Pricey but nice. We stopping in for a cocktail after a few recommendations from friends in the area that if nothing else, it was worth stopping in for the rooftop view. In the end, I got to enjoy a fancy cocktail on a rooftop above the city and that fulfilled my needs and expectations. We were seated at an outdoor table, and we had table service from a server. I am pretty sure you could also order for yourself at one of the bars and walk around and sit with your drink somewhere, especially if it was as not-busy as it was when we were there. They do have a small food menu, but we opted to get our meal elsewhere and try more places. But you can eat with your drinks here. The drinks were tasty and there are worse and uglier places to sip on a beverage than the outdoor rooftop deck at The Outsider. read more

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Beautiful space but rarely any seating. Very young atmosphere for an old folks hotel. $17-25 drinks is unacceptable in Milwaukee though. So I paid $20 for a Moscow mule but there was no copper mug. Wtf, I just moved back from SF and the Moscow mules aren't even that expensive there. The Outsider is highway robbery with a good view. read more

One of the best roof top bars Milwaukee has to offer! It's especially nice in the summer. The outdoor area has plenty of seating and fires to keep warm during the cooler evenings. It's a classy place but not too fancy to stop by for a casual drink. Their frosé in the summer is the best! The espresso martinis are great as well! The bartenders are all very nice. read more

The Outsider - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm really not sure why I haven't reviewed The Outsider before now, seeing as I have been here dozens of times. But saying that should give you some idea of how much I enjoy this place. The Outsider is a really solid spot for an evening out. It is located on the rooftop (9 floors) of the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel. You will have to enter the hotel to get here, but hotel staff are very used to directing people towards the elevators that lead to The Outsider. The space itself is wonderful - great views of the city, a variety of seating options, lots of comfy couches, and a large bar area. The Outsider is open year round. Even in the dead of winter, they manage to keep the majority of the bar open with the help of heating lamps. The Outsider has an extensive drinks list. You will find your typical fare here - beers, wines, typical rail drinks, etc. But there is also a list of house-designed cocktails. These drinks are seasonal and are inventive and enjoyable, although quite pricey. In fact, I would say that The Outsider is generally one of the more expensive bars in the Milwaukee area. You are certainly paying for that rooftop view. For the cocktails, the price point feels fair, as these drinks are very nicely presented. But the price point is certainly quite high for the beers and wine. A couple things to make note of: -The Outsider on a weekend in the summer is going to be insanely busy. Come prepared -People usually come dressed in nicer clothes. There is no dress code officially, but you won't see many people in sweats here. -Service is a bit varied. Sometimes the servers will come to your seat to take your drink orders. Other times, you have to go up to the bar yourself. I think this is largely dependent upon their staffing and how busy the bar is on that day. read more

Great rooftop bar, drinks are pricey, but you're paying for the view as much as you are the cocktails. Seating can be tough on busy nights, but overall a good spot for a special occasion if you can plan ahead. There's nowhere else in the third ward where you can get the same view. read more

I always have a good time at the outsider. Been there several times for a cool lounge vibe and drinks. The drinks are delicious, the menu has a wide variety of options which is very nice. It is on the more expensive side, but that's what you're paying for for the rooftop view and location. Good quality as well. I've always had good experiences with the wait staff and bartenders. The place gets very busy on the weekends, so keep that in mind! read more

This place is all about looks. Great view and a good time. Waitstaff is sweet and helpful. We got a handful of cocktails and they were pretty good. We also got the popcorn and it was plain and a waste of money. Still had a good time and would recommend...just wouldn't get the popcorn. read more

The Outsider - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Wonderful lounge with comfy sofa's, cushion's blankets throughout and around fire pits. There are planters with modern birch tree arrangements sheared at the top. The roll up garage doors when opened in the summer I can imagine makes for wonderful outdoor seating overlooking the city. Staff is very friendly, especially host and Kevin our server. Very attentive, personable and timely. Though my wife only ordered the fried rice cakes, she said they were amazing and will definitely have them again on our next visit. Definitely worth a look, have some drinks and wonderful food. Highly recommend!!!!!! read more

Best city views, great for locals and out of town guests. I LOVE coming here. I just left there and saw an authentic Puerto Rican holiday cocktail on the drink menu!! Could not believe our eyes!!! Although overpriced, we got it anyway- I mean, you NEVER see this on a drink menu downtown. It was perfectly flavored, in an authentic bottle. Big props to the mixologist. No label on the bottle so assumed it was house made.. great job ya'll! Puerto Rican Coquito @Outsider! WEPA!! read more

