The Ultimate Weekend Getaway to Brookfield, Wisconsin

It’s summertime in the Midwest and we’ve been spending time exploring new (and old) cities near us!

Brookfield, Wisconsin is a modern town located just twenty minutes outside of downtown Milwaukee and 4.5 hours southeast of the Twin Cities.

We spent a weekend in the town of Brookfield, and were amazed by how much it’s transformed in the last few years. New shopping centers, outdoor restaurants, and lots of unique entertainment options in the area.

We loved the proximity to Milwaukee, and the convenient location of having everything you want and need within 10 minutes of one another!

In this post, we break down all the best things to do in Brookfield for your first visit.

We also include a two-day sample itinerary at the end of the post for a quick and easy guide to help prepare for your trip. Let’s jump in!

Where to Stay in Brookfield

The town of Brookfield is only 20 minutes outside of downtown Milwaukee, so there are lots of options for housing accommodations.

We stayed at Tru by Hilton on Watertown Road, off of Barker Road, and it was the perfect location. It has free parking and complimentary breakfast from 6-9am. It is conveniently located right off the major freeway and within walking distance to many attractions.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more space, here is an Airbnb option in the area that could work great for groups.

What to do in Brookfield

“Small town, big options.” This list includes some of the fun activities to do in the town of Brookfield.

• There’s nothing more important than self care! Visit Anthony Vince Nail Salon for all of your nail services, and go see Daisy at Steamroller for a massage to get all the knots out.
• Eat and drink your way through Brookfield! There are so many options to choose from with great vibes. Fast forward to our next section for our recommendations!
• Enjoy the beautiful outdoors with a visit to Marx Park.
• Choose a show, depending on your mood: laughter at Milwaukee Improv or the latest movie release at Silverspot Cinema.
• Explore your competitive side with a fun group outing at Catch 22 Escape Room.

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Where to Eat in Brookfield

Whenever we travel, we always plan our days around good eats and good spaces. The town of Brookfield has many tasty spots. Here are our top recommendations for places to eat.

• Mimosa – mimosa and breakfast all day? Say no more. We love the breakfast bowls with a side of pancakes. There’s usually a wait, and they don’t accept reservations. We recommend putting your name on the online waitlist before heading in to reserve your spot.
• Margaux Brasserie – upscale French-inspired cuisine is a beautiful spot to get dressed up and feeling bougie.
• S-Bar – you wouldn’t even know that this modern lounge was connected to the Silverspot Cinema. With garage windows that opens up when the weather is nice, this trendy spot is perfect for drinks and dinner before any show. Happy hour is also from 3-6pm Monday-Friday!
• FreshFin Poke – inspired by the native Hawaiian cuisine, this is a great grab-n-go option or a quick, casual dine in for something fresh and healthy. 
• Cafe Hollander – a little bit of European flare in Wisconsin when you visit this vintage-chic restaurant. From comfort food to Belgian beer, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. This was one of our highlights on our trip! Ordering a Bloody Mary, sitting on the rooftop, and soaking up the sun. 
• BelAir Cantina – one of our favorite spots for tacos and tequilas. They make the best in-house salsa that’s only $1 for three different kinds! Another great deal here? The margarita flight 3 for $16 to try their fun flavors! 
• Bullwinkles – not your traditional sports bar! If you’re looking for a spot for a large group to watch a few different sports games, check this one out. 

For Desserts

• Le Macaron – this cute café will transport you to Paris with its variety of macarons and tasty pastries. The crème brûlée was our favorite, along with the salted caramel gelato!
• Indulgence Chocolatiers – this one is for the chocolate lovers! If you’re looking for an experience, try the chocolate pairing class with a friend or partner.
• Goddess and the Baker – we love the atmosphere at this coffee shop, and everyone is so friendly! In addition to fresh bakery, they also offer lunch options and great coffee. In honor of Pride Month, order a piece of their infamous #RainbowCake

Two Day Example Itinerary

Day 1

• Grab brunch at Mimosa, serving breakfast options all day.
• Visit Brookfield’s most popular park, Marx Park. Bring your tennis racket, and burn some calories off with a fun game at one of the courts!
• Practice self care with a deep tissue massage at Steamroller.
• Head over to Galleria West Shopping Center and stop into Bullwinkles to catch a sports game.
• Grab drinks at the S-Bar, where there’s a great patio!
• End the night with laughs at Milwaukee Improv.

Day 2

• Spend the day at the Corners of Brookfield shopping, dining, and drinking! It’s a walkable town center with so much to explore and different events throughout the year. All of the below places are at the Corners of Brookfield:
  • Start with coffee and a bakery item from Goddess and the Baker. Every Friday, all summer long, from 9-9:45am, there is complimentary yoga and a house coffee!
  • Continue your self care with a nail appointment at Anthony Vince. It’ll give you all the renaissance regal feel when you walk in.
  • Once your nails are feeling fresh, do a little shopping at some luxury shops.
  • If the weather is nice, enjoy a margarita flight and fresh chips and salsas on the BelAir Cantina patio.
  • End the night with dinner on the rooftop of Cafe Hollander!

Being only 20 minutes away from downtown Milwaukee, make sure to add one of our favorite Milwaukee restaurants or fish fry spots to your itinerary, too. Enjoy!