Welcome to Swingin' Door Exchange
Swingin' Door Exchange, located in the heart of Milwaukee at 219 E Michigan St, is a cherished eatery renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and comforting dishes. This bustling spot serves up a delightful array of homemade soups, hearty sandwiches, and the famed Friday fish fry, making it a local favorite. The standout items include the Bacon Tomato Avocado Melt and their meaty chili, which leave diners craving more. Patrons rave about the warm service and inviting vibe, reminiscent of a neighborhood bar. Swingin' Door Exchange captures the essence of Wisconsin dining—authentic comfort food crafted with care, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
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219 E Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States219 E Michigan St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States Hotline: +1 414-276-8150
If you're looking for a quintessential Milwaukee dining experience, look no further than Swingin' Door Exchange. Nestled at 219 E Michigan St, this vibrant establishment has quickly become a local favorite, known for its comforting and hearty fare. It's a bustling spot that thrives on a warm, welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of the classic neighborhood bar scene, where everyone knows your name.
One of the marquee dishes here is the Sriracha Chicken Sandwich. Chargrilled with Cajun spices, this flavorful delight is topped with melted cheddar, sautéed onions, thick-cut bacon, and finished with a drizzle of Sriracha aioli—all nestled within a freshly baked sesame bun from Sciortino's Bakery. Each bite is a testament to the skill and creativity of the kitchen, and it’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression.
The sides at Swingin' Door Exchange are equally stellar. You can't go wrong with their Brussels sprouts, a customer favorite that perfectly embodies comfort food. Another standout is the spicy vermouth carrots, which add a delightful twist to any meal. And for those looking to start their meal off with something warm, their housemade soups and chili are perfect for any chilly Milwaukee day.
With rave reviews flooding in, it's easy to see why this restaurant keeps its tables packed. Patrons like Ren have experienced wait times that speak volumes about the quality of the food, declaring that it was worth every second. Tamara Knapp's enthusiasm is infectious, as she recounts her scrumptious meals and the lively vibe within the restaurant. Even visitors like Sisi N found this spot by chance, only to return multiple times to indulge in its delicious offerings.
The Friday fish fry is another cherished tradition here, enticing even those who may not typically indulge in fish. Paired with a potato pancake and homemade coleslaw, it’s comfort food at its finest. Guests rave about the service, which goes above and beyond to cater to individual preferences, ensuring every visitor leaves satisfied. It’s a combination of great food and even better hospitality that defines Swingin' Door Exchange.
Overall, Swingin' Door Exchange is more than just a restaurant; it's a community staple where every meal brings people together. Whether you're enjoying the bustling bar atmosphere or relaxing in the dining area, this establishment consistently serves up deliciousness that will keep you coming back for more.
Busy place, but I can see why. The food was excellent. Had to wait almost an hour for a table, and not a lot of space in the bar. Overall, I will return. The food was that good!
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!
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.
We ordered the fish fry combo to share with my partner and they brought it in separate plates, so picture of the plate shows one half of Friday fish fry combo :) They were very accommodating with our other requests too. Loved this place.
We went in for the tradition of the Milwaukee Friday fish fry, but this is a place worth coming not just on Fridays! We had fantastic service (Leah was our waitress and she couldn’t have been nicer with not only recommendations for ordering, but also places to go in Milwaukee) We had the cod with potato pancake dipped in applesauce (thanks, Leah!) and coleslaw - all delicious:) We also ordered the Friday special Western Ham sandwich on brioche bun with homemade bbq sauce and bacon with a side of the most delicious Brussel sprouts - make sure you get it with the pecans and aioli sauce! I would go back for the Brussels alone! This is comfort food at its best - and all made in house! They get their desserts from a local small bakery, we ordered the blueberry lemon cheesecake. Inside this place is part bar and part restaurant - really reminded me of the Cheers bar! Pretty cool vibe!
My last visit to the Swinging Door completely changed my mind for the better. The food really stood out this time. It's not necessarily an amazing dining experience, taste-wise, but knowing that the food is cooked well is always great. This place on Michigan Street is tight-"cozy tight," as said before. It's an old-school saloon that's packed with tables and has a loud, busy, and fast-paced feel. While we had a 30-minute wait on our first visit, this time was different. It was a busy Friday night, and we walked in just 15 minutes before the kitchen closed at 10 PM, but they seated us right away with no problem. Service still seemed a bit stretched thin, but they were attentive and got the job done well. The menu is classic American comfort food, and this time, they nailed it. It feels like it was put together by real chefs. I ordered the Big KC burger, and it was a huge portion. The mozzarella sticks were also good. Everything came out fresh and warm-a complete turnaround from my first visit when some dishes were just mediocre. After this experience, I'll definitely be back.
I recently visited Swinging Door after a while, and I must say this time really stood out. Sandra provided amazing service, making our experience truly memorable. The food was exceptional, with the soup and BBQ being particularly outstanding. I have nothing but praise for the entire experience, and I will definitely be back. Highly recommend!
Such a cool downtown bar! The drinks were cold, food was hot, and service was fast and friendly! The Reuben was hands down one of the best I've ever had and the potato pancakes w/apple sauce were killer! Don't pass up on this place, I highly recommend trying it out! It is a rather small restaurant and it gets very busy!