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Stubby’s Gastropub and Bar (http://stubbyspubandgrub.com/) A 2019 runner up for best place to drink beer, according to OnMilwaukee. Absolutely huge beer menu. (2.1 miles from Convention Center)
Sprecher Brewery (https://www.sprecherbrewery.com/) Old-school brewery with an indoor Bavarian beer garden. Offers tours, tastings, live music, and a full menu. (5.0 miles from Convention Center)
The Sugar Maple (http://mysugarmaple.com/) Voted the 2019 best place to drink beer in Milwaukee by OnMilwaukee. Also a great spot for a cocktail. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Third Space Brewing (https://thirdspacebrewing.com/) Warehouse-style microbrewery and taproom offering craft beer and sometimes food trucks or pop-up food options. (0.9 miles from Convention Center)
Urban Harvest Brewing Company (https://www.urbanharvestbrewing.com/) A large rustic taproom offering a variety of small-batch beer. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Lounges & Bars & Pubs Oh My
Art*Bar (https://www.facebook.com/artbarmke/) Queer bar and art space/gallery with in-house pizza available. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Bad Genie (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bad-Genie/199171190433921) Bi-level nightclub and bar serving craft beer & cocktails, with pool tables & live music several nights. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
BLU Milwaukee (https://www.blumilwaukee.com/) Stylish venue on the 23rd floor of the Pfister hotel with sweeping views, unique cocktails, and live jazz music. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Brownstone Social Lounge (https://www.facebook.com/brownstonesociallounge/) Intimate lounge with classic cocktails, hookah service, small plates and music. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: POC owned
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge (https://www.bryantscocktaillounge.com/) Cocktail bar in a stylish, vintage space with a “secret” menu. You tell the waiter what kinds of flavors you like and they make you a delicious cocktail to match. (2.0 miles from Convention Center)
Bugsy’s Back Alley Speakeasy (https://www.bugsysmke.com/) Twenties–style nightclub with classic cocktails, live music, and a light menu. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
Cuvee Lounge (https://www.cuveemke.com/) Champagne and cocktails in trendy Third Ward neighborhood. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Dix Milwaukee (https://dixmke.com/) Gay bar featuring drag shows and dancing. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing, LGBTQ friendly
Fluid Milwaukee (https://fluidmke.com/) Relaxed gay bar offering craft cocktails, daily specials & event nights. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
The Harbor Room Old school leather bar, mostly gay men, cruise spot, dive bar. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Hudson Business & Lounge (https://thehudson.org/) Stylish co-working space with coffee, food, and cocktails. (0.8 miles from Convention Center)
Jazz Estate (https://jazzestate.com/) Long-running but recently revamped cocktail bar and intimate music venue with regular jazz performances, some free and others with a cover charge. (2.5 miles from Convention Center)
Kruz (https://m.facebook.com/kruz.kruzbar/) Relaxed gay dive bar; mostly men. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Mad Planet (http://www.mad-planet.net/) Classic dance club featuring hometown bands and national acts plus two weekly retro night with DJs. (2.3 miles from Convention Center)
Features: Dancing
My Office (https://www.facebook.com/MyOfficeMilwaukee/) Classic Milwaukee dive bar, if you’re looking for a local experience. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Oak & Oyster (http://www.thirdcoastprovisions.com/menus) Cocktails, oysters, and happy hour, oh my. The cozy basement accompaniment to the restaurant, Third Coast Provisions. (0.6 miles from Convention Center)
Riverwest Public House (https://riverwestpublichouse.wordpress.com) Queer cooperatively owned bar; radical political space, intersectional space. (3.0 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
This is It! (http://www.thisisitbar.com/) Oldest gay bar in Wisconsin, serving drinks since 1968. Drag shows and karaoke on certain nights. (0.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly
Walker’s Pint (https://walkerspint.com/) Historically a lesbian bar, but feels pretty queer-friendly. (1.5 miles from Convention Center)
Features: LGBTQ friendly