The Outsider - Out with friends who also loved seeing Coquito on the drink menu - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Outsider is only good for the ambiance and views. It's very cute, and I love the fire pits, but good luck finding seating on a nice day or on the weekends. The drinks are not worth what they charge at all. They pour literally one shot and fill the glass with ice. Service is alright. I've definitely come across bartenders with bad attitudes. You'll only catch me here if my friends want to go here. It won't ever be my choice. read more

I've only tried the truffle fries here once before and they were so good. Drinks here are also spot on. But the ambiance is the main attraction. I love the vibes of this rooftop, the convenience of it being downtown, the fire pits, and the overall aesthetic! Has always been a favorite spot of mine when I'm in downtown. Definitely one to check out. read more

The Outsider - 'Tito's Mule - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

We came here on a hot sunny Sunday afternoon for some drinks and it was exactly what we needed. Everything on their new summer menu looked so good and was so hard to choose! I eventually ended up picking the Watermelon Shuga and my husband went with Feelin' Peachy. We both loved them! Mine came frozen/blended and even though it melted quickly under the summer sun, it did not lose flavor at all. The sugared rim was the perfect touch. I also sampled the Feelin' Peachy and I think I preferred this one just ever so slightly more, but I let my husband keep it. Both drinks were very refreshing! The rooftop is the place to be, the music was pumping, and the service was great. We have never been disappointed here and will be back summer or winter! read more

The Outsider - Feelin' Peachy - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Unfortunately this was recommended to us for (1) dinner and (2) its non alcoholic options. First, we knew there was a problem when we couldn't even find it. It's the top floor of the hotel but we saw no signage for it. It's not really a restaurant. It's a bar. There aren't even dining tables. They do have food, and the two of us were able to get our fill with three of the small plates - the brisket buns were good, the popcorn chicken was...chicken, and the fries were fries. Dips were good but nothing spectacular. And the NA menu (one of the reasons it was suggested for us) consisted of only two options. $13 each - when the alcoholic cocktails were $16. In the end, three small plates, and NA and a glass of wine were $75 before tip. It didn't help that it was winter - most of the areas were too chilly to enjoy on the patio and even in the regular bar area we had to keep our coats on. It was fine but didn't justify the price tag. read more

Nice upscale rooftop bar if you're looking to dress up a little and have a change of pace from the usual bars. The views are really pretty too especially with the sunset. Definitely don't go there hungry though, didn't realize the food menu were bar snacks, but still good. The bartenders were very nice and cocktails were delicious. There's fire pits but some are reserved and some aren't. I went on the website to check if we needed reservations and it says parties under 8 is a first come first serve basis. I saw you could also reserve a fire pit but when I clicked on the option, the website said that option was unavailable, so I guess those people who were able to reserve one called the place. I would definitely do that for the future otherwise you're kind of waiting around hoping for someone to leave to take their spot by the open fire pits. read more

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Amazing views, lovely staff, and delicious cocktail drinks! The is a rooftop bar right in the Historic Third Ward, and highly recommend to anyone who wants to check out a new bar. Came here for a bachelorette party and had an amazing time! read more

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We stopped by during a tequila sampling and because I am a tequila girl, I was very happy. It's a year round rooftop bar, the entire thing is enclosed with heaters in the winter. And it is SO CUTE decorated for the holidays. It's kind of pricey, but it's inside of a pricey hotel so that's expected. We got the curds, chicken sliders and truffle fries. The fries were my favorite but the other food was also good. I'd eventually like to go back and try the rest of the menu items. Service was quick and friendly! read more

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Pretty nice place to have a drink and take in the views of the 3rd Ward in downtown Milwaukee. Unfortunately it was pretty cool outside so this rooftop bar was enclosed to keep out the frigid weather. But the views were still there! Has a number of fireplaces so even though the only thing separating us from the 30 degree temp was a vinyl wall, it was nice and kozy. It was a Friday night and apparently this is the place to be, because it was very busy. Mostly younger adults (mostly in there 20's) It did start to clear out a bit after 11pm. Wait staff were busy but hard working. Drinks took a little while, but no big issue. Overall great place to have a drink, take in the views and do some people watching. read more

