19 Best Restaurants for a Birthday Dinner in Milwaukee in 2024
Searching for the best places to enjoy a birthday dinner in Milwaukee? This bustling town is becoming a hot spot for innovative cuisine and interactive dining. From spy-themed bars to glitzy downtown steakhouses, there are so many birthday ideas in Milwaukee to help you celebrate your special day.
Discover the best fare this city has to offer with a comprehensive guide to popular birthday restaurants in Milwaukee. Celebrate your birthday dinner in Milwaukee like you deserve this year with a one-of-a-kind experience.
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19 Best Birthday Restaurants in Milwaukee
1. Lake Park Bistro
Splash out on the upscale bistro birthday dinner in Milwaukee you deserve at Lake Park Bistro. This upscale French-inspired restaurant has a subtle European flair and a creative bistro menu with excellent service. This long-standing restaurant is an institution in Milwaukee.
The Vibe
Expansive lakefront views and stately fine-dining décor make Lake Park Bistro a coveted place to enjoy a birthday dinner in Milwaukee.
What to Order
Indulge in the multi-course Haute-Bistro tasting menu, or order a fine-dining French classic such as coq au vin or a steak tartare.
Lake Park Bistro | 3133 E. Newberry Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | $$$
2. Ardent
Make your birthday dinner in Milwaukee a fancy affair at Ardent. This luxury establishment has made a name for itself serving New American cuisine with an upscale flourish. Voted the best restaurant in Milwaukee by the Milwaukee Journal, Ardent offers a birthday dinner in Milwaukee you don’t want to miss.
The Vibe
Upscale modern décor gives Ardent a welcoming upscale environment. Dress up for a night of luxury at one of the best Milwaukee restaurants, and don’t forget to make reservations.
What to Order
Try the smash burger or the Carlisle beef hot dog served with potato chips — both classics with an upscale twist.
Ardent | 1751 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$$$
3. Bacchus
Make your birthday dinner in Milwaukee a glitzy night on the town at Bacchus. Located in the Cudahy Tower in downtown Milwaukee, Bacchus is a swanky joint serving steakhouse fare with a standout wine list.
The Vibe
Beautiful skylight windows frame the dining room, offering a picturesque view of the city lights. The atmosphere is fine-dining with attentive service and reservations are recommended. Private dining rooms are available for large birthday gatherings.
What to Order
Indulge in the gourmet three-course menu featuring seasonal specials like the Hudson Canyon scallops, prepared by the award-winning chef. Vegetarian-tasting menu options are also available for plant-based guests.
Bacchus | 925 E. Wells St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$$$
4. Sanford Restaurant
Established in 1989, Sanford Restaurant has been a long-standing institution in the Milwaukee culinary scene. Winning awards from national publications like Bon Appétit, Gourmet, Food & Wine and Esquire for its locally sourced farm-to-table cuisine has set Sanford Restaurant apart.
The Vibe
This small family-run fine-dining restaurant offers an intimate dining room with top-notch service. Reservations are highly encouraged because this eatery is so popular.
What to Order
If you are looking for a gourmet menu for your birthday dinner in Milwaukee then Sanford Restaurant is for you. This establishment creates a new daily menu every day packed with the freshest available seasonal ingredients.
Sanford | 1547 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$$$
5. Morel
An innovative eatery, Morel serves gourmet New American cuisine using seasonal ingredients. The decadent charcuterie boards and creative cocktails make Morel a great place to celebrate a birthday dinner in Milwaukee.
The Vibe
This rustic eatery is upscale with an interesting industrial chic flair. The open-air patio with exposed brick and climbing greenery offers a picturesque area to enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
What to Order
Tuck into the chanterelle mushroom fricassee with polenta, warm brown butter, garlic, lemon and chive.
Morel | 430 S. 2nd St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$$
6. Tupelo Honey
Enjoy classic comfort food at Tupelo Honey. This Southern-inspired spot offers gourmet home cooking, making it a great place to get a casual birthday breakfast or dinner in Milwaukee.
The Vibe
This sought-after restaurant offers a spacious dining room with light, bright and airy décor. Tupelo Honey is the perfect spot to snap a shot of a birthday mimosa or a comforting fried chicken dinner.
What to Order
For a birthday dinner in Milwaukee that takes you out of your comfort zone, try the mac and cheese waffles with crispy Nashville-hot fried chicken, housemade garlic buttermilk ranch and pickles.
Tupelo Honey | 511 N. Broadway, Ste. 100, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
7. Merriment Social
Bite into Milwaukee’s favorite burger at Merriment Social. This casual New American eatery serves a decadent menu great for a birthday dinner in Milwaukee. Meet up with friends for brunch or book a private room for your birthday bash at Merriment Social.
