Some Milwaukee things come and go while some become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. This week: buying local.
Buy local.
We said it in 2020. We said it in November 2025. We said it in December 2025. And we’re going to say it in December 2025 again. Buy local. It’s Mandatory Milwaukee.
You know the score. We’re living through Bad Times. Local businesses—restaurants, bars, bookstores—are struggling. The ones that aren’t closing outright are issuing pleas for help. Places like Lion’s Tooth, Strange Town, Seven Swans Crêperie, Mekong Cafe, Midwest Sad, and Flour Girl & Flame all need business. Hell, even American Science & Surplus has put out the call for help. The list goes on and on.
“You know how to help and to what extent you’re personally able to, so we’ll spare you the guide,” we said last week. Well, this week, the fine folks at Visit Milwaukee have put together a guide of their own. From now until December 24, if you buy $25 or more in gift cards (in person) from certain local businesses, you’ll get a free $25 Buy Local Bonus gift card valid at that same business, via Visit Milwaukee. (While supplies last, of course.) Neat!
Find more info HERE. Here’s the list of participating businesses. Buy from these businesses. Buy from other local businesses. Buy local.
• 414loral
• AntetokounBros
• Bandit MKE
• Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
• Cafe Corazon (Bay View)
• Casera Cafe & Bakery
• Cousins Subs (117 W. National Ave.)
• Delicious Bites
• Eldr+Rime
• The Explorium BrewPub (Southridge)
• The Explorium BrewPub (Third Ward)
• Flowers for Dreams
• Forage Kitchen
• The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin
• HoneyBee Sage Apothecary & Wellness Cafe
• Maxie’s (valid at all Black Shoe Hospitality locations)
• MobCraft Beer
• NorthSouth Club (valid at all Bars & Rec locations)
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