WAR MEMORIAL

BEER GARDEN

OPENING DAY

THUR, MAY 22

OPEN MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
& MONDAY, MAY 26TH

"A Historic Venue with Modern Charm"
Nestled on Milwaukee’s picturesque lakefront, the War Memorial Beer Garden is more than just a beer garden—it’s a destination. With its rich history, stunning views of Lake Michigan, and genuine atmosphere, we’ve earned our reputation as one of Milwaukee’s Best Beer Garden’s.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

War Memorial Beer Garden with Lake Michigan views

PLAN YOUR VISIT

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CONTACT



WHY WE’RE MILWAUKEE’S BEST BEER GARDEN

1- Lakefront Location:

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan while you relax under the sun or stars.

2- Great Beer Selection

Sip on locally brewed craft beers, refreshing ciders, and seasonal favorites.

3- Historic Setting

The War Memorial Center, built in 1957 is a Free, “Living Memorial”, & has shaped Milwaukee’s culture & history.

4- Family Friendly

Bring the whole family for a fun, welcoming experience.


HOURS & DIRECTIONS

War Memorial Beer Garden with Lake Michigan views

HOURS

TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 11-8PM
MONDAY - CLOSED

LIVE MUSIC

EVERY FRI, SAT & SUN
1 PM - 4 PM


MORE THAN JUST A BEER GARDEN!

The War Memorial Beer Garden is your gateway to Milwaukee’s vibrant lakefront. Within walking distance, you’ll find:

  • Milwaukee Art Museum: Iconic architecture and world-class art.

  • Veterans Park: Perfect for picnics, biking, and kite flying.

  • Bradford Beach: A sandy retreat with volleyball and tiki bars.

  • Discovery World: Interactive science and technology exhibits.

  • Summerfest Grounds: Home to the world’s largest music festival.

Make a day of it—explore the lakefront, then unwind! The War Memorial Beer Garden is located at the cultural heart of downtown and a great place to start a walking adventure exploring downtown Milwaukee!

PLENTY TO SEE HERE

LOADED
BRATS

We use the freshest sausages in the world so if you’re only going to have ONE BRATWURST while you’re visiting, we know it’ll be the best. We use Usingers Sausages, and load them up with homemade fixings for some German / Midwestern-inspired combos! Try the Cream City - It’s life-changing!

Established in 1924 as a Prohibition Speakeasy, Kegel’s Inn served up the most authentic German Cuisine, and tops the charts as one of the best fish fries in the state! Check out the events calendar while you’re in town!

OAK
LEAF TRAIL

The Beer Garden is right along The Oak Leaf Lakefront Trail, by the East Entrance to the Milwaukee Art Museum,. The Oak Leaf is Milwaukee’s most popular pedestrian and cycling path along the lake. Check out a bike or an ebike at the Bublr Bikes station here at the WMC.

beer "cooler by the lake" michigan

COOLER BY THE LAKE

NOT ONLY is it “Cooler By The Lake” which means you should probably bring a sweater, but also, all of our 12 fabulous beers are poured out a 20-foot Container Bar “Cooler” Get it?

100 YEARS
100 PARTIES

GIVE BACK

Every purchase helps raise funds for the War Memorial Center, a 503(c) non-profit organization that supports veteran programming around the state. You can even “Pay It Forward” and buy a vet or first responder a beer!

KEGEL’S INN

Kegel’s Inn is the official operator of the War Memorial Beer Garden, it’s also one of the best places in Milwaukee for a Friday Fish Fry and serves up the most authentic German cuisine. Located just a few minutes West of downtown by the Brewers Stadium!


HOW CAN WE SERVE?

Want to plan a party, get-together or corporate event?
See how easy reserving tables can be!

  • Make planning a party a breeze! With no minimums and easy to swallow rental rates, you can reserve one table, a dozen, or the whole space with ease!

    CONTACT US!

  • The War Memorial Center is located at the heart of Milwaukee and one of the most iconic places to have your event!
    Contact the WMC Directly: Collin Falvey

    EMAIL: coordinator@warmemorialcenter.org

  • Established in 1924, Kegel’s Inn serves up delicious traditional dishes of authentic German food and is one of the best places to catch a Friday Fish Fry in Milwaukee. Our building is a historical landmark and sports a casual and friendly atmosphere that cements lasting memories.

    Join us in the historic dining room or out in the Beer Garden. We also have Friday Fish Fry Drive Thru and take-out for those who need Fish Fry in a hurry!

    KEGELSINN.COM

Eero Saarinen had a dream, and so did the people of Milwaukee. In 1957, As one of the largest public fundraisers in Wisconsin History, the War Memorial Center was erected to embody the sacrifice of the fallen, while also celebrating everything they fought for. Today, the legacy lives inside this historic landmark.

A LIVING MEMORIAL


RULES:

  • COMMON SENSE RULES: The War Memorial is a Living Memorial so please respect the facility and the property.

  • RESERVATIONS: Beer garden tables are first come first served. No reservations are allowed without booking a party request HERE. There is plenty of green space if the tables are full! Bring a blanket or your lounge chairs for a picnic on the green prairie hill to the North of the Parking lot!

  • DOGS: Yes! Dogs are welcome in the Beer Garden & on Fitch Plaza. Owners are required to clean up after their pets.

  • CARRY-IN POLICY: Picnics and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed, however, there will be no carry-in containers of alcohol of any kind. Kegel’s Inn food & beer trucks can supplement with loaded brats, pretzels, and alcoholic beverages for your group. Outside Event Catering Services are Strictly Prohibited

  • PARKING: There is parking on-site for $9 per vehicle.

  • BATHROOMS: Several port-a-potties exist for customers in the parking lot area. Patrons are also able to use the restrooms inside the War Memorial on the 3rd & 4th floors. There is an elevator for handicap accessibility.

  • SECURITY: There is 24-hour surveillance on the property. Any damage or theft will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

  • CARRY OUT POLICY: There is no transporting of open alcohol beyond the War Memorial Center Boundary. Adult Beverages are allowed in the parking lot, inside the War Memorial Center, and on the terrace of Fitch Plaza.