PLEASE BRING BACK OLD CHEF! I used to be obsessed with their Cajun muscles and the recipe changed drastically. It was so disappointing. Outside of the flavors of the food being different the service and the view is always nice! read more

Great place. Interesting drive through a warehouse district to get to it. Great service and great food.

This is a nice spot on the river. The views are nice, and I enjoy the beachy vibes. I went on a slower night, and our service was good. Just stopped in for a drink, and I got a painkiller, which was enjoyable. It's a fun vibe in a unique location! read more

Barnacle Bud's - Painkiller cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Barnacle buds was the best tonight! We went because I haven't been in a while and I was craving that outside vacation feel. Great weather, delicious drinks, and even better service. Brad was the best! read more

Barnacle Bud's - El coco-loco - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

One of my all time favorites in MKE. If you''re looking to experience a little Key West in the 414, this is your place. Great seafood offerings. Best Grooper options in the city. Service (with the legend Chris) was outstanding. read more

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Fantastic not so hidden gem in Milwaukee! Quirky in the best way possible, fun atmosphere, great drinks & food. I can't go & not get Victorias Cooler. Food is always fresh & tasty. A wam weather staple! read more

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Tucked away just past Skipper Bud's boat storage, on the river in Bay View, is Barnacle Bud's. By summer, Barnacle Bud's is your typical river pub/fish shack. Bursting with pub fare (seafood, burgers, brats, etc), drinks, outdoor seating, and all the laid back vibes your little summer heart could desire, Barnacle Bud's is worth seeking out for a leisurely dining experience in the sunshine. In autumn and winter, the team at Barnacle Bud's transforms their menu and space into a pop up supper club, Gene's Supper Club on the River. Serving up delightful supper club vibes and a menu to match Wednesdays through Saturdays in November, December, and January, Barnacle Bud's pop up supper club is absolutely worth the stop. First things first, though. You'll want reservations. They're not just suggested, they're required and will, of course, ensure prompt seating with little waiting. There's not much space to wait, so no need to get there early. Come right at your reservation time for your own comfort and the ease of the hard working staff. When we were going, they were calling for donations to a nearby food pantry and offering complimentary ice cream cocktails to those who obliged. Free cocktail or no--we loved the opportunity to help. We arrived at our appointed reservation time and were seated immediately. Water was promptly provided as was bread. I started with their bourbon old fashioned which had hints of cinnamon and made for a perfect autumn cocktail. For our starter we ordered their relish tray (of course) which was pitch perfect. Filled with olives, veggies, pickles, crackers, meats, and cheese spread--truly what's not to love? We also tried seasonal appetizer from their November specials which was mushroom tostadas. Perfectly savory on a crisp tortilla, these tostadas were the star of our dinner. Absolutely craveable! For my main, I got their wild caught salmon. Yes, you heard me correctly. They are serving up wild caught Alaskan salmon in here. Nearly impossible to find on any menu, there was no way I could resist ordering it. And, I can happily say, I was not the slightest bit disappointed. It was ample and perfectly prepared. For my dessert, my dining companion and I shared their grasshopper ice cream cocktail as well as an order of their chocolate mousse. Both were sweet, flavorful, and everything you want in a after dinner sweet treat. Our server was an absolute delight throughout the evening, And, the space is small but quirky and fun and bedecked with christmas lights. Truly--no notes! Thanks so much for the amazing experience, Barnacle Bud's! The rest of you: get your reservations now, What are you waiting for? Get to it! read more

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Three friends and I booked a reservation two months in advance for Barnacle Bud's Pop-Up Supper Club. The only reservation we could get was 4:30PM but we were excited we were able to get in at any time. Because of the timing, the sun was setting over the water, which was really pretty to see. I got a little confused with where to enter the building and I guess I went in the wrong way because I walked down the dock and entered the back of the restaurant by the restrooms, lol. Barnacle Bud's had a cool decor vibe and moody lighting. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and you could tell she was very excited about the menu and the pop-up experience. She provided exceptional customer service- she went over the menu thoroughly, came back to check on us multiple times, and always refilled our water, which I always appreciate! To start, we ordered wine and the relish tray. Everything on the relish tray was a little too vinegary for me but most of the table enjoyed it. However, the four of us didn't finish it. It was pretty powerful with vinegar flavor. For an entree, I had the salmon with veggies and my friends ordered the lamb chops, carbonara, and a vegetarian friend ordered a plate of Bud's potatoes and veggies. The food was good but I thought mine was very salty. And I'm glad I ordered my sauce on the side. For dessert, the four of us shared the mousse, which had good flavor and texture. Also to note, there were up-charges for veggies, sauce was $3 extra, etc., so just pay attention to pricing if that's a concern for you. Overall, it was a unique experience and worth checking out. read more

