Activity Page
Check out the fun activity page for this neighborhood, designed by artist CK Ledema. Available in English and Spanish. Click to download and print!

Página de Actividad
Vea la página de actividades divertidas para este vecindario, diseñada por el artista CK Ledema. Disponible en ingles y español. Haga clic para descargar e imprimir!

About the Neighborhood

The East Side is home to many of Milwaukee's "first"s and "only"s, and represents an ever-changing dynamic of the area. We have staples that have been around for generations like The Jazz Estate, Beans and Barley, and Von Trier, and also some of the newest bars and restaurants in Milwaukee like Tavolino and Hacienda. You can feel the creativity that drives the neighborhood come through in colorful planters, Black Cat Alley, and the East Side Art Lot.

Places to Visit

East Side Art Lot - 1915 E North Ave.

The East Side Business Improvement District (BID) is finding new ways to add extended seating for restaurant patrons looking to dine outside when a favorite restaurant might be at capacity, and for those looking for a quiet respite in the neighborhood. The BID commissioned local artists to paint picnic tables that have been placed in the parking lot at 1915 E North Ave., which will act as extended outdoor seating for visitors, residents, and people looking for a good place to eat their carryout.

Crossroads Collective - 2238 N Farwell Ave

Crossroads Collective is a Food Hall, offering local, made from scratch options from eight individual vendors, as well as two bars. The stunning design creates a dynamic space that offers a sense of community by combining culture and culinary artistry.

Black Cat Alley

Black Cat Alley is located behind the historic Oriental Theater at the intersection of North Avenue and Ivanhoe on Milwaukee's East Side. You can enter the Alley from Prospect Avenue near the Axe Bar (AXE MKE) or from Ivanhoe near Milwaukee's only cat café (Sip 'n Purr). Please note: the Ivanhoe entry is the only accessible entry, as the Prospect entryway has a staircase.

The Black Cat Alley is an outdoor art gallery located in a private alley on the East Side. This unique street art destination was developed by a group of community members and artists back in 2015-2016 in partnership with Wallpapered City LLC, and sponsored by the East Side BID. It now contains 21 murals by 24 artists from Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Columbus and even Berlin.

Guidelines for Visiting Neighborhoods

While Historic Milwaukee is not opening buildings and sites to tour this year, we still encourage you to visit these recommended neighborhood locations for self-guided experiences. When visiting neighborhood locations please follow the mask ordinance - wear a mask and maintain social distance and respect residents and neighbors.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to artist CK Ledesma who designed and created the Doors Open Neighborhoods Activity pages. Thanks also to the neighborhood leaders to contributed information and recommendations on things to do and places to see in their neighborhoods. And thank you to the Greater Milwaukee Foundation for their support of the Activity Booklet.