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Oak Barrel Public House

Oak Barrel Public House, 1033 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee

4.3
RESTAURANT RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.3 out of 5 (94 Ratings)
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0.5 miles Fiserv Forum
About Oak Barrel Public House
The Spotlight on Oak Barrel Public House

Vibrant American Dining Just Steps from Milwaukee’s Top Stages

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Oak Barrel Public House delivers a modern spin on classic American fare in a welcoming, pub-style setting. With rustic-chic décor, exposed brick walls, and a lively crowd, it’s a go-to spot for both locals and out-of-towners looking to fuel up before a show. Nestled on the bustling N Old World 3rd Street, this contemporary American restaurant is just a short walk from several major concert venues, making it a convenient and energetic pre-show hangout.

Why Concert-goers love it

Proximity is key—Oak Barrel is just minutes from Milwaukee’s biggest music venues, making it a reliable pre-concert pit stop. The service is known for being friendly and efficient, perfect if you're on a tight schedule before showtime. The atmosphere strikes a balance between lively and laid-back, so you can enjoy the buzz without feeling overwhelmed. There’s also a well-stocked bar with rotating taps and a solid cocktail list, ideal for a quick round with friends before heading out.

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends looking to share apps and pre-show excitement
  • Solo travelers grabbing a quick bite while soaking in the local vibe
  • Couples enjoying a casual dinner before a romantic concert night
  • Fans who want a buzzy, social space to kick off the evening
  • Budget-conscious music lovers thanks to happy hour deals and shareable plates

What People Say

Reviewers on TripAdvisor and OpenTable consistently praise the friendly staff, hearty portions, and upbeat environment. Guests love the variety—everything from burgers and flatbreads to creative apps like beer cheese pretzels. The large TVs and central bar make it a fun place to hang out, and many note that it's an ideal location for a pre-concert meal thanks to its close proximity to downtown venues.

Areas for Improvement

Some diners mention that it can get a bit noisy during peak hours, especially before big events, so if you're looking for a quiet meal, this might not be the spot. A few guests have noted occasional wait times when it gets busy, but most agree the staff works hard to keep things moving.

The Bottom Line

For a casual, crowd-pleasing meal with quick service and a fun vibe, Oak Barrel Public House hits the mark for any concert-goer looking to kick off the night right.

Average Price
$30 and under
Cuisine
Contemporary American
Opening Hours
Brunch
Sat, Sun 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Lunch
Thu, Fri 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Dinner
Mon-Fri 4:00 pm-10:45 pm
Sat, Sun 3:00 pm-11:30 pm

Oak Barrel Public House Customer Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Oak Barrel Public House is #209 of 1674 things to do in Milwaukee

4 of 5 stars4 out of 5
By: DaRisk76, Huntington, Indiana
Tue 29 Apr, 2025
l Friends and I stopped in for dinner the other night, not that you needed to know that, but back to why you are reading this. All 3 of us ordered burgers. I had the Black and Bleu and it was...

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1 of 5 stars1 out of 5
By: Flyer523253
Fri 27 Dec, 2024
l We had a party of 4 and 2 of us ordered the Bourbon Bacon Mac 'n Cheese. Both of our meals had barely any pork but instead were loaded with gristle that made the rest of the noodles oily and tasting...

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1 of 5 stars1 out of 5
By: librarychick, Illinois
Mon 11 Nov, 2024
l When it took several minutes to get someone to seat us on a non-crowded Sunday evening we should have taken it as a sign and run away as fast as we could. The service was terrible, the food was...

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Oak Barrel Public House 1033 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee