Harbor Room

Dancing · Pub/Tavern · Milwaukee, WI

3.9 (17 · Yelp ) ·$ ·Est. 2000 ·

About

Bar: Full bar

Harbor Room opens daily from noon or 10am, with late hours until 2:30am on weekends. This Walkers Point leather bar has been around since 2000, drawing a regular crowd of 40s and 50s locals. Expect a divey feel, outdoor seating, and happy hour weekdays from 3 to 8pm with 2-for-1 drinks and free pizza. They also organize gay bowling and baseball teams if you're looking to join.

The bar is cash-only. Cards are not accepted unless you spend $20, and the in-house ATM carries a $4 fee with a $50 minimum. Reviews note the decor feels dated and the bartenders can be unfriendly. It's a mixed gay-straight crowd, but leather is less common than the tagline suggests.

Located in Walkers Point, Milwaukee's historic gayborhood, with several other gay bars nearby.

Features

  • Happy hour weekdays 3-8pm with free pizza
  • Gay bowling and baseball teams to join
  • Outdoor seating available
  • Annual Mr. Harbor Room Contest
  • Dive bar atmosphere, cash only

Good for

LeatherOutdoor SeatingHappy Hour40 Somethings50 SomethingsLocalsDancingPub/TavernDive Bars

Practical

Mixed Gay/StraightCredit Cards AcceptedStreet ParkingHas TVFull BarCasualDiveyGood for Groups
3.9

What people say

Rated from 17 reviews. 48 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp

From the community

“DON'T LIKE - A waste of time and space”

Staff are rude and bitter. I was the only person in leather there. They've had several recent deaths among employees and now only accept cash. I hope they close soon.

A visitor · Over a year ago

“Always a good time”

What more can I say?

A guest · Over a year ago

“I think Jerry used to work there.”

He's gone now, which must be a positive change.

A recent visitor · Over a year ago

“What a waste of time this place is!”

This was our first visit to the state, and while in the city we searched online for local gay bars. Since this place had high ratings and good reviews, we went there last Saturday. The bar is located in an old building, one of the few remaining on the east end of that street. As we were concerned about parking our rental car safely, we noticed some older men leaving the bar. When we entered, it felt like stepping back in time, imagining that leather bars from the 1970s had similar decor. Everything seemed old and badly in need of renovation. Most bar stools were occupied by older gentlemen who appeared to be regulars. We found two seats at the end of the bar, and after finally getting the bartender's attention, we ordered two drinks. The bartender quickly proved to be unfriendly, uninterested in serving us, and unskilled at handling new customers. We asked if we could start a tab and pay with a credit card, only to be told the minimum credit card charge is $20. We couldn't believe it. We then asked if they had an ATM, and he replied that they themselves were the ATM, explaining the transaction fee would be $4 and the minimum cash withdrawal $50. What a rip-off! Looking around at other patrons, I wondered how many of them even had $50 in their bank accounts, and it seemed this scheme was clearly aimed at tourists and newcomers. After our one and only round, we paid in cash, of course. This place and its bartenders don't deserve even one star on any rating. This bar must have seen better days a long time ago. If you're looking for a place in Milwaukee, we suggest you keep searching for a better alternative to spend your money.

A local visitor · Over a year ago

“used to be bartender”

This bar had the best group of men from opening time until 2005, when I was let go for following the rules. During that period, it was the top bar. I sincerely hope for the community that it remains the same. We were well-respected and always completely full. We were heavily involved in the community. My husband, who passed away earlier this year, allowed me to work as a bartender because of the high quality of people involved. I hope they have kept up that standard. Please update the website. I am proud of Harbor Room; I hope they are too.

A visitor · Over a year ago

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Harbor Room have a happy hour? +

Yes, Monday through Friday from 3 to 8pm with 2-for-1 drinks and free pizza.

Can I pay with a credit card? +

No. Harbor Room is cash only. There is an in-house ATM but it charges a $4 fee with a $50 minimum withdrawal.

Is there outdoor seating? +

Yes, outdoor seating is available.

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