By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 26, 2022 at 12:02 PM

It might be rainy and cool right now, but Memorial Day weekend is looking like a stunner.  That’s all the more reason to consider where you’re going to spend your holiday weekend (and all the rest of your beautiful sunny summer days).

Among the options is the baaree, the gorgeous community beer garden located just next to the former cheel at105 S. Main St. in Thiensville.

Lounge area at the baareeX

The urban escape is the perfect spot to relax, gather with friends and enjoy a beverage (or a meal). And it’s been updated for the summer with a new paved patio (replacing the former gravel) and updated stage area.

If you need more reasons to stop by, here are five.

1. The beautiful atmosphere

Peek into the baareeX

Even now, before the edible gardens have reached their full potential, the baaree offers a cozy escape thanks to the handiwork of landscape designer Katie Fedorski of Katie Jean Designs. 

Alongside the lush greenery, the baaree brings together the elements of earth, air, water and fire in the form of a calming water feature, a fire feature by Milwaukee Blacksmith and an open air environment surrounded by heirloom varieties of amaranth, chard, ornamental peppers, nasturtium, kale and fruit trees.

2. The food

Chicken Italian sausageX

The baaree offers a casual menu featuring beer garden staples with a twist. Options include Wagyu beef sliders, hot dogs, brats, wings and sandwiches, along with Milwaukee Pretzel bites, baaree fries and chips and salsa.

Opt for summer classics like the chicken Italian sausage (pictured above) with Himalayan 5-spice mayo and pineapple salsa is a win alongside a Rum Diaries cocktail, White Rascal Belgian Wit or Down East Blackberry cider.

Or order up one of my favorites: the fermented tea leaf salad scented with fresh ginger, garlic and cilantro. It’s fresh, delicious and perfect for summer!

Fermented tea leaf saladX

There are also new options to try including a lentil protein bowl  (fresh vegetables, massort lentil dal, jalapenos, pico de gallo and cilantro) and the Smokey Jack featuring Jack Daniels smoked pork, Himalayan 5-spice mayo, cucumber, apple, jalapeno carrot giardiniera and cilantro.

3. The drinks

The bar at the baareeX

It might be a beer garden, but there are more than craft and domestic brews to enjoy. Enjoy a glass of wine, cider or seltzer, along with a short list of craft cocktails from housemade rose sangria to a Weller Special Reserve old fashioned.

It gets better when you factor in happy hour, which takes place Tuesday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m and Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. (featuring $1 off all taps).

4. Live music 

Band shell at the baareeX

There’s always a new band to enjoy at the baaree, thanks to live music every day but Mondays (the baaree is closed) and Thursdays (that’s trivia night). 

Genres range to rock n roll cover bands, blues and funk to jazz and interactive open jams with The Benedon Open Jam. You can check out the full schedule online.

5. Makers Markets on Sundays

The baaree is also a spot to support local makers. Starting June 6, every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., you can stop by to check out the wares from a rotating cast of over 20 local vendors. 

Featured makers include 

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.