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Casual riverfront joint serving oysters, BBQ & Bloody Marys in a beach-style shack with a patio.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 1955 S Hilbert St, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: (414) 481-9974
Website: http://www.barnaclebuds.com/
Menu Photos
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Barnacle Buds: Outside dining in Milwaukee
Barnacle Buds… one location serving the ENTIRE Midwest… best outside waterfront dining in Milwaukee!! Voted “Best Patio Bar 2016” Milwaukee A List.
Barnacle Bud’s | Milwaukee WI – Facebook
We have a few reservations open tonight. With 6 weeks left most of our available reservations are on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On weekends anything we may have …
Barnacle Buds (@barnaclebuds) · Milwaukee, WI – Instagram
Current openings this weekend. Reservations can be made here https://genes-supper-club-on-the-river.resos.com/booking. Photo by Barnacle Buds on February 05, …
Reviews
Michelle
Three friends and I booked a reservation two months in advance for Barnacle Bud’s Pop-Up Supper Club. The only reservation we could get was 4:30PM but we were excited we were able to get in at any time.
Because of the timing, the sun was setting over the water, which was really pretty to see. I got a little confused with where to enter the building and I guess I went in the wrong way because I walked down the dock and entered the back of the restaurant by the restrooms, lol.
Barnacle Bud’s had a cool decor vibe and moody lighting. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and you could tell she was very excited about the menu and the pop-up experience. She provided exceptional customer service- she went over the menu thoroughly, came back to check on us multiple times, and always refilled our water, which I always appreciate!
To start, we ordered wine and the relish tray. Everything on the relish tray was a little too vinegary for me but most of the table enjoyed it. However, the four of us didn’t finish it. It was pretty powerful with vinegar flavor.
For an entree, I had the salmon with veggies and my friends ordered the lamb chops, carbonara, and a vegetarian friend ordered a plate of Bud’s potatoes and veggies. The food was good but I thought mine was very salty. And I’m glad I ordered my sauce on the side.
For dessert, the four of us shared the mousse, which had good flavor and texture.
Also to note, there were up-charges for veggies, sauce was $3 extra, etc., so just pay attention to pricing if that’s a concern for you.
Overall, it was a unique experience and worth checking out.
… moreBecause of the timing, the sun was setting over the water, which was really pretty to see. I got a little confused with where to enter the building and I guess I went in the wrong way because I walked down the dock and entered the back of the restaurant by the restrooms, lol.
Barnacle Bud’s had a cool decor vibe and moody lighting. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and you could tell she was very excited about the menu and the pop-up experience. She provided exceptional customer service- she went over the menu thoroughly, came back to check on us multiple times, and always refilled our water, which I always appreciate!
To start, we ordered wine and the relish tray. Everything on the relish tray was a little too vinegary for me but most of the table enjoyed it. However, the four of us didn’t finish it. It was pretty powerful with vinegar flavor.
For an entree, I had the salmon with veggies and my friends ordered the lamb chops, carbonara, and a vegetarian friend ordered a plate of Bud’s potatoes and veggies. The food was good but I thought mine was very salty. And I’m glad I ordered my sauce on the side.
For dessert, the four of us shared the mousse, which had good flavor and texture.
Also to note, there were up-charges for veggies, sauce was $3 extra, etc., so just pay attention to pricing if that’s a concern for you.
Overall, it was a unique experience and worth checking out.
Jessi R
Fun place to feel like you are on vacation while in Milwaukee. Menu has mostly seafood but we also tried a cheeseburger which was good. I had the cod fish fry which was good and not too large. Fish came out hot and fresh. Coleslaw was actually good (I have had a few bad ones lately from other restaurants) and I love skinny fries. Family had seafood roll and hamburger, which they liked. Overall good food but the ice water tasted bad. I am a fan of Milwaukee tap water, but they must have rusty pipes or something because there was a bad taste to the water. I mentioned it to the waitress. Soda $3. Went in late August 2025. Pretty sunset over KK river around 7:30pm.
… moreBrandon Gresl
Barnacle Buds has been in my rotation for years, but that is going to end after my annual 2025 visit. The atmosphere is still great with good views along the harbor.
Atmosphere alone doesn’t make up for continued increases in prices and continued declining food quality. I ordered my standard Grouper Reuben and it came out looking the same as usual. After my first bite, it tasted like something was off and I opened up the sandwich to take a look. There was barely a hint of thousand island, maybe an oz slaw, and maybe half a slice of cheese. The fish was bland and had no seasoning. I wouldn’t order this again if this is the new quality standard for this item.
For a side I went with Fries which are usually crinkle fries. This time they were shoestring fries that came out undercooked, soggy, and had no seasoning. On top of the food quality the sandwich is up to $19. Not worth it at this quality.
Others in my group also had similar quality comments about food not being up to prior visit standards, especially the new “seafood roll” which replaced the lobster roll, at an increased price on top. It tasted like imitation crab.
Overall, another once great institution skimping on quality to protect the bottom line. Oh yeah, and they can’t split checks higher than 4 ways and they also slap you with a 3% credit card fee, so be prepared for a difficult check out with a large group which we had.
