This place is dive bar heaven. I'd never been there, even though it's been around forever. The entry is hidden off the street - you enter through their magical garden space. Drinks are affordable. The bartender was a lovely older woman with kind eyes and a big German Shepherd colleague. The outside space is adorable, although be warned, the lattice cover over the patio screams and creaks like it has been possessed. Even though this feels like a hidden gem, the bar drew constant visitors even early on a Saturday evening. One challenge - parking in the area is extremely limited. read more

See all

In Paddy's Pub you will find an atmosphere as close to that of a genuine Irish pub as exists in Milwaukee. Conversations in a normal tone of voice are a given as the music is always soft and the other customers, on a normal night, are always considerate. For example, I belong to a book club who meet there weekly and we are able to read, aloud, without raising our voices and disturbing, or being disturbed by, other customers. Patty, the owner and chief bartender, is always cheerful and accommodating. The people who frequent the pub are friendly and always looking for someone to talk to, be that person another regular or a stranger. The pub has three rooms so you can pick the ambience you want, e.g. tv or no tv, crowd or no crowd (relatively speaking). The decorations are authentic. As I've said of Ireland many times, go once, you'll go back. Slainte! read more

What a quirky, unique, and random bar nestled within the East Side! Honestly, I walked right past it multiple times after I moved to Milwaukee. But finally a friend brought me in for a drink. Very cozy bar so I usually sit out among the wild collection of dark wood tables and chairs. There is so much antique, curious, and fascinating furniture, signs, vintage decor to observe and just immerse yourself in the surprise discovery of this collection in a pub! There is usually one bartender working, but they are always friendly, quick to take your order, and friendly. This place is an adventure of a bar in the best possible way! read more

See all

Patty's Pub is somewhere between an urban legend and a hidden gem. Most people only go there on St. Patrick's day and don't really remember it. The entrance is through a hallways patio to get to basically a big, odd house. The bar is on the left and there's a room that goes to another room on the right. The upstairs (open rarely) is similar. The bar also leads to the back of the patio. The patio is big. People were grilling and having a buffet. There's also tables on the other side of the giant fountain. There lots of plants but if you look close half of them are plastic. They have typical dive bar beer and regular drinks. It's a fun place to go. The staff is mostly older and unphased by anything. read more

I love Paddy's Pub! Great drinks and lovely atmosphere. Bartender is so kind and I always have a nice time with friends. :) read more

See all

Critic Rating: Ultra Rare Legendary Scores: - Food/Drink: N/A - Service: N/A - Value for Money: N/A - Ambiance: 5.0 x 15% = 0.75 - *Uniqueness: 6.0 x 15% = 0.675 True Hidden Gem Nestled in Milwaukee's Upper East Side, Patty's Pub feels like stepping into another world--a hybrid of a dive bar and the Shire, brimming with charm, mystery, and quirks that make it a one-of-a-kind destination. Note: I did not buy anything; I peeked my head in by accident one night. This review is a PSA. Ambiance (5.0): The soul of Patty's Pub is its atmosphere, which oozes character. The entrance, through a patio hallway, is just the beginning of an adventure that unfolds into a maze-like house with hidden treasures at every turn. Whether it's being greeted by a dog when you walk up, the eclectic indoor rooms, or the expansive outdoor patio, every area feels like a discovery. The fountain surrounded by tables, and the laid-back vibe all add to its endearing chaos. The bar had plenty of patrons, but the spaciousness of the venue made it so there were only ever a few other people in any given room (perfect). It's the kind of place where the charm isn't in its polish but in its authenticity. Uniqueness (6.0): Patty's Pub is an urban legend come to life--not just a dive bar, but an experience. Down the rabbit hole, it's a place where time seems to pause, and every visit feels like uncovering something so profound you'll never fully understand. The charm lies in its oddities: a maze of rooms, vintage furnishings, and a patio that feels like a cross between a family barbecue and a secret garden. Perhaps it's important to stumble upon this place accidentally. Their inviting attitude and thick Irish accent add to the homey, "everyone's welcome" energy. It's a place you can't compare to anything else, making it a true hidden gem. Final Thoughts Perfect for taking out-of-town buddies named Doyle, celebrating St. Patrick's Day, or simply soaking in the homey, chaotic energy, Patty's Pub is a spot you'll remember long after you leave. Just don't make it an Irish Goodbye. May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the sun upon your face. And may the winds of destiny carry you aloft to dance with the stars. Pro Tip: Bring friends, a sense of adventure, and don't overthink it--Patty's Pub isn't here to impress you; it's here to welcome you. read more

Relaxing patio, friendly service. Reminds me of Ireland Good choice of beer, great whisky! read more

