Sundays & Mondays on the patio, all summer long
Mmm Barolotta restaurants: Where Milwaukeeans go for really special occasions. I'll never forget that divine ravioli at Ristorante Bartolotta in Tosa, and Lake Park Bistro is magic when you're not the one footing the bill. Maybe someday I'll be able to dine at these posh spots on the regular, but today is not that day. Today is a day for affordable happy hours and live music on the Harbor House patio!
I'd never been to the Harbor House before, and I must say it's just as lovely as any other Bartolotta restaurant. It's situated on the very edge of Lake Michigan, near Discovery World. There's a parking lot, but it's valet only, so look for a spot on the street. You can enter the patio from outside or through the restaurant, but you'll have to see the host if you plan on snagging a table.
The happy hour prices are pretty great. $5 glasses of wine and $4 beers anyone? And there are some nice appetizer selections too, especially if mussels, oysters, and clams are your thing (don't worry, there are garlic parmesan fries too!). My advice: Don't take up space at a table if you're not going to order some food. Adam and I rather inadvertently did just that and felt kinda awful about it. We may or may not have tipped 100%. But there's a bar where you can sit and enjoy a drink without screwing the waitstaff out of their well-deserved big tips — noted for next time!
On the menu, you might also find a more casual (read: more affordable) selection of sandwiches. A cheeseburger will set you back just $13.50, but you might want to call ahead to see if they serve these sandwich options all evening long. I'm not sure if they're only available for lunch and/or on the patio. Given the swanky yacht club vibe of the Harbor House, I wouldn't be surprised if you could only order entrées (like $51 twin lobster tails — !) during indoor dinner hours.
If you're lucky enough to have a beautiful night, going for the patio music is very worthwhile. You can find the whole lineup of Sunday and Monday musical artists here. When we went, the patio wasn't overcrowded at all, and those who were in attendance were certainly on their best behavior. It's a lovely experience, perfect for date night or girls night. Sipping house wine and looking back at the Milwaukee skyline from the water's edge, it's like a little vacation from the rest of the city — and one I'd happily take again.
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