My husband is a huge soccer fan so we decided to do the rehearsal dinner for our wedding this summer at the Red Lion out on the back patio. It was the most perfect venue and meal! Our friends and family raved about the food and planning everything (including drink tickets, menu, and dealing with a year long postponement during a pandemic) was easy with their event coordinator. We were able to play games on the deck and mingle and had plenty of room when a few extra unexpected guests arrived. Would recommend for any event! read more

My wife & I came here during Beer Week for the "Beer Dinner". The Beer Dinner was not just a liquid dinner but a well thought out pairing of beer for a 3 course meal. They had someone from the brewery there to give a short history of the brewery & the beer. Dude was very friendly & knowledgeable. I was very surprised at how well each beer paired with each course. Who would of thought Banana Bread beer could go with any meal! read more

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Okay, I've been here a handful of times now. The food is good. The beer selection is okay. The prices are a little high. Yes, I know it's next to Trocadero so it probably feels like it can charge higher prices. Drink prices aren't on the menus which really irritates me. And when the Happy Hour offers pints for $4 you know you're in anywhere from 5-8$ regular priced pints. But what killed this place for me the last time was the service. I want to preface this story as such: IT WAS NOT BUSY! There was one table on the first floor, a large birthday party on the second floor, and maybe three tables on the roof. Four of us wandered in and sat on the roof to have some drinks. Our server took 10 minutes to get us a menu (one of my friends REALLY wanted to stay so we waited). When we ordered our drinks it took another 15ish minutes to get the drinks (two of their signature cocktails and two pints). The drink order was wrong. Apparently one of the beers and one of the cocktails have the exact same name and our server never double checked which one my friend wanted. By the time she figured out it was the wrong drink (she'd been in the restroom when it arrived) our server was long gone. Well, not really, he'd stick his head out the door and then scurry off. My friend had to take her drink downstairs to the bar herself to get the proper one. After receiving our drinks, we didn't see our server for 20+ minutes. Our glasses sat empty for what seemed like an eternity. Rather than order another round (we were approaching the hour and a half mark at this point for one round) we asked to settle up. You guessed it, more waiting. ETA: At no point did our server acknowledge the wrong drink or even check in on us to see how we were doing. Anyway, for the prices they charge there are better places. read more

My first time back to the pub since the ownership change from Brocach...yeah, I know, it's been a year. Basically, the former Irish pub is now an English pub...change anything green to red, change a few posters on the wall, and it's done. Only major change I saw was the opening of the bar. There used to be big partitions, which were somewhat awkward...but they are gone now, so who cares. It's a great bar to grab a pint and watch the telly. Lots of good beer on tap, as well as bottles and cans. Very comfortable. Warm and cozy, but it looks like it can also get rowdy if need be during a soccer match. I recently had lunch here and service was great. Very impressed that the entire front of the house was handled by one guy. Seating is open. He took care of everyone, including a larger group, without any notice of "being in the weeds". Good attitude, very friendly and efficient. I went with the Chicken Vegetable Curry. Quite tasty. A bit spicy. And way too much for me for lunch. So I took half of it home. I would have liked a little more rice, and I am sure if I asked, I would have gotten some. I'd like to come back for the $10 Pie and Pint Special. Only drawback I experienced was that it was a bit costly for lunch - $25 for a Boddington's and Chicken Curry, I can't do that everyday. But, I could have ordered something less expensive...so, that's on me. I will be happy to come back as there are so many good sounding things on the menu. Cheers! read more

Red Lion Pub - Draughts...TV...yes. - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Build your own poutine!!! It's the best. I only wish it was available during brunch. I had to settle for a full English which was delicious but cannot compete with the poutine. Don't forget the HP sauce and a tall, cold, Strongbow...heaven. read more

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I'll start with I love his place and the people are great!!!Food, soup(!), was cold and the brunch menu on Saturday goes way to late in the day.... Chicken used for the salads look like Sysco chicken in a bag....! Been here before and it's been way better. read more

I ordered delivery due to COVID-19 and I was super impressed! The burger was great and was still warm upon arrival. I wanted to order something I was familiar with so that I could evaluate well and was not disappointed. My friend and I also shared the Shepherd's Pie. There were still leftovers. I can't wait for fewer restrictions so I can go here in person and watch some Football (soccer) and enjoy some great pub food. Want to try more! read more

Nice atmosphere, but they no longer serve sausage rolls, and please DO NOT order the dry-rub pork belly bites. All salt, and not edible.

