Tiki bar tavern meets crab shack at Barnacle Bud’s, an off-the-beaten-path seafood restaurant along the Kinnickinnic River, delighting guests since 1992. With relaxed vibes and a playful nautical atmosphere, this beloved waterfront stop is a favorite for date nights, dinner with colleagues, or a casual family gathering. Seating includes a small 25-seat indoor space and two large patios that can seat up to 100.
Key West Vibes and Drinks
Barnacle Bud’s is open seasonally from March through mid-October. Arrive by boat along the river or trust the car’s GPS to wind down the back industrial areas of Bayview (don’t let the lack of signage deter; we promise it’s there!). Take in views of the city skyline, enjoy the whimsical collection of maritime decor, and let the worries float away while watching leisure boats and larger freight ships float on by.
Tropical drinks are abundant including fun concoctions like the Pirate Punch, Dumpster Punch, or the Painkiller with coconut rum, pineapple, coconut syrup, and orange dusted with nutmeg. Not too sweet, and just the right “punch.” The weekend features the popular build-your-own Bloody Mary bar for $13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s also a wide selection of wines, craft and domestic beer, and soda. Non-alcoholic cocktails are also available. Plus, one dollar in sales from each of Barnacle Bud’s Bay View Blue drink benefits the local Bay View Food Pantry.
Fresh Seafood is the Star at Barnacle Bud’s
Whether it’s steamed mussels on a colder Wisconsin day or grilled shrimp tacos with crunchy coleslaw with a sunset view along the water, there’s no shortage of fresh, high-quality seafood options at Barnacle Bud’s. Bud’s serves fresh raw oysters on the half-shell daily, including a $2 each special on Tuesdays. Its traditional fish fry comes with the option of pollach, grouper, perch, or coconut shrimp and is found on the menu seven days a week. Guests can enjoy Mussel Madness specials on Wednesday.
Special sandwiches include the seafood roll made from shrimp and snow crab salad on a warm garlic sub roll, the smoked fish BLT with thick-cut bacon, or the hearty po-boy with either grouper or shrimp. The grouper Reuben is what really put them on the map years ago. Made with lightly fried fish with cole slaw and Swiss cheese on toasted rye, this is a fan favorite. Enjoy Barnacle Bud’s take on surf and turf with a smoked pork chop and grilled shrimp, served with veggies. For a heavy appetizer, guests cannot go wrong with the crab cakes drizzled with spicy mayo on a light bed of arugula (also great as a lighter main dish).
Menu Variety for All Taste “Buds”
Non-seafood eaters can enjoy staples like the build-your-own sandwich option including chicken and an Angus burger with all the fixins’. Lighter dinner entrees include the Dam Nice Salad with options to include chicken, a smoked pork chop, and, of course, seafood like tuna, shrimp, or grouper. The Kinnickinnic Chicken gives a kick, grilled with creole spice and topped with pepperjack cheese. Go big with the Home Wrecker Big Dog with onion and relish. Tiki time wouldn’t be complete without a slice of creamy key lime pie.
Winter Supper Clubbin’
During Barnacle Bud’s off season, the inside area takes on another persona: Gene’s Supper Club on the River. Named after co-founder Gene McKiernan, the supper club is offered from October through February by reservation only, and it’s very limited. “It’s like grandma having a dinner party at home,” says Chris Hamilton, general manager. Guests can expect typical Wisconsin supper club fare classic like the relish tray loaded with snack goodies like cheese, crackers, sausage, and veggies, or mains dishes including lamb chops and steaks. Of course, the menu features traditional ice cream drinks such as the Grasshopper, or start the night out with a Brady Old Fashioned…