RESTAURANTS

A SELECT LIST OF MILWAUKEE’S BEST DINING ESTABLISHMENTS.

BY NEIGHBORHOOD

DOWNTOWN/THIRD WARD/CENTRAL Alem Ethiopian Village Amilinda Bacchus Bavette La Boucherie Buckley’s Restaurant and Bar Carnevor Coquette Café County Clare Dandan Restaurant Dream Dance Steak Elsa’s on the Park Harbor House Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub Jing’s Chinese Restaurant Karl Ratzsch Restaurant Mason Street Grill Merriment Social Milwaukee Art Museum’s Cafe Calatrava Milwaukee ChopHouse Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar Rumpus Room Third Coast Provisions Tre Rivali Zarletti

EAST SIDE/RIVERWEST/BREWERS HILL Ardent Balzac Wine Bar Beans & Barley Beerline Cafe Café Corazón Café at the Plaza Carini’s La Conca d’Oro Casablanca Middle Eastern Restaurant Centro Cafe Comet Cafe Easy Tyger Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant Good City Brewing Harry’s Bar & Grill Huan Xi Lake Park Bistro Pizza Man

Red Light Ramen by Ardent Rice ’n Roll Bistro SALA Sanford Restaurant Wolf Peach Zaffiro’s

N. CITY/N. SHORE Devon Seafood + Steak Harry’s Bar & Grill Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar Zarletti Mequon

SOUTH CITY (INCLUDES BAY VIEW) C-viche

Café Corazón El Salvador El Senorial Engine Company No. 3 Iron Grate BBQ Goodkind Guadalajara Restaurant Hello Falafel Honeypie Lazy Susan Movida Odd Duck Palomino Three Brothers Bar & Restaurant Triskele’s Vanguard Bar

S./S.W. SUBURBS Antigua, Latin Inspired Kitchen

Jackson Grill Kyoto Maria’s Pizza Pizza Man

WALKER’S POINT AP Bar and Kitchen Bodegón (Hotel Madrid) Braise Restaurant c.1880 Crazy Water La Merenda Meraki Morel

W. CITY/WAUWATOSA Blue’s Egg Eddie Martini’s India Garden Irie Zulu Kegel’s Inn Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe Maxie’s Pizza Man Ristorante Bartolotta Story Hill BKC Wy’east Pizza

OZAUKEE COUNTY Twisted Willow

WAUKESHA COUNTY Bass Bay Brewhouse Café Manna I.d. at the Delafield Hotel Jake’s Restaurant

Mr. B’s– A Bartolotta Steakhouse Tofte’s Table

BY CUISINE

AFRICAN Irie Zulu

AMERICAN Bass Bay Brewhouse Bavette La Boucherie Blue’s Egg Cafe at the Plaza Comet Cafe Company Brewing Elsa’s on the Park

Good City Brewing Goodkind Jackson Grill

Morel Palomino Rumpus Room Story Hill BKC

Triskele’s

AMERICAN NOUVEAU Ardent Bacchus

Balzac Wine Bar Bodegón (Hotel Madrid) Braise Restaurant Buckley’s Restaurant and Bar c. 1880

Crazy Water Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub Honeypie Lazy Susan Mason Street Grill Meraki

Merriment Social Milwaukee Art Museum’s Cafe Calatrava Sanford Restaurant Tofte’s Table Tre Rivali Twisted Willow Wolf Peach

BBQ Iron Grate BBQ Maxie’s

BREAKFAST Beans & Barley Blue’s Egg Café at the Plaza Engine Company No. 3

CAJUN/CREOLE Maxie’s

CHINESE Dandan Restaurant Huan Xi

Chinese Restaurant Peking House

ETHIOPIAN Alem Ethiopian Village Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant

FRENCH Coquette Café Lake Park Bistro Le Rêve Patisserie & Cafe Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar

GERMAN Karl Ratzsch Restaurant Kegel’s Inn INDIAN/PAKISTANI India Garden

IRISH/AMERICAN County Clare

ITALIAN Carini’s La Conca d’Oro Centro Cafe Ristorante Bartolotta SALA Zarletti Zarletti Mequon

JAMAICAN Irie Zulu JAPANESE Kyoto Red Light Ramen by Ardent Rice ’n Roll Bistro

LATIN Antigua, Latin Inspired Kitchen

MEXICAN Café Corazón El Senorial Guadalajara Restaurant

MIDDLE EASTERN Casablanca Middle Eastern Restaurant Hello Falafel

PERU C-viche PIZZA Maria’s Pizza Pizza Man Wy’east Pizza

Zaffiro’s

PUERTO RICAN Company Brewing

SALVADORAN El Salvador

SANDWICH Bavette La Boucherie

SAUSAGE Bavette La Boucherie Vanguard Bar SEAFOOD Devon Seafood + Steak Harbor House Maxie’s Third Coast Provisions

