Until recently, the Historic Third Ward, one of Milwaukee's oldest neighborhoods, didn't have many bars to whet your whistle.

But that's changing quickly. Here is a guide to getting a drink in the Third Ward. Beware, many of the places described are among the best restaurants in town, and the scents wafting from the kitchen may convince you to do more than just drink.

Broadway Theatre Center
158 N. Broadway
(414) 291-7800
With three theatres hopping with action almost every night of the week, the bar in the Broadway Theatre Center is a lively gathering place for patrons, actors and production people before and after performances. A warm atmosphere and a full range of drink options.

Cafe La Scala
631 E. Chicago St.
(414) 223-2800
italianconference.com
Located at the Italian Community Center just west of Henry Maier Festival Park, Cafe La Scala also has a full bar, and in the summer you can sit outside and enjoy a beverage.

Centanni
219 N. Water St.
(414) 221-6565
centannipianobar.com
This classy, dimly-lit piano bar features live music most nights -- except Monday when it's closed -- and an interesting list of wines available by the glass and bottle. A special focus on Italian wines means a good rosso di Montalcino and some delicious whites, too. Grappa, mixed drinks and beer are also available and although they don't serve food, Onyx -- across the street -- is happy to carry some food over for you.

Coquette Café
316 N. Milwaukee St., (414) 291-2655
coquettecafe.com
Milwaukee's world-class chef Sandy D'Amato and his wife have brought upscale, yet casual, dining to downtown! But they've also set up one of the best bars in the neighborhood. Enjoy a martini or wine with your meal or sit at the bar and chat over a cocktail.

Milwaukee Ale House
233 N. Water St.
(414) 226-2336
ale-house.com
Milwaukee Ale House, an all malt brewery and restaurant, is located in the heart of the Historic Third Ward on the Riverwalk. Six fresh ales are brewed on the premises, and lunch and dinner are served in the turn-of-the-century beer hall atmosphere. The double-decker beer garden on the Milwaukee River and live music make the Ale House a favorite destination.

MJ's on Milwaukee
332 N. Milwaukee St.
(414) 232-7699
MJ's declares that it's the Third Ward's neighborhood tavern. Expect interesting company and fun along with drinks.

Nanakusa
408 E. Chicago St.
(414) 223-3200
If you prefer Sake, check this Japanese eatery. A great selection of wines is also on hand at one of the best-designed bars (and restaurants) in the city.

Palms Bistro
221 N. Broadway
(414) 298-3000
Think of it like safari meets the Third Ward. This upscale monkey-themed restaurant and bar serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and pastas for lunch and dinner, as well as late nights. It also has an extensive specialty drink menu, including monkey-themed cocktails like "Gorillas in the Mist" and the "Monkey Java."

Rip Tide Seafood Bar & Grill
649 E. Erie St.
(414) 271-8433
getriptide.com
Milwaukee has its own seafood shack with Rip Tide. Plenty of the sea-dwelling creatures for eats along with a few choices for those patrons that are "landlocked." Have a cocktail or two with your dinner as well.

Third Ward Caffe
225 E. St. Paul Ave.
(414) 224-0895
A great Italian restaurant, Third Ward Caffe also has a small bar with just a few stools, upon which you can perch yourself to enjoy a wide range of Italian wines and other standard bar fare. Dip into an appetizer or feast on dinner, while you're at it.

The Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway
(414) 223-0345
thewickedhop.com
The Wicked Hop offers dozens of wines, a handful of beers on tap and a full bar.

If we've left out your favorite Third Ward watering hole, use the Talkback feature below to share it.