Red Lion tries to play up a British theme, but really has the look and feel of your typical Milwaukee dive bar. They always have soccer on TV and Boddingtons on tap, so I guess that is what is supposed to make it British. The two real standouts for this place are the Build-Your-Own Poutine menu and the rooftop patio, so I went over there on a nice spring afternoon for a combination of the two. After my friend and I had been sitting on the patio about 10 minutes without any attention I went in and asked if we were supposed to check in with a hostess somewhere; I was told that a server would be with us shortly. After another 10 minutes the server finally stopped by and took our drink order. These, too, seemed to take longer than usual. We ordered the poutine, as planned, but by the time we got it the cheese had turned into a single solid on top from sitting around too long. The poutine was a little cold, but otherwise still good; I love doing the curry sauce for a unique twist. All-in-all I enjoy going there for the poutine and the patio, but this time was a little sub-par from the usual. read more

What a wonderful place , the bartender was fantastically polite and so iombotomg to us , great Milwaukee find .

Thought we were going to Brocach for brunch but found Red Lion Pub. Since we walked there we thought "What the hay, lets check it out"... Pleasant surprise! Food was good. Good portion. Bloody Mary pretty decent. Staff was friendly and attentive. It was a enjoyable Brunch. Scotch Eggs = amazeballz read more

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A great spot to grab a beer and appetizer. The bar is nicely set up to watch your favorite sports team - US Women's Olympic team. Staff is very friendly. read more

Red Lion Pub - Exterior - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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I gave this place another try and the experience was really good. I guess everyone deserves a second chance? Definitely glad I gave this place one. Really yummy fish n chips for a good price (could be better, definitely could be worse). My boyfriend and I were greeted and waited on almost immediately. I look forward to going back when summer comes back around so I can eat on their rooftop patio again. read more

Came for some beer and ordered the pretzel and chips to nosh on. Solid choices but nothing special. Service was good, our waiter was nice and attentive. It smelled a little when walking in; had a musky scent. Also the chairs are a weird small size. Would come back to give the menu another try. read more

Red Lion Pub - Nice bar. Four tvs, each with something different playing on it. - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Went here on a Saturday night in a group of 4. One of the most British places I've been outside of England. I asked for a Pimm's cup and the waitress wasn't sure if the bartender would know how to make it but they did and it tasted how I remember Pimm's being served in England. I had the Salmon Wellington and mashed potatoes and it was great. My friends enjoyed their dishes as well - Shepherd's pie and vegan Shepherd's pie. Will be going back. read more

Red Lion Pub - Salmon Wellington - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I like this place. It's close to me, and I get a seat every time I go. I've been many times. I've had the fish and chips - they were pretty decent but I would recommend going here for drinks. Beer specifically. It's a British bar so expect British food / drinks if you want! I've always had good service and they have 1$ Trivia every week. The questions are fun and it's very fun to go to Red Lion Pub with a group of friends for a nice drink after work. Give it a shot! read more

Great atmosphere and amazing vibe. The entire staff have great personality and and add to the experience of the visit. have been coming to this place since they first open and I can't find a place that has a better chicken curry. If your looking for a place with an amazing outdoor patio this is it. Only thing they took of the menu most people miss is the "our Carl" read more

Dave made the best bourbon press I've had in years!!! Amazing live music too! read more

Red Lion Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Best British food in the Midwest, best service best food, no better place to watch the game! Try the scotch eggs!

