Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria

4.6

651 Reviews

$30 and under

Unspecified

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Blue Bat Kitchen finds inspiration in the energy and flavors of street food around the globe. We feature fresh, global street food in a relaxed and fun environment that pairs perfectly with Milwaukee’s very first Tequilaria. Over 160 Tequilas to try plus, Tacos, Bowls, Snacks, Salads and more await!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

May 29, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 23 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(414) 431-1133

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Unspecified, American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(414) 431-1133
Website
http://www.bluebatkitchen.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Alex Sazama
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion.
Private party contact
our Private Event Coordinator : (414) 431-1133

Location
249 N Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Cross street
Water St. and Buffalo St.
Parking details
There is a public parking garage one block south of the restaurant on Water St.
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Popular dishes

Bag O' Chips^$8.50
with house & mango salsas or seasonal guacamole
Korean Corn Dogs$8.50
3 smoked beef links, fontina cheese, mayo, sweet BBQ sauce
White Cheddar Fundido^$8.50
ancho oil, rajas, bag o' chips
Fried Brussels Sprouts** ^$8.50
lime, cotija cheese, pecans, dried mango, chipotle aioli
Milwaukee Street Corn$8.50
pabst aioli, cotija cheese, bat dust, nueske's bacon
Lumpia$8.50
Fried spring rolls, ask about our rotating flavors!
Tuna Poke Nachos* ** ^$11.50
edamame, spicy aioli, wakame, radish, sesame, mango, red onion, cilantro, scallion, tortilla chips

Handhelds

turn any handheld into a bowl (comes with jasmine rice & rajas) $15; double protein $2; sub flatbread or bao bun $0.75

F. G. T.$3.75
fried green tomato, romaine lettuce, nueske's bacon, chipotle ranch, flour tortilla
Barbacoa Mushroom**$3.75
wild mushroom, chipotle, onion, queso fresco, cilantro, flour tortilla
Cajun*$4.50
seared shrimp, red cabbage, radish, spicy remoulade, flour tortilla
Mezcal Steak^$4.50
onion, cilantro, queso fresco, verde, corn tortilla
Baja*$4.00
beer battered cod, lime cilantro slaw, pickled onion, chipotle aioli, flour tortilla
Kefta$4.75
100% plant—based Impossible™ kebob, rajas, lemon yogurt sauce, pita bread
Smoked Brisket^$4.75
red cabbage, pickled onion, alabama white BBQ sauce, corn tortilla
Shawarma* **$4.25
marinated chicken, hummus, carrot, feta, cilantro, flatbread
Bao-Mi**$4.75
marinated pork tenderloin, pickled veggies, cilantro, spicy mayo, steamed bao bun

Bowls

Sweet Potato Red Curry** ^$15.00
chickpea, swiss chard, coconut, jasmine rice, cilantro, lime
Chimichurri Chicken Salad* ^$12.50
romaine lettuce, avocado, grilled corn, red cabbage, fried tortillas, cilantro, blistered tomato, chipotle ranch
Mojo Pork** ^$16.00
pickled cucumber, mustard seed, crispy plantain, mojo verde, black bean, jasmine rice
Teriyaki Salmon* **$17.00
shiitake mushroom, brussels sprouts, crispy fried onion, sesame, scallion, red miso vinaigrette, jasmin rice
Bowl of Soup$6.00
Ask about our seasonal soup!

Bowls - Additions

Chicken*$4.00
Steak*$6.00
Shrimp*$6.00
Mezcal Steak*$6.00
Poke*$6.00
3 Corn or Flour Tortillas$1.50

Cocktails

make it a mocktail $3.50

House 'Rita$6.00
el charro reposado, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
Blue Bat$12.00
El tesoro blanco, fresh lime juice, simple syrup. Bat friendly! These drinks are made with tequila from participants in the Tequila Interchange Project
Char'd Apple$9.00
agavales blanco, fresh apple cider, fresh lime juice, simple syrup
Jalisco Mule$9.00
cazadores blanco, fresh lime juice, ginger beer
Paloma$9.00
herradura silver - or - rayu mezcal, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, dash salt, jarritos grapefruit soda
Lucky #7$18.00
siete leguas anejo, ancho reyes, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar
Blood Orange Mezcal Negroni$12.00
xicaru joven mezcal, heirloom alchermes liqueur, blood orange puree, fresh lime juice
Smoked Old Fashioned$12.00
el jimador anejo, maraschino cherry, muddled orange, angostura bitters, sweet and sour press in a smoked glass

