Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum

4.2

386 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

Come for great food and drink, stay for great American stories. Like the Harley-Davidson Museum, MOTOR Bar & Restaurant serves up the best of American culture, camaraderie, and comfort food. In a hurry? Just come for the food. No Museum admission is required to dine at MOTOR.

MOTOR’s bold American classics celebrate the taste of life on the road. Road House Chili that tastes like it’s fresh from a Texas diner. BBQ redolent of a Little Rock smoke shack. And, fittingly, plenty of Wisconsin favorites: Fish Fry, Mac and Cheese, and mouthwatering Hamburgers.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm
Phone number
(414) 287-2778
Website
http://www.motorrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Great space. Great food. Great people. Plan your next event at MOTOR. Harley folks are famous for knowing how to party. This spirit of celebration and camaraderie will be plain to see when you host your next gathering at MOTOR.
Private party facilities
Every visit to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant® is an event. And it could all be yours. Like the Museum, MOTOR serves up the best of American culture in an inspiring setting. Plan your rehearsal dinner or corporate gathering in a location as unique as you are. MOTOR is a seamless blend of industry and refinement - perfect for casual or formal events. Expand your party into the great outdoors on MOTOR's riverfront patios, complete with custom fire pits and lounge furniture. Sounds like a recipe for a truly successful event.
Private party contact
Annie Champeau: (414) 287-2707

Location
401 W Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53203
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Cross street
6th Street
Parking details
Free!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Friday Fish Fry - It's a Wisconsin Tradition!
$15.95 per person
Multiple dates available
ALL YOU CAN EAT FRIDAY FISH FRY Beer-battered and golden fried with crispy french fries, fresh jicama slaw, cornbread and tartar sauce for $15.95

Offers

Sunday Brunch
Multiple dates available
Sun - 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join us every Sunday Sunday Brunch Menu with Specialty Cocktails including three different types of Bloody Mary's!

Popular dishes

Brisket Nachos$12.95
Tender and juicy slow-smoked brisket piled high on a bed of tortilla chips, and topped with BBQ and chipotle cheese sauces, black bean corn salsa, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, tomatoes and sour cream
Wings$12.95
One pound of seasoned wings with your choice of house BBQ or buffalo sauce or Caribbean Jerk dry rub served with blue cheese or ranch dressing
Cheese Curds$9.95
Fresh Cheddar cheese curds locally sourced from Clock Shadow Creamery, hand-breaded and golden-fried, served with a side of buttermilk ranch dressing
Willie G.'s Minis*$12.95
Designed by the king of style! Three ground chuck mini burgers topped with Wisconsin Cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and house secret sauce, served with french fries

Soups

All soups are made from scratch

Roadhouse Beef Chili$5.95
Texas-style beef chili topped with Wisconsin cheese blend, red onion and sour cream
Tomato Basil$4.95
Creamy tomato basil soup simmered for two hours with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a splash of cream

Stuffed Potatoes

Stuffed Potato$8.95
Fresh baked potato topped with bacon, butter, Wisconsin cheese blend, sour cream and green onions
BBQ Pork Stuffed Potato$10.95
Fresh baked potato topped with slow-smoked shredded pork, butter, Wisconsin cheese blend, sour cream, MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce and green onions
Chili Stuffed Potato$10.95
Fresh baked potato topped with chili, Wisconsin cheese blend, sour cream and green onions
Brisket Stuffed Potato$12.95
Fresh baked potato topped with slow-smoked brisket, butter, Wisconsin cheese blend, MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, sour cream and green onions

Salads

Side of ciabatta $1.95. All dressings are made from scratch

Caesar Salad$10.95
Crisp Romaine lettuce with made-from-scratch creamy garlic Caesar dressing topped with fresh garlic-Parmesan croutons and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
BBQ Salad
Romaine and radicchio tossed in chipotle ranch dressing with black bean corn salsa, tomatoes, MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, crispy onion strings and choice of meat
- Chicken$12.95
- Pork$13.95
- Brisket$14.95

Burgers

All burgers are served with French fries. Substitute house salad, jicama slaw or cup of Tomato Basil soup $1. Substitute Mac & Cheese or Roadhouse Beef Chili $2

Fatboy™ Burger*$14.95
8 oz. hand-packed ground chuck patty stacked with bacon, cheddar cheese, MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and onion straws, served on a buttery brioche bun
Motor™ Burger*$12.95
8-oz. hand-packed ground chuck patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion and MOTOR's secret sauce with your choice of American, Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or blue cheese, served on a brioche bun
Monster Burger*$16.95
8 oz. hand-packed ground chuck patty topped with pulled pork, MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, jicama slaw, and finished with onion strings, served on a brioche bun with lettuce and tomato

