by Kerstan Szczepanski, Exhibit City News
What do you do when there’s no breakout meeting or the panels are done for the day? Where do you go when you need a little time away from the hubbub of convention chaos? Exhibit City News’ 5 in 15 offers five places to go to eat, relax, or simply stay that are a fifteen minute or less walk from the convention center. In Milwaukee, that means downtown Milwaukee and the Baird Convention Center.
Hilton Milwaukee City Center (509 W Wisconsin Ave) is the historic hotel directly connected to the Baird Center via skywalk, offering convenient access for convention attendees. An Art Deco landmark built in 1927, it’s within a mile of attractions like the Pabst Theater, Milwaukee Art Museum, and Fiserv Forum. The hotel offers four dining options, including the Miller Time Pub, and amenities such as a fitness center and pet-friendly rooms
Want another stay option with skywalk access to the convention center? You’re in luck because the Baird is also connected to The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee (333 West Kilbourn Avenue). This 21-story hotel was built in 1979, it features 481 rooms, including 18 suites, and offers over 33,000 square feet of meeting space. The pet friendly hotel is connected by skywalk not only to the Baird Center but also The Avenue, providing convenient access to nearby attractions. Amenities include a fitness center, on-site dining at Bistro 333 and Julep, and a Starbucks.
Reflecting Milwaukee’s rich German heritage, Mader’s Restaurant, (1041 N Old World 3rd St), established in 1902, is a renowned German eatery in the German Athens. Celebrated for its authentic Bavarian cuisine, the menu features specialties like wiener schnitzel, sauerbraten, and a popular German sampler. The restaurant’s interior showcases a $3 million collection of art, medieval armor, and antiques, enhancing its historic ambiance. Mader’s was recognized as the “Best German Restaurant in America” by Midwest Magazine.
SafeHouse (779 N. Front St) is a spy-themed bar and restaurant in Milwaukee, established in 1966. It offers a unique dining experience filled with espionage artifacts and interactive elements. To enter, patrons must find the unmarked red door and provide the correct password; those unaware may be asked to perform a fun clearance test. Inside, guests can enjoy a menu featuring items like the “Mission Impossible” burger and “License to Kill Mac,” along with spy-themed cocktails such as the “Spy’s Demise.” SafeHouse is family-friendly during daytime hours, offering scavenger hunts and interactive gadgets for “junior spies.” After 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, it becomes a 21+ venue.
The Milwaukee RiverWalk is a three mile pedestrian promenade along the Milwaukee River, connecting neighborhoods such as the Historic Third Ward, Downtown, and Beerline B. Established in the 1990s to enhance public access to the river, it features public art installations, including the RiverSculpture! outdoor gallery and the iconic Bronze Fonz statue. Visitors can enjoy riverside dining, shopping, and recreational activities like kayaking and boat tours. The RiverWalk is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is fully ADA accessible.
These options provide a blend of the Brew City’s accommodation, dining, and cultural experiences, all within a convenient distance from the Baird Center.
