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Start a Top 5 for CocktailsEditor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Milwaukee Magazine. Updated September 2026.
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge · Bay View
Bryant's has no printed cocktail list, so the conversation begins with a preferred spirit, flavor, or mood. Bartenders translate that prompt into classics and house creations, including the flaming Southern Comfort drink known as the Kismet. Dim light, curved booths, and the preserved 1940s lounge atmosphere make every glass feel inseparable from the room.
Pufferfish · Downtown
On Hotel Metro's rooftop, Pufferfish serves tiki classics such as mai tais and zombies alongside newer cocktails. The bar grew from a Lost Whale pop-up into a downtown rooftop room, where small plates share the menu with drinks. The tropical setting gives a slower evening a place to settle in above Mason Street.
Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant · Downtown
Bacchus approaches cocktails with the same precision as its dining room. The Gentleman Caller layers bourbon with orange curaçao, maraschino, and Amaro di Angostura, creating a spirit forward drink with fruit and herbal depth. Polished service and the historic Cudahy Tower setting make the bar a natural opening act for dinner, though the cocktail can carry a visit on its own.
Foundation · Riverwest
Foundation brings classic tiki atmosphere and strong drinks to Riverwest. A shared volcano bowl sets the tone for groups, while the smaller cocktails give rum drinkers room to explore the menu.
At Random · Bay View
The Bay View lounge is best known for ice cream cocktails and a room that seems to hold its midcentury mood. Settle into a booth for a creamy Wisconsin classic or a carefully made old fashioned.