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    Blu

    4.1 (176 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)

    Blu Photos

    BLU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Intimate
    Romantic
    Classy
    Upscale

    Recommended Reviews - Blu

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    Reviews With Photos

    Maddy K.

    Located on the top floor of the Pfister hotel, Blu has a very classic, intimate feel with amazing views the city. I also appreciate the comfortable seating options. We were lucky to visit on a rainy evening which definitely fit the vibe. Although on the pricier side of drinks in town, they offer very unique cocktail options. I tried the blueberry lavender press, which was very flavorful and not too sweet. I'm a big fan of gin paired with any fruit, so I'd recommend it. The staff was also very kind and attentive all evening. Overall, a great experience, would recommend visiting.

    Kent S.

    I can't believe I've lived my entire life in Milwaukee and yesterday was the first time visiting not just Blu, but stepping inside the Pfister. The hotel is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance that makes it a must see for any traveler coming into Milwaukee. Once inside, find the elevators that take you to the 23rd floor and you won't be disappointed. The city views are absolutely incredible. I found a rather tasty Super Tuscan to sip on while enjoying the live music this evening. The staff was friendly without being pushy and made sure we were enjoying the evening. I'll be back much sooner the next time.

    Honey
    Melissa B.

    I've had "Tea" in both the UK and Ireland, so was very interested in seeing what The Pfister had to offer. I took my daughter to share in this experience, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Word of warning: while you can reserve your time online, spots fill up extremely fast! I booked the Luxe menu, which offered a wonderful variety of sweet and savory options, plus choice of tea and champagne or mimosa. Seating times are for 90 minutes, which is just enough time to relax, enjoy the view and sample the tasty, bite size selection of goodies. You'll leave with a full stomach and spirit.

    Brut
    Michele V.

    Blu is a Milwaukee gem. Tucked away on the top floor of the Pfister Hotel, the views of the city and out to the lake are unmatched. The service is swift and the menu is extensive. I had the brut champagne, as we were stopping for a quick pre-dinner drink. Often nights they'll have live music. I love Blu.

    Kushal D.

    Blu is beautiful, but this time of year you gotta be aware that it's a lot of holiday parties and private events and their hours may be wrong. Other than that, the views, ambiance, and drinks here are phenomenal. Service is good at the bar but a bit slow at the tables. I love their cranberry fizz and the fireside bourbon. I do wish they had more snack/food options though. Overall solid for after or pre dinner drinks.

    S'mores martini
    Amanda W.

    One of the best views of the city! This is a great place to have a drink and catch up with friends. I have the s'mores martini and it was delicious. It was not overly boozy and not too sweet. The service was great, I will be back.

    Something with honey and whiskey
    Scott D.

    What to say that hasn't been said, it's a classy joint with a classy view and they play jazz. If that's your vibe you're gonna love it, if that seems snooty you probably won't. Price matches the view, you pay $4-5 more a drink for being 4-5 hundred feet higher in the air, seems fair to me. Personally I'm fine paying a buck to stay several floors away from the more spiritual inhabitants of the Pfister hotel Lotta suits during the daylight hours, makes for great people watching. Service has always been very friendly but can be slow, much like most good cocktail bars. Weirdly good food menu for snacks? The rosemary salt popcorn slaps.

    Celeste L.

    Amazing lake and cityscape view! I was here for a United Way fundraising event and tried two drinks, the blueberry lavender Press and the non-alcoholic peach blossom, but they ran out of peach syrup so I tried the mango version of the blossom I'm a big fan of the blueberry lavender press. You should try this when you come here. I also tried the kettle popcorn, which is a nice little touch to eat with your drink and having a nice conversation. Service wise I couldn't comment too much since it was a fundraiser event and didn't interact too much with the bartender's personally but overall a cool hip bar to stop at before heading to an event or just a casual social

    Ronni J.

    Stopped in for a drink the other night and was pleasantly surprised. I expected a stuffy atmosphere (as I'd heard from some) but it was very comfortable. The staff were all kind and helpful, we got drinks quickly & they tasted great. The view is phenomenal. We didn't have any food this time. I'd come back here for drinks again or recommend to anyone to swing by.

    Views
    Anna R.

    I love this little cocktail lounge at the Pfister, a great place to mingle with friends, enjoy milwaukee views, and grab a drink. We stopped by for a drink and a snack during our afternoon downtown, a dirty martini and old fashioned, no complaints. We also ordered the Parmesan chips, pretty good, but a little pricey. When we got there, it wasn't too busy and we got a prime spot near a window to enjoy some great views on the east side. I have been coming here once in awhile, but as of lately the furniture is getting a little worn, specifically the couches, and may need updating soon. Otherwise lots of seating. Our waitress we attentive but not too frequent, which I enjoyed, it gave us a chance to talk. When we were finishing up a band was setting up for some live music for the night, wish we could've stayed! We will be back in the future!

    Old fashioned & expresso martini
    Jessica J.