As a disclaimer, this review is solely based on service and drinks. I went to Red Lion on Sunday for the first time and thought the rooftop was awesome! I usually go to The Outsider in the Third Ward for rooftop views, but honestly, these views are even better overlooking the river! When I was up on the rooftop, I was immediately greeted by a server named Elyse. She was so friendly -- She shook my hand, asked my name and continuously called me by my first name for the duration of the time I was drinking there. Fantastic (and very unique). They have a big TV outdoors as well as games. I played the life size Connect Four and the Jenga. The Jenga was a little loud to play since it was the middle of the day and there were a bunch of tables around it, but the Connect Four was perfect! They had drink specials happening even before the Packer game came on (I cannot remember all of them, but I know one was $4 blue moon). If you are on the East Side looking for not only a patio, but a ROOFTOP patio, this is certainly the place to come! read more

This British pub is the tops! They have a great selection of spirits and beer, fun atmosphere, and AMAZING food! I highly recommend the scotch eggs and pasty. Red Lion feels like an authentic English pub inside and out. Service is quick and friendly and did I mention the food is AMAZING?!??!?!?!?!! read more

Red Lion Pub - Busy Friday Night - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Yesterday Hubsy and I went for dinner and drinks at the Red Lion. Looking at their menu online, there was an exciting vegetarian burger that I was looking forward to trying (bonus points for labeling their vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten free options), and their beer list really looked intriguing. So we went with high hopes. The location: parking can be tricky. It's all street parking. We didn't have any difficulty, but I got the impression that we were lucky. The place: it's very much a sports bar with UK feel. The bathrooms are labeled "lads" and "lasses" and there's sports memorabilia and Union Jack's galore. There are two levels and a deck, bars on both levels. Most of the tables accommodate 4 people, but there are a couple 2 person tables scattered about and we found one of two 6 person table upstairs near the ladies. The service: our server, Taylor, was very kind. She understood that we were waiting for friends and didn't make us feel guilty or weird about staking out a big table with just the two of us. On the other hand, I tried to get the bartender's attention to borrow a glass (for the purposes of freeing a bumblebee) and he ignored me? Or did he just walk away? Difficult to say, but the guests at the bar found it odd I was leaning on the bar trying to make eye contact and failing miserably. The drinks: their drink menu is indeed impressive. I got a glass of Old Speckled Hen and immediately fell in love. Other bars will label the types of beer they are, but working off the descriptions on this menu wasn't too bad. I'm very curious about their mixed beer drinks, so I may have to come back for investigation. The food: now keep in mind that I was going in with expectations. We got cheese curds, English fish and chips, and the Impossible burger (that exciting burger wasn't on the menu in the place). The food was fine, but nothing mind-blowing. The fish was soggy on the bottom and my burger was pretty bland. The cheese curds...the cheese curds were disappointing. They didn't really taste like anything. The price: for the drinks, worth it. For the quality of food, not so much. read more

I get it. It's not really a restaurant. It's a pub to hang out in and get some food while drinking. I didn't know that, as we had eaten here when it was an Irish restaurant and once when we didn't know it had changed to a British restaurant. I had planned an "authentic" a British breakfast experience for my husband for Fathers Day to go along with a British car show. I wanted an early breakfast/brunch so we could then head to the car show. I called the Red Lion Pub the day before around 3:30-4 pm to set up a reservation , a person answered the phone and told me I could have done that on line (not true by the way). So I said, "since I'm talking to you, can't you make the reservation?" Her response was, "well, I'll write it down. We open a 9 am. So I said 9:30. She took my name and phone number, and I thought, "done". We arrived at 9:15. We are very punctual for reservations. We were greeted at the door by an employee who asked, "are you the people with a 9:30 reservation? Sorry, we don't open until 10 am." She went on to say they didn't know who took the reservation. Huh. If she had asked me, I would have given her the time I had made it. Did they not know who was on the floor at that time? Furthermore, seeing the mistake and since I had given a phone number, could someone have given me a call in the morning? Or did the employee not write my name and phone? She didn't didn't seem real interested when I talked to her so I question whether or not she even bothered. I was then told, with my husband and son standing behind me, "you can sit at the bar and wait until 10 am." I asked, "not at a table?" Nope. I then said okay, we can have coffee and wait. To that the employee at the door said, "we don't have coffee.,The pot, machine , whatever, is broken." At that point I flipped a cuckoo. I told her the restaurant ruined our Fathers Day plans and we left. (This place didn't really ruin it, because there are better places all around this one. Thanks, Ma Fischer's for having great breakfasts even though not British, and rivers of coffee. And as for that coffee thing, there is a grocery story and a couple of pharmacies. Walgreens sells instant coffee. Serve it up nice and hot and we wouldn't have known the difference. The whole thing was a mess and just plain stupid and lacking in creativity. We will never go back. read more

