By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 19, 2023 at 12:21 PM

As the weather warms, patios are opening across town. And that includes The Pier Garden, which reopens to the public on Tuesday, May 23.

The Third Ward Riverwalk pop-up is located along the river at The Starling, 102 N. Water St. where, once again, guests can enjoy craft cocktails, locally brewed beer and bites, along with a variety of special events on The Pier Garden’s riverfront patio.

Among the menu highlights at the venue will be Tall Guy & A Grill’s White Claw tempura battered fish fry, which will be served on Fridays beginning May 26. 

“A big part of what we like to do is take Wisconsin classics and put our own spin on them,” says Dan Nowak, owner of Tall Guy & a Grill and CEO of Brazen Standard Hospitality. “We really think people will like this fun, summertime menu that highlights seasonal favorites and features locally sourced ingredients.”

Hours at The Pier Garden will be Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Thursday and Friday from 4 to 10 p.m. 

Since The Pier Garden will be closed on select Fridays to accommodate private events at The Starling, which is operated by Two Birds Event Group, guests are advised to check Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date weekly schedules @TheStarlingmke and @piergardenmke.

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.