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Nothing to rave about this place, it's just alright. Seems kind of overpriced but the seafood quality is pretty good. I've been here once before and the ambiance is really only cool the first time. Servers are pleasant but honestly wouldn't plan on coming back here. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Great river views and awesome patio area! The staff is always so friendly here! Grouper is my go to here and this time I was able to try a dining week special, Grouper BigMac and it did not disappoint! It was loaded and very tasty! We also got the wings to start. The sauce had good flavor and a nice kick to it! read more

Barnacle Bud's - Grouper BigMac - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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This was my first time visiting barnacle buds.Tucked away down a street in Bayview, you wouldn't know it was there unless you were looking for it. It's kitschy , it's fun, and you feel like a stowaway. We happen to be there with a party of nine celebrating a friend's birthday. Our servers were great. They were attentive and fun. We all ordered different things, and tried a little bit of everybody's. The oysters were outstanding! As were the buffalo shrimp. All in all, we had a great time, and I would absolutely go back again. read more

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The Grouper Reuben is to die for. Best food ever. Service with a smile. I have no complaints.

Barnacle buds is one of a kind. This is a must-stop spot if you are boating on the water- we always start or end here when we are kayaking around Milwaukee. Their drinks are exceptional- we had several pain killers last time we went and they brought us back to our time in the Virgin Islands and really hit the spot on an extremely hot day. The food is just okay, hence the less one star. The tacos were nothing special, and we also weren't overly impressed with the mussels we ordered, but the cheese curds were very good. Service also brought the star down one, as it's generally indifferent at best. You come for the ambience, which is fabulous - sit by the water and enjoy a good drink and pretend you're on an island. read more

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Genes Supper Club review: Oh my gosh was this the best meal I have had in a long time. We asked our server Kristie what were some of her favorites, and she gave us awesome recommendations. The lamb chops were perfectly cooked, and the salmon was super lean with a chimichurri seasoning. You can add on different butters such as a lemon caper, or a garlic compote. We both got the lemon caper for our dishes. Oh and you have to get your veggies buds way, it really adds a lot of flavor. Plus this place was so cute, imagine an oyster bar in the middle of Christmas. Cute lights and decorations everywhere! You will have to get reservations though, they have limited seating. Definitely worth it, we will be back every year! read more

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Don't be fooled by the parking lot - if you make it all the way past the gate and into the restaurant you'll be rewarded with great views, awesome drinks, and fantastic seafood! While the menu is a little confusing and could maybe use some updating/reformatting, the food itself is awesome. Most of us partook in the build your own bloody Mary bar and it was worth every penny. (Pro tip - take an extra cup and load it up with garnishes and assemble back at your table!) All of our food came out quickly which was awesome since we had such a big party. My coconut shrimp were fantastic and I can't wait to go back and get them again. It was nice that there were a few non-seafood options available as well so there's something for everyone. And if you're cruising down the river you can pull your boat up to Barnacle Bud's and grab some drinks to go too! read more

Barnacle Bud's - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Came here on a Monday night and it was quite busy but we were seated right away. It's a very casual and beach vibe. The views of the river are great! I ordered the crab cake sandwich and it was delicious! It had lots of flavor and all the toppings complimented each other well! The fries reminded me of McDonald's fries! Overall, the vibes are immaculate and this is a cool place to check out! read more

Barnacle Bud's - Crab cake sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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We got a reservation for Gene's Supper Club on the River & had zero regrets about braving the cold for this experience! The food was so fun! I was expecting "standard" supper club dishes, which are awesome & was fully excited for, but what we got was a twist on the traditional! Every bit had so much flavor & the portion sizes were plentiful. 4 of us shared 2 apps, 1 salad, 3 entrees (with add-ons) & dessert. Plus a lovely bottle of wine & some pre-dinner cocktails. The restaurant was decked out for the holidays inside & out. It felt cozy & festive. The service was beyond...from the moment we walked thru the door, we felt welcomed & even appreciated for being there. The staff is amazing! If you have the chance to go...do not waiver! read more

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We wanted to have dinner by the water while visiting Milwaukee and Barnacle Bud's was high on the Yelp list. We loved our experience. He had a nice view of the river and the vibes were very relaxed while we were there. I ended up having their lobster roll and it was great. They give you a very big portion so you feel like you got a good deal. Some places tend to skimp on the lobster but not Barbacle Bud's. I'm so glad we came here during our trip read more

The always packed Bud's is getting even trickier to get a table at. This summer staff were up front to seat all comers. They told my party of four there were no empty tables, but we'd just walked the restaurant and there were three ready to go. Service was friendly, but lackadaisical and slow. The atmosphere rules, as always. Food was just okay - not as good as on previous visits and when I pay $20 for a sandwich - it needs to be excellent. Everything was a bit bland, from burgers to my lobster roll. Lunch for 4 with 2 drinks, a soda and beer came to $112 with the grooper po'boy, the lobster roll and two burgers. Too much for too little. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Try the grouper, it's amazing! Fish fry any day or the tacos, can't go wrong! Service is fast too! read more

