I'm looking to host a private birthday party for my husband at a bar/restaurant in the Milwaukee area. I imagine the guest list would be about 75 and I'd like to be able to purchase appetizers for guests.

I've thought about the lower bar and patio at the Ale House, but does anyone know of other venues in Milwaukee that have space for private parties?

I know this might not be the best forum to search for this type of information/recommendation, but I've appreciated all of the help of other Fodorites in the past, so I thought it was worth a shot!

We attended a 40th birthday party a few weeks ago at the Trinity Three Irish Pubs on Juneau. Nice atmosphere and good appetizers and party food.

Our hosts had reserved one of the three pubs for the party -- it was a nice space, and I think there were about 50-60 people there. I believe they have other private rooms and party areas, as well as outdoor seating.

Good luck with your planning!

Age of group? How casual or dressy? Any particular area of the city--downtown, east side, suburbs?

It looks like the Safehouse does parties. That place is so cool.

http://www.safe-house.com/parties.html

I would think that many of the hotels would have private rooms. I was on a committee that chaired a conference at the InterContinental, and their art gallery room was a great location for our Friday evening cocktail reception. the food was excellent.

bk123, I love the idea of Trinity Three Irish Pubs! I'll call them today.

Holldoll, This party will be for my husband's 30th birthday. Most of our friends are around that age group. I'm looking for a venue that's more casual than formal and is downtown.

My friend and I had our birthday party in the "atrium" area of Slim McGinn's downtown. It was REALLY nice. Huge, separate area... our own bartender... and we could order as much or as little food as we wanted. They even let us bring in our own birthday cake. Very reasonably priced, too.

Karen

check out County Clare a Irish Pub, Bed and Breakfast and Restaurant
http://www.countyclare-inn.com/

A friend had a small wedding reception here and it was very nice.