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# Cooler By The Lake – Restaurant at Milwaukee Airport, Dining, Bar, Breakfast, American Cuisine
Cooler By The Lake is a restaurant and bar located inside General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, WI, specifically on Concourse E. This establishment serves as the only sit-down dining option past the TSA security checkpoint, making it a crucial stop for travelers seeking a meal or drink before their flights. Known for its American cuisine, Cooler By The Lake offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, though reviews often highlight the inconsistency in food quality and service. Despite its challenges, the restaurant remains a vital part of the airport's dining scene, providing a place for travelers to relax and refuel.

## History
### The story of Cooler By The Lake
Cooler By The Lake was established to provide travelers at General Mitchell International Airport with a convenient dining option that combines comfort and accessibility. The vision behind the restaurant was to create a welcoming atmosphere where passengers could enjoy a meal or drink while waiting for their flights. This vision has persisted, even as the restaurant navigates the challenges of operating within an airport environment.

### Milestones and growth
- Opening of Cooler By The Lake as the sole sit-down restaurant in Concourse E.
- Introduction of a diverse menu featuring breakfast and lunch options.
- Adaptation to the unique demands of airport dining, including high prices and limited space.
- Ongoing efforts to improve food quality and customer service based on patron feedback.

### Cultural and local influence
Cooler By The Lake reflects the culinary culture of Milwaukee, incorporating local flavors and ingredients into its menu. The restaurant serves as a representation of Wisconsin's hearty cuisine, with items like bratwurst and burgers that resonate with local tastes. This connection to the community is essential, as it allows travelers to experience a taste of Milwaukee even while on the go.

### Continuing the tradition
As Cooler By The Lake continues to operate, it strives to uphold its founding vision by offering a consistent dining experience for travelers. The restaurant aims to improve its offerings and service based on customer feedback, ensuring that it remains a relevant and enjoyable option for those passing through the airport. The commitment to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere is central to its ongoing operations.

## Community
### Community involvement
Cooler By The Lake plays a role in the airport community by providing a gathering place for travelers and airport staff alike. The restaurant's location within General Mitchell International Airport makes it a convenient stop for those in transit, fostering a sense of community among frequent flyers and airport employees. The establishment also engages with local suppliers to source ingredients, further strengthening its ties to the Milwaukee area.

### Community notion about the place
Reviews indicate a mixed perception of Cooler By The Lake among the community. While some appreciate the convenience and the friendly atmosphere, others express disappointment with the food quality and service. This dichotomy reflects the challenges of operating in an airport setting, where expectations can vary widely based on individual experiences. Overall, the restaurant is seen as a necessary option for travelers, albeit with room for improvement.

### Events and gatherings
Due to its location in an airport, Cooler By The Lake does not host traditional community events or gatherings. However, it serves as a casual meeting point for travelers looking to relax before their flights. The restaurant's bar area provides a space for patrons to unwind, making it a popular choice for those with time to spare before boarding.

## Offerings
### What Cooler By The Lake offers
Cooler By The Lake offers a menu that features a variety of American cuisine options, focusing primarily on breakfast and lunch items. The restaurant aims to cater to the needs of travelers by providing quick and satisfying meals, although the quality and consistency of the food can vary. The bar also serves a selection of alcoholic beverages, making it a suitable spot for those looking to unwind before their journey.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Cooler By The Lake is characterized by its casual atmosphere and airport setting. While the menu includes items such as breakfast burritos, burgers, and salads, reviews often highlight inconsistencies in food preparation and taste. Some patrons have reported enjoying their meals, while others have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality, particularly regarding overcooked or bland dishes. The service can also be hit or miss, with some guests noting slow or inattentive staff.

### Events and packages
Cooler By The Lake does not offer specific events or packages, as its primary focus is on providing food and drink to travelers. However, the restaurant's bar area can accommodate small gatherings of patrons looking to relax before their flights. The lack of extensive event offerings is typical for airport dining establishments, which prioritize quick service and convenience over elaborate experiences.

### Facilities and features
- Bar area with seating
- Limited electrical outlets available under the bar counter
- Casual dining atmosphere
- Menu featuring American cuisine
- Location within General Mitchell International Airport

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Reviews of Cooler By The Lake reveal a range of experiences, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. While some patrons appreciate the convenience of having a sit-down restaurant in the airport, others express frustration with the food quality and service. The mixed feedback underscores the challenges of maintaining consistency in an airport dining environment.

