Milwaukee has changed a lot over the years, but for those of us who grew up here or lived through the city’s golden eras, there are some places that left a lasting mark. Whether they were malls, restaurants, or local hangouts, these spots helped shape the soul of the city. Here are 10 places in Milwaukee that might be gone, but will never be forgotten.
1. Northridge Mall
Once the place to shop, hang out, and grab a bite at the food court, Northridge was a North Side staple. From Sears to T.J. Maxx to the iconic fountain, this mall was the weekend spot for teens and families in the ’80s and ’90s.
2. Capitol Court Mall
Before Northridge, there was Capitol Court. Built in the 1950s, it was Milwaukee’s first major suburban-style shopping center. With stores like Boston Store and Woolworth’s, it was more than a mall—it was a community hub.
3. The Grand Avenue Mall
Once the pride of downtown Milwaukee, The Grand Avenue Mall was sleek and packed with stores, food options, and plenty of foot traffic. The rotunda, the skywalks, and the old food court were unforgettable.
4. Old Country Buffet
I used to love going to this buffet also, Yummy to the tummy. Don’t go on a Sunday after church!! Good luck finding a seat! lol. I always went to the one in Brown Deer and on South 76th St. by Southridge.
5. Twin 41- Drive-in theater
The 41 Twin Outdoor Theater in Franklin opened in 1948 and closed in 2001.
6. Captain’s Steak Joint
A chain with Milwaukee roots, Captain’s was the place for affordable steaks, pirate-themed vibes, and family dinners. You either remember the little ship menus or you missed out!
7. Scanda House on Fond du Lac Ave
This was the place to be when you wanted some good food. It was the BEST buffet in town. Located on Fond du Lac across from JL MARCUS. I sure do miss this place!
8. The Bookmobile
As kids we used to love to see this mobile library pull up. It was the highlight of my childhood years.lol
9. Milwaukee Mall
The mall features 11 businesses, most of which are clothing stores. There are three for men, two for women and one for kids – all of which stock similar clothing: shoes, jerseys, hoodies, pants and caps. I used to go there and shop all the time and get my nails done. I miss that joint! The Milwaukee Mall has signage reading “discount mall,” which it is. Shirts go for $9.99; a lot of the jeans cost $14.99, some even less.
10. Southgate Mall
South Side love! Southgate Mall was a smaller mall but packed with charm and busy shops. The old movie theater, Walgreens, and restaurants made it a go-to before it was redeveloped.
Milwaukee may change, but the memories of these places live on. These weren’t just businesses—they were part of people’s lives, where friendships were made, and stories were written.
Which place do YOU miss the most in Milwaukee? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep the memories alive!
The original Southridge mall on 76th off of Grange. The Orange Bowl for a slice of cheese pizza, Buddy Squirrels Nut Shop, the art gallery, Sears on one end, Gimbals on the other end, with Boston Store and Penney’s in the middle. And don’t forget Farrels Ice Cream.
My buddies and I, or me and my GF, would take a couple of laps around Southridge and we would always meet people we knew. It was always fun, a way to be cool, a way to find people and hang out, and a way to chill. Some of my best memories were hanging with friends at Southridge.