The Yard, the seasonal bar and patio at the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee, is one of my favorite places to enjoy three of my favorite things: outdoor seating with my dog, historic buildings and motorcycles. It opens for the season on May 27 with its regular Sunday Blues Series.
The boutique hotel is brimming with history - for example, a monstrous apothecary cabinet from a shop across the street from a bank John Dillinger once robbed. The Iron Horse's design succeeds in conveying both comfort and luxury with its remnants of industrial warehouse elements. There are a number of restaurants inside, but for a summer treat, head outdoors.
The Yard overlooks a historic, but active, railroad, and is near the Harley Davidson Museum. You can hear the grumble of incoming hogs, and the parking lot here is one of the few places where it's okay to butt up against someone's Harley while noshing or drinking. It's a chrome candyland.
For munchies, enjoy a wood-burning brick oven pizza and other Wisconsin-influenced bar fare. Or have it my way and start with a Barrel 1907 Rye Whiskey and Door County cherries.
The Iron Horse Hotel
500 W. Florida St.
Milwaukee
414-374-4766