### Compliments and strengths
Many reviews commend Cooler By The Lake for its friendly staff and the convenience it offers to travelers. The restaurant's location within Concourse E is a significant advantage, as it provides the only sit-down dining option in that area. Additionally, some patrons have enjoyed specific menu items, noting that the bar serves decent drinks and that the atmosphere is generally pleasant for a quick meal.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Contrasting opinions emerge regarding the food quality, with some guests reporting excellent experiences while others describe their meals as subpar. Issues such as overcooked food, slow service, and high prices are frequently mentioned in reviews. The inconsistency in customer service also stands out, with some staff members receiving praise for their friendliness, while others have been criticized for lack of attentiveness.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Cooler By The Lake serves as a necessary dining option for travelers at General Mitchell International Airport. While it offers convenience and a casual atmosphere, the restaurant faces challenges in delivering consistent food quality and service. As it continues to adapt to the needs of its patrons, there is potential for improvement in both areas.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Cooler By The Lake is located at 5300 S Howell Ave, Concourse E, Milwaukee, WI 53207. Situated within General Mitchell International Airport, it is easily accessible for travelers passing through the airport. The surrounding area is primarily focused on airport operations, with limited dining options available outside of the restaurant. The location provides a convenient stop for those looking to grab a meal or drink before their flights, making it a vital part of the airport experience.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Cooler By The Lake serve** Cooler By The Lake serves American cuisine, focusing on breakfast and lunch items.  
**Is Cooler By The Lake the only sit-down restaurant in the airport** Yes, it is the only sit-down dining option in Concourse E at General Mitchell International Airport.  
**Are there vegetarian options available** The menu includes some vegetarian options, but choices may be limited.  
**What are the hours of operation** Operating hours may vary, so it's best to check ahead before your visit.  
**Can I order drinks at Cooler By The Lake** Yes, the restaurant has a bar that serves a selection of alcoholic beverages.  

## Visit Cooler By The Lake Today
Cooler By The Lake offers travelers a unique dining experience within General Mitchell International Airport. With its focus on American cuisine and a casual atmosphere, it provides a convenient option for those in need of a meal or drink before their flight. While reviews indicate room for improvement in food quality and service, the restaurant remains a vital part of the airport's offerings. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast or a place to unwind with a drink, Cooler By The Lake is worth a visit during your time at the airport.

229acbc0-1204-4480-8b54-16ef83f9f4cc

My morning started very early today, as I am making my way home back to the 808! Upon getting back to the Milwaukee airport this morning at around 6 AM, I was sooooooooo haaaangry!!!! I had to find something to soak up all that beer I drank, from last night at the Crawfish Junction, and Bismarck Main Street Bar & Grill. If there was one thing I've learned from all my years of traveling all over the U.S. for work..........is to never go hungry while on the road, because you will never know when you're next meal will be, if things don't go smoothly (for some reason) on your trip. Upon leaving Watertown this morning at 5 AM, I get back to Milwaukee at a little after 6 AM. First thing I do after checking in for my flight is to look for a place to eat. Upon walking around the airport, I find this place called - "Cooler by the Lake". It's an airport bar/restaurant.......and you know how airport food is, just average to below average. And of course, the food is expensive! But what cha' gonna do.........the airport vendors have to pay very high taxes, therefore the prices are passed onto the consumer. Upon getting seated, I ordered a ham & egg burrito. The burrito was topped with some kind of salsa & cheese inside of the burrito, and it came with some potato wedges on the side. I also ordered a cup of coffee, as I just need my cup of joe in the morning. What can I say about the grub........well, I knew what I was gonna get, so there were no expectations about the food. Overall the food was just average, to below average........service was a bit slow, but I wasn't in a rush, as I had plenty time in the airport. I do admit the coffee was excellent! Who doesn't like a good cup of coffee in the morning?

100623a6-79ab-438d-8ab9-549e8c128b11

Cooler By The Lake is a restaurant and bar - located inside of General Mitchell International Airport - on Concourse E - past the TSA security checkpoint. This is the ONLY place to sit down and eat, drink, and get coffee - past the TSA security checkpoint (there is also one convenience store to buy bottled water, sodas, snacks, etc.). I decided to try them out - rather than exit the Concourse back into the Main Terminal. I sat at the bar and I ordered their breakfast burrito: eggs, Brats, and cheese - and a side of bacon. The order comes with their breakfast potatoes. I took a couple of bites of the burrito and then dosed it with Cholulu sauce. I then disassembled the burrito so that I could get rid of some of the carbs (the flour tortilla). I tasted the the breakfast potatoes - they were bland and overcooked - and they desperately needed seasoning. So I set those aside and did not eat them. As far as the rest of the food goes - the contents of the Burrito were tasty, as was the bacon. Service was good.

