Milwaukee Public Market

Farmers’ markets pop up everywhere this time of year. They’re hot, familiar, sprawling over empty parking spaces, and they all fade with the sun passing lower and dimmer by the week. Melting cupcakes, wilting vegetables, lukewarm cold brew, and my sodden wallet from all the sweat make me wonder why I always go back.

Because there is nothing else.

Oh, but there is something else.

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“The Milwaukee Public Market reminded me of depachika (Japanese top-tier department store food markets). It also had a touch of farmers’ markets with some inspiration from Pike Place Market in Seattle. The crowd was dense but the pace was slow and the mood was relaxing!”

Our friend Scott was gushing about this indoor market located in Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee. Although it’s not typically his cup of tea glass of beer, he was impressed by the scale and scope. Since Lisa and I were looking for an early summer road trip, we felt that this was the right size and shape. We were making a run for the border at the Cheddar Curtain.

Milwaukee Public Market is a fairly recent development standing against the long and storied history of the “Bloody Third,” as it was known for its raging fistfights among working class immigrants back in the day. Despite the Great Third Ward Fire, rebuilding, urban decline, and revitalization, the spirit of the community rushes to new heights. Milwaukee Public Market is aptly named as a market for the people with something for everyone.

As we walked under the arch welcoming us into Historic Third Ward, we were impressed by the growth, slower pace and friendly people. There was plenty of affordable nearby parking, everything looked clean and new, and the attitude was relaxed. Through the double doors we went whereafter we were pulled into the draft of so much energy, noise and excitement circulating throughout the Market.

“At the Milwaukee Public Market, I enjoyed my first taste of two New Glarus IPAs. There was a lot to see and do. Afterwards we walked through the Historic Third Ward and looked at the old neighborhood!”

After we took a tour of the Market, Scott and Lisa parked themselves at a high top at The Wurst, a small tavern tucked inside the Foltz Family Market, purveyors of butcher-cut meats, wood-fired pizza, fresh produce, and more. New Glarus beers were on the menu; and, since they’re only sold in Wisconsin, confirmation beers were in order, all double good.

On my solo circuits around the Market with camera in hand, it was a different experience every trip. The Market is overwhelmingly dense with vendors and all their wares. It took a few tours just to get my bearings. Once I mapped the place like a new kitten, I was ready for the zoomies.

If Scott and Lisa were going to imbibe with a couple brews, then I was going to make my triumphant return to the tavern with a Nitro Cold Brew from Anodyne Coffee Roasting Company. We shared some laughs, regaled with tall tales, showed off a few embellished scars, and toasted to “swimmin’ with bow-legged women.”

“There was so much in the Milwaukee Public Market that it was impossible to take in everything. The variety of food, drinks, sweets, fresh produce, cheese, and meats was amazing. The Spotted Cow from New Glarus was excellent. The revitalization of Third Ward was nice to see, especially how the historic neighborhood was preserved. I can’t wait to go back!”

On the road, everyone had time to digest. Scott: “At the Milwaukee Public Market, I enjoyed my first taste of two New Glarus IPAs. There was a lot to see and do. Afterwards we walked through the Historic Third Ward and looked at the old neighborhood!” Lisa: “There was so much in the Milwaukee Public Market that it was impossible to take in everything. The variety of food, drinks, sweets, fresh produce, cheese, and meats was amazing. The Spotted Cow from New Glarus was excellent. The revitalization of Third Ward was nice to see, especially how the historic neighborhood was preserved. I can’t wait to go back!” And me: “The Milwaukee Public Market reminded me of depachika (Japanese top-tier department store food markets). It also had a touch of farmers’ markets with some inspiration from Pike Place Market in Seattle. The crowd was dense but the pace was slow and the mood was relaxing!”

Nothing melted or wilted, my cold brew was cold, and my wallet was no worse for wear. It could’ve been any season, but it could’ve been only one place. Instead of wondering why I always go back, I was pining for the return to Milwaukee Public Market. Infused with the community spirit of Historic Third Ward, we felt revitalized.

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To learn more and plan your visit to Milwaukee Public Market, click Milwaukee Public Market

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