Where is Kochanski's Concertina Beer Hall?
Kochanski's is at 1920 S. 37th St., Milwaukee, WI 53215, in the Burnham Park neighborhood. Call 414-837-6552 for venue questions.
Contact and directions ↗About the room
A Southside Milwaukee original with a long memory for music.
Kochanski's is located in Milwaukee's Southside neighborhood, Burnham Park. In the early 1900s, the building served agricultural workers from the celery fields around it, later housed union activity, and then evolved into the Concertina Bar that generations of Milwaukee musicians and regulars came to know.
Today, the room still carries that neighborhood history, but it operates as more than a polka bar. It is one of Milwaukee's most beloved music venues, welcoming local, national, and international acts alongside the traditions that built the place.
Welcome to Kochanski's
Angie & Andy Welcome You
Historic timeline
How the room carried its identity forward.
Early 1900s
Built for the neighborhood
The building served workers tied to the celery fields and working-class life around Burnham Park.
Mid-century
A union-era gathering place
As the neighborhood changed, the room became a place for meetings, regulars, and local social life.
Concertina years
Music took over the room
Kochanski's became known as the Concertina Bar, rooted in polka, live bands, and Milwaukee tradition.
Today
Still historic, still active
The bar now carries that same character forward as a live music venue, beer hall, and outdoor gathering spot.
Beer garden timeline
A visible look at how the outdoor space kept evolving.
These dated views show how the outside of Kochanski's changed over time, helping tell the story of how the beer garden became a stronger part of the venue's identity.
2009
2011
2014
2025
Historic
A venue rooted in Burnham Park history and still recognizable as old-school Milwaukee.
Musical
Open polka jam every Wednesday night, plus room for original music and genre-spanning live shows.
Distinct
The biggest selection of Polish beers in Milwaukee and a venue identity people remember after one visit.
Bring your fans to the Concertina!
Use the booking pages to plan a band night, private event, or outdoor gathering that fits the room instead of forcing it into a generic venue template.
Plan your visit
A few good things to know.
When is Tuesday Night Jazz, and is there a cover charge?
Tuesday Night Jazz normally runs from 6:30 to 8:30 PM every Tuesday, with a rotating lineup of live jazz bands and no cover charge. Check the live calendar for exceptions and the latest lineup.
Tuesday Jazz details ↗When is the Wednesday Polka Open Jam?
Polka Open Jam normally starts at 6 PM every Wednesday. Musicians of all skill levels are welcome to join, and guests can come to listen. Check the live calendar for schedule changes.
Wednesday Polka details ↗How do I book a band, party, or private event?
Use Band/Event Booking for all bands and public events, and for private events in the next 12 months. For a private wedding, party, or celebration more than 12 months away, use the distant-event inquiry form on the About page. Requests require venue approval.
Request a band or event date ↗Does Kochanski's have an outdoor beer garden and event space?
Yes. Kochanski's has an outdoor beer garden, an elevated outdoor stage, and flexible gathering space for live music, weddings, parties, and community events. Confirm availability, tent arrangements, and the setup directly with the venue.
Explore the outdoor space ↗Where can I check opening hours and upcoming shows?
The live calendar shows confirmed public events, opening hours, and closed dates. Hours and schedules can change, so check the calendar before visiting. Event times are local Milwaukee time.
Check the live calendar ↗When will Polish Pile Up return?
Polish Pile Up is planned to return in summer 2027. The exact dates and lineup have not been announced. Check the Polish Pile Up page for updates and contact the venue if you want to take part.
Polish Pile Up updates ↗Contact
Let’s plan your distant event.
Planning a private wedding, party, vow renewal, or celebration more than 12 months away? Tell Andy what you have in mind here, even if the date is not decided. All bands and public events, plus any event in the next 12 months, should use the Band/Event Booking tab.
1920 S. 37th St
Milwaukee, WI 53215
414-837-6552
info@kochanskisconcertina.com