Independent Video Stores Near Milwaukee's East Side

Looking for an independent alternative to big name video stores near Milwaukee’s East Side? Even though Blockbuster has banished late fees, wouldn’t you rather see your $4 video rental support a local proprietor? And even though Netflix is a convenient way to receive movies at home with advance planning, what happens when you are feeling more spontaneous? Dare I say it, but what if you want a video from the, uh, “back room”? Or something downright obscure? Whatever your want to watch, sometimes an independent video store can outdo its chain counterparts. Check out these two Milwaukee businesses, one on the East Side and the other in nearby Riverwest.

Video Adventures
1418 E. Brady Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
414-272-6768
Accessible from MCTS Bus Routes 15 and 30

Located in a Brady Street shopping center that is busy day and night, Video Adventures is a hub for East Side movie rentals. I’d be hard-pressed to think of a better place for a video store than at the busy intersection of Brady, Farwell, and Cambridge – right next to a 24-hour Walgreens. This cherry of a spot in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood means that this video store attracts all kinds of people. Although there were once two large rooms as well as an upstairs “adult” area, the non-naughty section has been condensed into one room, and the upstairs porn palace remains intact. The space is tighter, but the selection is still fairly broad.

From old classics to new releases, Video Adventures has all the trappings of an independent video store, including the sun-faded VHS tape covers and a slightly odd though very friendly staff. Recognizing that it’s located in a gay-friendly neighborhood, the store maintains an “alternative lifestyle” section with recently released gay-themed movies. In further keeping with the East Side clientele, there is a decent selection of Sundance-style foreign movies. A display of films that have won Best Picture Oscars is also a good place to head when you’re running out of other ideas and wanting a sure thing.