Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria

4.5

520 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Top Tags:

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

Jul 5, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(414) 431-1133

Other options

Private dining

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View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
American, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service, Unspecified
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 : (877) 619-5739

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 520 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5

4.5 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.4Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Wisconsin
Hot Spot
Milwaukee
Good for Groups
Milwaukee
Hot Spot
Milwaukee
Scenic View
Milwaukee
Most Booked

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Filters

JM
JimM
Milwaukee
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined today
overall5food5service5ambience5
Visited Blue Bat to celebrate my spouse’s birthday. The food was delicious. Service was excellent! The street corn appetizer was really a star. We will definitely be back!
m
mommio
New Orleans
57 reviews
vip
5.0
57 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and drinks Guacamole was superb Love the variety of tacos!!
m
mmca
Indiana
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unique menu with a cool vibe and views! Loved the option to turn any handheld into a bowl. The salmon bowl and street corn were both amazing! Great drink selection also. Highly recommend!
A
Ashlyn
Milwaukee
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food3service4ambience4
Very disappointed in the margaritas…decided on a pitcher of the Blue Bat and it tasted like watered down lime juice. Food was just okay, Baja taco was perfectly battered and cooked and that was the highlight of the meal.
T
Tomeav
London
32 reviews
vip
5.0
32 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
always great food and margaritas!
JM
JudyM
Milwaukee
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience3
It was good food, we’ll be back
RW
RiverWonk
Chicago
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
We had lunch here while in town for SummerFest. Hip spot, near the river. Friendly staff who seem to still be getting back into the swing of things post C19. Food and drinks ok.
AM
AMin
Milwaukee
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall3food4service4ambience4
Portions for the Baja tacos looked like the meal was for kids. I am a regular at this restaurant and get the Baja every time and this time the fish portions were significantly smaller than before. Please keep your portions consistent. And add a lime when you’re going to serve them please.
s
sanxvu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Waitress was super kind and helpful! Helped switch our cocktail, charge our phone, and give us recommendations on what to do around the area.
BH
BonnieH
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Post was extremely accommodating. Service was friendly and fast. Nice sitting outside by the river.
P
Patience
Milwaukee
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
The food was good and fresh as always. Great service. Seating was just a little awkward because the customer seated next to me was less than an arm lengths away and I could hear their entire conversation. I’ve been here many times and I only come with my husband, and we always end up sitting in those small tables with other customers right next to you. If you want a bigger table or sit spaced out from others, make your reservation for 3 people.
AM
AMGO
Milwaukee
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall4food5service4ambience4
The food was delicious!! We ordered several shareables (bag of chips with all the dips, Brussel sprouts, queso fundido and Mexican street corn). Amazing!! The Al Pastor handheld was the best I’ve had. Our server was pleasant but we had to ask for our bill as she didn’t check in with us.
J
Jess
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service was great- Thanks Leah! Food and drinks awesome. Hostess was super sweet. Will be back
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 12, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great brunch or dinner spot with a group. The margs and appetizers are so good! Definitely dog friendly outside along the river.
JM
JMRL
Milwaukee
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went here for daughters graduation dinner with group of 7. Seated in a nice location with view of river. Server was excellent and very personable. Bag of chips and street corn for appetizers was delicious. All meals were excellent. Jalapeño Margarita pitcher for the win too!
a
amyf
Chicago
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing bartender and drink selection for before dinner. Beautiful restaurant. Had several shareables - all delicious - my favorite were the roasted Brussels sprouts! Great dinners - we shared all around - mix and match tacos, hearty salad, really yummy curry with shrimp! Great views right on the river. Very fun and the staff makes it a fun night out for all!
SA
SaraA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the margarita and every taco I ordered. One of my fave spots in Milwaukee.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on June 11, 2022Hello Sara, This is quite the coincidence... we love our margaritas too! Thank you so much for your great review, we can't wait to pour another for you!
PC
PeterC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 8, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Enjoy our first stop at the Blue Bat. Food was great and enjoyed the variety that was offered. Service was super and was supported by the cleanliness of the restaurant.