Paddy's Pub - Quaint shaded patio, lots of lush greenery and a fountain! - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A hidden gem with great atmosphere and great owners. One of my all time favorite places to take visitor's, as there is plenty to see indoors and out. It gives off the energy similar to visiting your Grandmothers home, very quaint and homey. Around every corner and step there's something neat, the charming energy sets it apart from any other spot I know. Only complaint is that the drinks can be pricey, but that has never stopped me from returning. read more

See all

Great service and a one of a kind ambiance! Paddy and Woody are great people! You surely won't find anything else like it! read more

Paddy's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Truly a must visit. The vibe and style of Paddy's is unmatched when it comes to feeling cozy. Service people are super friendly, and the Guinness here just feels like it tastes better! read more

Paddy's Pub - a man sitting at a table - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm sure it could be considered charming and cute, but we left because it was claustrophobic and smelled strongly of ... pee. I wish I would have loved this place. read more

The outdoor seating is great but the interior smells of urine..... this place needs to be cleaned

what a wonderful, hidden gem! Located right on Murray street tucked away next to Mr. Señors. This bar has a wonderful outdoor seating area that can only be described with one word - MAGICAL!! So happy to stumble upon this place, it has become my friends and I's fav spot for a casual, chill night. read more

Paddy's Pub - a woman sitting in a garden - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

This place had to be awesome at some point in time, but it nothing close to that when we visited a couple of weeks ago. It smelled like a bathroom. In fact, perhaps it smelled that way because the bathrooms were right next to the bar and the doors were open. Actually, that's wrong because the bathrooms smelled better than the bar did. Everything felt dirty, grimy and the product of a solid decade of neglect. The place needs a deep and all-encompassing steam blasting and disinfecting. Really disappointing because it has all the makings of a cool Pub. read more

Nothing will come close to Dirty Nelly's on Irving but if Oddie and Brendan relocated, Paddy's would take DN's in a landslide not unlike the Dem's in 06. Granted, the outside area appeared very nice, but with winter already upon us, it would be much more fun to curl up inside near the fireplace. Guinness and mixed drinks for 4 dollars on a Saturday night?!?!? Simply a great place to stop halfway between a great dinner and dancing. Or to just warm your toes. read more

Paddy's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I love this place. The owner are so nice, and will strike up a conversation with any patron. The bar is warm and comfortable, and reasonably priced compared to anyone around. There are free snacks, the patio is nice and shaded if you come for the summer, and the inside has fireplaces for the winter. It's a hidden gem. Still one of the best bars in MKE. read more

Paddy's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

SERENITY! NOW! What a great place I found the end of the rainbow and it's at paddy's patio next to... You guessed it, Paddy's Pub! Got to give Rachel F. Credit for doing research and eventing it. I even had time to do an educational in service while sharing stories about local Yelper who is an official racing sausage, Wild boar, Mr.Baseball- Bob Uecker. Sorry if you missed out ha ha. I could not imagine how this mystical beer garden at one time, was an alley or a side driveway that was transformed into a Garden of Eden with flowing waterfalls, chimes and greenery. Service was quick as the bar is small and personal. Live music on Friday was setting up for a show. Woody was welcoming and said no cover and stay for the band. He checked on us to make our time at the patio was carefree. Serenity now, say it with me, Ahhhhh. read more

Oh noes! I hate that I have to downgrade Paddy's, but I do. I worry that the upkeep/staffing/etc. is going a bit downhill. Seems their magical beer garden needs some upkeep, and I really really hope that the one-time negative experience I had here recently was just a fluke. That said, you can generally tell... Here's hoping for an upswing/some attention to detail! *fingers crossed* read more

The best bar ever for the following reasons: 1. Clean, I mean really clean, bathrooms. 2. The place smells like candles, not stink 3. Friendly owners 4. Incredible patio in summer 5. Free peanuts m&ms and chex mix! read more

Absolutely phenomenal. Never been to a bar like it anywhere else. It's like tripping and falling down the rabbit hole into a fantasy Irish bar. It looks sort of like someone's house from the outside, or maybe like a small castle. The wonderful statues, awesome greenery and path to the patio is so inviting and cool. Then you get inside, and it's a good craic (fun time). People are super friendly, and it's like you're at a secret get-together. It's a little small in some of the hallways, but it's such a comfortable, wonderful place to hang out. It's sweet when they have old movies showing on some of the walls, which adds a great visual element. Then the upstairs room...holy moly! It's so ornately decorated and lovely. If they have a band playing up there, even better!! Seriously, this place is just gorgeous. Even the bathrooms are beautifully decorated. Paddy's, you are amazing! read more

Paddy's Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

See all

Wow... Just wow. A previous reviewer said it best. "Stepping through their outdoor courtyard was like walking through Alice's wormhole into wonderland." Upon arrival two patrons were serenading their friends with ukuleles. Ordered a few cheap drinks and walked around the old house. Room to room was simply filled with surprised charm. The random character of the furnishings made all of remark that because it was so crazy, it must've actually been planned out. My fiancée found a sweet throne to sit on. Nirvana was coming through the speakers as we all were in 'nirvana' at Paddy's. Will definitely return and spend more money here. read more

