Built on Lake Michigan’s western shore, Milwaukee is a city that cherishes its eclectic roots. Dubbed the “City of Festivals”, Milwaukee hosts a variety of ethnically-themed events throughout the summer in celebration of its cultural diversity. Milwaukee’s downtown is filled with beautifully well-kept historic buildings reflective of the city’s heritage. From the Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear to the Pabst Mansion built in 1892, each structure tells a story of what makes Milwaukee the unique metropolitan it is today.

Safeguarding a significant chapter of American history, culture and engineering within its walls is the Harley-Davidson Museum. The 130,000 sq. ft. complex sits on a 20-acre reclaimed industrial site in the heart of Milwaukee. The iconic campus is a collection of three interconnected buildings, featuring the museum for permanent exhibits, an annex for temporary exhibits and archives, and a 25,000 sq. ft building housing a restaurant, retail, and special events space. Designed to align with the typology of factory buildings, the museum has both indoor and outdoor components that create a new neighborhood within the city.

Like the museum and its exhibits, the Motor Bar & Restaurant serves up the best of American culture. Its menu takes guests on a culinary road trip with great American classics such as Booyah Stew, Louisiana style jambalaya and Wisconsin Fish Fry. With large windows surrounding the bar and restaurant, Motor is a seamless balance of industry and refinement. Constructed from simple, functional materials such as steel, glass and brick, the community-focused design offers impressive views of the City and river.

To ensure guests take advantage of the views and the expansive greenery, there is a 10,000 sq. ft. outdoor patio complete with fire pits and lounge furniture. On the southeast end of the patio is a space that not only provides warmth from the fire-pits but offers robust rain and sun protection. This outdoor dining and lounge area is covered with eight 10’x10’ ShadeFX retractable canopies. To maintain a cohesive look with the brand, six of the canopies were installed with Sunbrella Charcoal Grey fabric, while the two units on opposite corners were outfitted with a Harley-Davidson-esque Sunbrella Rust fabric.

Come for a tour. ‘Refuel’ with some food. Indulge in the view. The Motor Bar & Restaurant has the perfect recipe for riverfront dining with its Midwest camaraderie, versatile shade and a healthy serving of Harley-Davidson attitude.

Make the most out of your outdoor patio. Find out how.