8 Must-Visit Outdoor Patios in Wauwatosa
We’re not sure about you, but outdoor patio season is our favorite time of year. Not only do we get to support small, local businesses and restaurants, but we also get to enjoy their tasty offerings from the great outdoors — essentially, two of our favorite things!
From morning coffee to evening cocktails, here are eight must-visit restaurants with outdoor seating to add to your Tosa vacation agenda.
1. Camp Bar
Located in East Tosa, Camp Bar is one of our favorite sunny afternoon outdoor hangout spots — and we’re not just saying that because they’re extremely dog-friendly.
The camp-inspired interior decor extends to their two-story outdoor patio, which is finished with a moose head and stone fireplace.
You can’t go wrong with any item on their extensive beverage list, but we highly recommend their Big Ol’ Bloody Mary — 22 oz. of their secret house recipe and garnishes galore.
2. Leff’s Lucky Town
Situated near the Tosa Village, you’ll find Leff’s Lucky Town. This casual spot is the perfect place to go for a burger or a few beers.
The outdoor patio is almost as big as the restaurant, which allows for ample outdoor seating to spread out and relax. You can find Leff’s where W State Street meets N 72nd Street — the corner lot creates some great green space, too.
3. Colectivo Coffee
It wouldn’t be right to start the day without your beverage of choice and a sunny Wauwatosa morning. Luckily, both Wauwatosa Colectivo Coffee locations have some of the best outdoor seating (and coffee, of course!).
The Swan Boulevard location in our MidTown District is another corner unit space with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of outdoor seating options.
If you’re in Tosa’s 68th & Wells District on the other side of town, Colectivo’s 68th Street location is the perfect casual coffee shop with an adorable outdoor patio space with a firepit.
4. Eldr+Rime
Elegant, sophisticated, and modern, Eldr+Rime is the outdoor date night experience you’ve been looking for.
Located at the Renaissance Milwaukee West in the Mayfair and Mayfair Collection District, their full menu is available on their patio, so you can dine away while enjoying the toasty fire pits.
With cocktails as beautifully crafted as they are delicious, sit back and enjoy the warmer Wauwatosa weather on a gorgeous evening.
5. BelAir Cantina
BelAir Cantina brings its laid-back Mexican flare to the outdoor dining scene in East Tosa.
With countless mouthwatering taco and drink options, their menu is just as fun as their outdoor patio area. This hip taco spot is covered with string lights overhead and plenty of outdoor tables to enjoy their Best of Milwaukee Reader’s Choice 2020 Award-Winning Tacos.
6. 69th St. Plaza
Where the best of both worlds collide, 69th St. Plaza is the perfect outdoor hangout spot when you’re looking for a sweet treat.
Situated right next to Rocket Baby Bakery and catty-corner from Cranky Al’s, this park space boasts picnic tables, canopy shade, and giant chairs — perfect for a selfie or for eating your favorite treat.
As an added bonus, 69th St. Plaza is located right across from some of our incredible Tosa Murals!
7. Buckatabon & Café Hollander
Located in The Village, Buckatabon pairs a relaxed dining experience and outdoor seating options with Wisconsin’s Northwoods-inspired food options.
Allow the twinkling lights strung across this dynamic district — including Buckatabon’s outdoor patio — to set the scene for a fun brunch or relaxed evening dinner on their outdoor patio.
Another great outdoor restaurant option, Café Hollander is right next door to Buckatabon in Tosa Village.
You’ll still experience the magic of the district and gorgeous Wauwatosa nights, but this spot offers incredible European-inspired breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch options.
Check out both of Tosa’s Lowlands Grand Cafe’s outdoor patios — and don’t forget to order a bloody!
8. Lion’s Tail Brewing
Grab a cold one at Lion’s Tail Brewing. Featuring a 15-barrel brewhouse (so they can brew on-site!), Lion’s Tail offers over 15 Lion’s Tail beers on tap.
One of many highlights of this microbrewery is its expansive outdoor Biergarten where leashed dogs are welcome too!
Learn more about where to stay, where to eat, and things to do while you’re here in Wauwatosa.
Header photo courtesy of @abbyparkphotography