Pitchers

Self-Serve at Table

House 'Rita$30.00
Blue Bat$60.00
Paloma$40.00
Strawberry$40.00

Wine

Red

Villa des Anges, Cabernet Sauvignon, Languedoc, France$10.00
Tembo, Pinot Noir, Clarksburg, California$9.00
Reunion, Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina$9.00

White

Walnut Block, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand$10.00
Matthew Fritz, Chardonnay, North Coast, California$9.00
Lone Birch, Rosé, Yakima Valley, Washington$8.00

Beer

Draft

Pacifico$5.00
seasonal selections

Imported

Modelo$5.00
Negra Modelo$5.00
Victoria$5.00
Corona$5.00
Corona Light$5.00
Dos Equis Lager$5.00
Estrella Jalisco$5.00

Domestic

Miller Lite$4.00
High Life$4.00

Craft

Lakefront IPA$5.00
Riverwest Stein$5.00
Kaliber NA$5.00
Spotted Cow$5.00
Upward Spiral$6.00
Little Sister Wheat$5.00
Infectious Groove Gose$5.00

Tequila Favorites

El Tesoro Reposado$9.00
Bat friendly! These drinks are made with tequila from participants in the Tequila Interchange Project
Siete Leguas Añejo$10.00
Bat friendly! These drinks are made with tequila from participants in the Tequila Interchange Project
Fortaleza Blanco$9.00
Casamigos Blanco$5.00
Illegal Mezcal Joven$6.00

Etc

Hard Seltzers$5.00
Ace Pineapple Hard Cider$5.00
Sprecher Root Beer$3.50
Jarritos$3.50
grapefruit

What 651 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.4Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Milwaukee
Good for groups
Milwaukee
Great for scenic views

