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✔️Breakfast ✔️Brunch ✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Dine in ✔️Take out
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This cozy haunt with old-school, saloon-like decor serves cocktails & American comfort food.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Friday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–2 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 219 E Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 276-8150
Website: http://www.swingindoorexchange.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
Brandon Eddy
I had always heard good things about Swinging Door when a friend’s birthday came up that seemed like the perfect starting point for our night. We arrived, just us two, with two more coming and they told us it would be 45 minutes to an hour. In the meantime we were able to get drinks and waited in the overflow area in the lobby. We got seated almost exactly 45 minutes after arriving. The service was great. We were greeted right away to get our drink order and she stopped back on a regular basis throughout the meal. On to the food – we got the homemade chips with the Cajun ranch dressing then I got the mustard potato and sausage soup for an appetizer. I would have liked a little more sausage but the flavor was spot on. I then got the KC Burger which was really great. The burger was so juicy and flavorful. One of the better burgers I’ve had in Milwaukee. I can definitely see why its rated as some of the best bar food in Milwaukee. Its a little small inside but worth the wait.
… moreViv Park
The place is small, and packed! They will seat you if at least half of your party is there. Which was nice, since otherwise we would have had to wait a long time. We were seated right away at 11:30, but by noon, there were people waiting in line.
Service was delightful, vibes were oldish but very Milwaukee. A perfect place to come with visitors on a Friday for a fish fry experience.
3 Sheeps Chaos Petter (hazy IPA, tap) $6
Hany loved this IPA. He wrote it down to get some later.
Mahi mahi bites $18
Actually a little bigger than “bite” size, more like fish sticks, with about 2-3 bites each. They were ok, but Wasn’t a super fan of it. Probably will not order again.
Combo fish fry $31
2 cod, 2 perch, 3 shrimp. Friend said it was great, and like the shrimp best. She also liked the cod better than the perch, and said it was less fishy.
Red beans and rice with andouille sausage $22
This was a special for the day, and I thought it might be a little like a jambalaya… but visually it looked more like chili, a bit soupy. The sausage looked deliciously char-grilled. Friend loved it and left no leftovers.
Clam chowder $9
Should have gotten the cup… and accidentally ordered the bowl. It was big and a lot of soup. But it was goooooooooood.
BYO burger $17
Love that lettuce tomato and onion is included without a fee. The 1/2 pound Angus beef was cooked a perfect medium and seasoned just right. Solid burger. They charge extra for cheese, and lactose-intolerant Hany loved not getting it. Menu says it’s $15, but we were charged $17. Not sure why. We only subbed the fries for Brussels, and that’s supposed to be +1.
Brussels sprouts
Our server raved about the Brussels, so I was hoping to get the best Brussels. I must say, they were ok, but not the best I’ve had (cough cough, Cloud Red). I liked that they were cut into smaller pieces, but a lot of the leaves were burnt. I can see they’re going for the “crispy” or “crunchy”, but imo, a little overdone.
Overall, a nice experience and definitely going back, but sticking to the basics for me.
… moreService was delightful, vibes were oldish but very Milwaukee. A perfect place to come with visitors on a Friday for a fish fry experience.
3 Sheeps Chaos Petter (hazy IPA, tap) $6
Hany loved this IPA. He wrote it down to get some later.
Mahi mahi bites $18
Actually a little bigger than “bite” size, more like fish sticks, with about 2-3 bites each. They were ok, but Wasn’t a super fan of it. Probably will not order again.
Combo fish fry $31
2 cod, 2 perch, 3 shrimp. Friend said it was great, and like the shrimp best. She also liked the cod better than the perch, and said it was less fishy.
Red beans and rice with andouille sausage $22
This was a special for the day, and I thought it might be a little like a jambalaya… but visually it looked more like chili, a bit soupy. The sausage looked deliciously char-grilled. Friend loved it and left no leftovers.
Clam chowder $9
Should have gotten the cup… and accidentally ordered the bowl. It was big and a lot of soup. But it was goooooooooood.
BYO burger $17
Love that lettuce tomato and onion is included without a fee. The 1/2 pound Angus beef was cooked a perfect medium and seasoned just right. Solid burger. They charge extra for cheese, and lactose-intolerant Hany loved not getting it. Menu says it’s $15, but we were charged $17. Not sure why. We only subbed the fries for Brussels, and that’s supposed to be +1.
Brussels sprouts
Our server raved about the Brussels, so I was hoping to get the best Brussels. I must say, they were ok, but not the best I’ve had (cough cough, Cloud Red). I liked that they were cut into smaller pieces, but a lot of the leaves were burnt. I can see they’re going for the “crispy” or “crunchy”, but imo, a little overdone.
Overall, a nice experience and definitely going back, but sticking to the basics for me.
Alfred Brunt
There are bars that serve food and there are places that happen to have a bar, and Swingin’ Door Exchange is firmly the second thing. It sits on the ground floor of the Mackie Building, a Victorian-era landmark completed in 1879, and the room carries that history without making a big deal of it. Stained glass windows, wood-paneled walls, old Milwaukee photographs. It feels like the kind of place that was always here and always will be.
The Friday Fish Fry is what people plan around and it delivers. Icelandic cod or lake perch, battered and fried properly, with all the fixings, the kind of fish fry that reminds you why Wisconsin takes the whole thing so seriously. The Brussels sprouts show up in nearly every positive review and they deserve to. Tender, charred at the edges, finished with pecans and a creamy aioli, the kind of side dish that ends up being the thing you remember most. The sandwiches are a whole conversation on their own. The Reuben and the prime dip are the two that keep coming up, generously built, on bread that holds its own, and served with sides that don’t feel like an afterthought.
