A Thursday night in Milwaukee is anything but boring. (Photo: iStock)

When I tell people from New York that my fiance is from Milwaukee they get a certain look on their face. I can tell they’re trying to place what state the city is in. They’re running through cultural references in their heads—”Laverne & Shirley,” “Happy Days,” “Wayne’s World.” Then they think of beer. Milwaukee is famous for its breweries.

They quickly move along to brats and often ask about the cheese. After spending time there visiting my future in-laws I can promise you that all of these things are delicious, but Milwaukee is a much more multi-faceted city than people think, one filled with culture, culinary destinations and cocktails that will delight you.

Related: The Strangest Tourist Attraction in the World is in Wisconsin

Here’s how to spend the perfect Thursday night in Milwaukee:

4 pm - Bike the Oak Leaf Trail, visit the Urban Ecology Center and have a Bavarian beer

Kick things off at America’s oldest post-Prohibition beer garden. (Photo: Estabrook Beer Garden)

Grab a bike and ride a few miles up the Oak Leaf Trail, a 108-mile paved recreational trail that encircles most of Milwaukee. You’ll want to make two stops here. Pop into the Urban Ecology Center. Even adults will delight in their exhibits describing the flora and fauna of Milwaukee and Wisconsin. Continue on the trail and grab a quickie beer at the Estabrook Beer Garden, which bills itself as the first public beer garden in America post-Prohibition. All beer is served ½ Liter or full liter heavy glass mugs. A $5 refundable deposit is required for the use of a mug.

Related: How to Spend the Perfect Thursday Night in Savannah

6 pm - Visit the Milwaukee Art Museum

With its stunning architecture, the Milwaukee Art Museum is as much a work of art as the pieces hung on its walls. (Photo: Thomas Hawk/Flickr)



The Santiago Calatrava designed Milwaukee Art Museum is open until 8 pm on Thursday nights. Marvel at the museum’s simply spectacular architecture. The building appears as though it could lift off and fly over Lake Michigan at any moment due to its gigantic movable, brise soleil (sun shades) with a wingspan of 217 feet.

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After you’ve taken your photos head inside to visit the more than forty galleries filled with art from antiquity to today. A little known fact is that the museum contains one of the largest collections from Georgia O’Keefe—a Wisconsin native.

8 pm - Dine at La Merenda

Nosh on some tasty tapas at La Merenda. (Photo: La Merenda/Facebook)

Almost every story about Milwaukee recommends dining at Safe House, the spy-themed restaurant and nightclub. It’s a hoot to be sure, but for fine food head over to La Merenda, the city’s popular global tapas bar. Travel the world through their menu with small plates of Spanish patatas bravas, Wisconsin truffled potato skins, French pork belly confit crepes or Argentinean braised goat.

Related: Spend a Cheesey Sunday Morning at the Mars Cheese Factory

9:30 - See a Movie at the Oriental Theatre

The ornate interiors of the Oriental provide plenty of eye candy before showtime. (Photo: Oriental Theatre/Facebook)

Take in the late show at one of the most ornate movie theatres you will ever visit. Originally built in 1927, the Oriental once housed a single grand auditorium complete with giant buddhas and a working organ. It has since been divided into three cinemas, but the original decor remains. The theater also has a full bar and delicious snacks for a post-dinner night cap.

11:30 pm - Do it all at Landmark Lanes

Dust off your bowling shoes, grab your pool cue, sharpen your darts, and head to Landmark Lanes. (Photo: Landmark Lanes/Facebook)

Go bowling, play pool, throw some darts, play in the arcade. Landmark Lanes seriously has it all including three full service bars and late night greasy pub fare.

The Yelp reviews here pretty much say it all:

“Bowling with a side of dive.”



“It’s dark, but not too dark. It’s dingy, but not too dingy.”



“This is the best bar in Milwaukee, and everybody who disagrees is wrong.”



1 am - Have a drink at Von Trier



The historic Von Trier bar serves up plenty of beer as well as character. (Photo: Von Trier)

Break out the lederhosen, a classic German gem on Milwaukee’s East Side beckons with stained glass and dark wood interior that might just convince you you’d been transported to the old country. Features up to date German fare and a huge assortement of both German and local beers. If the moody darkenss is too much, head for the cheery beer garden out back.

2 am - Close out Wolski’s



Close the bar and earn a much-coveted sticker of honor. (Photo: Kevin Martin/Flickr)



We all like to be rewarded for good behavior, but sometimes we also like to be rewarded for the bad behavior. We know it’s been a long day, but if you can manage just one more drink head on over to Wolski’s, a corner tavern and longtime Milwaukee institution on Pulaski Street.

As Polish as it gets in this old Polish neighborhood near trendy Brady Street, Wolski’s is hidden away it what looks like an ordinary home on a quiet street. A classic dive bar featuring darts, pool, and dice games in which the bartenders often participate, Wolski’s claim to fame are the bumper stickers passed out at 2AM stating “I closed Wolski’s” … forever proving you’re capable of a full Milwaukee Thursday.

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