The Vibe
Merriment Social is a casual bar and restaurant serving breakfast in Milwaukee with a creative cocktail menu and craft beer selection.
What to Order
Don’t miss the famous Merriment burger with juicy double wagyu patties, American cheese, thick-cut applewood bacon, housemade pickles and Social sauce on a hand-made milk bun with fries.
Merriment Social | 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
8. Avli
Experience authentic Greek cuisine at Avli. Make your birthday dinner in Milwaukee one for the books with an exciting dinner or brunch of Greek fusion fare.
The Vibe
The contemporary modern décor gives Avli an inviting aura. Plenty of natural light, wood grain tables and woven chairs make Avli an ideal place to enjoy your special day.
What to Order
Try the gyro plate with chicken or pork, tomato, red onion, tzatziki and fries.
Avli | Multiple Locations | $$
9. Movida At Hotel Madrid
Shake up your birthday dinner in Milwaukee with a trip to Movida. Located in Hotel Madrid, Movida is a trendy eatery serving Spanish-style tapas for brunch and dinner making it a unique birthday idea in Milwaukee.
The Vibe
Movida At Hotel Madrid has an upscale atmosphere with a flirty feminine flare. Pink tasseled umbrellas shade the outdoor eating area and vibrant pink napkins add a splash of color to the place settings.
What to Order
Indulge in the chef’s classic Spanish paella with chicken, zesty Basque chorizo, shrimp, squid, tomato, green beans, sofrito and warming paprika lemon aioli.
Movida | 600 S. 6th St., Milwaukee, WI 53204| $$$
10. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Throw out the rules and have dessert first for your birthday dinner in Milwaukee. Kopp’s Frozen Custard is a local gem known for its gourmet flavors of frozen custard and old-fashioned burgers and fries.
The Vibe
Kopp’s has a friendly retro vibe with efficient service and a fast casual atmosphere.
What to Order
Build your perfect diner dinner with a gourmet hamburger, a side of thick-cut onion rings and a seasonal custard flavor for dessert.
Kopp’s Frozen Custard | Multiple Locations | $
11. Lake Front Brewery
Don’t forget the local brews for your birthday dinner in Milwaukee. Lake Front Brewery is a locally owned brewery, beer hall and restaurant established in 1987. Known for its locally brewed beers from Wisconsin, this beer hall offers weekly specials, trivia and a dedicated curd night.
The Vibe
Lake Front Brewery is a welcoming neighborhood eatery serving fresh food and great beers. Throw back a cold one and enjoy a casual atmosphere for your birthday dinner in Milwaukee. Outdoor seating is available and no reservations are required.
What to Order
Start with the famous cheese curds, beer-battered and deep-fried with a side of garlic ranch dipping sauce. Follow up your appetizer with the house-special fish fry basket with fried cod, house-cut fries, coleslaw and tartar sauce.
Lake Front Brewery | 1872 N. Commerce St., Milwaukee, WI 53212 | $$
12. Screaming Tuna
Is there any better way to celebrate a birthday dinner in Milwaukee than with premium sushi and a view? Screaming Tuna offers sustainably sourced seafood prepared with precision and skill and is also the first restaurant in Wisconsin to partner with the Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for sustainable seafood. Voted the number one sushi joint in Milwaukee year after year, Screaming Tuna is a restaurant you don’t want to miss.
The Vibe
Located on the scenic Milwaukee River, the dining room has astounding waterfront views and inviting modern décor. Outdoor dining is available and reservations are recommended.
What to Order
Order fan favorites like the Black Angus Shroom Boom or the Screaming Tuna signature roll.
Screaming Tuna | 106 W. Seeboth St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
13. Flourchild
Enjoy tasty pizza straight from the heart at Flourchild. Dig into the perfect slice with a birthday dinner in Milwaukee at this locally owned pizza joint. Savor every slice of Flourchild’s elevated pizza, all made from locally sourced ingredients.
The Vibe
Flourchild has a colorful interior with a whimsical, outside-the-box atmosphere. Enjoy fast and friendly service in a casual atmosphere.
What to Order
Enjoy the Curd Your Enthusiasm pizza with white sauce, fontina, cheese curds, pickled peppers, roasted garlic, caramelized onions and parsley. End with a sweet treat of the house-made Your Donuts Make Me Go Nuts doughnuts, dusted in cinnamon sugar and drizzled with salted caramel and hot fudge sauce.
Flourchild | 722 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
14. Sinabro
Check out some of the best Korean food in Milwaukee at Sinabro. This Korean noodle house is making a name for itself serving handmade noodles and savory Asian-fusion dishes. Sinabro is the perfect place to enjoy a warm and comforting birthday dinner in Milwaukee on a cold night.
The Vibe
Sinabro is a straightforward eatery with an intriguing urban flair and Asian-inspired décor.