Wisconsin Fish Fry

All you can eat

Wisconsin Fish Fry$15.95
Served every friday. Beer-battered and golden fried with crispy french fries, fresh jicama slaw, rye bread and tartar sauce

Sandwiches + More

All sandwiches are served with French fries (except the Grilled Cheese). Substitute house salad, jicama slaw, or cup of Tomato Basil soup $1. Substitute Mac & Cheese or Roadhouse Beef Chili $2

Full Throttle Grilled Cheese$12.95
Oooey and gooey, melted Cheddar, American, Muenster and Provolone cheeses, bacon and tomato on fresh panini bread, served with a cup of tomato basil soup for dunking
Bold BLT$12.95
Loads of bacon piled high on local whole grain panini with lettuce, tomato, mayo and herbed cheese spread
Cajun Chicken Sandwich$13.95
Cajun marinated, grilled tender chicken breast served on a buttery brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, pepper jack cheese and chipotle mayo
Chicken Avocado Club$14.95
Grilled chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, Cheddar cheese, and bacon finished with a drizzle of homemade ranch dressing and avocado on 9 grain panini bread

Mac 'n Cheese

Classic Mac$10.95
Elbow macaroni smothered in made-from-scratch sharp Cheddar cheese sauce topped with panko bread crumbs and baked until golden brown
Buffalo Chicken Mac$13.95
Classic mac topped with buffalo fried chicken and blue cheese crumbles
Chili Mac$12.95
A full bowl of house chili on top of mac, topped with Cheddar cheese, sour cream and onions
Brisket Mac$14.95
14 hour slow-smoked brisket sliced thick atop a bowl of mac with house BBQ sauce and crispy fried onions

Even Better BBQ

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich$12.95
Slow-smoked, hand-pulled pork topped with fresh jicama slaw, crispy onion straws and MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, served on a split top roll
Smoked Brisket Sandwich$13.95
Beef brisket slow-smoked for 14 hours, hand-sliced and topped with crispy onion straws and MOTOR's signature BBQ sauce, served on a split top roll
BBQ Plates$14.95
Served with your choice of one meat, a generous portion of french fries, fresh jicama slaw and made-from-scratch Southern-style cornbread. Brisket – smoked for 14 hours; BBQ Pork – slow smoked and shredded; Hot Links – spicy and smokey; BBQ Chicken – sauced chicken breast. Make it a combo: Add your choice of brisket, BBQ pork, hot link, or BBQ chicken to any of our BBQ plates

Dessert

Lemon Berry Cheesecake$7.95
NY style cheesecake with a zesty lemon glitter topping, drizzled with a mixed berry compote
Motor™ Sundae$3.95
One scoop vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and sprinkles
Scoop of Ice Cream$1.95
Classic vanilla

What 386 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Good for groups
Wisconsin
Hot spot
Milwaukee
Good for groups
Milwaukee
Hot spot
Milwaukee
Great for scenic views
Milwaukee
Lively