Wanna go to a rooftop? The answer is always 'yes, please!' The Outsider is a gorgeous and well thought rooftop bar onto of the Kimpton the Journeyman -- on the ninth floor. It's open on the daily at 2pm and can accommodate groups up to 15 people. The views. O.M.G. Just what a view of downtown Milwaukee. The cocktails are sublime ($14-$16) and ever changing. The menu features a handful of eclectic items from popcorn to bulgogi. The staff seemed attentive and knowledgable. We came in on a Sunday afternoon around 4PM. It was packed! My group of 10 eventually found some seating (it is kind of hard, so be patient) and enjoyed a duo of cocktails each before heading elsewhere. What a thoughtfully curated space! The Outsider oozes cool. If you want to see MKE like you've never seen it, head up to the ninth floor. read more

Great ambiance. Food menu needs to be revamped. Needs more choices But, it's definitely a vibe! read more

Located on the 9th floor of the Journeyman Hotel, this rooftop establishment is sure to please! Cool vibe, beautiful views and delicious cocktails. We stopped in on a Saturday night before dinner, around 7pm and the place was hopping! We were able to snag a seat on a shared bench outside and it was lovely. The sun was setting, Disney movies were playing on the outdoor tvs, and everyone was having a great time! read more

The Outsider - Margarita! - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Got engaged/ proposed to here! The staff was great and gave us free champagne for a toast!

The Outsider (on the 9th floor of the Journeyman Hotel by Kimpton) has a *fantastic* view and a good rooftop vibe. The drink and food options were good, albeit pricey. There were two bartenders (maybe 3) and a host, but there were no servers that evening, so we had to go to the bar to order. Staffing is a challenge everywhere, so one can't be too tough on the item. Service from the bartenders was friendly enough and the host did double duty bussing. My advice would be to add a server or two - they'd be busy. read more

The Outsider - Awesome view to the West - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Went to The Outsider for some drinks with some friends recently. The rooftop is really cool and they have a lot of FirePros and heaters to keep you warm even in the fall. The place was packed and it was somewhat difficult to find a spot as it is all open seating. Because it is open seating the place is so big, it takes a while for the staff to get around to you. The drinks were good and I liked that they had fall inspired ones. They are somewhat pricey however. read more

The Outsider - Sitting area - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The Outsider is a rooftop bar done right. Unobstructed city views? Check. Comfortable patio furnishings? Check. Fire features to fight off the evening chill? Check, check, and check. They also happen to serve up some lovely signature cocktails. Their Violet Voodoo is a light and lovely ginny number that suits the surroundings and is a perfect summer evening delight. I also love their Peach julep. Because bourbon. They have decent wine, beer, and spirits lists. I know I have ordered the Macallan 12 year here. They have a nice selection of light bites to choose from, so you can snack and sip in the rooftop summer sun. Their rosemary chips with onion dip is one of our faves. The service is always friendly. It can be a bit slow, but, they're also pretty much always busy. The drinks are, in my opinion, overpriced. But, you're paying for the view. I get it. And, happily do it. Definitely my favorite spot to bring out of town guests. Get to it! read more

The Outsider - Violet voodoo - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Went early for Pre-fest drinks. Rose Sangria was a hit. Good music, great views, amazing vibe. read more

The Outsider - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Very poor service all around. Wrong drinks, long wait due to server socializing with bartender, weather was nice though. Happy hour does not exist like the website states. Took 30 minutes to get a drink while the bar was at 20% capacity, then got delivered the wrong drink and the server was nowhere to be found afterwards. read more

We did not eat any food Great service Amazing rooftop bar, great ambiance Our waitress Ellie was hustling the whole night! read more

Come here for the drinks and atmosphere! Do not come here for the food!! The shishito peppers had no flavor and came with Mayo. I know what aioli tastes like and love aioli. This was plain Mayo. The truffle fries were fine. Very average and came with ketchup. The drinks were so fun! They had a special cocktail list for women's history month. The AOC was perfect for people who like gin and tonic. It had lychee on top. I would recommend the butterfly drink for a sweet desert drink. It had coconut cream in it and tasted very creamy and sweet. read more

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The outsider is a fun bar in terms of aesthetics. The view is nice and the service is really awesome here. It was easy to find too! I came here as part of a first date. I thought sitting by the fire was nice but the people behind us felt kind of close in my opinion. Outside of that they seemed to follow COVID procedures and social distancing. My biggest qualm is that my one and only drink cost me almost $19. I highly doubt I'll ever return because that's just not my style of going out for a drink. The drink itself was good! It's a very nice place other than my qualm. I'd definitely suggest anyone give it a try! It's a really cool spot to chill even without the drink. Maybe next time I'll try their food instead of just ordering a drink. read more