What to Order
Don’t miss out on the classic kimchi ramen with housemade Korean kimchi, hand-pulled ramen noodles and rice cake topped with fresh scallions. Don’t miss out on the chilled soju or a Korean espresso martini.
Sinabro | 316 N. Milwaukee St., Ste. 102, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
15. Blue Bat Kitchen and Taqueria
Celebrate your birthday dinner in Milwaukee at the city's first tequilaria. Blue Bat Kitchen and Taqueria is a fun environment to enjoy a flavorful hand-held taco and a craft-made margarita. The menu is made up of creative global-fusion cuisine you don’t want to miss.
The Vibe
Located on the premier Milwaukee River Walk, Blue Bat Kitchen and Tacqueria offers eclectic Latin-inspired décor and top-notch service.
What to Order
Try the sticky ribs with braised beef short rib, butternut squash purée, broccolini, pickled veggies and Fresno pepper. Don’t forget the signature Blue Bat margarita with orange liquor and hand-pressed lime juice.
Blue Bat Kitchen and Taqueria | 249 N. Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$
16. Oggie's Kitchen and Bar
Located in the trendy Hotel Metro, Oggie's Kitchen and Bar is a buzzing new bistro and the perfect venue to enjoy a birthday dinner in Milwaukee. This downtown cocktail bar and kitchen offers an eclectic mix of down-to-earth Mid-Western flavors and elevated, playful cuisine.
The Vibe
Oggie's is a classy social gathering place where hand-crafted cocktails and conversation are always flowing. Inquire about the private dining rooms for your next birthday celebration.
What to Order
Delight in the Chef Board, a combination of local cheeses and meats, candied nuts, fresh fruit, preserves and crackers.
Oggies Kitchen and Bar | 411 E. Mason St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 | $$$
17. Motor At The Harley-Davidson Museum
Explore classic American cuisine inspired by the open road at Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum. This unique establishment is inside the iconic Milwaukee Harley-Davidson Museum — an interesting backdrop to an awesome birthday dinner in Milwaukee.
The Vibe
Motor Restaurant is casual with vintage motorcycle-inspired décor and a spacious outdoor patio with yard games.
What to Order
Don’t miss the crispy, flavorful BBQ & Blues, presented by Blue's Disciples, or the Motor Sundae topped with chocolate sauce.
Motor At The Harley-Davidson Museum | 400 W. Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 5320 | $$
18. Don’s TV and Repair
Celebrate your birthday dinner in Milwaukee at a vintage speakeasy known for its quirky décor. Don’s TV and Repair is a one-of-a-kind eatery serving classic burgers and shakes out of a restaurant speakeasy hidden behind a TV repair shop.
The Vibe
Don’s is known for its crazy themes, intriguing drink specials and fun, speakeasy atmosphere.
What to Order
Dig into the all-day brunch with a colorful order of fruity pebbles waffles and a house-specialty boozy milkshake.
Don’s TV and Repair | 1100 S. 1st St., Milwaukee, WI 53204 | $$
19. Safehouse
Unleash your inner spy when you celebrate your birthday dinner in Milwaukee at Safehouse. This dark and mysterious restaurant requires a password to enter and offers special birthday experiences when planned.
The Vibe
Safehouse is a one-of-a-kind experience featuring vintage 1960s décor and the alluring air of secrets waiting to be uncovered. This exciting restaurant turns into a seedy spy bar after hours, ideal if you're looking for fun date ideas in Milwaukee.
What to Order
Try the Tradecraft tacos featuring griddled corn tortillas, fried haddock, citrus-cilantro slaw, avocado crema, chipotle mayo and cilantro.
Safehouse | 779 N. Front St., Milwaukee, WI 53202| $$
Other Foodie Experiences in Milwaukee
While eating out for your birthday dinner in Milwaukee can be a joyous experience, there are so many fun foodie activities available for birthday celebrations. Explore cooking classes in Milwaukee and learn a new skill in the kitchen from a five-star professional chef while having a blast.
If you’d rather relax on your special day discover private chefs in Milwaukee for a lavish birthday dinner in Milwaukee. The private chef will prepare the meal of your dreams in the comfort of your own home for an unforgettable night, taking care of everything, from grocery shopping to the dreaded clean-up.
Join 200,000+ Culinary Enthusiasts
Milwaukee is a vibrant Midwestern town with a wide array of great cuisine to explore. From speakeasy-style milkshake bars to award-winning fine dining there is a perfect birthday dinner in Milwaukee for everyone, so what are you waiting for? Whether you're planning a surprise for one of your nearest and dearest or hoping to celebrate your own latest adventure around the sun, there's plenty of inspiration on this list to make it your best culinary celebration to date.
For even more ways to explore Milwaukee and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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