SERBIAN Three Brothers Bar & Restaurant

SPANISH/PORTUGUESE Amilinda

STEAK Carnevor Dream Dance Steak Eddie Martini’s Jake’s Restaurant Mason Street Grill Milwaukee ChopHouse Mr. B’s

TAPAS/SMALL PLATES AP Bar and Kitchen Balzac Wine Bar Easy Tyger I.d. at the Delafield Hotel La Merenda Movida Odd Duck

THAI Rice ’n Roll Bistro

VEGAN Beerline Cafe Café Manna

VEGETARIAN Beans & Barley Beerline Cafe Café Manna Comet Cafe

BY NAME

ALEM ETHIOPIAN VILLAGE

307 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-224-5324. Ethiopian Entrées are served on a wafer-thin, spongy pancake made of teff. Here, diners are encouraged to eat with their hands. The beef and lamb stews are especially good. L D ) $$

AMILINDA

315 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-369-3683. Spanish/

Portuguese The cuisine is inspired by chef/ co-owner Gregory León’s interest in the Iberian Peninsula. Menu changes often and might

include rabbit, pork, beef or fresh fish. D ) $$$

AP BAR AND KITCHEN

814 S. Second St., 414-672-6000. Tapas/Small

Plates Oenophiles open to experimenting with small, lesser-known wineries will find pours to their liking. The “shareable” menu changes frequently. D $$-$$$

ARDENT

1751 N. Farwell Ave., 414-897-7022. American

Nouveau Chef Justin Carlisle housed this impressive little creation in an unlikely, underground space. Simple ingredients from Wisco farms are transformed. A la carte and tasting menus. Lot parking available. D ) $$$

BACCHUS

925 E. Wells St., 414-765-1166. American Nouveau Square lines, leather booths and an elegant bar define this Cudahy Tower space, a sure bet for foie gras, Strauss veal and the porterhouse for two. Desserts (by pastry chef Allie Howard) are definitely worth a look. D l) $$$-$$$$

BALZAC WINE BAR

1716 N. Arlington Pl., 414-755-0099. American

Nouveau Walker’s Point and Bay View may be known for small plates, but the East Side offers this casual, low-lit venue just off Brady Street. Share some deviled eggs, a charcuterie plate, mussels and others from chef Rebecca Berkshire’s menu. D l✹ $$

BASS BAY BREWHOUSE

S79 W15851 Aud Mar Dr., Muskego, 414-377-9449.

American A casual supper club (overlooking Bass Bay) specializing in comfort-and-joys like fried cheese curds, chicken fried chicken, “hangover burger” and a fish fry served every day. Brunch (including chicken and the egg) also highly recommended. L D Br ✹ $$

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BAVETTE LA BOUCHERIE

330 E. Menomonee St., 414-273-3375. American,

Sausage Third Ward butcher shop-resto that serves house-made charcuterie, sausages and so on. The pâtés and sandwiches (brisket,

meatball) should be in your mouth. L D)

$-$$

BEANS & BARLEY

1901 E. North Ave., 414-278-7878. Vegetarian

Breakfast Windows frame two sides of this utilitarian dining room, allowing light to spill onto the red patterned booths. A solid choice for breakfast, the cafe is especially friendly to the veg-loving crowd. BL D BR ✹ l $

BEERLINE CAFE

2076 N. Commerce St., 414-265-5644. Vegan

Vegetarian The eco-friendly dining room is often filled with city folk working on their laptops. The main food focus here: crepes, cromelettes (crepe-omelets) and panini. Favorite item is the mushroom-barley burger. Delivery available. BL D ✹$

BLUE’S EGG

317 N. 76th St., 414-299-3180. American Lines form early at the hostess station on the weekends. If you don’t mind a backless stool, the bar is comfortable and manned by a team of fast, friendly servers. Executive chef/ co-owner Joe Muench offers familiar ideas packaged in untraditional ways. Don’t miss the stuffed browns, and monkey bread. BL D

BR ✹ l $$

BODEGÓN

Hotel Madrid, 600 S. Sixth St., 414-488-9146.

