Came here for Monday Poetry night. Grabbed my special, vodka cran with lemonade. So pretty-they use pink lemonade here. It's rather a bit strong tasting since the glasses are short. Poetry Starts at 7:30 I arrive around 8, and signed up. An older crowd for sure, like 70's mainly with a few 30 year olds, and couple 20 somethings. I was really impressed with a few of the volunteer speakers and first time readers. And I loved having the opportunity to read something on stage for the first time that I wrote. I will say I was at the bottom of a 13 people list and didn't get "show time" until like 10:15 which I felt was a bit late. It's a neat spot if you're looking to switch things up or push yourself out of your comfort zone. I knocked off a star because I felt like some of the poetry was a bit vulgar for my liking and untasteful. Somebody brought a puppy which was also a highlight-love baby things! read more

Linneman's Riverwest Inn - Entrance bar - Music Venues Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Great venue! The owners were great and provided great sound and lighting that made the show! Absolute must go if you're in the area! #90_Proof_Official. read more

See all

Linneman's is an intimate music venue with divey, Riverwest charm. The husband-wife duo that own it are personable and welcoming. They host poetry readings, open mic (Wednesday nights @8pm), and live concerts (currently on the weekends). The tables are socially distanced and masks are required when you leave your seat to walk. This is a music venue/bar. To my knowledge there isn't food and the drinks are pretty standard bar drinks (i.e. not craft cocktails). That said, this place exists for the music as a sweet neighborhood staple. I enjoyed my time, love it for what it is, and the owners are so kind! read more

The sound is great in this small Riverwest venue. There is poetry night on Mondays then mostly folk, some blues, some rock, and some other stuff the rest of the week. There is usually a cover when there is music, but I am not sure that there always is. It can be a little on the loud side, but you can always escape to the front bar if it gets to be too much in the music room. As far as beer goes, they have it. There are a lot of local and localish brews, some on tap and other bottled, as well as a full bar complete with friendly bartenders. Linneman's is a good bar with good music and great sound. Dig it. read more

Linneman's Riverwest Inn - Music Venues Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

I'm going with five stars for Linneman's because there isn't an abundance of places like it around Riverwest. Some, for sure, but Linneman's has its own special brand of dive-bar music venue. I certainly haven't enjoyed every performer I've seen in here, but the place is always very warm and welcoming. The employees are friendly, and the beers are local and super cheap. I'm always amazed at how cheap even good beers like Lakefront are here (and in Mke in general, since I live in Minneapolis). Linneman's usually has a diverse set of acts that range in style, age and aesthetic. I usually end up here with my Dad because he's come here for years and years. The cover is usually reasonable, and you never know what sort of music might be playing. I most recently went to the John Lennon tribute, which was a fundraiser against gun violence. The performers played a song or two, maybe three, and then passed the baton to the next act. There was a kaleidoscopic spectrum of bands, some old, some young, some performing big Lennon-penned Beatles hits and others more obscure, or solo stuff. I heard some good versions of Beatles classics, some pretty awful versions, and some stuff you really don't get to hear live very often, like 'Happiness is a Warm Gun', 'How Do You Sleep?' and 'I'm So Tired'. The crowd was very diverse and everyone was having a good time. Linneman's just has a very cool vibe to it and it's run by people who obviously care about music, even if they're not hosting big-name bands or putting on the most top-notch show out there. They support local music, and that's just plain cool, no matter who is playing or how good they are. Linneman's is a good default place when you're not sure what is going on around town; they usually have something going on, and whether it's summer, winter, or somewhere in between, you will feel cozy and welcome within the friendly confines of this Riverwest Inn. read more

See all

Really nice neighborhood pub offering serious music w a cold brew. The owner has a strong sense of community participation as well

This is THE place to go for music in Milwaukee. Wednesdays are open mic (sign ups at 9pm), and I believe Mondays are open mic for poetry. This place has the best sound for any place I've played in the city, and they promote their shows well. Jim and Marty (the owners) are great and have truly made this place their passion and it shows. Drinks are a tad pricey and you have to pay for water (only bottled), but its worth it to know that you're supporting the most important and influential (specifically musically) bar in Riverwest. read more

Linneman's Riverwest Inn - Music Venues Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

