I recently connected with Scott Small, one of the founders of Dives of Wisconsin (X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook), and collaborated on a TikTok to feature 5 dive bars in Milwaukee. TikToks are intended to be short and sweet, so there isn’t much room to expand (while maintaining interest) so I invited Scott to also help me create a more complete list of dive bars. The first 5 are my picks and the last 5 are his.
What is a dive bar? Depending on who you ask, the answer is going to vary. I don’t think I can leave it at ‘it’s a feeling you get when you walk in, you just know.’ What tends to connect one dive bar to another is its small, eclectic, old-style with cheap drinks. You’ll sometimes have dive bars referred to as neighborhood bars too, a bar that attracts the local residents to drink together.
Read: 10 Milwaukee Mexican Restaurants
While Scott and I were at Fremo’s (included below), one of the patrons we chatted with described the bar as a family. Many familiar faces came in time after time and on our way out we felt welcome to return any time, we quickly became family. It’s an endearing quality to be a dive bar in Milwaukee!
JMatt’s Dive Bar Picks
10. The Standard Tavern (FB: @StandardTavern)
Address: 1754 N Franklin Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202
I can’t not start with the Standard, it may be the first dive bar I ever went to in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It’s not far off of Brady Street, but even before I moved to the East side of Milwaukee, my friends often got me to end my night at the Standard. Heck, they also started their nights (and days) here.
View this post on Instagram
9. Hosed on Brady (FB: @HosedonBrady)
Address: 1689 N Franklin Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202
This one was brought up by Scott while we bounced around to his five for TikTok, he mentioned a fondness for Hosed on Brady. It’s a cash-only dive bar next to an old firehouse (Engine 6). They also have a 3 Alarm Special which is your choice of a Hamm’s, Old Milwaukee, or Blatz, and a shot Jack Daniel’s (or a few other options) and a pull tab all for $5 all day, every day.
View this post on Instagram
8. The Mothership (FB: @TheMothershipMKE)
Address: 2301 S Logan Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
I’m not sure if this is technically a dive bar or not. I think it is. It has the dive bar vibes and has Hamm’s decor making it the beer of choice for many there. My friend has countered my claim by saying dive bars can’t have craft cocktails, another friend pointed out that they also currently have tiki vibes. So, I’ll leave it up to you to decide if it counts as a dive bar or not.
View this post on Instagram
7. Y-Not II Tavern (FB: @YNotII)
Address: 706 E Lyon St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Why… Y-Not, I learned a long time ago that the bar is named after the owner, Tony, but backward. Yes, there were also other Y-Not locations, one was even transformed by Bar Rescue into Nick’s House (and I never had a chance to go before it closed!). I don’t often remember my visits to Y-Not II but I always have a good time!
View this post on Instagram
6. Uptowner (FB: @UptownerBar)
Address: 1032 E Center St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
The Uptowner’s claim to fame locally is that they’re the “oldest and continuous longest-running tavern” and the key phrase here is continuous. Having opened in 1884, being able to keep the doors open for 135+ years through prohibition and multiple owners is an impressive feat!
View this post on Instagram
Watch on TikTok: 5 Milwaukee Dive Bars
Dive of Wisconsin – Scott’s Dive Bar Picks
5. Puddler’s Hall (FB: @PuddlersHall)
Address: 2461 S St Clair St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Built in 1872, the walls of this building have seen next to everything, including a union hall, a speakeasy, a dance studio, and now, a bar and event space. Puddler’s Hall is currently the oldest wooden building that is still operating as a union hall. In addition to some great history, Puddler’s Hall also has an entire event room that you can throw a party at, or play a few games of ping-pong with friends.
View this post on Instagram
4. Fremo’s (FB: @TeamFremos)
Address: 6449 W Fond du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53218
A second-generation bar, this dive has a very “Cheers-y” vibe, where everyone at the bar knows everyone else. Make sure to come during a Packer’s game, or stop by for a few drinks and a game of pool.
View this post on Instagram
3. The Gig (FB: @TheGigMKE)
Address: 1132 E Wright St, Milwaukee, WI 53212
A mix of hipster and sports bar, this Riverwest bar has been in operation since 2001. The extra seating area connected to the main bar room adds openness and the opportunity to play pinball, try your hand at billiards, or scope out some snacks from their vending machines.
View this post on Instagram
2. Regano’s Roman Coin (FB: The Roman Coin)
Address: Besides being one of the most dog-friendly bars in Milwaukee, Roman Coin is also home to great drink deals and a friendly and unique cast of characters. Rumor has it that there is a bowling alley in the basement—but don’t get too excited, the only way to access the alley is through a trap door behind the bar.
View this post on Instagram
1. Wolski’s Tavern (FB: @WolskisTavern)
Address: 1836 N Pulaski St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Is there any more iconic bar in all of the land? Probably not. “Closing Wolski’s” is not only a right of passage for Milwaukee’s bar-goers but also a sort of pilgrimage for those who seek the Mecca of Wisconsin drinking. Stay until 2:00 AM and the bartender will hand out “I Closed Wolski’s” bumper stickers. Do what you want with it, but many folks decide to travel with theirs and give it to a bar across the state, the country, or even internationally. Undoubtedly, if you are looking for the most Milwaukee bar, Wolski’s is on top of the list.
View this post on Instagram
Read: 10 Milwaukee Apparel Brands to Rep
Note: this list was originally published on June 13, 2021, since then My Office (763 N Milwaukee St.) and Landmark 1850 Inn (5905 S Howell Ave.) have permanently closed.
I think we’ve established that a dive bar is a thing of pride, not an insult – it’s a staple to the community and a very big part of what makes Milwaukee, Milwaukee. Did your favorite dive bar make it onto the list? Let me know in the comments or hit me up at @JMattMke (TikTok, Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat)!
Make sure to check out Dives of Wisconsin on social media too (X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook)!
Join fellow Hashtaggers and sign up for our newsletter! Also, look up our groups on Facebook (mention you were referred from the website) and LinkedIn. Finally, be alerted when we publish new events, follow us on Eventbrite!
You missed Trailer Park Tavern
I hadn’t heard of that one before, thanks for mentioning it!
My Office closed during the pandemic in 2020 and I’ve not seen it be open since.
Thanks for pointing out – I’ll put a note next to it.
You forgot Just Art’s Saloon. Hands down the best dive in Milwaukee.