Sort by

R
Robyn
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great location on the river walk, and beautiful space. Tasty food, and friendly service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Get the Brussels spouts, they were amazing! So was the tuna poke bowl.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded 2 days agoThank you for joining us at Blue Bat and leaving a review! We are glad you loved the Brussels Sprouts and Tuna Poke Bowl. We hope to see you again soon!
SB
SB86
Milwaukee
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall3food4service2ambience3
We were seated at a cramped table in a very close vicinity to another table when there were many other tables open. Our waiter didnt seem very organized. The food was very good but smaller portion for the cost.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My boyfriend and I had a great time. The food was great and we loved sharing a pitcher of strawberry margarita (cute touch that it came in a bottle)
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded 4 days agoWe are so happy to hear that you and your boyfriend had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
RL
RobinL
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on May 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our group liked the Blue Bat Tequilaria quite a bit! Mother's day was not too crowded, and Blue Bat provided a free mimosa or champagne to moms! I tried the Wake the Dead coffee drink and 2 shots of tequila based on an article of top tequilas to try. There is quite a selection of tequilas/mezcal, and a tequila tasting class is needed! I tried the Morrocan bowl, which was delicious and well-spiced. My partner tried the Pork bowl, and he liked it! Mom tried the chicken salad, and Dad tried the french toast with marscapone, and everyone was happy. Service was timely and attentive, but not overly so. I recommend a visit!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on May 16, 2023Robin - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
SZ
SvetlanaZ
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 13, 2023
overall4food3service4ambience4
the service was very nice, and restaurant is modern and fun, and prices are reasonable. The food though was too spicy for my taste. It would be nice if menu indicated which food is spicy and there was an option to make it non spicy.
EH
ElizabethH
New York Area
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is our second visit to this fantastic restaurant. We loved everything we got…the cauliflower taco was my favorite and I asked for it with a corn tortilla, which made it even better.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on May 12, 2023Elizabeth - thank you for joining us at Blue Bat and leaving us an amazing five-star review! We hope to see you again soon!
A
Amanda
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter Blake did a great job. Drinks were full, he had a good energy, and our food was yummy.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on May 8, 2023Amanda - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! We will be sure to pass you kind words along to Blake. I hope we see you again soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great restaurant for families after a special occasion .
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on May 8, 2023Thank you for joining us at Blue Bat and leaving us a stellar five-star review! We hope to see you again soon!
AM
AnnieM
Milwaukee
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Our food was delicious but we had our appetizers and entrees before we even got our drinks! Our server apologized and ended up comping the apps to make up for it. We certainly would have enjoyed a second drink but were afraid to order another one since the first took so long. Our meal felt rushed, like they were trying to just flip the table. We were in and out with apps, drink and food in less than an hour. Why does everyone rush dinner so much? We were not in a hurry and were out without our kids hoping to enjoy a relaxed dinner. The food was very good, though, and our server was very attentive. The bar was just backed up and I think we were initially forgotten.
BM
BettyM
Milwaukee
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on May 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Anthony was our server and he had just the right demeanor for our occasion - celebrating a birthday. He was informative an effective communicator with the kitchen about several food allergies and fun! The food was a-maz-ing! We split an order of Fried Brussells Sprouts and the Chilled Udon Noodles and Moroccan Bowls. Highly recommend both. The House 'Rita made my friend smile (lots) and the mezcal chocolate drizzle (came with ice cream) was good enough to drink. Needless to say, we will be back! Looking forward to outdoor time overlooking the river.
CH
CherylH
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Good Food / Good Service / Beautiful Views of River / Can be Challenging to Park in this popular neighborhood.
SG
SarahG
Milwaukee
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on April 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic venue right on the water, place was loud but energetic. Food was absolutely delicious, my tuna poke bowl was possibly the best I’ve ever had! And my strawberry margarita tasted so fresh. Only minor complaint is the Mexican street corn we ordered. While it was also delicious, I Didn’t expect it to still be on the small cobs so it was super awkward to eat. I tried cutting mine off the cob and it fell on the floor. Either sharper knives should be provided, or pokers to eat it on the cob. Better yet would be for it to be cut off the cob in a bowl for ease of eating. Otherwise fantastic experience, we will be back!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on May 1, 2023Sarah - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon. Also, next time you come in and get the street corn, you can just request it off the cob, and we will cut it off the cob for you and serve it to you in a bowl.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 26, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
We had a beautiful view of Lake Michigan and really good ‘Rita and teriyaki salmon bowl. Chips and salsa were excellent! Great waiter!
CC
CatherineC
Indiana
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everyone in our party enjoyed their meal. The server was so pleasant and kind! And the drinks were delicious. I will definitely come back again!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 23, 2023Catherine - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
SB
SusyB
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on April 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I just returned from six months in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and was craving some "authentic" Mexican food and drink. Blue Bat did not disappoint. Great tacos and street corn and fabulous tasting margaritas.....
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 22, 2023Susy - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
r
rickb
New England
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on April 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Shannon was the most awesome server!! Food was delicious, with the meatballs being the best ever!!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 18, 2023Rick - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. We will be sure to pass along your kind words for Shannon. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
BF
BrandonF
Chicago
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience5
Our group of 8 had an enjoyable sunday brunch at Blue Bat. Very friendly staff, with high quality, fresh food.
BB