So much the type of music place that you would think you could not find in Milwaukee. Much like the great music rooms in Chicago, like Schubas, Linneman's opens from a corner door into a general tavern or tap room. There is a nice bar and a few tables around. Pictures of the owners musical heroes are up along side of notable past performers. The beer selection is Milwaukee through and through. Your local micros alongside the standard Miller/Coors choices. From the front room you walk through the back opening into the music room which is just a bit larger than the front room. The total capacity of the place is 180, but that would be pretty crammed in there. I was there this weekend to see a few bands and there were probably about 120 and the place felt pretty full. I have seen acoustic acts here and there are more tables and seats out, but this night was more rockers and it seemed there were fewer tables to make room for more standing/dancing. One really nice thing about Linneman's is that the music seems to vary a great deal, but it is all pretty darn good. It strikes me that Jim Linneman is a music fan and he pick pretty good bands. This does not mean that the place is one note. You can see bookings for a singer songwriter one day, a rock band the next, and a jazz trio the next. There are even some country twangers every once in a while. The stage, as noted by others, is right sized and set up just perfect. Jim, the owner, does the sound himself and really does a great job. Every band sounded full but also under control. While not as large as Chicago's Beat Kitchen or Schuba's, this is the Milwaukee version and it is an absolute home run! read more

Jim and Marty run a wonderful corner bar that has great live music, good beers on tap, and a super cool hippie vibe. I spent SO many mights here, seeing shows (the stage used to be at the end of the bar, and some musicians would walk down the bar while they played!). It's been over 10 years, but this place is still going strong and will always have a place in my heart. If you're there, sit in the giant tree throne in the back. My butt was there many times. If you're in Riverwest, Linneman's is a must-visit for great music, cold beer and warm vibes! read more

I always look forward to seeing a show at Linneman's. Another truly great small venue for Milwaukeeans to enjoy. It's a pretty small stage set in a room that holds maybe about 50 or so...though I have seen it with waaay more than that. And it was awesome. Locust Street festival...oh man. Despite the small stage/room, some of the shows I've seen have been so crazy and loud. Really great stuff. The bar area is separate from the stage, so that's a nice feature. Beer/taps are good, though I don't think I've ever had a cocktail here. Not that you shouldn't, it just feels like more of a beer place to me. The bartenders are super nice. I know they have one night a week set up for open mic (I think Wednesday), and Monday night is poetry night. Other nights are filled in with other music or speaking events. Check out their website for the current month's schedule! read more

Linneman's is and always has been a great, locally-owned venue, with great owners. Simply put: it's a real and fantastic place to play or be played to in MKE. It's small enough: you'll catch a great show in an intimate setting (capacity in the back room is *maybe* 75... ) It's large enough: the sound is good, the stage is set-up well, and if you really wanted to, you could dance. If you're a musician: the downstairs/backstage area is pretty rad, and Jim (one of the owners who does the sound) is super accommodating and terribly generous w/ both his time and the money that comes through the doors. Linneman's also has a great open-mic night, to booth. Round it all off w/ a relatively good selection of beers on the cheap-ish and a real community-centric vibe, and you've got a small(ish) venue that does what they do super well. Many moons ago, when I still played music, I loved playing here. I also love going here, and it's a super bonus when a band I like is playing right down the street from my house at Linneman's. Four stars for an all-around winning establishment! read more

I went to see a show at Linneman's recently and I was impressed with the venue. It isn't large, but it has separate rooms for the bar and for the stage. The room with the stage was intimate enough to dance and still have room to move away from the crowd. The sound was also pretty good for the headliners. The bar was well lit and the drinks and reasonably priced. This is a pretty safe bet for a bar in Riverwest. For me, there wasn't one group or type or clientele that dominated this bar scene. read more

I love this place on Monday nights for open mic poetry. Its medium in size,quaint, the people are nice and the open mics are quite eccentric at times. Loads of fun. read more

I like going to Linneman's for shows. They have cheap beer and shots, friendly staff, a nice back area for the music, and most often a nice and chill crowd. read more

I like Linneman's for the Irish pub and live music venue. The music venue itself is small, maybe seats about 50 or more people. It reminds me a lot of Schuba's in Chicago which is a huge compliment because Linneman's brings in acts in a nice, small intimate setting to make for a great night of music. I saw Peter Mulvey there and had a great time. I got to meet him which further brought out the intimate setting. It's a great place for small, acoustic acts. It's a venue worth checking out. read more

As far as I'm concerned, this is the best spot to not only go to see live music, but play it as well. I have been attending and playing shows here for awhile, and every single time I go here, I hear great tunes and see great people. Jim Linneman has a knack for producing the right kind of sound for the room and more importantly for each different band. The bar is well stocked, well priced, and ta boot, there are many free music nights! Open mic Wednesday, and good shows on the weekends are good enough to make me come back weekdays and weekends. This weekend they have an outstanding line up of shows as usual. Check it out! read more

