Swingin' Door Exchange ⭐ 4.7 (2,435)

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!

We came here just for the Friday Fish Fry because we are good (non) Catholics! Husband had 4 pieces of the Lake Perch with fries, and I had 2 pieces of the Cod with House Chips and Cajun Ranch, with an additional side of Spicy Vermouth Carrots. Husband loved everything, and ate everything! I loved the cod, the chips with Cajun Ranch, and even the coleslaw that comes with. German-style coleslaw with a bite from the caraway. The Vermouth Carrots are grilled to the point of being charred, which I was really excited for, but husband and I had mixed feelings. I found them not flavorful enough, and quite dry. They needed more spice and I wanted them to be sweeter, too. I didn't need them to be glazed but something would have kicked it up. Or some kind of fat - oil, butter, something. We were headed to the State Fair later so I knew this was the last vegetable I'd get for a while, so I ate them, but I did not enjoy them. This is a Pub's Pub - very publike. But not a gross pub, I didn't need to be glad the lights were dim. It felt clean, but definitely a traditional dark wood, carpeted pub.

I never knew Milwaukee is famous for food! Got this restaurant rec from local we met in shop. They told us to come here. We went there twice since we couldn’t get in at first visit due to long wait. No reservations walk in only. Glad we could make the next day for brunch. We came there 10 min before it opened. Everything was good! Truly Wisconsin traditional home meal.

The swinging door was formally a western union telegraph office in its youth, the bar is inside the mackie building where the grain exchange was located, now for the good stuff the beer came out cold and the cod fish fry was crisp and hot, yes I must admit I love a good Friday night Wisconsin fish fry and the swinging door was a great choice, parking is the area can be a real pain but the area is worth visiting

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