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on June 11, 2022Hello Peter, So happy you enjoyed the food! If you haven't tried our brunch on Saturday and Sunday yet, you should plan a trip back soon! We look forward to having you join us again.
FM
FamilyMayhem
Milwaukee
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful evening. We dined early and hit the tail end of Happy Hour. The drinks were great as were our appetizers and meal. Server asked about how we preferred to be accommodated...we chose to be mainly left alone to visit and wave him over when needed. He did check on us one time, just to make sure our meals were good. Wonderful evening...we will be back again!
Blue Bat Kitchen & TequilariaResponded on June 11, 2022We're thrilled to hear about the thoughtful service you received! We look forward to having you back!
KM
KatieM
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
we were a party of six and enjoyed our experience very much. staff was really friendly and welcoming and our food was very good. between the 6 of us, the best thing we had was the brussel sprouts! they were fantastic!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very nice, great tequila menu
KA
KristenA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Such a great atmosphere and setting. Right by the river and had amazing food. Thanks!!
F
Foodie
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall4food3service5ambience5
Great environment and awesome location. Technology was new and up-to-date to ensure order accuracy. The only downside is portion sizes are very small and pictures not included on menu.
DR
DanR
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 1, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience3
Service was terrible. Took 20 minutes to get our drinks. They never came to take our order so we asked for the check and left hungry.
M
Maryl
New York Area
9 reviews
2.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 30, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience2
Bar tender and as training someone, tending bar, and waiting our table. We were seated at noisy entry despite asking about open tables with a view that remained unused. Even “spicy” labeled food was bland.
GL
GeorgeL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
3rd time eating here. The food and service for excellent as always. Did not catch our servers name but he was very friendly and helpful.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 28, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great server! Great wings and margs. Will be back!
TS
TSTS
Phoenix
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Celebrated our son's college graduation at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria. Everything was perfect! Thank you!
TM
TriciaM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 22, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
The brunch menu is the best and such a great value. I highly recommend the carnita bowl, so good!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 21, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience4
very casual sit down place, a little loud and prices are a bit high but food was very good and service was great!
LG
LizG
Chicago
28 reviews
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on May 17, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
So delicious! Had the lamb and fried green tomato taco!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 14, 2022
overall3food4service2ambience5
Good was good, margaritas were excellent. Our server was not great, long periods of time without seeing him. Beautiful setting on the lake.
JM
JimM
Milwaukee
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on May 12, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Great time - great food and fun atmosphere
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 9, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Food was delish - like many restaurants, they were understaffed so service was slow and was not correct. They did try to make it up to us with free dessert. It’s too bad these restaurants can’t get the staff they need. I’ll go back cuz the food was worth it.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 8, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
mother's day :-)
JL
JohnL
Exclusive
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Honestly this is a trendy place that I think relies on that more than the quality of the food. How would you summarize that menu? I would love to sample some of the Tequila or Mezcal but the prices are very high. I can’t imagine anyone orders the ones $75 and higher and there were a lot of those. Yes for a young people hang out or impress your date, no if you are a foodie.
JM
JulieM
Milwaukee
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on May 7, 2022
overall3food2service5ambience4
Service was very good -- waiter was knowledgeable about tequila varieties and made good recommendations after asking questions about taste preferences. Food was just okay.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 6, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Our seats were right across from the bathroom, so I got whiffs of bathroom smells every once in a while (which was pretty gross) but otherwise it was a pleasant time! Very nice waiter too!
A
Athens
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food4service4ambience5
The staff was very accommodating to our group of 12! We were so appreciative of the service! The food and drinks were wonderful and I can’t wait to come back!
JM
JillM
Milwaukee
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on May 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great. Food, as always, wonderful!

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 4.5 stars by 520 OpenTable diners.

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