fa8be6a3-a4be-4bde-8a93-43b37de16eca

So I get to this place. It's the only sit down...well, only food place inside Concourse E. There is a small Starbucks kiosk run by this place but it only serves grab and go stuff. The place had one patron when I got there. There is a bar with high back stools at the bar counter and tables spread out throughout the restaurant. Electrical outlets were only available under the bar counter and there are no electrical outlets at the sit-down tables. I roamed around and the older gentleman tending the bar and restaurant was at the bar. He never made eye contact with me and I had to walk up to the bar and ask him if they were open for breakfast. He just said, "yes," and proceeded onto his business. I sat down at a table and he never came up to me. I grabbed a menu off the bar counter and then flagged him down to order. I ordered the classic breakfast with eggs over easy, bratwurst, breakfast potatoes, and white toast. He wasn't very friendly. Maybe he was having a bad morning. Well, the food finally came and it was awful. I could have nuked Foods and made it taste better. The eggs were burnt and dry. The potatoes were burnt, cold, and chewy. The bratwurst was the only thing that was really edible but that's not saying much. Because it was just edible and not tasty. Can a restaurant really mess up on two eggs over easy? The waiter never brought me toast, condiments, or jam. So I forced myself to at least eat the eggs and the bratwurst but there was no way I would touch the potatoes. One piece eaten was enough to tell me to fugghedaboutit. It took me 10 minutes to finish what I did but the waiter never brought me the toast. I finally got him to notice me and told him that I never got my toast and please bring me the check. He responded with "ok" and just walked away. He sure as heck brought my check in short order. I waited another 10 minutes after he swiped my credit card and brought back my copies to sign but I never got my darn toast. During this breakfast ordeal, several more patrons sat down. There was a poor lady who was there 10 minutes before she just walked up and grabbed a menu. She was shaking her head the whole time. There was one other bus boy (maybe waiter) but I never saw him take an order. There was a girl that sat at the bar and he just proceeded to flirt with her. I just gathered my stuff and walked to my gate without getting my toast. What an absolutely awful experience. Stick a fork in me. I'm done. This is definitely a training opportunity. I won't mention any names. Hopefully he was just having a bad day or you'll get more disgruntled patrons. Customer service here seems to not be a priority. The food was awful too.

dde2d0ed-4b0b-4f17-a01b-cf039b27d348

There aren't many options out of the concourse that serves United. That being said, this is your average 90 style airport restaurant. The food was decent, but the customer service was excellent. I had the brat and mac and cheese. It was good, a little heavy but this is Wisconsin. Nice people, decent food.

59a18068-60b1-409e-b3ba-d44fb42d8169

more like 1.5/5 stars. Stay far away from this place. Make sure you get food at the other restaurants before getting stuck here. I think this is the only food place in and around the delta gate. I am seriously dissapointed that this was the only place to eat around delta. =/ prices are a bit higher than the other restaurants but i guess they are allowed to charge whatever they want since its a monopoly here. I ended up getting the Wisconsin burger. I did not like it at all. The bun was hard and dry. The patty was not not juicy. Also i have a strong inclination that the veggies were not fresh.... everything was 2 thumbs down about this place... The chips also tasted stale. the service was horrible... but granted it was only 1 person working... i kinda understand. it took forever to place the order and it took another forever to get the check. meh. so why give it a 2 stars and not 1? well, the food was at least edible.... lol

e7058b44-1785-4ffa-9cd1-a83e0a21405e

Although there are virtually no other places to sit down and have a bite to eat and drink once you pass through concourse E security, this is a great little place. Friendly staff, great food and drink selection. Close to gates and restrooms.

a6e1bdd9-9b20-406c-93cd-e10916d1775e

For the category of airport food, this joint is on the better side. The food is adequately executed but undifferentiated. Service is acceptable. Prices are high but not outrageous for airport food. I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here, but if you are waiting for a plane in the terminal and hungry, this place will get the job done.

6c8b18f2-ab4a-4e7a-89fb-1cb234440e6f

General Mitchell is slowly, but surely, upping its game... much like Milwaukee on the whole. That said, Cooler by Lake is not game changer nor is it a game upper. It's a relatively sorry filler in Concourse E, a terminal that's not exactly replete w/ food + bev options. I only ever rock to-go options from here in the form of water, healthy-ish snacks/prepped stuff like sandwiches, but seriously. Options on the menu lack, and even the to-go selection is lackluster. Other concourses rock stellar pizza, great coffee, and lots more in the way of worth it. If you're flying out of E at General Mitchell, snag something before your TSA rubdown. Trust.

d73e97eb-fda0-45f2-8fec-2cb760ff219b

Stopped in for a quick lunch before catching a flight out - it's kind of sad that this is the only sit down place in Terminal E that serves warm food and alcoholic beverages. The only reason I'm giving it two stars is due to the atmosphere - it was quiet and I could relax. The food and service left much to be desired. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad and the chicken was inedible. It was the most rubbery half cooked chicken I have ever eaten...not sure how a chef worth his/her salt could let that leave their kitchen. So, I ate a bunch of kale with dressing and bland croutons. The bartender who served me looked like he would rather be anywhere else. Pretty much zero interaction with any of the patrons at the bar.

482a2be2-68dc-406f-a0a4-724e1ee521ee

Very high prices even for airport and the food wasn't worth half the price.

Discover Cooler By The Lake in Milwaukee, WI—enjoy delicious dining with scenic lake views. Visit us today for a memorable culinary experience.

Cooler By The Lake: Scenic Dining in Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee County

Cooler By The Lake

Wisconsin

Explore the full menu at Cooler By The Lake in Milwaukee. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 5300 S Howell Ave, Concourse E.

Cooler By The Lake Menu – Food & Drinks in Milwaukee

Discover Cooler By The Lake in Milwaukee, a vibrant spot offering delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere at 5300 S Howell Ave, Concourse E.

About Cooler By The Lake, Milwaukee

Opening hours for Cooler By The Lake, Milwaukee. Find opening hours for Cooler By The Lake, Milwaukee on 5300 S Howell Ave, Concourse E.

Cooler By The Lake Menu Overview

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