Engine Company No. 3 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has a unique history and culinary focus, but it’s important to note its recent transition: As of January 1, 2024, Engine Company No. 3 is an event space only and no longer operates as a public restaurant for brunch/breakfast service.
Here is a comprehensive overview of the establishment, focusing on its history as a popular restaurant and its current function as a distinctive event venue:
What Makes It Unique:
- Historic Firehouse Setting: The venue is located in a beautifully renovated, historic Cream City brick firehouse in the Walker’s Point neighborhood. The restoration preserved the building’s charm, and the decor features artifacts, photos, and accents (like fire engine red) on loan from the Milwaukee Fire Department, creating a unique historical ambiance.
- Unique Culinary Concept (as a former restaurant): Engine Company No. 3 was known for its globally-inspired tapas-style brunch and breakfast menu, a truly uncommon offering in the morning dining scene. The menu was inspired by dishes from around the world, using seasonal, farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local Wisconsin farmers.
- Current Event Space: Its two-floor layout, full bars, patio, and amenities (like an HDMI projector and screen) make it a versatile and memorable location for private events such as weddings, corporate meetings, holiday parties, and rehearsal dinners.
History
The building opened as a restaurant in 2014, founded by the owners of the popular La Merenda. The mission was to create a unique culinary experience centered on high-quality, locally sourced food within a historic setting. It quickly gained popularity as one of Milwaukee’s top brunch spots before its transition to an exclusive event venue at the start of 2024. The venue is now primarily utilized for private bookings, often serving La Merenda’s seasonal, farm-to-table menu in formats like family-style tapas dinners or cocktail-style receptions.
Customer Feedback (Primarily from its time as a Restaurant)
While it was open as a restaurant, customer feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- Food: Patrons frequently praised the innovative menu, the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and unique dishes praised for their flavor profiles and presentation.
- Atmosphere: The historic firehouse setting, complete with fire department artifacts, was consistently highlighted as a major draw.
- Service: Reviews often noted the friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff.
- Private Events: The venue is highly recommended for private events, with customers commending the staff’s phenomenal job with everything from decorations to service for occasions like wedding receptions and birthday parties.
Highlight Menu Items (From its former Restaurant Menu)
The menu was known for its international flair and unique brunch items, which included:
- Patacon con Huevo (Colombian): Smashed and fried plantains with cilantro rice, beans, hogao (spiced tomato sauce), and sunny-side-up eggs.
- Duck Confit and Waffle: A malted waffle topped with duck ragout, a sunny-side-up egg, and maple gastrique.
- Amaretto French Toast: Amaretto-battered brioche with a seasonal fruit compote and cinnamon whipped cream.
- Truffle Potato Skins
- Cajun Shrimp Polenta
Significant Events
While the venue hosts many private events, one notable historical anecdote from its time as a public restaurant is that President Barack Obama reportedly stopped by for a bite to eat while in town, enjoying the Colombian Patacon con Huevo.
Additionally, the venue hosted community and seasonal events, such as:
- “History on Fire” Fundraiser: An annual event to benefit the Milwaukee Fire Historical Society.
- Annual Cheese & Wine Dinner: Featuring award-winning cheeses from Midwest creameries.
Contact and Location Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 217 W. National Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204, US |
| Phone Number | 414-226-5695 |
| Website | www.enginecompany3.com |
