Show, Dinner, Drinks: Our Staff's Favorite Spots
Aug. 19 / 2026
Before you head to a show at one of the Pabst Theater Group venues, or after the final song, there are plenty of great spots nearby to grab a bite, have a drink, and keep the night going. So we asked our staff: Where do you go before or after a show?
From quick pre-show bites to places worth lingering over a drink, these are the spots our team recommends, along with what to order and what makes each one worth a stop.
Draft & Co.
Recommended by Kyle Burke, Assistant Box Office Manager/ Paul Smaxwell, General Manager/ Matt Beringer, COO
Kyle says "Located in Vel R. Phillips Plaza, Draft & Co. is a newer downtown spot with a rotating draft list of beer, wine, and cocktails, plus some seriously good burgers. It’s also an easy walk to The Riverside, Pabst Theater, Miller High Life Theatre, and Turner Hall Ballroom, making it an ideal pre-show stop. Order any of the smash burgers, and check out the unique Milwaukee-history themed interior."
Matt says "it’s a perfect spot for a quick drink and bite before a show, especially on a nice day when the bar opens up to the outdoors and the neighboring beer garden is open. Check out their extensive tap list. One of the best selections downtown."
Blue Bat Kitchen
Recommended by LuzElena Hernandez, Marketing Coordinator
Blue Bat Kitchen serves Latin American fusion with plenty of unique flavors, and in the summer, you can enjoy your meal outside right along the river. Order the tacos. They’re all packed with different flavors and are worth trying, or grab a drink at the outdoor bar and take in the river views.
Don's TV & Repair
Recommended by Amber Solheim, Booking Manager
A retro-themed speakeasy is a pretty fun way to kick off a night out. Don's TV & Repair is a great spot to grab a bite and a cocktail before a show, with classic burgers, milkshakes, and plenty of vintage charm. Plus, there are vegetarian-friendly options. A 10-cent martini on a Thursday. Who could say no?
ELECTRiC LiME TAQUERiA
Recommended by Abby Dambeck, Graphic Designer
It's a really cute Mexican restaurant with the prettiest interior. The staff is super kind, too! Try the churros and ice cream. They’re to die for!
La Masa
Recommended by Brittany Einberger, Director of Marketing
La Masa is one of my tried and true favorite restaurants and it's within walking distance of Vivarium!
Get the empanada trio and a sangria. My absolute favorite empanada is the Cheese Curd & Bacon. Sounds simple but it's just so good.
Mo's Irish Pub
Recommended by Adam, Box Office Lead II
It's close to the venues with good food and drinks, it's an easy choice for a pre or post-show stop. Get the Ruben.
Margarita Paradise
Recommended by Emily Kurszewski, Digital Content Coordinator
It's right inside the Public Market and it's a cute spot to grab a bite, have a drink, and hang out before a show. The staff is super friendly, the food is amazing, and the margarita menu has so many delicious options to choose from! Try the poblano nachos, enchiladas, tacos…actually, just order everything, you won't regret it.
More Staff Picks
Looking for more places to try? Check out these spots we also love!
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before the doors open, a drink after the encore, or somewhere to turn your show into a fun night out, Milwaukee has plenty of options. Take a recommendation from our staff, try somewhere new, and make a night of it!
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