… moreAtmosphere alone doesn’t make up for continued increases in prices and continued declining food quality. I ordered my standard Grouper Reuben and it came out looking the same as usual. After my first bite, it tasted like something was off and I opened up the sandwich to take a look. There was barely a hint of thousand island, maybe an oz slaw, and maybe half a slice of cheese. The fish was bland and had no seasoning. I wouldn’t order this again if this is the new quality standard for this item.
For a side I went with Fries which are usually crinkle fries. This time they were shoestring fries that came out undercooked, soggy, and had no seasoning. On top of the food quality the sandwich is up to $19. Not worth it at this quality.
Others in my group also had similar quality comments about food not being up to prior visit standards, especially the new “seafood roll” which replaced the lobster roll, at an increased price on top. It tasted like imitation crab.
Overall, another once great institution skimping on quality to protect the bottom line. Oh yeah, and they can’t split checks higher than 4 ways and they also slap you with a 3% credit card fee, so be prepared for a difficult check out with a large group which we had.
Deanna K
Came for lunch on a beautiful sunny day! Have wanted to try this place for a long time. It’s much bigger than it looks! Unfortunately, the food wasn’t good. I ordered the crab/lobster roll sandwich, my mom the fish fry & daughter the chicken sandwich. My sandwich was expensive but I thought it would be good. YUCK. It was a cold sandwich that tasted so fishy I couldn’t even eat it. Took two bites, & that was all I could handle. The waitress didn’t even ask us if we enjoyed our food. The fish fry was just okay & my daughter enjoyed her chicken sandwich. The atmosphere is nice but definitely won’t return for the food ever again.
… moreCansin Ozsoy
I went there with a recommendation from a friend. I ordered the special burger they had when I was there. It was really tasty, the portion was big, and the service was fast. The atmosphere was very nice. I’ll definitely try to go back when I have time in Milwaukee.
… moreMiki Kim
Saw a guy get towed: read the signs for parking!
Food is great, the vibes were all there. From the decor, the live music, and it all being on a little river with some boats, it was a very whole experience. Tried the grouper sandwich which was very enjoyable, cod and fries also good. I want to go back to try the oysters.
Service was excellent, clean tables and facilities, pleasantly lively.
… moreFood is great, the vibes were all there. From the decor, the live music, and it all being on a little river with some boats, it was a very whole experience. Tried the grouper sandwich which was very enjoyable, cod and fries also good. I want to go back to try the oysters.
Service was excellent, clean tables and facilities, pleasantly lively.
Vikingmike Sixtynine
5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ellie at Barnacle Buds in Milwaukee handled us like a true pro! Despite the waterfront frenzy, she made sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. Every need—gastrointestinal and libation alike—was met with friendly efficiency and a smile.
The food was outstanding—the mussels, peeled shrimp, and cod were all fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Drinks were just as solid.
Thanks, Ellie, for a memorable meal and experience during our vacation. Barnacle Buds is a must-visit if you’re in Milwaukee!
… moreEllie at Barnacle Buds in Milwaukee handled us like a true pro! Despite the waterfront frenzy, she made sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. Every need—gastrointestinal and libation alike—was met with friendly efficiency and a smile.
The food was outstanding—the mussels, peeled shrimp, and cod were all fresh, flavorful, and perfectly prepared. Drinks were just as solid.
Thanks, Ellie, for a memorable meal and experience during our vacation. Barnacle Buds is a must-visit if you’re in Milwaukee!
P. Kahn
Very fun restaurant with a cool vibe. Right on the canal so you can watch nice boats go by while you enjoy your food and drinks. Our food was all very good and the cocktails & beer were spot on. Enjoyed our snarky server too! Definitely check it out for yourself. We really enjoyed the place and definitely will be back.
… moreJeff Rhine
this is one of those fun vacation kind of restaurants right in your own backyard lots of great seafood options and you can’t beat the atmosphere being right on the river
… moreAmy Stremke
Don’t be fooled by the parking lot – if you make it all the way past the gate and into the restaurant you’ll be rewarded with great atmosphere, awesome drinks, and fantastic seafood! While the menu is a little confusing and could maybe use some updating/reformatting, the food itself is awesome.
Most of us partook in the build your own bloody Mary bar and it was worth every penny. (Pro tip – take an extra cup and load it up with garnishes and assemble back at your table!)
All of our food came out quickly which was awesome since we had such a big party. My coconut shrimp were fantastic and I can’t wait to go back and get them again. It was nice that there were a few non-seafood options available as well so there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re cruising down the river you can pull your boat up to Barnacle Bud’s and grab some drinks to go too!
… moreMost of us partook in the build your own bloody Mary bar and it was worth every penny. (Pro tip – take an extra cup and load it up with garnishes and assemble back at your table!)
All of our food came out quickly which was awesome since we had such a big party. My coconut shrimp were fantastic and I can’t wait to go back and get them again. It was nice that there were a few non-seafood options available as well so there’s something for everyone.
And if you’re cruising down the river you can pull your boat up to Barnacle Bud’s and grab some drinks to go too!