The daily specials are worth knowing about before you go. Taco Tuesday, Weenie Wednesday, and the Friday Fish Fry have all developed their own followings, and if your visit lines up with one of them, lean into it. The bar pours Wisconsin well, with local taps from New Glarus and Lakefront Brewery anchoring the drink side of things.
The place gets full and the energy gets loud and there are no reservations, so arriving early on weekends is just the move. But once you’re in, the staff handles the room well and the whole thing hums along at a pace that feels lived in rather than rushed. It’s one of those spots that locals bring out-of-towners to, and it earns that role every time.
… moreThe Friday Fish Fry is what people plan around and it delivers. Icelandic cod or lake perch, battered and fried properly, with all the fixings, the kind of fish fry that reminds you why Wisconsin takes the whole thing so seriously. The Brussels sprouts show up in nearly every positive review and they deserve to. Tender, charred at the edges, finished with pecans and a creamy aioli, the kind of side dish that ends up being the thing you remember most. The sandwiches are a whole conversation on their own. The Reuben and the prime dip are the two that keep coming up, generously built, on bread that holds its own, and served with sides that don’t feel like an afterthought.
The daily specials are worth knowing about before you go. Taco Tuesday, Weenie Wednesday, and the Friday Fish Fry have all developed their own followings, and if your visit lines up with one of them, lean into it. The bar pours Wisconsin well, with local taps from New Glarus and Lakefront Brewery anchoring the drink side of things.
The place gets full and the energy gets loud and there are no reservations, so arriving early on weekends is just the move. But once you’re in, the staff handles the room well and the whole thing hums along at a pace that feels lived in rather than rushed. It’s one of those spots that locals bring out-of-towners to, and it earns that role every time.
Megan
Cute cozy bar with great vibes and great food. They have a bar area which is open sitting or you can get a table on the other side. We ordered the grilled beet salad and the big KC burger and they both were delicious. The combination of grilled beet and goat cheese was phenomenal and something I’ve never tried before.
… moreTamara Knapp
Update Sept 2025: Came back for Taco Tuesday and it did not disappoint! The blackened tacos were incredible, three huge tacos, perfectly seasoned, loaded with flavor, and absolutely delicious. Portion sizes were more than generous, and every bite was spot on.
This place continues to be consistent with both food and service. Still a favorite stop whenever I’m in Milwaukee, highly recommend!
In Milwaukee for business and looking for a quick bite, we stumbled upon Swingin’ Door Exchange — what a great find! It was so good, we went back again the next day before heading to the airport. Packed at lunchtime, it’s clearly a local favorite with a great vibe. Everyone was friendly and working hard to keep things moving. The burgers and chicken were delicious, but the real stars were the brussels sprouts and beet side dishes — absolutely mouthwatering. This is officially my go-to spot whenever I’m in town!
… moreThis place continues to be consistent with both food and service. Still a favorite stop whenever I’m in Milwaukee, highly recommend!
In Milwaukee for business and looking for a quick bite, we stumbled upon Swingin’ Door Exchange — what a great find! It was so good, we went back again the next day before heading to the airport. Packed at lunchtime, it’s clearly a local favorite with a great vibe. Everyone was friendly and working hard to keep things moving. The burgers and chicken were delicious, but the real stars were the brussels sprouts and beet side dishes — absolutely mouthwatering. This is officially my go-to spot whenever I’m in town!
Aliex metor
It’s truly the best. The best of the best. When you come here, be sure to try the New Glarus Spotted Cow. It’s so delicious that it’ll make you cry. I’ll definitely come back next time I visit Milwaukee. I love it.
… moreDouglas George
Amazing atmosphere in such a small footprint. A Milwaukee original, this is a place to stop in and enjoy. Comfort food galore, you will leave with a happy belly. Prices are great for both food and drink! Never miss an opportunity to go!
… moreWayne Beckes
Went on a Friday night so it was definitely busy add in Christmas and downtown location and you get the idea…about a 30 minute wait but they suggested we order drinks and go through to the “overflow area”which turned out to be the lobby of an office or apartment building complex next door…it was nice because we weren’t in the way and it was certainly spacious…we ordered a Moscow Mule and a Bloody Mary…our table was ready in the prescribed 30 minutes…because it was Friday the fish fry was a must and my daughter got the Big KC Burger which was 1/2 LB patty, Roast Beef and Bacon both came with a side and choice of dipping sauces…the fish was as juicy as any I’ve had and a nice light batter(a bit on the salty side) and paired well with the tartar sauce…we both had trouble finishing but would highly recommend this spot under its current configuration …outstanding…the only reason I docked the atmosphere was, well, because it is the holiday season and people are a little louder and a little more obnoxious then is necessary…food and service were spot on and everything was as it was advertised and that’s all you can really ask…
… moreDon Folz
Beyond Milwaukee’s bustling streets is “The Swinging Door,” a legendary haven from the outside world. Inside, a continuous, low roar of voices provides the soundtrack to shared secrets. It is a place where locals and tourists find good times, cold drinks, and a true sense of community within its historic walls.
… moreWilliam Schmitt
August the 13th most of the family stopped in and had some delicious food , burger with roast beef was a nice sloppy change up, fries were crispy and tasty, chili had some kick to it but was really tasty and same for the dog outdoor seating was available and great except for some smoker hiding around the corner
… more