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Milwaukee small event planning guide
Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Oct. 8, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.
October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, special features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food. Bon appetit!
The Milwaukee experts at OnMilwaukee.com get many questions. A few that come almost weekly are, "Where can I book a group gathering in Milwaukee?" and "I need a semi-private room at a restaurant or bar for a party, do you have any suggestions?"
It seems we're always searching for places to party. And, why shouldn't we? If the task of planning a gathering at a local bar or restaurant falls upon you, where would you go to book that party for 20, 40 or even 80 to 100 of your closest friends?
Whether your event is a cocktail party, meeting, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, holiday dinner or reception -- many places in town can meet your needs, some for free others with a rental fee.
This guide is not exhaustive, but we've targeted some of our favorite restaurants and bars to begin. Please use the talkback or blog features to tell us about some of your favorite party room destinations.
Bacchus
925 E. Wells St., (414) 765-1166
bacchusmke.com
Bacchus takes your party and makes it a stylish, upper crust affair. Unique private dining rooms, an outdoor patio and a glass-enclosed conservatory are all fine party locales.
Bar Louie
1114 N. Water St., (414) 847-1492
barlouieamerica.com/milwaukee.html
It's all about the patio at Bar Louie, but don't forget that there's a front room too that can be used/rented for larger groups. Call them and Bar Louie will meet your needs by arranging tables and areas for your group.
Buck Bradley's
1019 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 224-8500
buckbradleys.com
The northern half of Buck Bradley's second floor features the sports bar and has two pool tables, numerous dartboards and large TVs to view your favorite Wisconsin team / event. This second floor also includes three parlor (banquet) rooms that can accommodate groups of 30-350.
Cuvee
181 N. Broadway, (414) 225-9800
cuveemke.com
Cuvee, a new champagne celebration lounge, was built as a party destination. Contact them for rental rates.
Hinterland
222 E. Erie St., Suite 100, (414) 727.9300
hinterlandbeer.com
The lounge can be reserved for special events. Ideal for office parties, meetings, intimate dinners, wedding rehearsals, etc., the lounge can accommodate up to 40 people for a sit-down dinner or 50 for a hors d'oeuvre party.
Indulge
708 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 390-WINE
getindulge.com
Focusing on a lush wine list and complimentary plates of food, Indulge opened on Milwaukee Street earlier this year with the precise intention of serving your party or special occasion. Whether you're looking to rent out the entire space or reserve any number of "tasting tables", the sommelier can help create custom menus.
Joey Buona's
500 N. Water St., (414) 272-8662
buona.com
This place is huge. Call for details, but several private areas and rooms make it a perfect big family gathering joint. Mangiate!
Karma Bar and Grill's Sutra Lounge
600 E. Ogden Ave., (414) 220-4118
thesutralounge.com
The basement at Karma is a perfect place for a party. Sutra, the basement lounge, can be rented out with your own private bar, couches, and huge TV screen. It's non smoking too.
Kenadees Ultra Pub
725 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 431-5556
kenadees.com
The upstairs, funky up north feel of the lounge at Kenadees is a great space to rent.
Louise's Trattoria
801 N. Jefferson St., (414) 273-4224
louiseswisconsin.com
Louise's has plenty of room and a full catering service.
Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
From intimate parties of eight to functions of up to 70, Mason Street Grill's three private dining rooms offer flexible space for groups of all sizes.
Martini Mike's
730 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 727-0808
martinimikesmilwaukee.com
Mike Kozak's former Velvet Room became Martini Mike's in 2006. It has plenty of wide-open space for your next bash.
Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St., (414) 226-2337
ale-house.com
Fresh beer on the river and plenty of room make the Ale House a nice group gathering spot. There's a smaller dining room area and a cozy "cellar," too.
Milwaukee Chop House
633 N. 5th St., (414) 390-4562
milwaukeechophouse.com
The back room is private and perfect for up to 20. Stop at the Miller Time Pub, next door, before or after.
Milwaukee Public Market
400 N. Water St., (414) 336-1111
milwaukeepublicmarket.org
Cool space, for sure. The Market can provide you or your organization with several customized options, from a hands-on cooking class allowing participants to chop along with the chef or a team-building event structured as a scavenger hunt. Or, just rent out its upstairs area or kitchen.
Mi-Key's
811 N. Jefferson St., (414) 273-5397
mikeysmilwaukee.com
Dining room with full digital hook-up is available at this funky Cathedral Square Park bar / restaurant.
Mo's A Place for Steaks (upstairs)
720 N. Plankinton Ave., (414) 272-0720
mosaplaceforsteaks.com
Perfect for client meetings, larger gatherings and presentations, Mo's upstairs rooms are easily reserved.
Mo's Irish Pub (upstairs)
142 W. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 272-0721
mosirishpub.com/milwaukee/index.html
Perched at Wisconsin and Plankinton, Mo's Irish Pub has a great spot to rent out upstairs. A nice library, bar and plenty of tables make the Guinness taste even better.
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Talkbacks
amis1942 | Nov. 5, 2010 at 11:52 a.m. (report)
Blue's Egg is only open until 2 p.m. and then available for completely private parties in the evening-- no room rental and plenty of menu options.
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HeatherKacz | Dec. 14, 2009 at 7:56 p.m. (report)
My husband and I just had our wedding ceremony & reception at Swig in the third ward. I can't say enough about how wonderful everything went. We worked with Joseph and he went above and beyond setting up the event and even on the day of the event to please our every needs. The food was amazing and I got so many compliments about the food and the venue.
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WestsideTide | Oct. 13, 2008 at 1:44 p.m. (report)
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge has a second floor lounge that is a swanky place for private parties. The walls are covered in black velvet wallpaper.
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Brewing_in_MKE | Oct. 11, 2008 at 9:32 a.m. (report)
My wife and I had our wedding reception at the Roots Cellar this summer. The food, as usual, for Roots was outstanding. The service was impeccable. Chef John Raymond runs a fantastic spot, the event planner was excellent. The food possibilities that are offered for an event are nearly endless. The room was beautifully decorated, with minimal input from the two of us. If you have an event for 60-70 people, you can not beat Roots. I highly recommend it.
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laxgrad03 | Oct. 10, 2008 at 10:27 a.m. (report)
Chez Jacques on South 1st Street. Had a party there with about 40-50 guests. They bent over backward to meet my needs, food and beverage was excellent, all the guests raved. They have a private party room and outdoor patio.
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