Great fish fry! JP was a great bartender and server! Definitely will be back just due to the experience we had with him alone!

Always love coming to red lion! Been coming here for years. Never a disappointment! Great drink, food and vibe! Oh yeah, JP is by far the greatest server on Water Street! Be sure to have a chat with him while there, he's the best. read more

This bar was a great place to hang out! They are wearing masks and have social distancing policies in place! JP was an excellent bartender with great recommendations! read more

Came here last Saturday for early dinner, when we arrived we sat on the patio and were sat in the back by a table of what assume were owners. The waiter took our drink and appetizer order and then never came back. What I assume as an owner or employee asked if we were taken care of at the start of our wait but then never again as they moved tables were just hanging out and drinking. The waiter never came back, we sat for over an hour with nothing before finally leaving as I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt due to Covid-19. I was so exited to try this place as I love an old English menu however this just wasn't it. I really sat on the fence about posting this but I was disappointed. Ended up going to the Wicked Hop. Unfortunate. read more

Truly just an all around negative experience. We bopped over for brunch on Saturday and were seated just inside the door. Our server was a girl with a visibly sprained ankle hobbling around to serve at LEAST 8-10 tables in the front completely alone. This was just bad management. She ran her butt off, but not one other person was helping her to bring drinks, bus the table etc. This obvious oversight by management dampened the entire experience as beverages were left dry (literally, the ice melted, we sucked up the melted water and THEN it was dry), meals were served cold, refills on alcohol were undelivered, and sides came after the meal was over (one side was forgotten about entirely). We started with the sweet pretzel, which was blah. The pretzel itself was pretty tasteless as the sugar hadn't stuck and was all on the plate. The creme anglaise they served with it was watery and flavorless. The poutine was borderline inedible, as the cheese was hardened, there was barely any gravy left besides the grimy film over the top, and the fries were cold. The side of hollandaise was also watery and tasteless. As I said, our server clearly was working hard, but the missing food, lack of refills and poor food presentation was just enough to keep me far away from now on. Too many awesome spots in this city to return to a mediocre one at best. read more

Another stop on the Part Bus Pub Crawl we did. This was bar # 6 or 7, so at this point everything is great when beer is involved. Needless to say we had a great time at this Pub. Got my beer in hand, it was good, poured right, bartender was fast and nice. I am a happy man. read more

So here's the deal: if you Walk in and a guy named JP is your bartender, SIT YOUR ASS DOWN. He is by far the best bartender in all of mke and he's from the far far land of Scotland. Which arguably the best land of world. Thanks, JP. read more

First time ordering from Red Lion. Got fish fry take out. When I got home and opened the cartons I couldn't believe my eyes - the size of the fillets looked as if they were an entire fish! Got two orders but one would have definitely fed two people. Absolutely delicious. Fries were yummy too. All reheated very nicely for a couple of meals of leftovers. Will definitely return for fish fry and to try other menu items. read more