BryanB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food! Awesome atmosphere, if you like tequila then this is the place for you! They were able to accommodate my wife’s surprise party very last minute. Great waitress/waiters.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Definitely make a reservation to ensure you get a table right away! But the service was perfect and it was a great atmosphere and the food was delicious!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 17, 2023We are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. We will be sure to share your kind words and five-star review with our team. Thank you! I hope we see you again soon.
M
Momo
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 13, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Food was hit or miss - chips 10/10. Bahn mi bao bun 9/10, steak taco 5/10 (kinda dry), cauliflower taco 7/10 (nothing special). Service was great!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 15, 2023Thanks for the review, Momo! I appreciate your feedback and will share it with our team so we can hopefully make it a five-star next time.
DB
DixonB
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 12, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great ambiance, was not rushed at all, friendly service
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 14, 2023Dixon - we are so happy to hear that you had a great time with us at Blue Bat. Thank you for leaving us a five-star review! I hope we see you again soon.
AO
AshleyO
St. Louis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visiting Milwaukee for a conference. The restaurant was able to accommodate a large party for lunch. Reservations were super easy. Great food and drinks.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 11, 2023Ashley - we are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us here at Blue Bat. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
CG
CheriG
Milwaukee
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on April 6, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Food was very yummy, would definitely go back! Our drinks were great too!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 8, 2023Cheri - we are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us here at Blue Bat. Thank you for the five-star review. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
MB
MicaelaB
Milwaukee
21 reviews
vip
4.0
21 reviews
Dined on April 4, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Service was a little rocky but overall not bad. Food tasted great, wish the portions were slightly bigger. Great margaritas.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 2, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience4
Food was ok, my dates food had mango in it and it was not edible. It just wasn’t ripe. I believe it was the poke bowl
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on April 3, 2023Thanks for the review! I have spoken to our team about the issue with the mango so that it does not happen again. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, drinks, and waitstaff were great as always. Thank you for not changing. The noise level was a little loud. However, a birthday celebration was near by with multiple guests.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 31, 2023Thank you for the awesome five-star review! We hope to serve you again soon!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience4
Great experience will come again…Their drinks were beyond delicious 😍
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 31, 2023Thanks for the five-star review! I hope we have the opportunity to serve you some delicious drinks again soon.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Des Moines
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Waitress was so kind and personable. The Sunday Brucnch menu had a lot of options that were very unique. Great gluten free options!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 27, 2023We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your time with us here at Blue Bat. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
JK
JoeK
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 24, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Great restaurant and great server. Tacos and appetizers were amazing and I would definitely go back and recommend this place to others. Took awhile to first get served though but otherwise this place is fantastic!
SC
StephanieC
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great as usual! The margaritas and tacos are always super satisfying and delicious.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 25, 2023Stephanie - we are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your margaritas and handhelds at Blue Bat. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
CD
CathleenD
Chicago
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The wait staff and manager were so accomodating. They helped find the perfect spot in the restaurant for us and the drinks and food were delicious. We will definitely come back soon!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 21, 2023Cathleen - we are thrilled to hear that our staff was so accommodating and helped you to have a great experience with us. I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon!
T
Thomascs09
Milwaukee
24 reviews
4.0
24 reviews
Dined on March 19, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Enjoyed food and drink. Service, not so good this time.
s
sammieeeeee
Los Angeles
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drinks! Jalapeño margarita is a must try!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 19, 2023Thanks for the stellar 5-star review, sammieeeeee! I hope we have the opportunity to serve you again soon.
L
Lexi
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 12, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Overall food and drinks were delicious! Food came out in a timely manner and the vibes were good all around.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on March 17, 2023Lexi - thank you for the awesome review! We hope to serve you again soon!
m
maria
Chicago
10 reviews
4.0
10 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great service. Very good appetizers. Main entrees good.
AB
AllisonB
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 11, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
it was good! Really liked the Cajun Bowl and the Brussel Sprouts!
MB
MegB
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 6, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
A sweet birthday lunch with outstanding eats and view of the river! Fried Brussel Sprouts and Chilled Udon Noodles with Chicken - try them! Blue Bat Margarita played a supporting role :-)
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on March 4, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Used to be one of our favorites. Brussels Sprouts is one of our favorite dishes ever. But this time around the food was just ok for the price. Portions have been downsized quite a bit. Steak was tough/chewy. Probably won’t be back.
CL
ChristineL
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 19, 2023
overall4food4service3ambience4
Handhelds were smaller than expected although very tasty! Recommend ordering one more than you think you need. Our server forgot to order our tequila flight and we waited until we had to ask again.

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
Physical distancing
- Limited number of seated diners
- Distancing maintained in common areas
- Extra space between tables

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Uber Eats. Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (414) 431-1133.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria is rated 4.6 stars by 651 OpenTable diners.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.