38 Reasons to Visit Milwaukee’s Southern Suburbs
This story is part of our Best of the Burbs feature from the April Issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read our full guide to the finest that Milwaukee’s suburbs have to offer, order your copy today!
BY ALLI WATTERS, ANN CHRISTENSON, CHRIS DRSONER, ARCHER PARQUETTE, LAURA BENGS, KRISTINE HANSEN AND RICH ROVITO
1. Taqwa’s Bakery & Restaurant
4651 S. 27TH ST., GREENFIELD
The flavors of sumac, sesame and fenugreek pop at this Middle Eastern outpost. Dive into the humdinger of a house specialty, mosakhan – fluffy seasoned flatbread draped in caramelized onions and a grilled half-chicken, all moistened with a tart yogurt-cucumber sauce. Finish with an Arabic coffee and a traditional dessert like hareesih, a semolina cake sweetened with rosewater syrup.
2. Island Jam
2703 S. CHICAGO AVE., SOUTH MILWAUKEE
The jam is this menu of Caribbean charmers, from tender jerk chicken to succulent, slow-cooked oxtail with rice and peas or soft, starchy plantains. And with its deep, intricate flavors, the brownstew chicken will win over your heart. It’s juicy, peppery, paprika-y good.
3. Lagniappe Brasserie
17001 W. GREENFIELD AVE., NEW BERLIN
Inspired by the Cajun-French word roughly translating to something extra, this fine dining haven changes its menu frequently, which means ever-fresh choices like grilled swordfish puttanesca, Caribbean braised rabbit and pan-roasted veal chop in marsala cream sauce. The setting? Elegant but not stuffy.
4. Mimosa
9405 S. 27TH ST., FRANKLIN
A buzzing breakfast spot with a second location in Brookfield, Mimosa gets the details right – homemade granola and fruit jams, fresh-squeezed orange juice, Wisconsin maple syrup, from-scratch buttermilk pancakes. The menu is pretty traditional (corned beef hash, steak and eggs, classic French toast) but not devoid of chutzpah (morning jambalaya, pulled chicken-chorizo quinoa bowl).
5. Día y Noche
6601 NORTHWAY, GREENDALE
This spirited hub is two restaurants in one, as its name – Spanish for Day and Night – implies. In the morning, the cafe serves coffee drinks, baked goods and a few brunchy items such as a rice-plantain-fried egg bowl. At night, it transitions to a full menu of tapas and large plates, the culinary emphasis placed on countries in Latin America. Add to that a lively vibe and you’re instantly transported far from our Midwestern landscape.
6. Twisted Plants
4905 S. PACKARD AVE., CUDAHY
The city of Cudahy – named after a famous maker of pork products – bucks its meat-loving heritage by being the home to a popular and really yummy vegan restaurant, Twisted Plants. Try the Up in Smoke plant-based patty with BBQ sauce, “bacon” (definitely not Patrick Cudahy!), vegan American cheese and grilled onions for maximum deliciousness.
7. The Jewelers Guild
2408 E. ST. FRANCIS AVE., ST. FRANCIS
Still picking up bling at the mall? Swing by this jewelry store and workshop instead and commission a custom piece no one else owns. Or get on the bench yourself with DIY Wedding Ring classes or other classes in wax carving, stamping and soldering.
8. Barbeque Supply Co.
5668 BROAD ST., GREENDALE
Smack in the middle of historic Broad Street, locally owned Barbeque Supply Co. ups the ante for pitmasters. They’ve got the essentials covered with top-notch smokers, grills, gear and accessories. Looking to dial up the heat? Ask for recommendations from their curated mix of specialty spices, rubs and sauces.
9. Bluemel’s Garden and Landscape Center
4930 W. LOOMIS RD., GREENFIELD
Hordes of gardeners flock here each spring to take advantage of the robust plant selection. Bluemel’s striking, century-old dome was brought over from its original home on the former South Division High School before it was demolished in the 1980s. Inside, Blüm Coffee Garden serves up local roasts alongside live music. Plus, there’s a playground for the kiddos.
10. Serendipity Boutique Marketplace
5602 BROAD ST., GREENDALE
This shop brings the work of local artists, crafters, makers and designers together for an explosion of creativity. Peruse when you need to find a gift for that person who’s impossible to shop for (or just for yourself). You’ll discover unique clothes, accessories, artwork, furniture, antiques, kitchen tools and much more.
11. Ray & Dot’s Tap
6351 W. GRANGE AVE., GREENDALE
Known for affordable suds (a Spotted Cow is just $2.25) and a friendly atmosphere, this local bar has earned its reputation as the neighborhood watering hole since it opened in 1957. There’s nothing fancy about the dive – though the pool tables and neon lighting are nice. What makes it special is the people; it’s one of those rare places where you see retirees mingling comfortably with early 20-somethings.
12. Umbrella Bar
7900 CRYSTAL RIDGE RD., FRANKLIN
This tent looks like it could be out of a circus, but thanks to its spacious patio and 360-degree views of The Rock Sports Complex, it’s actually one of the most entertaining spots around to grab a drink outside. It’s a place to sit by the fire, play bags, watch baseball and listen to live music – there’s an amazing summer concert series. Food truck Thursdays bring good grub options, too. Don’t leave before sunset, or you’ll miss one of the best views west of the city.
