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Milwaukee's past is today's best experience
11
items My favorite vintage spots to visit in Milwaukee that have been around for-evah
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The birthplace of the Pink Squirrel cocktail in the 1940's, Bryant's is a direct connection to Milwaukee's swanky past. Vintage dress is a must!
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
Mader's survived prohibition on the strength of its German food. 'nuff said.
Mader's Restaurant
Originally opened in Milwaukee's Third Ward area in 1957, The Spice House has since moved to a space in the Public Market, as well as online. I visited the original location for the first time in the 70s as a child and I totally fell in love with th...
The Spice House
AKA The Landmark. Built in 1927, the Landmark is surprisingly cleaner than it should be and makes for a good hang or even a date, if you aren't sure how into them you are. It's cheap to bowl and drinks are decent, plus plenty of other more intimate p...
Landmark Lanes
Run, no, FLY to Benji's Deli to get the most amazing sweet and sour borscht you've ever had. I once tried to bribe a friend that cooked there to give me the recipe and he refused, it's that special. A few pieces of buttered marble rye on the side and...
Benji's Deli and Restaurant
Opened in 1926, the original locations were on Downer and Oakland avenue, not Whitefish Bay as some may think. Sendiks offers a little bit of everything, like paninis grilled while you wait, fancy bakery items you can afford, and on-the-go fresh meal...
Sendik's Food Market Whitefish Bay
Previously known as the Bavarian Inn, the Bierhaus building and surrounding land has been used for some sort of German celebration since the 1920s. A little bit hard to find but not very far away from the center of Milwaukee in Glendale Wisconsin, it...
The Bavarian Bierhaus
While the shop itself isn't historical (they opened in 2001), the stuff they sell certainly is. They mostly cover the 50s-60s, but I've seen earlier items and they also carry reproductions (mostly in clothing). If you are looking for something specif...
Tip-Top Atomic Shop
One of my favorite places to thrift for vintage goodies in the Milwaukee area. It's a little more hit and miss these days, but you can still find some surprise goodies. Check their website for specials each day of the week.
Value Village
Mama Mia's has been a Milwaukee staple since 1954. At one point they had multiple locations around the city, but now just have the West Allis location. I have a personal affinity for their food because my parents lived directly behind their Silver Sp...
Mama Mia's
Opened in 1950, Serb Hall is known for its Friday Fish Fry. The facility is much bigger than it looks. According to its website it offers "capacity to serve more than 2,000 persons with two beautiful air-conditioned halls, two lounges, a drive-up wi...
Serb Hall, The King of Friday Fish Frys