A cozy place with great view and outdoor rooftop seating. Fireplace in the middle makes it romantic.Our drinks were really good. DJ was playing great music so the ambiance was good. Service was good too . Our food came pretty quick. read more

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This is the perfect place to come to have a few drinks. It's very cozy & has a lot of room for multiple parties. The service was good as well! The only negative I could say is the drinks are overpriced but it's a rooftop bar in downtown MKE so you expect that! I would go again! read more

I popped into this rooftop bar with a friend for some drinks around sunset. The place was fairly busy on a Sunday evening, but at the same time there was enough seating outside. Beautiful to see the sun go down, and fairly ok views of parts of the city. Even though it was very hot outside, they still turned on the gas patio heater. While this looked nice, it did make it swelteringly hot, and also environmentally unfriendly. I asked for it to be switched off by the waiter said he didn't have permission. Really strange to me why someone would have switched it on in the first place during a heatwave. read more

The ambiance was great but the service could be improved. We waited over 30 minutes just to get drinks. We only ordered 1 round in an hour period. Didn't even bother to order food because of how slow the service was. read more

I always love coming to The Outsider for some night out drinks! This bar is located on the 9th floor of the Kimpton and it is beautiful no matter what season (in the summer they have everything open, in the winter, you can still feel like you are outside but everything is closed in and cozy). Two things to note: This is definitely a fancier place so expect to pay the price for that. For example, we ordered three drinks (one mocktail, one wine and one cocktail) and the bill was over $40. I don't mind paying that because I don't come here often and it is an experience, but just something to keep in mind if you are budgeting. Two, you cannot bring in outside food. This makes it tricky if you went somewhere in the third ward to eat and want to bring home your leftovers but stop at this bar first. I am not sure if the host would hold them for you if you asked (she did not offer), but just another thing to keep in mind before you go! read more

My experience at The Outsider was disappointing to say the least. The drinks were good, but that's where the positives end. Upon arriving the host seemed very disinterested. She seated us indoors and it was several minutes before any server came over to take our order. Every person we encountered seemed inconvenience to be there which made for an awkward experience overall. The outdoor rooftop looks beautiful, but we were told it was full (which is totally understandable). However, several other walk in parties arrived right after us and were seated inside for a moment before being moved outside a short time after us. It was strange. If you're at the hotel it might be worth popping up to see the rooftop, but I won't add it to any lists of "must visits". read more

Cool rooftop location on top of the Kimpton hotel. Highlights: - View: nice as you could see the city from a few different sides of the rooftop. - Atmosphere: some couchy areas with fire pits. Midlights: - Naming confusion: The Kimpton, The Journeyman, The Outsider--all one in the same - Odd crowd: thought it might be hip and trendy but not so much--at least the night we went. Lowlights: - Cocktail menu: I'd expect a more extensive menu of cocktails but there were only a few and none sounded appealing. Was thinking it was going to be different than it was but maybe I'll need to try another night as the space has promise. read more

The Outsider - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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We stopped by here for a drink before my cousins wedding. Such an awesome rooftop! Very spacious, room for groups of all sizes. The drinks were really good. I wish we could have stayed longer. Definitely will go back! read more

The Outsider - Lounges Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

The outsider is such a fun rooftop bar! The drinks never disappoint. Staff is friendly and nice. Service can be rather slow at times. If you sit at a table you may have a waitress- although, when ordering from staff I have waited for a drink for an upwards of 20 minutes. Solution for this order at the bar and make sure your drink is never empty! Drinks are a little expensive for Milwaukee - but they are craft cocktails and you're hopefully enjoying a nice afternoon on the roof, outside overlooking Milwaukee! To me, it's justified! read more

Very nice terrace, food is ok and good. However they don't reserve tables and they never answer the phone if your call.... Way too overages for the device your get. But as I said place is fantastic read more

Some friends asked us to meet them here for a round of sunset drinks recently. It was cool that evening, so we all sat around the fire and let their amazing view was over us, along with the heat from the fire and the warmth from our cocktails ;-) I've never eaten food here, but their cocktail menu is quite elaborate and more than a bit on the pricey side. That said, the drinks we enjoyed that night were the best I've had in Milwaukee in recent memory, so they were well worth the freight. Highly recommended!! read more