Barnacle Bud's - Grouper tacos - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Restaurant on the beach vibes! Our server was outstanding. Came on a Friday during lunch and he did an amazing job checking in and making sure we were happy throughout the meal. The oysters were perfect, not the earthy flavored ones, very refreshing. The muscles would have been more enjoyable if it didn't have the Cajun- but not a deal breaker and I loved the garlic bread. The clam chowder, grouper, and curds were just outstanding including overall flavor and portion sizes. Get the key-lime pie. The crumbly crust and more of a "cheesecake texture" vs "jello texture" makes this my new favorite spot for Key-lime pie. Don't let the drive off the beaten path turn you away, it's my new favorite restaurant! read more

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Menu has more warnings than food items. Called to make sure they were open, drove 20 minutes and found out then that the kitchen was down and they only had deli sandwiches. We left and will never go back. Looked like a cool place but the inside was full of boxes etc. read more

tl;dr - you're coming here for the sun and the bevvies, baby! This is an amazing spot, beautiful and somewhat hidden over by Skipper bud's boat storage. You can relax, feel like you're in a tropical getaway and watch INSANELY expensive yachts and boats get ushered into the water via a giant forklift machine nearby. Being right on the water, it gives just a hint of escape from the hot hot heat when you visit. The place is always jam packed during the summer (there was even one time my husband and I just shared a table with another couple behind us to make everyone's lives just a little bit easier and help them avoid the wait.) I have eaten here. You don't have to. I would focus on the positives which is the delicious crazy menu of drinks, the gorgeous view and festive bar. Just grab your meal and be full before you go. You can spend way too much time (and money on delicious drinks here) which is also why the wait is so long, as it's the perfect escape when you're having flashbacks of horrible Wisconsin winter weather. You definitely will get a mix of clientele here with older adult boat-owning drink lovers, hipsters and family get togethers. Cute spot and since I'm writing this review in the middle of January, I'm dreaming of it. read more

I think the largest sell here is atmosphere of being right on the river. It is in a nice secluded almost ship yard like feeling. I will say the food was just alright as it tasted more like frozen food heated than anything. I also shared a Margarita that again did the job but was nothing over the top. read more

What a great little outside seafood restaurant, made me feel like I was on a marina in Florida. Very casual, menus on colored xerox paper at the table. Our server was very patient and explained dishes/drinks. We had the garlic cheese curds...the best I had all weekend in Milwaukee! I had the cod fish fry which included 3 nice pieces of fish on top of crisp nicely seasoned fries. Not sure why, but no photos taken, just enjoyed the atmosphere. Beware: if you go on a weekday be very conscious of where you park! read more

Hubby and I said all year, "we need to go to Barnacle Bud's and sit on the patio", well we finally did and boy was it worth it! We picked the weekend after labor day and who knew it was the perfect time to go - we expected a big crowd but it was very reasonable. We started with the dumpster punch, a classic which is always SO good and refreshing - I could drink 5 if my hubby let me LOL (jk). We got the crab cake and clam chowder to start. Both were great. We were going to share the clam chowder but the waitress convinced us to go from the cup to bowl. I would complain but we took the left overs home and enjoyed them the next day - love a good leftover moment! For dinner meals, I went with the perch fish fry and my hubby got the grouper fish fry. My hubby cleaned his plate which is always a good sign. We were too full to handle any dessert but I've had the key lime pie before and it was quite good. Will be back for patio hangs sometime soon Barnacle Bud's thanks for another yummy meal and the best vibes :) read more

Barnacle Bud's - clam chowder bowl - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Pretty decent! I got the shrimp po boy, some oysters, and a cocktail. The drink was way too sweet for my taste, but the food was good. Not the best seafood I've ever had, but the experience was fun being outside on the river! Would come back in the future read more

Barnacle Bud's - Shrimp po boy - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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You need to search a bit for this establishment, but once you find it, you are in for a treat. Great atmosphere and drinks right on the water. read more

We've never eaten there - just for drinks, but the drinks are great and the location is very unique. It's a great place to bring visitors and for the summer drinking on the patio. They are open year around. read more

We've been to Barnacle Bud's a few times and have always enjoyed the place. Its got a casual seafood shack by the water ambiance and a selection of casual type seafood dishes. This time we started with peel-n-eat shrimp which were tasty with tangy cocktail sauce. I had the grooper po' boy which. There was a big fillet of gouper served in this sandwich and it also had a tasty sauce. Fries on the side. All in all an enjoyable time had at Barnacle Bud's. We will be back. read more

