Food/Drink Roundup: PufferFish, 3rd St. Market Hall nab national nods

In this installment of our semi-regular Food/Drink Roundup: national recognition for PufferFish and 3rd St. Market Hall!

• In case you missed it, the Michelin Guide is coming to Milwaukee (and the Midwest in general)! That’s a big deal! But before Michelin sprinkles its stars onto every single Milwaukee restaurant, some local places are getting some everyday (but still impressive) national nods.

First up, PufferFish. The tropical cocktail bar atop Hotel Metro has been named a Top 10 Regional Nominee for “Best U.S. Hotel Bar” in the 2026 Spirited Awards. The awards are the work of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, “one of the most prestigious honors in the global cocktail industry.”

“PufferFish was born as a pop up at Lost Whale,” says PufferFish founder Jc Cunningham in a press release. “We opened at a time where we were just trying to get our team back to work. So to now be recognized on a national stage, alongside some of the most respected programs in the country, is incredibly meaningful, not just for us, but for Milwaukee as a whole.”

Winners of the Spirited Awards will be announced July 23. Good luck, PufferFish!

• Next is the always-busy, always-great 3rd St. Market Hall. Seriously, how great is 3rd St.? They even have pinball! Anyway, the downtown destination recently made USA Today’s “10Best” list for best food halls in the country. What place did 3rd St. take? Third, naturally.

“Located in the heart of Milwaukee, 3rd St. Market Hall offers a wide array of culinary delights featuring an eclectic mix of local vendors and international flavors,” reads the blurb. “Savor everything from Wisconsin-style local cheese specialties to gourmet tacos, burgers, delectable baked goods, and even a tequila and bourbon bar. With so many food options under one roof, this lively, community-centric, spacious market also offers ample seating.”

Speaking of 3rd St. Market Hall—which is located in the old Shops of Grand Avenue—here’s this gem from 8,000 years ago. Congrats, 3rd St.!