Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Breweries Near the Milwaukee Maker Festivals Venue

Are you ready for Milwaukee Maker Festivals 2023? Trust us—we can’t wait either! As much fun as the event itself will be, it’s also important to take into account what else there is to experience in the city and around the venue. Whether you’re on the hunt for a cozy coffee shop where you can energize before diving into the Marketplace, seeking a restaurant to refuel between workshops, or looking for the perfect place to grab a craft beer after an exhausting day, Milwaukee has plenty of tasty options. Follow along with us as we explore our recommendations for restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries near this year’s Maker Festivals Milwaukee venue!

Related: Plan Your Day at Maker Festivals Milwaukee

Downtown Coffee Shops

When you need a buzz, you need a buzz! These coffee shops are close to the venue, so you can get your cuppa and get back to all things crafting and making.

Canary Coffee Bar

Fuel your creativity with a visit to Canary Coffee Bar located in Westown! This coffee shop offers a unique multi-roaster experience, showcasing a variety of coffee beans from different roasters. So whether you prefer a rich espresso or a perfectly brewed pour-over, Canary Coffee Bar has you covered with their expertly crafted coffee beverages.

Travel: 6 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Mon–Fri 7am–9pm; Sat & Sun 8am–9pm

Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts

Come satisfy your coffee and doughnut cravings at Supernova Coffee & Doughnuts — an eclectic coffee shop offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences. Indulge in the delightful combination of freshly brewed coffee and a variety of delectable doughnuts, ranging from classic old-fashioned favorites to innovative and creative creations.

Travel: 8 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Mon & Tues 8am–5pm; Weds–Fri 8am–6pm; Sat 9am–7pm; Sun 9am–5pm

Discourse Coffee

Discover a captivating coffee experience at Discourse Coffee! This unique coffee shop brings together a diverse team of individuals, including baristas, artists, cooks, and more, who are passionate about crafting liquid stories that celebrate the essence of people, places, and things. With a commitment to sustainability and seasonality, Discourse Coffee takes pride in exploring the unknown, offering a range of carefully sourced and meticulously prepared coffee offerings.

Travel: 9 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Open every day 7:30am–4:30pm

Favorite Milwaukee Restaurants

There are delicious options for all meals close to the venue! Here are a few favorites that are close enough that you can stop by quickly to recharge.

DOC’s Commerce Smokehouse

You’re in for a mouthwatering experience at DOC’s Commerce Smokehouse! With a commitment to using select, local ingredients, this smokehouse crafts their dishes from scratch, ensuring freshness and quality. Following the Southern tradition, their meats are prepared using only hickory smoke, spice, and plenty of time, resulting in flavors that are rich and authentic.

Travel: 1 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Tues–Thurs & Sun 11:30am–9pm; Fri & Sat 11:30am–10pm; closed Mon

Milwaukee ChopHouse

Indulge in a culinary delight after a long day of Maker Festival workshops at Milwaukee ChopHouse. With its contemporary atmosphere and exceptional cuisine, this restaurant is a perfect choice for those seeking a memorable dining experience. The extensive wine list and superior service further enhance the dining experience, ensuring a truly special occasion.

Travel: 2 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Tues–Sat 5–10pm; Sun 4–9pm; closed Mon

Calderone Club

You’re in for a delectable treat at Calderone Club! This classic Italian restaurant serves up generous portions of mouthwatering pasta that will transport you back to the homemade meals of your childhood. From rich sauces to perfectly cooked noodles, this restaurant takes pride in recreating the flavors and comfort of Mamma’s cooking.

Travel: 5 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Tues–Thurs 4:30–9:30pm; Fri & Sat 4–10pm; closed Sun & Mon

Buck Bradley’s Saloon & Eatery

You’ll find a charming retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Maker Festivals at Buck Bradley’s Saloon & Eatery. Situated in the bustling Old World 3rd Street of Milwaukee, this historic establishment offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. With its rich history and central location, it’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a satisfying meal after a day of creativity.

Travel: 8 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Weds & Thurs 11am–10pm; Fri 11am–12am; Sat 9am–12am; Sun 9am–10pm; closed Mon & Tues

Brick 3 Pizza

This charming pizzeria, housed in a historic cream city brick building dating back to 1876, embraces old-world charm and delivers a taste of authentic New York City pizza. Influenced by Staten Island roots and the traditions of NYC pizzerias, Brick 3 Pizza is committed to reviving the glory days of high-quality neighborhood slice joints. So, take a break from stitching and enjoy a delicious taste of New York!

Travel: 10 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Mon–Thurs 11am–8pm; Fri & Sat 11am–1am; closed Sun

Third Street Tavern

Come satisfy your cravings at Third Street Tavern, a corner bar that offers a delightful culinary experience. Known for their amazing thin smashed old fashioned burgers, cheese steaks, and delectable appetizers, this cozy establishment is the perfect spot to indulge in comfort food favorites. Plus you can play tons of classic video games at their arcade!

Travel: 11 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: 11am–1am Sun–Thurs; 11am–2:30am Fri & Sat

Honeypie Café serves “real food made by hand with real ingredients.” This beloved eatery offers a menu of comfort food favorites made from scratch. They use as many local meats, produce and other ingredients as posible. Choose from savory pies, sandwiches, salads, and desserts for a hearty, tasty meal. The cozy atmosphere of Honey Pie Cafe, complete with eclectic decor and a sunny outdoor patio, make it an attractive spot for a hearty brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Travel: 10 minute drive from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Weds-Mon 9am-9pm; closed Tues

SafeHouse Milwaukee

SafeHouse Milwaukee is a fun, spy-themed restaurant and bar located in downtown. You will need to do a little research to find the actual location and learn the password to this modern speakeasy. Once inside, you’ll be transported into a world of intrigue, with decor that includes spy gadgets and secret passageways. Other unique aspects include code-breaking puzzles, a “Top Secret” bar, and an occasional dance floor. It’s a novel place to go if you’re a fan of spy movies or just want a fun, entertaining experience.

Travel: 8 minute walk from the Wisconsin Center
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri & Sat 11am-2am; Sun 11am-8pm

Favorite Breweries and Taprooms Near Maker Festivals

Calling all beer-loving makers! Ready to do a deep dive into the local craft beer scene while you’re in Milwaukee? Then look no further—we have scoured the area around Wisconsin Center, and found some of the best breweries right at your fingertips.

There you have it – all the best places to refuel for an action-packed Maker Festivals Milwaukee experience! Whether you’re sipping coffee, devouring donuts, savoring small plate sensations, or delighting in delicious craft beer, you’ll be sure to find something yummy to meet your needs. If you’re a local or have been to the area before, be sure to let us know you favorite spots in the comments!