Wisconsinites know how to embrace and enjoy the cold and snow of winter here. Most of it doesn’t faze us anymore and we learn to revel in all things winter in Wisconsin. A group of restaurants on a shared corner in Milwaukee’s Third Ward have really taken the idea of cold and turned it on its head. The Wicked Hop, Cafe Benelux and St. Paul Fish Market have announced they’ll once again be constructing ice bars outside their establishments to create a fun, unique way to enjoy the cold. Last year’s bars used 150 blocks of ice weighing 23 tons to create some of the most fun, amazing ice bars you can imagine.
These three spots share this intersection just south of downtown Milwaukee in the city’s Third Ward. That’s the Milwaukee Public Market, home of St. Paul’s Fish Company, on the top left, with Wicked Hop on the street level of the building in the bottom left and Cafe Benelux on the bottom right. All three create ice bars for you to enjoy within just steps of each other.
Facebook/TheWickedHop
These three restaurants create massive ice bars with all kinds of special features. Each one is different and unique, so plan to spend some time down there and visit a few.
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The Wicked Hop is under an sizable overhang that protects you a bit from the elements and helps provide a cozy little spot to stop and sip for awhile.
Facebook/TheWickedHop
You’ll find ice cups and shot glasses and all kinds of special drinks at these pop-up ice bars. Last year there was a flaming drink topper and a shot luge.
Facebook/TheWickedHop
It’s all a bit whimsical and fun and is just another way to celebrate and embrace the long, cold winter in Wisconsin.
Facebook/TheWickedHop
These folks go all out, creating specials and an amazing atmosphere that makes you want to bundle up and head on out for a totally unique night with friends.
Facebook/CafeBenelux
You’ll find some of the most unique, intricate and amazing ice bars you could have ever imagined thanks to the amazing artists at local company Art Below Zero, which does the carving and creating.
Facebook/CafeBenelux
What an amazing way for these three local businesses to work together to draw in customers and introduce the awesome walkability of the Third Ward to a whole new group of folks. In addition, each restaurant donates a portion of their proceeds from this festival to charity, meaning you get to have fun and support some great local causes.
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This is truly an experience unlike any other in the state and by its nature is available for a limited time only.
Facebook/StPaulFish
Of course, the ice bars are weather dependent. Last year’s opening was delayed a few times when Mother Nature kept things a bit warmer than they’d like, but the party still happened - just a bit later than originally intended.
Facebook/TheWickedHop
St. Paul Fish Company is located at 400 N Water St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 inside the Milwaukee Public Market. The Wicked Hop is located at 345 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 and Cafe Benelux is located at 346 N Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
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Facebook/StPaulFish
Facebook/CafeBenelux
St. Paul Fish Company announced the latest iteration of the ice bar festival on their Facebook page, so check there for information as it’s announced. Or see their website for more information.
Cafe Benelux’s website can be found here or check out their Facebook page.
The Wicked Hop’s website can be found here or find more information on their Facebook page.
If you love outdoor ice exhibits, you have to check out this massive ice castle being built in Lake Geneva.
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