The Republican National Convention (RNC) takes place July 15-18, with an expected 50,000 visitors heading to Milwaukee for the event.

While larger events like this generally mean more business for local restaurants, there has been an increased concern among local chefs and restaurateurs due to the overall lack of official bookings made prior to the convention. 

In fact, many restaurants – particularly small, locally owned establishments – are concerned that they might lose money during the convention, especially if local residents keep their distance from the activity zone Downtown. 

For that reason alone, it’s a great week to make it a point to support your favorite local eateries.  Regardless of your political affiliation, it's also a great opportunity to experience an historic event happening in Wisconsin.  

To assist you in doing so, I’ve rounded up some general tips to keep in mind along with a list of eateries that will be offering specials or extended hours during the RNC.

General tips

• Consult the perimeter map before heading out to double-check if your restaurant of choice is within the security boundaries.

• Prepare for vehicle screenings. Vehicle screenings are required for anyone driving in the soft security perimeter (indicated above in yellow, with black dots at screening points). Drivers can remain in their vehicles, but will need to turn their car off and pop their hood and trunk for law enforcement and a K9 inspection.

• Allow extra travel time. Traffic may be heavier in some areas due to diverted traffic. Play some good jams on the radio and you’ll be there in no time.

• Plan for parking. Since street parking may be unavailable or limited, it’s best to take advantage of parking structures in the area. Get more information here.

• Take advantage of alternate forms of transportation. If you’d prefer not to deal with traffic and parking, take advantage of the alternative options including riding the bus or calling a taxi, Uber or Lyft. Get more information here.
  NOTE: Taxis, rideshares and hot food delivery WILL be permitted in the Vehicle Screening Perimeter. (Drivers will just need to enter through a vehicle screening point, which are marked as black circles on the public security map.)  

• Order delivery. While restaurants benefit most when you visit in person, the option for carry-out and delivery will still be available at eateries that normally offer it.

Extended hours & special offerings

These restaurants are offering extended hours or specials during the RNC.

Alem Ethiopian Village
307 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 224-5324
alem-ethiopianvillage.com
Dinner service offered Monday through Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. 

Amilinda
315 E. Wisconsin Ave., (414) 369-3683
amilinda.com
Dinner service Monday through Thursday beginning at 5 p.m.
Hours: Extended to 1:45 a.m.
Parking: Structure on Wisconsin and Broadway

ARIA
Saint Kate Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4422
saintkatearts.com
Offering: Breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. during RNC; dinner available 5 p.m. to midnight
Parking: Saint Kate parking structure (below hotel)

The Bar
Saint Kate Arts Hotel
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 291-4797
saintkatearts.com
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.
Parking: Saint Kate parking structure (below hotel)

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria
249 N Water St., (414) 431-1133
bluebatkitchen.com
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday

The Brewery
1101 N. Water St., (414) 210-4516
brewerymke.com
Hours: Extended to 4 a.m.

Hours: Extended to 4 a.m. 

Buckatabon
7700 W Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 271-7700
thebuckatabon.com
Offering: 15% discount for first responders and security personnel from July 13-19

Café Benelux
346 N. Broadway, (414) 501-2500
cafebenelux.com
Offering: $5 Lowlands Brewing Collaborative biers the week of July 14-21; 15% discount for first responders and security personnel from July 13-19

Cafe Hollander
2608 N. Downer Ave., 414-963-6366
7677 W State St., Wauwatosa, (414) 475-6771
20150 Union St., Brookfield, (262) 785-4490
5900 W. Mequon Rd., (262) 236-0107 
cafehollander.com
Offering: 15% discount for first responders and security personnel from July 13-19

Canal Street Cafe
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
1721 W. Canal St., (414) 847-8510
paysbig.com/restaurants/canal-street-cafe
Offering: Special $25 breakfast buffet
Hours: Opening Monday through Thursday at 6 a.m. DanDan

Centraal Grand Café and Tappery
2306 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (414) 755-0378
cafecentraal.com
Offering: 15% discount for first responders and security personnel from July 13-19

Cream City Coffee Co.
Potawatomi Casino Hotel, 1721 W. Canal St. 
paysbig.com/restaurants/cream-city-coffee
Offering: Grab and go items including sausage, egg and cheese English muffin and bacon breakfast wrap ($6; $8 with regular drip coffee)
Hours: Open beginning at 5 a.m.

DanDan
360 E. Erie St., (414) 488-8036
dandanmke.com
Offering: Late-night menu from 9 p.m. to midnight during the RNC 

Jack's American Pub
1323 E. Brady St., (414) 763-2830
jacksamericanpub.com
Hours: Extended to 4 a.m.

Lupi & Iris
777 N. Van Buren St.,  (414) 293-9090
lupiandiris.com 
Offering: Prix fixe menus for lunch and dinner during RNC; a la carte dinner menu available at the bar only.
Hours: Extended through 11 p.m.

Mason Street Grill
425 E. Mason St., (414) 298-3131
masonstreetgrill.com
Offering: Brunch Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner service 4 p.m. to midnight. 

Miller Time Pub & Grill
509 West Wisconsin Ave., (414) 271-2337
milwaukee.millertimepubandgrill.com
Hours: 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. 

Milwaukee Brat House
1013 N. Old World 3rd St., (414) 273-8709
milwaukeebrathouse.com
Hours: Extended to 4 a.m.

Milwaukee ChopHouse
Hilton City Center
633 N. 5th St., Milwaukee, (414) 226-2467
milwaukeechophouse.com
Offering: brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Dinner is served 4 p.m. to midnight. 
Parking: Available in Hilton Structure next to hotel

Onesto
221 N. Broadway, (414) 308-1600
onestomke.com
Offering: Brunch service beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Hours: Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Proof Pizza
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., (414) 270-4433
proofpizzamke.com
Hours: Open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. during RNC
Parking: Saint Kate parking structure (below hotel)

SafeHouse
779 N. Front St., (414) 271-2007
safe-house.com
Offering: Show RNC credentials to bypass the need for a password to enter
Hours: Bar open until 2 a.m., kitchen open until midnight. 

San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
838 N. Old World Third St., (414) 276-2876
sangiorgiopizza.com
Hours: Lunch service Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner available 4:30 to 11 p.m.

Trouble Makers Cocina @ Central Waters
1037 W. Juneau Ave., (262) 443-082
troublemakersmke.com/central-waters
Hours: Extended Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. (closed Monday and Tuesday)

WurstBar
1239 E. Brady St., (414) 763-2180
wurstbarmke.com
Hours: Extended to 4 a.m.

Vagabond 
1122 N. Edison St., (414) 223-1122
vagabondmke.com
Hours: Extended to 4 a.m.