Any venue that offers the variety and frequency of live music this place does deserves a 5 just for that. Great neighborhood bar feel. Wouldn't think it would be a great venue but it is. read more

Played here with the band awhile back and I liked the place a lot. Not really a "rock" bar per se, more like an Irish-y pub that has a variety of live music. Good taps, nice staff, good sound (great sound, actually). Reminds me of the Beat Kitchen in Chicago. read more

Great for live music, often accommodating visual projections for shows that use more elements. Strong drinks. Great bartenders who move quickly. read more

Nice vibe to the place. I came in from out of town, talked with the owner Jim for a bit who took the time to explain how the Wednesday acoustic night worked. He runs the place with a professional flare. Bar was run by his wife, who was friendly too. The stage area had good sound and lighting. Tables, chairs, and bench seating was adequate. It looked like there was an acoustic guitar with a tuner attached to it on stage in case people needed one to perform. I'd go back in a heartbeat. read more

Older building which provides an antique feel and retro atmosphere. Friendly staff and solid drink selection. Home to the annual 'Nod to Bob' tribute concert each Thanksgiving Eve. read more

Transplanted from Los Angeles come down to the baddest show in Milwaukee on April 4th here to see Wolves With Virginia aka Ryley Northrop.A one of a kind spirited soulmate of music with heart and balls . Influenced by post punk drunk western Edgar Poe Meets the Modern Lovers . I would lay all my money I owned that you'll leave the show knowing the name as he will touch you like the Frogs touched me .Heres to Milwaukee and thanks for your amazing contributions to experimental rock and great bands .Long live Dennis ! and this is the place to be this night Ric Flair approved! woooo styling and profiling this is the place to be April 4th great music to hear the true sounds of whatever you want it to be go to soundcloud let your fingers or mouth do the walk-in and search wolves with Virginia ps he needs a drummer like budgie and a bass player this is a must go to place in the heart of Milwaukee . Great drinks great staff and great live music . You want great entertainment and an wonderful crowd come here read more

Absolutely the best. Jim and Marty are great people...great neighbors...great leaders of the Riverwest Revival. Linneman's is a premiere music venue run by people who really care and have a long history of supporting Milwaukee's diverse music scene. Long Live Linneman's!!! read more

I tend to love Linneman's, but tonight is quite different. I love how they have great local acts and usually have a great staff. Tonight (7/9/13) I was there to see a great local act that was last in rotation and got there quite early. So, I saw everyone and they were great, but mid last act I go to get a beer and like I do with every beer I put the empty glass on the bar and push it forward so the tender has an easy time taking it off the bar. Well Mr. bar tender just happen to serve the fellow next to me as I got to the bar and did this. When I ordered my beer he brought it back saying, "don't ever push a beer towards me if you want one" I was like, "what??.... wait, no, I didn't mean to do that..." he wasn't having any of my explanations.. he said, "no, you pushed that beer" and walked away. He ruined my night. I tried to go back to the show, but I couldn't do it. I walked back to the bar and set my full beer on the bar and said, "f#ck you, you ruined my night" and flipped him off... I tipped this guy heavy all night and he didn't want anything to do with my explanations of his ill-informed exaggerations. As I walked out I heard, "let him go!" I am well minded, sir. I say, let HIM go. read more

I had always heard good things about linneman's and this past saturday a lot of my friends were going to see an old high school friends band perform. Perfect i said, i haven't seen a live show in a few months this will be fun. It was a 5 dollar cover and the bar was nearly at capacity. The place was pretty awesome, very cozy and accommodating feel, awesome stage, all signs pointed to a great time. But then came ordering a drink. The only person behind the bar was the owner. One would think that a saturday night with 3 bands playing and a 5 dollar cover charge would warrant staffing more than ONE bartender... I work in the service industry so i understood hey maybe someone didn't show up. Stuff happens... So With 20 people around the bar and one bartender, it took about 20 minutes for her to finally take me and my friends order. My friend asks, "Do you have Schlitz in bottles?". The owner says, "NO" and walks away to take another patrons order. And she didn't come back for another 10 minutes. I was utterly shocked. I have never seen such blatantly rude service especially coming from an owner of an establishment. It was straight out of Seinfeld and the soup nazi episode. NO BEER FOR YOU! Any competent bartender and reasonable human being would have simply said, "No we are out can i get you another beer? Blatz, Highlife, etc..." Like i said, i work in the service industry, i understand she was short staffed and running her ass off so the initial 20 minute wait was not the issue. Her rude response to a perfectly reasonable question is the reason i will not be returning to Linneman's Riverwest Inn. read more