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My husband and I will fly into Milwaukee on our way to Madison the last Thursday in October. We'd love to drive through Milwaukee to get a bite to eat and see Lake Michigan/Milwaukee Bay. How is the traffic on I-794 going North at 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm? What restaurants/bars would you recommend for the best view of the lake? Open to all cuisines and price ranges. Thank you!
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Milwaukee restaurant with best view of Lake Michigan
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There is an excllent art museum that sits right on the lake if you have time, and a cool Alterra coffee shop located in an old foundry.
I cannot recommend any lakeside eating spots with any expertise.
I love your newlywed status; enjoy the beginning of a wonderful journey!
I think I-794 is a small section of highway running east off of I-94 going to Lake Michigan. Traffic in Milwaukee is never that bad - however, there is rush hour traffic at that time.
Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro
This restaurant is supposed to have a good view of Lake Michigan. I have never eaten at there but have eaten at one of their other restaurants and it was excellent.
There are some restaurants along the Milwaukee River also.
http://www.milwaukee.com/restaurants/
I've lived in Milwaukee for 35 years, and I can't think of anything referred to as Milwaukee Bay. To get from Mitchell Field to Madison, you take I94 West, even though you'll, at first, be driving due North. I794 goes East from I94 downtown to the Lakefront. The traffic is never dreadful in Milwaukee, and 3:30 is before the height of rush hour.
The Milwaukee Art Museum is, indeed, beautiful. On Thursdays, it is open until 8:00 PM. The Galleria Cafe serves drinks and dessert.
The two restaurants on the Lake that I can think of are Coast (www.coastrestaurant.com) and Lake Park Bistro (www.lakeparkbistro.com). The food is better at Lake Park Bistro, but it's a little further North, so more out of your way.
As a former Milwaukee resident, I would tell you not to miss the Art Museum, even if you're not into art. The building, right on Lake Michigan, is fabulous--designed by Santiago Calatrava. It is an easy short detour from the airport on your way to Madison. Milwaukee's traffic, though annoying is nothing like LA, Boston, NYC, or even the Twin Cities. To top it off definitely go to Lake Park Bistro if it's in your budget; it is very close to the museum, maybe five minutes- also right on the lake (on a bluff) on the edge of Lake Park. www.lakeparkbistro.com The building is chaming--a former park pavillion. Lake Park itself is also beautiful and was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted (the man who also designed Central Park in NYC). The food is great and it is a lovely dining experience, but expensive. Otherwise, see the art museum, pick an altenate spot to eat downtown or, as you are heading out of town on I-94 stop at Kopp's Frozen Custard www.kopps.com. I never miss a visit there when I'm in town. They have great burgers, fries, buffalo chicken sandwiches and the best frozen custard you may ever have in your life. Forget, Ben and Jerry's and any other ice cream you've ever bought at a store. This is made daily on the premises, absolutely delicious, and worth every calorie. You'll want to take some with you.