I love this place! I usually get the fish fry dinner and muscles. It is the perfect place to take a group in the summer. For the fish fry, it always comes with fries and rye bread which is the sign of a great fried cod. They have big tables outside and sometimes live guitar music. We tried the Bloody Mary bar (pictured) and I prefer ordering off their regular drink menu. The service is always great, despite how packed it is. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Went to Gene's Supper Club last night with another couple and it was very enjoyable. Cocktails, appetizers and entrees were all very good. Timing of service was spot on and Chris our waiter was a blast, with equal parts humor, knowledge and good restaurant sense to make the night even more enjoyable. Enjoyed myself too much to take pictures. Couldn't get a seat last year and jumped at the chance this year as soon as we could. We will be back asap. Seating is tight and limited so don't wait to try for a reservation now. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Bar area. - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have been to Barnacle Buds dozens of times during the warmer months. Always great food & service. Plus the atmosphere is super fun. Now for the first time they have transformed Barnacle Buds into Gene's Supper Club during the holiday seaon. What a fantastic idea and it worked. Cozy indoor seating, festive holiday decor and food cooked to perfection. Add to that a warm welcome and attentive service. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Gene's Supper Club - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love seafood so Barnacle Buds has been high on my list of places to try for a while. I finally stopped in late one day recently for dinner at dusk. My order consisted of a fried grouper sandwich with lettuce and American cheese and fries for the side. I tried to order key lime pie too, but they were all out for the day :'( If you can't easily find Barnacle Buds, you're not alone. It's back in between some industrial looking buildings and you have to walk through a small opening between chain link fences to get in. If there's parking available near the chain link fences, park there instead of near the industrial looking building on the right when you're driving in. There's parking in both spots for Barnacle Buds, but the fence is a lot closer to the restaurant. I really enjoyed the grouper sandwich. It seemed fresh and the breading was light yet crispy. The bun was soft and chewy, which I liked. Not a huge fan of crinkle fries, but oh well. I'd be interested in trying the grouper grilled next time. Hopefully they have the key lime pie available then as well. The view was nice and the decor and aesthetics of the restaurant were really cool. It felt similar to a couple places I stopped at while in the Florida Keys a couple years ago. Definitely someplace I would have fun coming back to now that I can easily find it. read more

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The ambulance is spectacular, with a great feel of dining from open wall sitting, or outdoor/or pier tables ! Service with friendly staff of good food that's prepared to customer's specifications. And my specialty drink is their Bloody Mary, Very Good ! Definitely gets 5 STARS from me ! Ms. Millie read more

Discovered this little spot that makes you feel like you're not in Milwaukee. The decor and restaurant were super cute! Reminded me of a spot in Key West. Seating was pretty fast and I was surprised since they seemed so busy on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the Jambalaya and it was pretty delicious I want to go back and try other items from their menu. If you're looking for a nice outdoor setting I definitely recommend. read more

Barnacle Bud's - Jambalaya - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Such a cute little spot that makes you feel like you're not in Milwaukee! Love the atmosphere of docked boats and coastal vibes. It's casual and fun, with a variety of drinks and food to choose from. My husband and I met up with some friends here for drinks and dinner. We all shared the crab and artichoke dip and Buffalo shrimp to start (not pictured). The dip was good, especially the bites that included chunks of crab. The buffalo shrimp were HUGE - and tasty! My friends split the grooper fish fry, my husband got a burger, and I went with the grooper tacos. All generous portions and all tasty. I'm not familiar with grooper but our server recommended it, and I'm happy she did. It's so good!! The batter is topnotch as well. This is a great spot to have some cocktails with friends, or enjoy tasty seafood. read more

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Got seated quickly outside by the water. Vibes were great as the sun was setting and pop rock music was playing. Food came out quick and was very good. The fish and fries were both crispy. We even got visited by a friendly local creature read more

Barnacle Bud's - Friendly critter - Seafood Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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My coworker said this was a hidden gem. It certainly was hidden. Most of the seats you couldn't see much of the river but the theme of the restaurant is fun for Wisconsin. It has Florida tourist restaurant vibes. The staff was good. Timing wise maybe a little long between ordering drinks and food but we were talking and it was prime lunch hour. The menu is quirky, like if Zooey Deschanel designed it in 2001. My lunch was displeasing to eat. The crayfish tasted basically like a bunch of overcooked shrimp over 1/4 cup of rice with 3 cups of oil. The portion of crayfish was abundant, but each bite the spoon was just filled with non flavorful oil. It was also $16/17. Sounded like the fried fish was decent. The fries weren't as good. The general consensus was its a better for drinking than eating. read more

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This place totally came as a surprise to us.... We had just finished a long day of exploring, and were searching around on our phones for somewhere that sounded good. We wanted to try at least one seafood place by the water, and Barnacle Bud's sounded interesting enough. Turns out that it went way above our expectations! I never thought I could have such a fantastic lobster roll in Wisconsin, but it was so good! read more