Sort by

S
Suzie
Orlando
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our meals were good. Jordon our Server was awesome!. I have already recommend to neighbors to try out the Burnt Ends and Brisket and Mac and Cheese. Loved the Cheesecake too.
m
mgmiwi99
Milwaukee
18 reviews
vip
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on May 19, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience3
It's a nice space with reliably good food and service.
KP
KatieP
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Friday Night (All You Can Eat) Fish Fry is delicious and never disappoints! Their Bloody Mary's are also noteworthy!
Motor at the Harley-Davidson MuseumResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you so much for the review and for joining us!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So good we are here two days in a row. Had the steak and salad and was surprised to get an entire steak and salad for only $17.95, then had lunch and got the stuffed bashed potato - so good! Waitress was amazing both times.
Motor at the Harley-Davidson MuseumResponded on May 2, 2023Thank you for the review and for joining us. We hope to see you again!
AH
AshleyH
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience2
Service was terrible. Food was great. Never got drink refills or even saw our server after our order was taken.
Motor at the Harley-Davidson MuseumResponded on April 19, 2023Hi Ashley, we're sorry that you didn't have a better experience. We will use this review to do better in the future. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
SL
SusanL
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great experience. We had terrific service and the food was outstanding. Would definitely eat here again.
r
rlloyd1951
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on March 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The quality and quantity of food our exceptional We ordered the Brussels sprouts wow is all I can say easily a dish for 2 The tacos look small but we're very filling for $4 each
GH
GHSH
Chicago
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very nice atmosphere, live music was a treat, food was great and well priced. Nice dinner!
j
jimp
Milwaukee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall3food2service4ambience4
the fish fry was not all that the fry were cold the fish was over cooked
BG
BruceG
Milwaukee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on March 17, 2023
overall3food2service5ambience4
The restaurant is pretty cool. The staff was great, but the food was mediocre at best. I won't go back.
SJ
SJMilw
Milwaukee
32 reviews
5.0
32 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, Old Fashioned's and service was great!! The band did a great job, fun place to be on a Saturday Night !!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience3
Just okay. Not great, not bad, but absolutely nothing noteworthy. Drinks were adequate, food unremarkable and service was (again) okay.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Live music that evening.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Cancun
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 10, 2023
overall4food5service3ambience5
Got there 5:30 reservations. Was gonna be seated at two top table asked to be seated at 4 top next to us which hostess let us do. Before we could sit down rude waitress came running over and told us NO you can’t sit there it’s reserved for party of 4. Ok, place was over half empty, but we complied and moved back to the two top. That same 4 top table sat empty the whole time we were there. And just before we left they seated a party of TWO there. Guess it was just us who couldn’t sit there as we counted 10 empty 4 top tables while we were there. Everything else was great. Just the rude way that server yelled at us was not appropriated.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Phoenix
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Big portions for low dollar amount!
CG
ClaudiaG
Milwaukee
45 reviews
vip
5.0
45 reviews
Dined on February 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We haven't been here in a while. I forgot how great it is. Excellent service, food and fun ambiance. And it's easy to park!! I highly recommend Motor and plan to return soon.
W
William
Fargo
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This review is for the most recent of many meals we’ve had at the restaurant. The food was great as always, the service is as good as you can find these days, and the prices seem reasonable. The bands do vary in quality, but are always decent at worst. If the restaurant were to improve they would need more servers. The servers are great, but are simply expected to do more than is possible for a truly exceptional experience.
MW
MaryW
Milwaukee
29 reviews
3.0
29 reviews
Dined on January 2, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience2
The food was good, typical bar food but the fries were cold. Server and bartender were friendly. We were seated next to the kitchen so a different server rushed out and bumped me. Our view into the kitchen was unpleasant. We should have asked for a different table because some had nice views of the river, so that was my fault.
B
Brian
Milwaukee
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on December 31, 2022
overall2food3service1ambience4
Waitress messed up order and drinks 3 times. Forgot to bring our appetizer. Never came back and checked how are food was. I should have asked for money back!
A
Alice
Milwaukee
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on December 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There was only 1 server on a Friday night but she was very attentive and the manager was helping server drinks and checking on everyone. The food was so good! Fish fry great, which was all u can eat and the server checked back to see if we wanted more. The wedge salad with steak was delicious, as was the barbecue salad with brisket. Can't wait to go back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined on December 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visite du musée pour mon mari biker En plus l y’avait le santa claus Super service et copieuse quantité
N
Nickngabe
Milwaukee
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 3, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience1
How do you burn a fish fry? Ask your cook because he did. Absolutely the worst fish fry I’ve ever had. Completely over cooked
DE
DavidE
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Headed to Motor for the Friday Fish Fry. The restaurant was quite busy so it was a bit slower than normal, but we completely understood. The staff was very friendly and attentive. The food was excellent. Very fresh and tasty. $16 for an all you can eat fish fry is a great deal now days. Highly recommended.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience4
We had the Friday Fish Fry which was good
WE
WENDYM
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 5, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
Enjoyed our dinner - wait staff was great and enjoyed the music and ambiance
r
robertn
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was great. The services was excellent. Overall it was a 10 stars experience
D
Diner
Chicago
50 reviews
vip
4.0
50 reviews
Dined on October 21, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
A good find. A nice setting.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great service, not very busy. Food was tasty and came out hot. Slightly overpriced but we plan to go back again sometime
S
Smati
St. Louis
9 reviews
4.0
9 reviews
Dined on September 24, 2022
overall4food3service4ambience4
Four of us had dinner on a Friday night. Really cool ambience and excellent attentiveness by our server. A great variety on the menu. Two of us feel we should’ve chosen some thing else off the menu. The brisket BBQ plate was very fatty and the fish fry didn’t agree with someone’s digestive system. Drinks (alcoholic and non) were fairly priced. Overall we’re going to give it another chance and come back during the day to also see the museum, the shop, and the grounds.
v
vanessar
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Verry good food and prices, loved the layout and the parking available.
K
Katie
Milwaukee
58 reviews
vip
5.0
58 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was really good, and even though they were close to closing for the day, the server did not make us feel rushed and was really nice. I wish it were open more for dinner during the week!
CP
CathyP
Las Vegas
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
First time there was impressed with the grounds and the restaurant. Great food. Our waiter was wonderful.
JG
JeffreyG
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 9, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Overall surprisingly good food for a cafe and good seating and view inside and outside.
KL
KristinL
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We ate outside. It was beautiful and the food was excellent.
LW
LeeW
Tucson
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had never been there and didn't know what to expect. The ambience was very nice. There was a blues band playing and they did a great job. The food was good and the prices were reasonable. We'll be back.
m
mipmipmip
Chicago
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience3
we’ve been to motor several times prior to our recent experience and loved it. when my family member decided to go here for her birthday, we were all excited because we have had nothing but great experiences. however, the hostess clearly did not look at our reservation, as we requested a high top. she placed us a different table until we asked to move. next, our server did not seem knowledgeable at all. he gave one guest in our party the wrong meal. by the time the server replaced the meal, everybody else was finished eating. the server had the audacity to ask “did you want to eat it, or should i just box it up?”. that was so inappropriate and rude, as our guest did not eat anything! we waited over 20 mins for their correct meal to come! to top it off, motor did absolutely nothing for my family member’s birthday. after having a request on the reservation through open table, along with addressing it to our sever. why do you have a section asking if you are dining in for a special occasion if you are doing nothing about it? the only good thing that happened is that there was a biker meet up and live music outside the restaurant. it is to sad to say that we most likely will never come back.
B
Bill
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
I don't remember servers name but she was excellent!
K
Koj56
Milwaukee
109 reviews
vip
5.0
109 reviews
Dined on August 6, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wow the food was so good lots of comfort food what an amazing venue well done Harley Davidson
E
msEmjay
Milwaukee
10 reviews
vip
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 5, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
My husband and I visited for a fish fry. We had a nice time!
MM
MarcoM
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great lunch options! Loved the Chili! Service was terrific too! I'll definitely be back

