The Best Markets to Explore in Milwaukee
Markets are a reflection of a nation’s or city’s culture, and Milwaukee has it covered when it comes to bringing eclectic and amazing markets to the city. Whether you’re looking for sausage or just want to traipse around a flea market warehouse, check out these markets in Milwaukee.
Bunzel's Meat Market
Market
There’s nothing like the care of a home-cooked meal, and the Bunzel family really took that sentiment to heart when they began Bunzel’s Meat Market. Easily the best meat market in Milwaukee, the family uses all-natural beef to create delectable sausages and melt-in-your-mouth beef jerky. The market itself can be a bit overwhelming for those who haven’t grown up in cattle country, but for the finest burger patties, a walk around Bunzel’s is a must.
HOURS: Mon, Wed–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Tues, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
HOURS: Mon, Wed–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Tues, 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
7 Mile Fair
7 Mile Fair is the perfect melding of both traditional and unconventional. Its expansive venue allows for hundreds of vendors to push their products in what resembles a traditional European market; however, products sold here definitely do not resemble such a thing. Alongside fresh produce and food are mainly booths comically filled to the brim with some of the weirdest things known to man. From vintage toys to bizarre pieces of clothing, this is the perfect place to find an off-the-beaten-path gift.
HOURS: Sat–Sun, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
7 Mile Fair, 7 Mile Rd, Caledonia, WI, USA, +1 262 835 2177
Milwaukee Public Market
Bar, Market
Many don’t realize that Milwaukee Public Market rivals Seattle’s in the best ways possible. Its local vendors push out their finest products, like fresh fish and produce, and represent all that Milwaukee has to offer. The market’s second-floor pavilion is the best place to eat and a fantastic place to grab a glass or bottle from Thief Wine Shop & Bar, a Milwaukee staple.
Garden District Farmers' Market
Farmers' Market, Market
The name gives it away: for fresh produce, there is nowhere better than the Garden District Farmers’ Market. Vendors bring produce directly from their farms to the booths, and it certainly tastes that way. The market is also host to vendors like Clock Shadow Creamery, Milwaukee’s Original Cheese Factory, and Cream City Caramels—mouthwatering treats before even pulling up to the venue.
HOURS: mid-June–mid-October, Sat, 1–5 p.m.
HOURS: mid-June–mid-October, Sat, 1–5 p.m.
Antiques on Pierce
Market
For a step into the past, head over to the flea market at Antiques on Pierce. Get lost in this positively huge venue, which holds gem after hidden gem, so finding a wedding dress, a mason jar of rare buttons, or an 18th-century armoire is not out of the question at all. The location itself is in a large warehouse with multiple floors, so set aside a few hours to explore this one.