Milwaukee is known for two big things—cheese and beer. Their breweries are some of the most visited attractions by tourists, and people travel here every year to enjoy some of the best cheese in the whole country, something Wisconsin is famous for. Of course, we can’t forget the popular Milwaukee sports teams, like the Brewers, that bring in visitors each year.
While these may be the first things that come to mine, Milwaukee has so much more to offer. Of course it’s fun to take a tour of the Milwaukee Brewing Company or a trip to the Pabst Mansion, once home to the family who founded the Pabst Brewing Company, but these locations will likely be packed and full of tourists. If you’re looking for a more unique and less crowded experience during a visit to the area or if you’re looking to acclimate yourself to the area before shopping for Milwaukee houses for sale, here are some of the city’s best-kept secrets you need to check out.
Benji’s Deli
You would think Benji’s Deli would gather massive crowds thanks to their feature on Man Vs. Food, but this delicious sandwich spot still seems to fly under the radar with a lot of tourists—and locals like to keep it that way. Voted “Best Corned Beef” by Milwaukee Magazine, Benji’s Deli has been serving up some classic deli eats since the 60s, and you can find two locations in the Milwaukee area. If reubens and matzo ball soup are what you’re in the mood for, check out Benji’s asap.
Swing Park
If you’re looking for a unique mini-adventure on a day out in Milwaukee, head to Swing Park, located just beneath Holton Street Bridge. Here, you can bring out your inner child by playing on swings that hang from the bottom of the bridge—a perfect place to take your partner on a date, or bring the kids on a little detour during a day running errands.
While many tourists don’t know this spot exists, it can still get a little busy at night. If you’re visiting during the day, there’s sure to be a spot for you to kick back and relax on a swing before continuing on with your day. Grab some take out and set up a little picnic for your group in the sand for a little extra fun. While you’re there, don’t forget to snap a picture in front of the butterfly and dragonfly mural across from the park, which was created in 2019 by a mother and her daughter to add a touch of color to this hidden gem.
Koppa’s Fulbeli Deli
Another deli—I know—but what makes Koppa’s cool isn’t just their delicious food and vast selection of groceries and drinks. The secret perk of eating at Koppa’s is the Atari setup they have in the back of the establishment. While you browse the aisles or wait for your sandwich to be made, take a little detour to the back of the shop, select the game of your choice, and swiftly be transported back to a time when 8-bit video games were the highest technology available.
While the Atari game station is what makes the deli unique, their deli sandwiches are truly of the highest quality. Would this spot still be on the list if it weren’t for the free games? Honestly, yes. It’s absolutely worth a visit.
At Random
Head a little further back in time and grab a drink at At Random, one of the most underrated bars in Milwaukee. At Random has been open since the 60s, and the dimly-lit bar still exudes that same mid-century vibe, perfect for anyone looking for a piece of what Milwaukee nightlife must have been like decades ago.
Enjoy a drink indoors or head out onto the patio to get some fresh air. Not only can you order from their extensive menu of cocktails, but At Random also features specialty ice cream drinks (and vegan alternatives as well). If you’re a recent transplant to the Milwaukee area, this is sure to become a regular hangout for you and your friends.
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