Service was friendly and fast, but the food was bad. The curry and cheese curds were just ok, but the chicken strips were burned. Bitter, so it wasn't just dark oil. We were very disappointed and ended up tossing them. read more

Red Lion Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We have had such a great time here!! Came up to Milwaukee for the weekend. Stumbled across this place. A bit off the beaten path but so worth it!! Great food! Great people! 5 stars or more!!! read more

Red Lion Pub - Pubs Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

They have banana bread beer! Whaaaaaaaat? That was my favorite part. The whole experience was good on the whole, but I'd never heard of banana bread flavored beer so when I saw that on the menu alongside a whole bunch of local and not-so-local brew suggestions, I knew I had to try it. It smelled of banana stronger than it tasted of it, but it came through in the aftertaste. It actually ended up probably being a Top 10 beer for me, so as long as they've got it on draft I'll probably keep checking out this place. I was here to satisfy a friend's craving for fish and chips. I wasn't really feeling the whole pub thing when we arrived, but the guy who was waiting on us was cheerful (and authentically British) enough to get me in the mood. Besides the beer, I had the Red Lion Burger, which was peppery and tasty. They were having a Tuesday pie-and-a-pint special, but I frankly wasn't wanting something *quite* so heavy. I was satisfied with my burger; I'd order it again. The people I was with both got the fish and chips and it looked great. Big portions, too. It'd be easy to have leftovers from this place. read more

I'm not sure why more people don't come here, but I'm okay with that. Red Lion is my scrambling-to-find-a-place-to-eat-without-reservations-on-a-Saturday place. Service: always solid. I've never had any issues with any of the employees here. Not even a "well, this was awkward and I'll give them the benefit of the doubt because they might be new" sort of thing. A+ Food: also always solid. I've gotten a couple different things here, but I think my favorite is the fish & chips (naturally). Any entree I've ordered came with enough food to sufficiently fill me up. Super great if you're craving comfort food. Location: convenient. There's only street parking, but it's far enough away for other restaurants that you can usually find a good spot. The interior is clean and polished. read more

The Red Lion has a fantastic patio. As my friends and I played Harry Potter trivia on it, I couldn't help but enjoy a patio in the summertime. However, nothing else about this place really stood out to me. I'd definitely come back to grab a beer and enjoy some soccer, but I wouldn't be going out of my way to come back. read more

As someone with multiple severe food allergies (listed below), it's a huge challenge to find a restaurant with both excellent customer service and the ability to customize an order to serve nonallergenic food. The staff here has been helpful on every occasion. Even the kitchen staff remembered my allergies and re assured me they practiced proper cleanliness and food prep practices. This is a major win! Red lion has become one of the only local places I can order with confidence and trust. They accommodated my allergies which include wheat, rye, barley, oat, milk/dairy, eggs, fish&shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, avocado, and apple. All I did was give them a list, and they were more than helpful in providing options and excellent customer care. At no point was there any sense that my allergens were an inconvenience to them. They happily went out of their way to make a custom, complete meal for me. read more

Beer was great. Ordered appetizers for out meal, pretzel, which was huge, sausage rolls, outstanding. Colleague ordered fish and chips and they looked superb. I would go back for sure. read more

Beer selection good. Food was fine for bar food, nothing to crazy and not any better than other bars in the area. The patio looks nice!

I have mixed feelings on Red Lion. I love the rooftop patio and the games that are up there. I also think they have a decent selection of beer. Where they are SUPER lacking is the food and the service. The food for me is just "ok". I'm a strict vegetarian and lean toward vegan and there is basically nothing on this menu that speaks to me. There are things that I can eat, but choosing between a veggie burger and grilled cheese is not very exciting - what is so hard about fresh plants?! Next, the service is really quite poor. Not sure if it's a lack of people or a lack of training, but everything seems to take 3-4 times longer than it should at this place. And last time this happened I mentioned to my server about needing to leave soon after the meal was served and she just rolled her eyes. It's not a bad establishment, but outside of patio drinking I typically avoid this place. read more