Nine Below | Build-Your-Own Mini Golf Bar - A Unique Putt Experience

A Putt Above the Rest: What Makes Nine Below Different

Nine Below, Milwaukee’s unique “Build-Your-Own Mini Golf Bar,” isn’t your grandfather’s windmill-and-fuzzy-hazard course. Located in the Lower East Side at 1905 E North Ave, this establishment offers a refreshingly inventive take on a classic pastime. Forget simply playing mini golf; here, you design it. The core concept revolves around groups – be it a Friday night duo, a family outing, or a corporate team-building event – creating their own hole using a vast array of props.

This isn’t a passive experience. Patrons actively engage with their creativity, and, as reviews repeatedly highlight, the results are often hilarious. The business intentionally fosters a playful and engaging atmosphere, which extends beyond the construction phase. After building, groups then test out each other’s creations, adding a layer of friendly competition and guaranteed laughs.

Nine Below boasts a strong commitment to inclusivity as well. It proudly identifies as women-owned and is explicitly LGBTQ+ and Transgender friendly & a Transgender safespace. Accessibility is also a clear priority, with wheelchair accessible entrances and restrooms available.

Here’s a quick rundown of what patrons can expect:

• The Build: Approximately 30 minutes are allotted to construct a single hole.
• The Props: A wide assortment of materials are provided, allowing for truly imaginative designs. While some desire more ramps, ingenuity prevails – users are finding creative ways to build their own!
• The Play: Once all the holes are built (up to 18 parties can participate!), everyone gets to play through the course.
• The Vibe: Think lively bar atmosphere combined with a creative workshop.

Staff Shines: Exceptional Service is a Recurring Theme

One thing consistently stands out from the numerous positive reviews: the exceptional quality of the staff. Hosts consistently receive praise for being accommodating, friendly, and helpful. Several reviewers specifically name-dropped team members: Sawyer, Nick, and Rachel; Jalen, Ducky, and Marlee; Makaylah and Rachel (again!); Kiu and Cody; Kim and Cisco; and Mel & Nick, showing consistently great service.

But it’s not just politeness; the staff excels at guiding the creative process and enhancing the overall experience. Reviewers mention clear instructions, good jokes, quick drinks on the turn, and hilarious suggestions from the hosts. One review specifically stated a team’s hosts made them feel “special” during a birthday celebration and deserved a raise – a powerful testament to their impact.

This level of engagement separates Nine Below from a typical entertainment venue. The staff isn’t merely serving drinks; they’re actively contributing to a memorable and fun experience for every guest. They understand how to guide novices, encourage creativity, and keep the energy high, resulting in a particularly positive interaction.

Practicalities: Planning Your Visit to Nine Below

Planning a visit to Nine Below is fairly straightforward, yet a few things should be considered to maximize enjoyment. The venue is open only on Fridays (7:30 PM – 10 PM), making it a prime weekend destination. It's currently closed Monday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, as evidenced by a team that enjoyed a private booking.

Parking isn’t a concern, offering multiple options: free parking lots, free street parking, on-site parking, and both paid parking garages and street parking. However, arriving early on Friday at 7:30 PM is suggested as course setup begins promptly at 8:00 PM.

Beyond the mini golf, Nine Below functions as a bar. It offers a great range of drink and snack options but isn't a full-service restaurant, so don’t expect a complete meal.

Here's a summary of important details:

Beyond the Fun: Recurring Themes and Overall Impression

The overwhelming sentiment surrounding Nine Below is one of surprised delight. Many reviewers express that it completely changed their perception of mini golf, converting “haters” into “obsessed” fans. The unique concept of building your own hole is consistently described as “fantastic," “super unique,” and an “unexpected fun adventure”.

A recurring theme is its suitability for various groups. It’s described as family-friendly, perfect for team-building events, and ideal for date nights. The social aspect is particularly emphasized; the emphasis on collaboration and friendly competition fosters a lively and engaging atmosphere. The haunted mini golf event also added an interesting twist during one visit.

While there's always room for improvement (a few mentioning a desire for more ramp options), the consistently high rating of 4.600000 speaks volumes. Nine Below isn't just a mini golf course; it’s a complete entertainment experience, brimming with creativity, laughter, and exceptional service. It offers something genuinely different in Milwaukee's entertainment landscape.