Get A Taste Of Key West On The Great Lakes At Wisconsin’s Best Seafood Dive, Barnacle Bud’s     

Traveling to the Florida Keys may be out of the question, but that’s quite alright because you can get a taste of Key West, along with some of the best seafood in Wisconsin, at Barnacle Bud’s. Tucked away behind a marina and housed in a ramshackle building, the eatery is unbeknownst to many. However, the folks over at Coastal Living have taken notice and even named the eatery one of the nation’s best seafood dives.

Some of the state’s best gems are hiding right under your nose and that’s exactly the case with Barnacle Bud’s in Milwaukee.

Although it's located in Wisconsin’s largest city, many people don’t know Barnacle Bud’s exists because it’s situated behind a marina on the Kinnickinnic River.

The hard-to-find locale actually inspired the eatery’s motto: "If you can find it, you will want to go to Barnacle Bud's all the time!"

Despite its hidden location, Barnacle Bud’s has continued to attract the attention of diners and critics alike. In addition to Coastal Living naming it one of the nation’s best seafood dives, the restaurant has been voted the best patio bar.

Several factors contribute to Barnacle Bud’s popularity and one of them is definitely the casual, beachy vibe.

Boasting an undeniable Key West theme, the restaurant is housed in a beach-style shack - that’s just one of many nods to the tropics you'll find at Barnacle Bud’s.

The riverfront watering hole is brimming with Key West and tropical-themed décor.

And don’t forget about the fact that you can drive your boat right up to the restaurant.

However, the Key West vibe is only part of Barnacle Bud’s allure. The food is definitely another.

Serving up some of the best seafood in Wisconsin, the menu features a variety of fried and grilled fish.

And since Barnacle Bud’s is home to Wisconsin's largest and only outdoor oyster bar, it should come as no surprise that the oysters are a customer favorite.

Bloody Marys and tropical-inspired drinks are also on the menu - and a huge hit with patrons.

Bringing a taste of the Key West to the Badger State, Barnacle Bud's is pure paradise! So, are you ready to sample some of the best seafood in Wisconsin? Barnacle Bud's is open daily. However, the eatery may close in the event of extreme weather. For more information, call Barnacle Bud's at (414) 481-9974. You can also visit Barnacle Bud’s website or Facebook page.

So, what do you think? Does Barnacle Bud's serve some the best seafood in Wisconsin? Is it worthy of the recognition? What are some other must-visit restaurants in Wisconsin? Tell us!

This isn’t the state’s only beachy keen eatery. Click here to learn about another tropical restaurant that's a summer must-visit.