East Side Business Improvement District

Welcome to the creative crossroads of the East Side Milwaukee. The East Side Business Improvement District is responsible for the management, promotion, and staffing for the commercial area.

We are a Destination

We are the original 'lifestyle' center that malls tried to recreate. We are a community. We are a destination.

We are unlike any other area in Milwaukee.

You'll find iconic, old-school businesses mixed in with exciting new venues.

We buzz with the energy and vitality from the influx of creative newcomers to the community alongside longtime Eastsiders who make Milwaukee what it is today.

We're the bike hub between the lakefront and the river trails. This is where you can walk to, bike to, or drive your car and park to eat, drink, shop, and enjoy nature all within a few block radius.

The BID is growing — come join us!

View Available Commercial Spaces

GET AROUND

Explore the East Side Neighborhood

LET'S GO

EAST SIDE BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Discover the businesses within the creative crossroads of Milwaukee’s East Side. The BID offers a wide range of services to residents and visitors alike. Find everything you need within our business directory by quickly accessing their business information, directions, and social media platforms.

ALL BUSINESSES

Apartments

Arts / Creative

Entertainment

Food / Drink

Health / Fitness

Retail / Shopping

Salon / Spa

Service

Come Join our Growing Community

Growth and opportunity...these two words capture what is happening on the East Side of Milwaukee.

Our revitalization strategies align with the community’s vision of building a walkable, vibrant urban core.

LEARN MORE

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East Side Milwaukee, BID #20 (@eastsidemke) • Instagram photos and videos

EAST SIDE NEWS

Stay up to date on all the latest East Side News and happenings!

ALL EAST SIDE NEWS

November 10, 2025

2025 East Side Holiday Gift Guide

Shop exclusive deals and gift ideas from your favorite local businesses!

October 08, 2025

Grow With Us: Retail & Office Space Available on Milwaukee’s East Side

Milwaukee’s East Side is growing—and now is the perfect time to grow with us. Whether you're dreaming of launching a new venture or expanding your existing business into a walkable, high-traffic, and culture-rich neighborhood, we’ve got the space for you.

September 18, 2025

Celebrating One Year of Leadership: Ryan Laessig’s First Year with the East Side BID

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Ryan Laessig, on an incredible first year leading the East Side Business Improvement District! From his first introduction in Fall 2024 to now, Ryan has brought fresh energy, community focus, and creative vision to the vibrant arts hub of the East Side.

November 13, 2024

East Side Holiday Gift Guide

Shop exclusive deals and gift ideas from your favorite local businesses!

October 10, 2024

Food/Drink Roundup: Support East Side Businesses in their Construction Time of Need

Your guide to supporting East Side BID businesses during construction from Milwaukee Record

October 01, 2024

East Side BID Announces Appointment of New Executive Director

The East Side BID is thrilled to welcome Ryan Laessig as new Executive Director effective September 30, 2024.

September 25, 2024

The North Ave Street Improvement Project is Underway

Progress has begun on the North Ave Street Improvement Project.

April 24, 2024

East Side Pub & Grill Is Closed, Redevelopment Coming

East Side Pub & Grille has closed - but big plans are in progress for the space

RECENT BLOG POSTS

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September 18, 2025 | East Side BID

Celebrating One Year of Leadership: Ryan Laessig’s First Year with the East Side BID

June 03, 2024 | David Smulyan

Let's Welcome these New Businesses to the East Side

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to several new businesses that have opened their doors in the last few months. I'm also excited to announce a couple of other businesses that I know will be coming to the East Side.

May 18, 2024 | David Smulyan

It Takes a Team to Put on the Summer Soulstice Musical Festival

June 15th is only 4 weeks away… It’s hard to believe. My team and I have been preparing for this event since February. Putting on an event like this takes an unbelievable amount of time and energy. I’m fortunate to have a team of people helping me out.