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Top picks in Milwaukee

Taco cocktails

A sharp cocktail paired with a taco is the only way to settle into the evening.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Las Gardenias Mexican Cuisine image 1

Space blends modern, rustic, and industrial design with a warm, inviting atmosphere featuring romantic Spanish ballads. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine paired with a variety of excellent margaritas. Seating includes cozy tables and access to a blooming Mexican garden patio.

Inventive and well-executed cocktails include custom spicy drinks and perfect margaritas. The cocktail list is fun with good selections and pairs well with Mexican wine.

Tacos feature high quality meat and bursting flavors with options like shrimp, chicken, bisteca, and house-made beef chorizo. Corn tortillas and complimentary chips and salsa complement the dishes well.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, rich, flavorful, and authentic."

"This lunch spot's torta ahogada is so delicious, it reminds me of Guadalajara."

"The tacos here are flavorful and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Expect higher prices for dinner compared to lunch options.

3

Happy hour specials are available from 4-6pm on weekdays.

02
Tropic on Water image 1

Bar offers an Urban-Caribbean vibe with a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Music ranges from live bands to DJs, keeping energy high while allowing conversation. Tables feature games like dominoes and Connect Four, and an upstairs area hosts private events for groups.

Tropic Lounge offers a great selection of tropical cocktails including a popular lemon drop. Non-alcoholic options also appear alongside jerk wings and waffle fries.

Juicy jerk chicken tacos stand out with rich flavor. The Jersey tacos also offer a solid taste experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The servers here felt like family and added to the enjoyment."

"You have to try their juicy jerk chicken tacos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on Thursdays and Fridays with half-price appetizers.

2

R&B night occurs every Thursday, featuring local DJs and live performances.

3

Comedy shows are held on Wednesdays, starting at 8pm with a $5 cover charge.

03
Riley's Sandwich Co. image 1

Sandwich shop with dog-friendly seating and a separate pet area featuring water bowls and a ribbon system for dog sociability. Bright, bar-like atmosphere with loud music and casual seating suited more for cocktails than meals. Offers a wide vegetarian selection alongside quick, tasty sandwiches.

Great cocktails come with a seating setup that favors drinking over dining. Most tables sit lower than the seats, with some higher tables made from large barrels adding to the vibe.

Cauliflower tacos stand out with their unique flavor. Chicken tacos and CBR tacos offer solid options, while steak and avocado appear in a sandwich nearby.

People are saying

"I thought the sandwiches here were outstanding and incredibly tasty."

"It's a great place to bring your dog and socialize."

"You can bring your dog and they even have special dog items."

Good to know

1

Riley's Sandwich Co. allows dogs inside and outside the restaurant.

2

Expect a wait time of about 25 minutes for sandwiches during busy hours.

3

The ordering process involves separate kiosks for food and drinks.

04
Oscar's Pub & Grill image 1

Bar and grill with a 1920s look and charming, lively interior in a restored building. Atmosphere offers relaxed, local charm with family-friendly vibes and plenty of TVs showing sports. Known for exceptional burgers and a notable craft beer and cocktail selection including standout Bloody Marys and spicy Palomas.

Offers 40 beers on tap alongside specialty cocktails. Cocktails are tasty and fun with a good variety to choose from.

Tuesdays bring $1 street tacos featuring Al Pastor and Carne Asada topped with cilantro and onions. Tacos sell out early, stopping at 9:00 p.m., so arriving early is key.

People are saying

"I thought their burgers were the best I'd ever had."

"You have to try the $1 tacos on Tuesdays."

"I found some of the best burgers in the city here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1 tacos, Al Pastor or Carne Asada, with cilantro and onions.

2

Mystery pints of beer are available for $3.

3

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to bills for large parties.

05
IVR Restaurant & Bar image 1

Space combines contemporary and retro design with an upscale bar area and modern industrial dining room. Atmosphere feels cool and lively, with many TVs showing sports and a spacious patio for warmer days. Cocktails stand out alongside diverse Indian-inspired dishes.

Cocktails feature a good variety with inventive fusion influences. The IVR signature cocktail blends clear bourbon with cardamom for a strong yet sweet twist, while drinks like Paloma and Smoke and Mirrors stand out.

Fish tacos come crispy chickpea flour battered and offer a unique texture. Tikka tacos feature a fusion of flavors with tasty dipping sauces.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, unique, and delicious."

"The chicken tacos were tasty and well-seasoned."

"You've got to try their creative and strong cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers different deals daily, including cocktails and food pairings.

2

On certain nights, four different $5 martinis are available with entree orders.

3

The happy hour includes two tacos for free with a cocktail purchase.

06
The Slow Buffalo image 1
Bar & grill

Small bar and grill with a recent remodel and cramped seating around a large bar. Atmosphere shifts from cozy and welcoming to very loud and noisy when full, making conversation difficult. Known for exceptional food and drinks with a scratch kitchen and standout cocktails.

Cocktails here are tasty and include basic mixed drinks that satisfy. They pair well with conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.

Steak tacos and pork carnitas stand out for being moist and flavorful. Shrimp tacos and smashed burger tacos offer unique, delicious options with bold tastes.

People are saying

"I found the burgers here to be top notch and delicious."

"The carnitas tacos are moist, tender, and very flavorful."

"I found the cocktails here to be tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

2

Street parking is available, but it can be challenging to find a spot.

3

Expect a packed house on weekends, especially during dinner hours.

07
O'Lydia's Bar and Grill image 1

Irish pub with spacious indoor and outdoor seating and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere that encourages conversation. Donation-based shuttles run to major events, adding convenience. Nearby train tracks cause occasional loud noise, but the well-lit enclosed patio offers a pleasant, secluded space.

Classic cocktails feature prominently with an emphasis on old fashioned drinks. The cocktail prices hover around $8 to $10, paired with a nice beer selection.

Monday Taco specials offer all you can eat options with beef and chicken tacos. Quality varies, with some tacos described as good and others as the worst experienced.

People are saying

"The pub food here is fantastic and reasonably priced."

"The Taco Monday special here is delicious."

"I enjoyed the excellent cocktails and nice beer selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Sundays with special drink prices.

2

Saturday Steak Night features discounted steak options and drink specials.

3

Daily food and drink specials are available throughout the week.

08
Explorium Distilled image 1

Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of Deer District and Fiserv Forum. Atmosphere is packed and lively, with contemporary music and a busy, energetic vibe. Ordering relies on an app or bar service, and the crowd often includes event attendees.

Exceptional bourbon selection stands out alongside a solid lineup of mixed drinks. Cocktails come in smaller pours, with an $11 drink offering just over half a glass.

Birria tacos stand out with a unique style and super crispy texture. Tacos here are consistently flavorful and rated much better than at other locations.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the local beer; it was really good."

"The birria tacos were super crispy and flavorful."

"The cocktails and bourbon section was exceptional."

Good to know

1

Ordering is done through an app or at the bar; no table service available.

2

Expect food to take up to an hour on event days.

3

The app may not work well for viewing the beer selection.

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