13. The Gingerbread House
S63 W16147 COLLEGE AVE., MUSKEGO
Soak in the floor-to-ceiling farmhouse feel at this adorable coffee shop and bakery, down to the hens running around the patio as you sip your drink. The spot is perfect for catching up with friends over lattes (we recommend the Gingerbread Cookie option) or bloodies – and save time to shop around in the boutique afterward. Or if you just want a quick pick-me-up, take a pass through the drive-thru.
14. Root River Parkway
ROOT RIVER PARKWAY, GREENFIELD
Along the route snaking through much of Greendale you’ll see picnickers, disc golf, a fantastic seasonal beer garden and more. Hop out of the car – or, even better, off your bike – to join in on the fun.
15. Field Workshop
5686 BROAD ST., GREENDALE
This well-stocked, warmly staffed craft studio nurtures artists of all ages. Kids bring imagination to life as they freely explore floor-to-ceiling shelves of paint, electronics, fabric, beads, pom poms and many more craft supplies. Adults can enjoy self-guided DIY projects or guided classes in painting glassware, boards, canvases and more.
16. Eagle Park Brewing
S64 W15640 COMMERCE CENTER PKWY., MUSKEGO
Beer buffs flock to Eagle Park Brewing for one the most diverse selections of craft beer in the area. Wash down classic grub – curds, pretzels, burgers, fish fries – with a friendly pale ale like Push Play or excellent seasonals like bock or pilsner, or dive right in with a milkshake IPA or hard seltzer smoothie. Can’t stay? Food, beer, house-made spirits – it’s all available to go.
17. Hawthorne Hill Farm
16370 W. SMALL RD., NEW BERLIN
Artists plus vintage and antique dealers descend upon this historic farmstead owned by artist Bonnie Loduha for Weekend Shopping Markets (May, September, October and November) with set themes: Vintage, Barn Market, Harvest and a holiday market.
18. Classic Lanes
5404 W. LAYTON AVE., GREENFIELD
This 16-lane alley offers keglers a traditional atmosphere with open bowling, league action and a bar and grill. But the real cachet is the significant place it holds in bowling history – two times over. Classic has been the venue for two of the 38 perfect 900 series recognized by the U.S. Bowling Congress, including the second ever, rolled by Tony Roventini in 1998.
19. Village Days
AUG. 11-13, DOWNTOWN GREENDALE
Beer tents from local breweries, food from neighborhood vendors and two competing concert stages make for the village’s largest summer bash. Cap it off with some spectacular fireworks, and you have a packed weekend that’s not only fun for Greendale’s residents, but anyone looking to party during the dog days of summer.
20. Conservancy for Healing and Heritage
7410 W. RAWSON AVE., FRANKLIN
Tucked away behind a health clinic is a hidden garden oasis that connects to 2 miles of nature trails that end at Koepmier Lake. But before you adventure out, stop at the tiny European-inspired wooden chapel peeking out of the treetops with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a perfect place for a moment of peace.
21. Franklin Public Library
9151 W. LOOMIS RD., FRANKLIN
Located in front of peaceful, scenic Lions Legend Park, you’ll often see visitors biking or jogging over to get their books. The wide selection and helpful staff are a given, but what sets this library apart are the work areas with both private and public spaces. The children’s section features a reading nook nestled inside a tree.
To avoid annexation by Milwaukee in 1955, Oak Creek held an emergency vote to make the town a city. Oak Creek town leaders hid from Milwaukee officials attempting to deliver legal papers to halt the vote. It passed before the officials could find them.
Greenfield, originally known as Kinnickinnic, took its current, easier-to-spell name from the local post office in 1841.
22. Lake Vista Park
OAK CREEK
Walk along the lake, plan a cookout and stay for the sunset.
23. Kyoto
GREENFIELD
Sake and sushi for the win.
24. Erv’s Mug
OAK CREEK
The crispy potato pancakes are fish-fry-side gold.
25. Water Bugs Ski Show
MUSKEGO
Free shows bring the neighborhood together every Wednesday night.
26. Boerner Botanical Gardens
HALES CORNERS
A showcase of perennials and annuals.
27. Apples of Eden
GREENDALE
Caramel apples are a must, but don’t skip the old-school candy section.
28. Georgie Porgie’s
OAK CREEK
Burgers, custard and serious tree fort vibes.
29. Bass Bay Brewhouse
MUSKEGO
Chicken-fried chicken and a captivating lake view.
30. Milwaukee Astronomical Society Observatory
NEW BERLIN
Open house nights are rain, shine or starlight.
31. Polonez
ST. FRANCIS
Sink into the ultimate Polish sampler plate, mmm.
32. Matty’s Bar
NEW BERLIN
A must-stop for Bloody Mary enthusiasts.
33. Lions Legend Park Pickleball Courts
FRANKLIN
Join a league or play a pick-up game.
34. La Finca Coffeehouse
ST. FRANCIS
Authentic Mexican flavors plus picturesque lake views.
35. Grant Park
SOUTH MILWAUKEE
One of Milwaukee County’s most beloved parks, for good reason.
36. The Explorium Brewpub
GREENDALE
Great beer and food in, yes, a shopping mall.
37. Patterson Orchards
NEW BERLIN
Snag an apple cider donut before roaming the orchard.
38. Ricardo’s
GREENDALE
Exemplary Milwaukee-style crust with a beautifully lit patio.