Paddy's Pub - My fiancée enjoying her 'throne'. - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

WOOOOOOOOO! If you were here on the unfortunate Saturday night with a large group of people woooo'ing, motorboating, and talks of jungle pussies... Sorry! On another note, Paddy's is an old skool Irish Pub, and it's fucking awesome. The drinks are cheap, the Chex Mix is plentiful, people are friendly, and its warm and cozy like your own home. I love you Paddy's! read more

I love you Paddys and your magical upstairs. One of the most welcoming bars in the city. I'm sure one of these times I'll spot a lephrechaun dancing in a secret corner. read more

Came here on St. Pattys Day weekend and this place was packed! Even though it was packed, still got a drink really fast. Bartenders didn't loligag and were making sure that you got what you wanted. Since it was so packed, it was hot in here, but nothing a few beers couldn't solve..worse came to worse you just stepped outside. Had a great time here and would come again if I am ever back in Milwaukee! read more

Don't be fooled by this place. It's not just another lame sports bar masquerading as an Irish pub, unlike some establishments... It is awesome! I am in love with the beer garden corridor that you walk through to enter, and I cannot WAIT until the winter takes a hike so that the outdoors can be enjoyed again. On first glance inside the door, it might seem like a cramped place but that's because you haven't seen THE BACK ROOM, which is gorgeously furnished! They have a super spacious front bar area behind a nice ornate down and down a few steps as well that's great for private groups. This is a wonderful hobbit hole of a room, furnished with lovely woodwork and furniture. The chex mix and peanut m&ms are a nice touch! read more

Every time I go to Paddy's I say, self why don't you come here more often. My last visit was no doubt inspired by the fact that I recently took a trip to the Emerald Isle herself and was really missing the music and the vibe. What better a place to show off your IRL pictures than in Milwaukee's little slice of the IRL? I will say that I prefer Paddy's on Thursday nights for live Irish music (Next time, I m bringing my tin whistle). Very laid back, friendly, magical...All of the little spaces to sit and chat are so charming. I've only been a handful of times and I only ever have Guinness. But, I've been very satisfied each time. My only thoughts is that it's gotten a tad kitsch as of late and the patio could use a little TLC. Self, you really need to go back there soon. read more

The old story of house turned bar done right - and not even with the annoying Irish-ness of an Irish pub. And of course, free peanuts and chex mix is really the main reason to stop in. Great in the winter - cozy inside with leather chairs and multiple fireplaces Great in the summer - fun little patio, like being in someone's back yard read more

Paddy's Pub is a hidden gem on the East Side of Milwaukee. Walking into their outdoor courtyard is like walking back in time and place to 18th century Ireland (or, at least what I picture it to be). Coming here with some friends honestly felt like a small retreat! The owners are incredibly friendly. They have good, decently priced drinks. Their food menu is quite lacking, but we were told we're welcome to bring in food from other places, so that's cool! They have live music most Thursdays, and I'll back to to check out that and this magical upstairs! read more

What a cool place! Boyfriend and I journeyed out to Paddy's to meet some of his work crowd on Friday during the [almost] snow storm. Don't worry, we walked the 3 blocks from our apartment. I bet this place is hopping during summer. You walk through the back patio type area that surprisingly reminded me of another Irish bar off of Bourbon St in New Orleans. Inside, the place is cozy (read: close quarters) with thick old wooden tables, a suit of armor, and decor-galore. Even though the place was busy, the two bar tenders came to our table often and we did not go thirsty. The bowls of chex mix with peanut m&ms that kept flowing to our table kept our tongues salty and in need of a wash-down (a brilliant tactic by management!). The upstairs also has a bar and more decor. I cannot attest to the price of the drinks as boyfriend was a gentleman and picked up the tab. read more

Been here two or three times, and though I am not a big fan of the typical Eastside/North Ave "college" bars....this Irish bar...i mean pub...found a way into this girl's Irish heart. I always seat myself in the patio. Love the atmosphere and interior decor. But most of all...the M&M trail mix to munch on, nom nom nom!! They are usually playing great music. For example, as I passed the huge crowd in front for Solstice Fest 2011 they were playing Dropkick Murphys...how appropriate for this, an Irish bar, oops, excuse me...Pub. The staff was great my first time there, and it was fairly crowded. Unfortunately, my second visit, the service wasn't as prompt and it was a slow weeknight. But this place will definately see my business again! Large party or quiet night out, if I am near North Ave, this is one of the few spots for me. read more