    I mean come on, what's not to love!? Okay besides the menu prices, but you get what you pay for here! Always a great experience and great cocktails. We had dinner reservations booked down the street, so decided to stop at Blu for some drinks ahead of time. Being a Friday night, they had live jazz music starting at 7pm. My husband and I arrived just before then so we were able to grab a seat at one of the booth tables that faces the windows overlooking the city. In case you missed it: this swanky venue is on the 23rd floor and offers sweeping views. They have QR menus at the table, but a sweet waitress was also circling around to offer recommendations and printed menus as needed. I already had it in my mind before we arrived that I wanted an espresso martini - assuming they served those - and gosh golly it was probably the best one I've ever had, ever. So smooth. Perfectly chilled. Not too intense on the bitterness. All around just right. So, I had two! My husband thoroughly enjoyed his old fashioned as well. We figured we'd also have ourself a little something to snack on while enjoying our drinks and the fabulous jazz music. Their mini menu offers chips, cheese, olives, and popcorn. All fancier then they sound. We went for the "olive oil bathed castelvetrano olives," which were mixed with had lemon, garlic and peppers spices. We laughed out loud at the wildly large portion, but absolutely no complaints there! It's not often we make our way to Blu, but every time it really is a treat. Oh and the bonus this time of year!? The Pfister is beautiful decorated in holiday lights, including their famous big Christmas tree. Don't miss it this wonderful atmosphere!

    Tina D.

    Such romantic vibes & beautiful city views! Service was great and the cocktails were delicious!

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    9 months ago

    Such an elegant bar, 10/10 recommend! The view is unbeatable!! Great drinks and great service!

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    1 year ago

    Great space, view, service and vibe. And check their calendar for some excellent live music! Did I mention the very nice wine list?

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    3 years ago

    This is a favorite lounge in the beautiful Pfister hotel! Great drinks and live Jazz music a few days of the week. I wish it was every day.

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    Ask the Community - Blu

    Agency

    Agency

    4.3
    (26 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Wow! This may be the best cocktail bar in the city. It is a full vibe that must be experienced…read more Craft cocktails in a charming, warm, inviting space similar to a Victorian era home back in the 1900s. Service is impeccable. They do a tremendous job of explaining the menu and food options in detail, and ensure you have a great experience from start to finish. The drinks? Nothing short of amazing. They vary the featured cocktails menu every 8 weeks, so most likely you'll get a different experience every time you go. However you can always get your classic cocktails like Margaritas, French 75 and Martinis. They also can do any drink NA which is the first of its kind in the US. They have an option called dealers choice, where you can pick the spirit and flavor profile of the drink you want: spicy, sour, floral, smoky etc. no limits! You write down on a card what you want and they craft you a cocktail based on your selections. They also offer a variety of food pairings to go along with the select, featured drink you order. We got spring rolls, a braised, pork infused doughnut, and an incredible bone broth that still has me in a tizzy. Fair warning: it's small and difficult to get a reservation - don't try your luck walking in, this place is a hot ticket and you won't be able to get in without a resy, which could be weeks or months out. This is a true gem of a cocktail bar, and is as good as anything you would find in New York or Chicago.

    Liked the vibe - reminds me of shakers cigar bar but without all the smoke (like, a bit spooky,…read moreold, maybe haunted but also very cool). We stopped here after dinner, so we stuck mostly with the cocktails. Unfortunately, nothing on the seasonal menu really stuck out to me. I stuck with the "traditional" cocktails (spicy watermelon bubblegum, and then banana daiquiri). Hubs went for the halo halo food (which was so cute! All the typical ingredients but served in cubist fashion), and the paired drink. The paired drink was supposed to have different layers of flavor, but they all mixed together quite a bit. Tasty, just not the "layered" experience we thought. I think they almost do themselves a disservice comparing themselves to the aviary - that is a crazy high bar to meet. Granted, maybe we would have been more impressed if we had more of the seasonal cocktails despite them not seeming interesting? Probably wouldnt go out of my way to go here again, but it is a cool vibe and the cocktails were good.

    Photos
    Big Big, water
    Big Big, water
    Agency
    The Sea Witch

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    The Sea Witch
    The Tin Widow

    The Tin Widow

    4.7
    (107 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    We stopped in on a whim after dinner out in the deer district. Driving home when I saw the holiday…read moreinflatables and I thought if I can find a parking spot, we are going in. I had heard about the Tin Widow's holiday pop up being one of the best area, the hype was not wrong. From the entrance to the ceiling and walks, this place is the definition of deck the halls. Unless you get here right when they open it early in the holiday season, I would expect a crowd. The drink menu is so fun with holiday themed drinks served in matching glassware. You can even purchase the glass/mug for an additional fee. A lot of the cocktails looked to be batched cocktails which help with the bartender's efficiency. Highly recommend making this place a holiday stop. I'm also curious to stop in after the holidays to experience it without all the holiday decor.

