Wauwatosa Village announces Milwaukee County’s first “Social District” with drinks allowed in public spaces

“Sip Thursdays” will serve as trial-run of concept that has boosted foot traffic and commerce in other downtowns statewide

WAUWATOSA, WISCONSIN, September 28, 2026 — People will be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages in public spaces and while shopping during a trial run beginning in October in the Village of Wauwatosa.

“Sip Thursdays” will happen every Thursday in the Village from October 29 through December 19, excluding Thanksgiving. On those days, visitors to the Village will be able to purchase beer, wine, and cocktails from participating bars and restaurants and enjoy them in public spaces such as sidewalks and inside retail shops. Shops will stay open later on Thursdays to take advantage of the new rules.

Wauwatosa is the first municipality in Milwaukee County to create a Temporary Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (TDORA), also sometimes known as a social district. TDORAs are zones where adults are legally allowed to drink alcoholic beverages outside in public spaces, provided the drinks are purchased at legally-designated bars and restaurants and are served in shatterproof plastic cups with stickers designating them as TDORA-compliant.

“We are so excited to be the first to bring this concept to Milwaukee County,” said Maria Panno, Director of the Village of Wauwatosa Business Improvement District. “People will be able to grab a drink at one of our many amazing bars and restaurants and then wander the Village, enjoying our historic charm and best-in-the-area boutiques and shopping. We can’t wait to welcome visitors in this relaxed, fun new way.”

Several other Wisconsin cities have already established permanent Designated Outdoor Refreshment Areas in their downtowns, including Manitowoc, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Neenah, and Janesville, but the concept has not arrived in Milwaukee County until now. The designation has brought increased foot traffic and boosted local commerce for many areas that have implemented it, with Manitowoc recently expanding its popular DORA program to year-round status.

The Wauwatosa TDORA zone includes Harwood Avenue beginning just north of Wauwatosa Avenue and extending south of the Menomonee River to Harmonee Avenue; Underwood Avenue from State Street to Harmonee Avenue; State Street from Harmonee Avenue to Wauwatosa Avenue; and Wauwatosa Avenue from Harmonee Avenue to State Street. It will be in effect on Thursdays only, from October 29 to December 19, excluding Thanksgiving.

Bars and restaurants participating in the Village’s program include Cafe Hollander, Buckatabon, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, Le Reve Cafe & Patisserie, Lucky Joe’s, The Ruby Tap, Draft & Vessel, The Village Cheese Shop, Arté Wine and Painting Studio, and new bar North 48, scheduled to open in the Village before the end of the year. Participating shops include Shop Privy, The Flannel Fox, Mooi, The Flower Lady, Little Geese Shop, Tabal Chocolate, and Salamander.

Please visit www.wauwatosavillage.org for more information.