High Dive — Restaurant in Milwaukee

High Dive is my second-least-favorite bar/venue to which I ever go, which is exclusively to see bands I really want to see more than I dislike the space or for parties friends whom I like more than I dislike the space are throwing. Ironically, these may be the particular kinds of events for which I think the space is worst suited.

My dislike has nothing to do with the current incarnation of the bar, High Dive, itself - I've never had issues with the staff or drinks, and it's not objectionably dirty or unsafe. The physical layout of the space is just poorly suited for anything other than talking to one other person; becasue of this, I think it's probably best suited to being a couples' bar, but it would likely have to go much more upscale to support itself without the large crowd draw of bands and DJs, and I'm not sure a Riverwest bar would be sustainable with that model unless gentrification rapidly accelerates.

The main (bar) room is long and narrow, which makes it physically difficult to navigate with even two dozen people there, and much more so if there's a band taking up a third of the room. Both restrooms (one with a single toilet, one with a toilet and a urinal) open off of physical choke points, so the lines that form if there's a crowd make physical mobility even more difficult. The rear room has seating for one small group with the rest of the small space occupied by arcade games. I don't find anything about it particularly compelling when there isn't an event in which I'm interested, and it's such a crowded, awkward, difficult-to-order-drinks space for high-volume events that I need to find the event extremely compelling to outweigh that.

If you're really into being crammed up against other people for a few hours, or playing the couple of particular arcade games they have by yourself at a bar sounds like your idea of a fun night out, or you're looking for somewhere to chat with one, maybe two other people on a slow night, this is a decent option with reasonable prices. If not,...

if you go here, have all personal affects strapped securely to your person at all times. there are people prowling this place waiting for you to leave anything unattended for even a moment so they can steal it from right under your nose. had a bag containing my phone, wallet, ID & house/car keys snatched on a relatively dead night - 20 people max in the club. other than having the next week of my life be a massive headache, its a decent dive bar. they book cool acts, have nice deals on drinks and a few arcade games in the back. when its popping its a lot of fun! but probably going to boycott the east side since i cant seem to go without having my car broken into or items stolen. not worth it in my mind until the crime in the area cools down. if you do go, make sure you park in a well lit area & have two clubs...

This is a cozy little establishment with an ecclectic blend of people. There is a small stage that various local music acts will use. The drinks are very reasonably priced. The staff are friendly and personable. There are a few pinball machines in the back. Overall had a very fun time and definitely plan...