    Stopped in for their Miracle on 2nd St holiday pop-up. We only had to wait about 5-10min for a…read moretable, but it does get busy fast, especially on weekends. They had several seasonal cocktails in special festive cups, which you could also buy to take home. I got the Cheery Cherry Chocosaurus, which was good, but pricey for what it was. Almost all the seasonal drinks were $15 each and didn't seem too big. The venue itself is medium sized, but feels crammed quickly. There's more people let in at a time than there is seating, so you have to move fast to get a seat. I'll likely come back during the summer to try something else.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    The Tin Widow
    The Tin Widow

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    The Pharmacy Bar

    The Pharmacy Bar

    4.5
    (14 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Such a great little bar situated inside of the Crossroads Collective! Surrounded by a bunch of food…read morevendors, it's the one spot you can wet your whistle. Here you'll find plenty of brews on tap, wines, and a solid line up of canned drinks/seltzers. Most notable though, their house cocktails. I opted for the cocorita and was definitely a fan! If you like coconut flavor and margs, then you're in for a treat with this one. So refreshing and even comes with shaved coconut on the side of the glass. If tequila isn't your thing, they've got ya covered with all the other concoctions -- from a sunshine martini to a Gillian's island rum mixer. And even if you prefer NA, there's drinks cleverly called "placebo effects" for ya! Love the sprawling bar, with plenty of seats, that's right in front of the big open doors letting the fresh air in. Friendly faces behind the bar too. Look forward to returning!

    Located inside the Crossroads Collective Food Hall, The Pharmacy Bar serves up a variety of beer,…read morewine, and specialty cocktails. Stopped by here on a recent Sunday evening. Sunday winter evenings seem to be a slower time at the Crossroads Collective, so we were able to easily get a seat right at the bar. Their specialty cocktail menu isn't expansive but is intriguing and my date and I were able to find a lovely little bourbon number that made our hearts sing. The service was completely lovely and the prices are pretty reasonable. Get to it!

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    The Pharmacy Bar
    Hurricane
    Hurricane
    The Pharmacy Bar

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    Hill Valley Dairy

    Hill Valley Dairy

    4.8
    (21 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    Seems like a quintessential Wisconsin place to be, a cheese bar paired with your favorite wine or…read morecocktail. This place is pretty neat! It'll turn you into a cheese connoisseur if you're not already one. I fell in love with Gouda cheese as soon as I took a bite. We tried a classic cheese flight board and red wine only flight to pair with the different types of cheese. They made it into a gluten free spread so we had four types of cheese in lieu of the seasoned dried meat and gluten free crackers. The place is inviting, has nice decorations, great for going on a date or a casual catch up with your bestie. The staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. They knew so much about wine and cheese, I would want a whole Documentary on cheese. You can also purchase cheese and other goodies to go! Come on Thursdays, they have a discount on cheese boards!

    I've been here a few times now with friends and family and I really enjoy the cheese bar. My prior…read morereviews are on another page for the business and spoiler - they were 5-star reviews. The space is cozy and dim and well decorated. The staff are always kind. some are more helpful or informative than others. You can pair the cheeses with every drink on the menu or try pre-paired boards. You can also buy cheeses from the dairy and others, as well as assorted related products at a small retail section or cut fresh from the cheese case. Parking is on the street and can be a pain in this saturated area. The reason for the drop in stars? Prior visits got you more wines and more food to pair it with. This visit had prices steady but fewer wines, less cheese and $1 upcharge for some wafer crackers. I know the economy is not great right now, but this now seems like an expensive place to bring friends, not a reasonable day outing.

    Photos
    Hill Valley Dairy
    Shop area with more cheese and cheese lover gifts. Viewing window allows you to see them making the cheese.
    Shop area with more cheese and cheese lover gifts. Viewing window allows you to see them making the cheese.
    Hill Valley Dairy

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    Hill Valley Dairy
    Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen

    Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen

    4.3
    (277 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Crafthouse Kitchen is a great brunch spot to try if all the other options nearby are full, but it's…read morepretty great on its own merits--cool interior, good food and coffee, friendly staff, and ample seating. I don't drink so I can't speak to cocktails but they are a big draw as well. It had been awhile since I had stopped in, for some reason. I wanted some pancakes so I got the Crafthouse Stack with berries. They came with bourbon honey butter and maple syrup. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the berries. Raspberries in particular can be hit and miss. These were all perfectly sweet and ripe. I had some solid coffee also. The location is a little inconspicuous but inside there are high ceilings and modern but welcoming decor. Don't miss it.

    After interacting with the GM, I think I may have been a bit too harsh in my original review. It's…read moreentirely possible that I misread the overall tone of the staff, and Andrew took the time to personally reach out and apologize, which felt genuine and deserved to be acknowledged. There's a good chance I'll be back in Milwaukee next year for Summerfest, and I'm looking forward to giving this place another shot. The food looked fantastic, and, honestly, the cocktails and beers we had were already worthy of a few stars. I'm hoping my next visit lives up to how good everything looked.

    Photos
    Interior seating
    Interior seating
    Brunch burger
    Brunch burger
    Old fashioned

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    Old fashioned

    Blu - lounges - Updated August 2026

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