Welcome to the Milwaukee Alano Club

We are a nonprofit recovery organization dedicated to carrying the message of experience, strength, and hope to those seeking freedom from alcohol and drug addiction. Our purpose is to provide a safe and welcoming space where people in recovery can meet, hold self-help and educational groups, and enjoy fellowship.

The Milwaukee Alano Club hosts over 40 recovery meetings each week. To find one that fits your schedule, visit the Meeting Schedule tab.

A Community with Deep Roots

Affectionately known as the East Side Alano (ESA) or the MKE Alano Club, we’ve served the Milwaukee recovery community for over 75 years. Located near the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan, our doors are open 365 days a year, welcoming thousands of individuals throughout the years.

In addition to daily meetings, we offer a café with snacks and beverages, and we regularly host sober events and social activities. Past events have included:

• Dances

• Spades tournaments

• Arts & Crafts nights

• Yoga

• Packer parties

• Holiday dinners

• Summer cookouts

• Recovery walks

• Volleyball & baseball teams

• And many events hosted by other groups in the recovery community from across the state

For upcoming events or to see what we've done in the past, check out the Events tab.

How We Keep the Doors Open

Meeting rent covers only a small portion of our costs. The Club continues to thrive because of the generosity of volunteers, counter sales, fundraising events, grants, and donations from people like you. If you’re interested in becoming a member or supporting the Club, please visit the Take Action tab.

Whether You’re New or Returning – You Are Welcome Here

We offer a variety of resources for both newcomers and those with long-term recovery. Every day, we witness the miracles of recovery—people changing their lives, supporting one another, and finding joy in sobriety.

We invite you to join us. Come in, connect, and experience the fellowship we’ve come to love and cherish.

Want to Make a Difference?

The Milwaukee Alano Club runs on the power of volunteers to stay open and active. Whether it’s helping behind the counter, setting up for events, or just lending a hand, we’d love your support.

Talk to the club manager or stop by the counter to learn how you can help.

📧 mkealanoclubmanager@gmail.com

No, they are not the same.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people dedicated to recovering from alcoholism. Alano Clubs were originally founded throughout the country in order to give AA groups a more permanent place to meet. These are two separate organizations; today Alano Clubs support AA meetings and many other addiction & recovery-focused groups.

Our Relationship to AA and Other 12-Step Groups

The Milwaukee Alano Club is an independent, outside organization, not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon, or any other 12-step program. Each meeting held here is an autonomous group that rents space from the Club. While we provide the meeting space, we do not operate or direct the meetings themselves.

Here is a link that helps explain it straight from A.A. Guidelines
https://www.aa.org/sites/default/files/literature/MG-3A_0322.pdf