A Historic Walking Tour of Milwaukee (East Side edition!)

With our few remaining weeks of beautiful Milwaukee weather, we have decided to put together a walking guide to a delightful weekend spent exploring the historic charm of our East Side neighborhood. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, our curated itinerary will ensure you make the most of your MKE visit. Here’s how we recommend spending the perfect weekend exploring our beloved East Side!

A great weekend starts with a full stomach, and our breakfast recommendation is…  The Cafe at The Plaza, of course! Come downstairs to the best brunch in Milwaukee and enjoy coffee and hashbrowns in our serene ivy courtyard. For a quick stroll-and-sip stop, try Fairgrounds Coffee and Tea two blocks up E. State Street or Discourse Coffee – Downtown, four blocks in the opposite direction.

Once you’re full and properly caffeinated, we recommend lacing up your shoes and visiting a few historical buildings nearby. The Charles Allis Art Museum is housed in a beautiful early 20th-century mansion, and just around the corner sits Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum, a stunning Italian Renaissance-style villa sitting on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. These museums house some of the most incredible art on display in Milwaukee and are well worth a visit. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is a 19th-century gem with the largest Tiffany glass installation in the world, with intricate stained glass panels custom-designed by the revered company. Speaking of historical buildings, our own Plaza Hotel is fast approaching its 100th anniversary! Stay tuned for more details.

Brady Street, just six blocks north of The Plaza, is bustling with great lunch opinions from around the globe. Enjoy a flight of pasta from Dorsia or a plate of delicious empanadas from La Masa, or swing through Glorioso’s Italian Market. This mini Italian grocery store has a counter serving freshly made Italian staples, including sandwiches and pasta. You can also grab a cart and pick up all the ingredients needed for a lovely picnic.

You can’t have a picnic without a park to enjoy it in! The East Side has many picturesque parks to park for a picnic, including Back Bay Park, McKinley Park, Juneau Park, Burns Commons, and Veterans Park along Lake Michigan. Sometimes, the best way to spend a weekend in Milwaukee is to slow down and enjoy the sun on your face. Especially after all that walking!

The East Side has several intimate dinner options to cap off an excellent exploring day, including Elsa’s on the Park for cocktails and burgers overlooking Cathedral Square. Buckley’s Restaurant & Bar is just a few blocks from The Plaza and has an accompanying Cake House, making dessert a must. Nothing’s wrong with a frosted nightcap before returning to The Plaza for a well-deserved slumber!