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum is rated 4.2 stars by 386 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 4, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 8 times today

Experiences are available.

Google Map for Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum

401 W Canal St., Milwaukee, WI 53203

Additional information

Cross street
6th Street
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–5:00 pm
Cuisines
American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Free!
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.motorrestaurant.com/
Phone number
(414) 287-2778
Catering
Great space. Great food. Great people. Plan your next event at MOTOR. Harley folks are famous for knowing how to party. This spirit of celebration and camaraderie will be plain to see when you host your next gathering at MOTOR.
Private party facilities
Every visit to MOTOR Bar & Restaurant® is an event. And it could all be yours. Like the Museum, MOTOR serves up the best of American culture in an inspiring setting. Plan your rehearsal dinner or corporate gathering in a location as unique as you are. MOTOR is a seamless blend of industry and refinement - perfect for casual or formal events. Expand your party into the great outdoors on MOTOR's riverfront patios, complete with custom fire pits and lounge furniture. Sounds like a recipe for a truly successful event.
Private party contact
Annie Champeau: (414) 287-2707

Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum

Make a reservation

Additional information

The Best Bars for Foodies in Milwaukee

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Milwaukee

The Best Brunch Restaurants in Milwaukee

Friday Fish Fry - It's a Wisconsin Tradition!

Sunday Brunch

Cheese Curds

Brisket Nachos

Wisconsin Fish Fry

Appetizers

Brisket Nachos$12.95

Wings$12.95

Cheese Curds$9.95

Willie G.'s Minis*$12.95

Soups

Roadhouse Beef Chili$5.95

Tomato Basil$4.95

Stuffed Potatoes

Stuffed Potato$8.95

BBQ Pork Stuffed Potato$10.95

Chili Stuffed Potato$10.95

Brisket Stuffed Potato$12.95

Salads

Caesar Salad$10.95

BBQ Salad

Burgers

Fatboy™ Burger*$14.95

Motor™ Burger*$12.95

Monster Burger*$16.95

Wisconsin Fish Fry

Wisconsin Fish Fry$15.95

Sandwiches + More

Full Throttle Grilled Cheese$12.95

Bold BLT$12.95

Cajun Chicken Sandwich$13.95

Chicken Avocado Club$14.95

Mac 'n Cheese

Classic Mac$10.95

Buffalo Chicken Mac$13.95

Chili Mac$12.95

Brisket Mac$14.95

Even Better BBQ

BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich$12.95

Smoked Brisket Sandwich$13.95

BBQ Plates$14.95

Dessert

Lemon Berry Cheesecake$7.95

Motor™ Sundae$3.95

Scoop of Ice Cream$1.95

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Sort by

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

How is Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum restaurant rated?

Is Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

The Best Bars for Foodies in Milwaukee

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Milwaukee

The Best Brunch Restaurants in Milwaukee