Wisconsinites know how to embrace and enjoy the cold and snow of winter here. Most of it doesn’t faze us anymore and we learn to revel in all things winter in Wisconsin. A group of restaurants on a shared corner in Milwaukee’s Third Ward have really taken the idea of cold and turned it on its head. The Wicked Hop, Cafe Benelux and St. Paul Fish Market have announced they’ll once again be constructing ice bars outside their establishments to create a fun, unique way to enjoy the cold. Last year’s bars used 150 blocks of ice weighing 23 tons to create some of the most fun, amazing ice bars you can imagine.
These three spots share this intersection just south of downtown Milwaukee in the city's Third Ward. That's the Milwaukee Public Market, home of St. Paul's Fish Company, on the top left, with Wicked Hop on the street level of the building in the bottom left and Cafe Benelux on the bottom right. All three create ice bars for you to enjoy within just steps of each other.
These three restaurants create massive ice bars with all kinds of special features. Each one is different and unique, so plan to spend some time down there and visit a few.
You'll find ice cups and shot glasses and all kinds of special drinks at these pop-up ice bars. Last year there was a flaming drink topper and a shot luge.
These folks go all out, creating specials and an amazing atmosphere that makes you want to bundle up and head on out for a totally unique night with friends.
You'll find some of the most unique, intricate and amazing ice bars you could have ever imagined thanks to the amazing artists at local company Art Below Zero, which does the carving and creating.
What an amazing way for these three local businesses to work together to draw in customers and introduce the awesome walkability of the Third Ward to a whole new group of folks. In addition, each restaurant donates a portion of their proceeds from this festival to charity, meaning you get to have fun and support some great local causes.
Of course, the ice bars are weather dependent. Last year's opening was delayed a few times when Mother Nature kept things a bit warmer than they'd like, but the party still happened - just a bit later than originally intended.
St. Paul Fish Company is located at 400 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 inside the Milwaukee Public Market. The Wicked Hop is located at 345 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 and Cafe Benelux is located at 346 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
St. Paul Fish Company announced the latest iteration of the ice bar festival on their Facebook page, so check there for information as it’s announced. Or see their website for more information.