Merriment Social

You can tell a lot about a brunch spot from the smell that hits you at the door — bacon fat, fresh coffee, butter on the griddle. This one passes the test.

Set in Milwaukee, WI, Merriment Social has carved out a corner of the city's weekend brunch scene with a personality of its own. The room comfortably seats a mix of solo diners working through a coffee and a newspaper, couples splitting a stack of pancakes, and friend groups settling in for a slow, three-hour Saturday.

Their breakfast burrito is the kind of thing locals order with eyes still half closed — eggs, chorizo, a scrape of refried beans, melty cheese, and salsa with real heat.

Menu highlights

Here is a snapshot of the kinds of brunch dishes you can expect to find on the menu at Merriment Social. Specials rotate weekly with what's in season — check the chalkboard at the host stand when you arrive.

• House bloody mary with bacon, olives, and pickled vegetables
• Buttermilk pancakes with whipped butter and warm maple syrup
• Avocado toast on grilled sourdough with chili crisp and a soft egg
• Chicken and waffles with hot honey and pickled jalapeño
• Steel-cut oats with brown sugar, toasted nuts, and stewed fruit
• Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas, refried beans, and salsa verde
• Croque madame with béchamel, gruyère, and a fried egg
• Bottomless mimosa flight (90-minute limit, weekends only)

The decor is part diner nostalgia, part modern bistro — vinyl booths, ceramic mugs, and small ceramic vases of fresh flowers on every table.

The chicken and waffles plate hits the table looking like a magazine cover and tastes even better than it looks.

Bring cash if you can — splitting the check is faster, and a few items on the daily-special board are cash-only.

Like a lot of the best brunch spots in Milwaukee, Merriment Social is at its most magical on weekend mornings, when the kitchen is firing on all burners and the room slowly fills with the kind of low, happy hum that only good food and unhurried company can produce. Whether you're a tourist with one weekend in town or a local with a Sunday ritual, this is a place that earns its reputation plate by plate.

Tips from the regulars

• Best time to go: arrive before 9:30 a.m. on weekends to skip the worst of the wait at Merriment Social.
• Best for: groups of 2 to 4 — larger parties may want to call ahead.
• Don't miss the daily-special chalkboard near the host stand — it changes weekly and tends to feature the kitchen's best ideas.
• Coffee is taken seriously here. If you only know diner drip, ask the barista for a recommendation.
• If you're walking from public transit, the closest stop is a short stroll away — a small price to pay for the breakfast burrito.

Hours

Frequently asked questions

What time does Merriment Social open for brunch?

Posted hours are: Mo closed; Tu-Sa 17:30-22:00; Su 10:00-15:00. Hours can change on holidays — call ahead if you're traveling.

Does Merriment Social take reservations?

Most brunch spots in Milwaukee are walk-in friendly, with a wait list during peak hours. Larger parties (5+) should call ahead to ask about a reservation.

Is Merriment Social kid-friendly?

Yes — Merriment Social welcomes families. Most brunch menus include simple kid-friendly options like pancakes, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruit. Highchairs are usually available.

What kind of cuisine does Merriment Social serve?

It's classified under new_american — broadly an American-style brunch experience with regional touches you'd expect in Milwaukee.

Is there outdoor seating at Merriment Social?

Outdoor seating is not always confirmed. We recommend calling ahead during nice weather.

Location

Located at 240 East Pittsburgh Avenue. Coordinates: 43.0296, -87.9087. Use the address above with your preferred maps application for turn-by-turn directions.