Address is 275 W. Wisconsin Ave. in Milwaukee’s Westown district, 3rd Street Market Hall is a vibrant food hall that has reimagined the city’s downtown eating and entertainment landscape since its launch in January 2022. This 40,000-square-foot culinary and social destination, as part of The Avenue redevelopment of the old Grand Avenue Mall, features a diverse selection of local food retailers, craft cocktails, and interactive activities such as shuffleboard, Topgolf Swing Suites, and a selfie museum. Whether you’re a Milwaukee local or a visitor exploring the city, 3rd Street Market Hall is a must-visit destination for food, fun, and community. In this 1200-word blog post, we’ll dive into what makes this food hall special, its offerings, tips for visitors, and why it’s a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s vibrant culture, all optimized for SEO to reach readers planning their next outing.
What is 3rd Street Market Hall?
3rd Street Market Hall is an innovative food hall that honors Milwaukee’s rich gastronomic heritage and diverse population. Situated in the middle of downtown Milwaukee, it is the culinary hub of The Avenue, a mixed-use complex featuring office spaces, apartments, and retail. The hall hosts local chefs, makers, and small businesses, selling everything from Wisconsin staples such as cheese curds and frozen custard to international flavors such as Mediterranean gyros and Korean bibimbap. Its open, market-like space encourages a warm atmosphere in which people can eat, play, and socialize.
The food hall is meant to be more than where one will sit down to eat—it’s a community hangout. With a centerpiece bar, interactive games, and event venues such as Venue 3 for weddings and conferences, 3rd Street Market Hall accommodates all sorts of experiences, ranging from laid-back lunches to fun nights out. Its local sourcing focus and advertising of Wisconsin’s bounty, as pointed out on its official website, makes it a true representation of the state’s hospitality and creativity.
What to Expect at 3rd Street Market Hall
Diverse Food Vendors
The core of 3rd Street Market Hall is its roster of more than a dozen local vendors, each providing distinctive flavors. Some standouts include:
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Dairyland Old Fashioned Hamburgers & Frozen Custard: A 3,200-square-foot anchor tenant offering traditional Wisconsin burgers, crunchy cheese curds, and rich custard.
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Creta: Traditional Mediterranean gyros and mezze, infusing colorful flavors into Milwaukee.
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IN-YUN Korean Food: Classic Korean options such as bibimbap and kimbap in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
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Hot Dish Pantry: Feeling food such as pierogi and tater tot casseroles, made with love by chefs Nathan Heck and Laura Maigatter.
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Goodland Greens: Fresh green salads, wraps, smoothies, and cold-pressed juices for health-oriented eaters.
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Mr. Dye’s Pies: Rich desserts, although mixed experiences with some menu items such as key lime pie are indicated in some reviews.
These vendors, among others selling ramen, sushi, arepas, bubble tea, provide something for all tastes, from finicky eaters to adventurous diners.
Drinks and Central Bar
The 3rd Street Market Hall’s central bar is a social lounge where craft cocktails, local brews, and Wisconsin favorites such as Old Fashioneds and Bloody Marys with locally grown ingredients are served. The City Fountain, the city’s first self-service beer wall featuring 24 local taps, is a beer aficionado’s attraction. Customers can take food orders from any vendor without having to leave their bar stool, adding to the seamless dining experience.
Entertainment and Activities
Aside from eating, 3rd Street Market Hall has plenty of activities to offer:
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Games: Shuffleboard, cornhole (better known locally as “bags”), giant Jenga, and ping-pong create the vibrant energy.
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Topgolf Swing Suites: A digital golf sport experience for golf enthusiasts.
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Photoverse Selfie Museum: 27 innovative installations created by Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design artists, ideal for Instagram-perfect pictures.
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Nintendo Gaming Lounge: A place to enjoy playing video games.
These activities render the hall a family destination, with something for the children, youths, and adults as well.
Community and Events
3rd Street Market Hall welcomes events such as cooking demonstrations, live performances, and private events at Venue 3, a 5,000-square-foot event facility that is attached to the hall. Its connection with The Avenue’s skywalk system and its location near attractions such as the Milwaukee Public Museum and Riverside Theater make it an easy destination for convention visitors and tourists.
Why Visit 3rd Street Market Hall?
Celebrate Milwaukee’s Culture
The hall celebrates Milwaukee’s culinary diversity and Wisconsin’s food heritage, ranging from cheese-centric concepts to ethnic cuisine. It’s a showcase for local chefs and small businesses and an authentic taste of the city.
Social and Fun Atmosphere
With games, a central bar, and a lively vibe, 3rd Street Market Hall is ideal for group outings, date nights, or family adventures. Reviews praise its fun atmosphere, with one visitor noting, “It’s like an outdoor food park that’s indoors!”
Support Local Businesses
By dining at 3rd Street Market Hall, you’re supporting Milwaukee’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. The hall’s focus on local ingredients and vendors strengthens the community and economy.
Convenient Location
In Westown, the hall is conveniently reachable through Milwaukee’s skywalk system, with access points from several locations and plentiful parking at the nearby Self-Park MKE building. The fact that it is close to destinations such as Milwaukee Riverwalk and Bradley Symphony Center makes it ideal for a visit on a day out downtown.
Tips for Visiting 3rd Street Market Hall
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Check Hours: The hall is available Tuesday–Thursday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Friday–Saturday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, and not available Mondays. Bar hours go as late as 9:00 PM Tuesday–Thursday.
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Arrive Early for Seating: Some reviews comment that seating is limited and the tables aren’t always clean, so go during slow hours for a smoother experience.
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Bring Cash for Games: Although most vendors take cards, some games might need cash or certain payment options.
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Try City Fountain: Taste local beers on the self-serve beer wall for an unusual Milwaukee experience.
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Explore Photoverse: Buy tickets online for the selfie museum to take fun photos with family or friends.
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Plan Parking: Make use of the Self-Park MKE lot at 615 N. 2nd St. with validation options for ease.
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Sample Multiple Vendors: Order small portions from different stalls to taste a variety of flavors, as suggested by Milwaukee Magazine.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To fully enjoy 3rd Street Market Hall, plan to spend a couple of hours dining and playing. Start with a meal from vendors like Anytime Arepa or Dairyland, then grab a drink at the central bar or City Fountain. Play a game of shuffleboard or check out the Photoverse for pictures, and shop local products from vendors such as Milwaukee’s apparel booths. Combine your visit with attractions such as the Milwaukee Public Museum or a boat tour along the Riverwalk for a day’s worth of exploring Milwaukee.
For parents, the hall’s activities and family-friendly fare such as burgers and desserts are a winner with kids. Teens will enjoy the Photoverse and gaming lounge, while adults will appreciate craft cocktails and international cuisine.
Conclusion
3rd Street Market Hall is an exciting celebration of Milwaukee’s food, culture, and community. From Wisconsin favorites from local vendors to international cuisine, to games and event areas, this food hall has something for everyone. At 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., it’s a foodie destination, family favorite, and tourist hot spot for downtown Milwaukee. Book your visit to 3rd Street Market Hall today and taste the best of the city’s culinary and social scene!