Paddy's was one of the first bars I visited on a regular basis on my regular visits to Milwaukee after I joined the drinking community years ago, and for that it has a very soft spot in my heart. Confound my sister, brother-in-law, and their crazy fertility for limiting my visits in recent years. Uncle John can't be off at Mommy & Daddy's old haunts on the other side of town when noogies need to be administered. Paddy's was my great Irish neighborhood pub long before I had any idea what that constituted. And I was certainly spoiled to have stumbled across such a fine place so early on in the tippling years, when any place with beer and the willingness to sell it to me was acceptable. Paddy's, with its inviting (and charmingly distant from the street) patio, friendly staff, immaculately clean bathrooms, and indoor spots that feel closer to a cozy house than bar, is a place for a very broad spectrum of drinkers. The owners care about their customers, but they might even be reluctant to call them that. They're really just friends chipping in for the privilege of a good night out. read more

The WORST Captain & Diet I've ever been served. I'm not sure what they put in my drink, but it wasn't Captain Morgan, and it tasted horrible. read more

Paddy's is the ONLY real Irish pub in all of Milwaukee and boy do they do it right. You won't find any frills here - the usuals on tap and a little basket of Chex mix for munching - but that's really not why anyone goes to Paddy's... You go to Paddys for the atmosphere and the company - and if you didn't bring you own company, post up at the bar and you'll have new friends in minutes. Patty and Woody are two very hard working, honest and warm owners. We have made friends for life. The live Irish music is always fun, and if you're lucky enough to stop by on a Thursday night you'll catch one of the various "sessions" going on and run right into a 20-person Irish jam full of fun. Don't come here expecting St. Patrick's Day 365 days a year like Harp or Trinity. Don't come here expecting to meet a young hotty to hook up with. Come here to make honest friends and hear a good tall tale or two at the bar. SLAINTÉ!! read more

Paddy's is truly a hidden gem in the North Ave bar scene. I regularly hung out in these parts 'back in the day' but never paid much attention to Paddy's Pub. Presently, I cant/don't want to keep up with the college crowd at some of the other area establishments, so Paddy's is just my speed. Its so cozy and laid back. The garden-like patio is sooo cool. Decent beer selection and friendly service are icing on the cake. Now I see from other reviewers that there's an upstairs!?! Must go back soon to check to see if it's open! read more

As soon as Paddy's was pointed out to me (what? an Irish bar that looks like castle? COOL!) , I was excited to try it - it did not disappoint. I went on a Saturday night with a group of 7, and although it was busy, we were able to get a table and gather up chairs without a problem. Before we were even seated, the waiter was ready to take our drink orders and knew the drink menu well. He promptly brought them to the table and closed our checks -which he split, without complaint - within about 5 minutes. They have an excellent selection of Irish beer on draught with fair prices for the area, although curiously they were out of Jameson Whiskey, which was a bit of shocker for an Irish bar. There is more than enough decor to keep your wandering eyes entertained, and the environment is perfect for sharing a conversation over a drink with friends. In summary: Great service, excellent beer, fantastic environment. I'll be back! read more

This was one of my go-to places back in college (though, to be clear, it is definitely not a "college bar"). I've always liked the chill and welcoming atmosphere, the interesting outdoor patio and gateway leading into the bar, etc. This is the kind of place you go when you want a low key place to have a few drinks, and don't want to deal with obnoxious drunks or people who are just out looking to see and be seen. On a recent trip back, it feels like nothing has changed, which is a good thing. read more

The best pub I have ever been to. The decor alone makes it worth the visit - stainglass windows, kegs lining the ceiling, a beautiful outdoor patio. Great selection of beer and liquor and the couple who run the place are unbelievably nice. I spent two days in MIlwaukee and would have spent the entire 48 hours there if I didn't have to work part of the time. I imagine the main bar could get crowded on a weekend, but I was there on weeknights and it was easy to find a seat. That said, even if it did get busy, the place has many levels/outdoor to accomodate. read more

Bar none-- the best Irish pub in Milwaukee. The owners don't fall into the faux Irish kitsch you'll find at Brocach or Mo's -- this is the real deal. The Guinness is always fresh, the Scotch and Irish whiskey selection is outstanding, and there's always a passel of regulars to stop trouble before it starts. In the summer months, the beer grader stands out among the best around, and of course year round there's free chex mix and peanut m&ms. Irish music sessions happen every Thursday night from seven to ten. All are welcome! read more

What can I say? I'm biased. I used to tend bar here and have been a regular for many years. If you've never been, you're missing out. If you've been and have an issue, you're missing the point. Specials? Man, it's special just to be there. read more

Paddy's Pub is a true gem in Milwaukee. Their back patio looks like the secret garden. Their inside is adorable as well. Just ask Paddy or her husband about the decorations, because they will gladly show you around. Both of them are incredibly nice people who give great service and show a passion for their bar! The drinks are a little pricey, but well worth it for the atmosphere. read more