The Milwaukee Public Market

When I moved to Milwaukee more than twenty-five years ago, the lower end of Water St. was lined with warehouses. On one side was a large block long awning which stretched out into the street. Under the awning was a long loading dock with large overhead doors leading into the warehouses behind. Most of the stalls were empty and the awning was beginning to sag. However, one could stand there and imagine what it was like in the years past when the perishable products market was bustling beneath the green awning.

Today that entire building has been demolished along with its green awning. In its place stands the sparkling, aluminum and glass building of the Milwaukee Public Market. Unlike other cities who took old abandoned structures and converted it into its public market, Milwaukee started from scratch. On top of the building is a large red sign proclaiming the building underneath to be The Public Market. However, you don't get the feel of Boston's Faneuil Hall or Pike Place market in Seattle.

What feel it gives off is more eclectic and trendy and not a market. And that is what Milwaukee's Public Market is, not a market. The Public Market is a collection of eateries with prepared food and deli cases. To be fair there is a fresh flower stall and some fresh fruits and vegetables being sold but on the whole the market is a place to come and eat and drink, not shop.

The best shopping to be found in Milwaukee's Public Market is on the second floor. The public library sells second hand books for a buck, self serve. That being said there is some very good food being prepared and served by locally owned establishments. Fortunately Orange Julius and Mr. Pretzel have yet to invade the Milwaukee Public Market.

To be fair the market never intended itself to be a shopping market. One of the stated goals of the market is to expand food choices for the public reflecting Milwaukee's vibrant international heritage. The market has achieved this. The food sampling ranges from sushi to head cheese and an oyster bar to hamburgers.

My favorite places to eat are St. Paul Fish Co. and Rupena's Fine Foods. St. Paul Fish Co. can make you think you are in Faneuil Hall. They serve a $12.95 lobster dinner all the time. They have the only sit down and order from a menu place in the market. Their dinners are all grilled except for the fish fry and the fish is fresh. In front they have a counter filled with some of the best fresh fish in the city. You can purchase Wisconsin Whitefish or something from the oceans for your dinner at home.

Whether they prepare the fish for you or you purchase it to prepare at home St. Paul Fish Co. is the place to go. Rupena's Fine Foods has been in Milwaukee for seventy-six years and is still family owned. What you get here is meat. They have the finest meat in the city and they know how to prepare it. Put that meat between a fresh baked roll and add some Wisconsin cheese and heaven awaits you.

A Public Market in Milwaukee would be complete without beer and they have a beer bar. Buffalo Water Beer Bar operates together with the Thief Wine Shop. You can sample the wide selection of beers and wine before you make your purchase of bottles and six packs. Just across the aisle is the West Allis Cheese and Sausage shop which has a fine selection of Wisconsin and imported cheese. They also make sandwiches from their featured products.

On the other end of the market you will find the ethnic foods. Margarita Paradise serves, besides Margaritas, some very good Mexican food. Next to them is The Aladdin Pita Works. I always get a variety tub of olives from their deli case. Rounding out the food offerings are two bakeries, a vegetarian place called, The Green Kitchen and a candy shop.

I have brought several out of town groups to the Milwaukee Public Market and they are always pleased with the fare. There is no way to compare what the market could have been if they had restored that great old building with the marvelous awning. That is a subject for us nostalgic dreamers. Milwaukee Public Market works in its glitzy glass and aluminum building and is well worth a visit when you are in town.

Milwaukee Public Market is located at 400 E Water Street.