American Nouveau Think of this high-end restaurant and adjacent bar (Vermuteria 600) as a restored old Cream City brick building meets Ernest Hemingway-esque hunting lodge. The service aims to match the expensive house dryaged steaks. The steaks are a menu highlight. There’s also separate menu for vegetarians. D

$$$$

BRAISE RESTAURANT

1101 S. Second St., 414-212-8843. American Nouveau Seasonal cuisine incorporating local foods is the mantra of this beautifully restored occupant of Walker’s Point’s “Restaurant Row.” The steamed pork buns are a must. Also offers hands-on cooking classes. D ✹ $$-$$$

BUCKLEY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR

801 N. Cass St., 414-277-1111. American Nouveau The owners trekked the handsome old bar inside this cozy spot all the way from Boston. Known for the weekly Meatloaf Monday and for a relentlessly satisfying menu by executive chef Thi Cao, whose creations include Vietnamese chicken wings, a banh mi sandwich and grilled hanger steak. L D BR ✹ ) $$-$$$

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C.1880

1100 S. First St., 414-431-9271. American Nouveau The name – a nod to the building’s date – inspired the decor, a riff on a scientist’s workshop. That’s a good analogy for the oft-changing plates created by owner/executive chef Thomas Hauck. Tasting menu available. Wine Spectator award winner. D

)l $$$-$$$$

CAFÉ AT THE PLAZA

1007 N. Cass St., 414-272-0515. American, Breakfast The lunch counter winds around this art deco dining room like a Formica serpent. Perfect morning fuel reads like this: hot coffee and homemade corned beef hash, pork and spaetzle, or buttermilk pancakes. B L BR ✹ ) $-$$

CAFÉ CORAZÓN 3129 N. Bremen St., 414-810-3941; 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-544-2774. Mexican Cozy and friendly, even if it’s knee-deep with hungry and thirsty patrons. Wash down your wet burrito or beef tacos (with meat from the family cattle farm) with a potent margarita. Extra props go to the Corazón burger. L D BR ✹ )l $-$$

CAFÉ MANNA

3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, 262-790-2340.

Vegetarian Serves a completely plant-based menu in eco-friendly surroundings. Wines come from organic, sustainable vineyards. Vegan, raw and gluten-free options available. LD ✹ l $$

CARINI’S LA CONCA D’ORO

3468 N. Oakland Ave., 414-963-9623. Italian Classics like spiedini, veal Siciliana and rack of lamb combine with the recent addition of pizzas baked in a wood oven shipped from Naples, Italy. The wine chosen must be Italian, and the dessert, tiramisu. L D ) $$

CARNEVOR

718 N. Milwaukee St., 414-223-2200. Steak The SURG-owned, high-tier steakhouse is a splurge experience. The menu offers decadences such as the Mangalitsa ravioli, lobster mac and cheese, and if you’re really feeling spendy, the “reserve cuts.” D✹ l $$$-$$$$

CASABLANCA

728 E. Brady St., 414-271-6000. Middle Eastern Two levels of pulsating Middle Eastern music, and the perfumed fragrance of hookahs. Hookahs everywhere. If you’re here to eat (not inhale), order the appetizer combo, stuffed falafel and baked lamb. LD ✹ l $$-$$$

CENTRO CAFE

808 E. Center St., 414-455-3751. Italian The owners furnished this storefront with a salvaged marble-top bar and old church pew seating. The affordable menu offers simple pasta, app and pizza preparations. Favorites: pan-fried gnocchi, grilled calamari and scallops, and penne with salsiccia. D l $$-$$$

COMET CAFE

1947 N. Farwell Ave., 414-273-7677. American This is so much more than a restaurant named after space debris. Diner-y eats like meatloaf with beer gravy and the compact turkey dinner are instant pick-me-ups. L B BR ✹ l $

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COMPANY BREWING

735 E. Center St., 414-930-0909. American, Puerto

Rican The remodeled, refreshed former Stonefly is back to doing what the space was known for – brewing beer (try the Pomp & Pamplemousse Imperial IPA) and serving food (best bet: fried chicken). L D BR )$$

COQUETTE CAFÉ

316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-291-2655. French The Third Ward’s sole French resto gets down to tradition. Coq au vin, croque monsieur and trout in brown butter sauce are some of the classic selections. L D BR ✹ $$-$$$

COUNTY CLARE

1234 N. Astor St., 414-272-5273. Irish Pub and guesthouse offering expecteds like houseroasted corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, Guinness pot roast and shepherd’s pie. A vegetarian menu offers meatless versions of some of those Irish classics. L D BR ✹ $$

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CRAZY WATER

839 S. Second St., 414-645-2606. American

Nouveau The Walker’s Point resto has a rapt audience that finds nothing crazy about the chorizo-stuffed dates, parsley-crusted halibut and braised short ribs. D ✹ ) $$$

DANDAN RESTAURANT

117 N. Jefferson St., 414-488-8036. Chinese Chefs Dan Van Rite (formerly of Hinterland) and Dan Jacobs (late of Odd Duck) offer their takes on dumplings, noodles, Asian pancakes and dishes like Peking duck. ✹L D $$-$$$

DEVON SEAFOOD + STEAK

5715 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale, 414-967-9790. Seafood A welcoming venue that’s worth the trip, whether or not you plan to shop at the mall. Look first at the fresh fish selections, available with two sides. Also well-done: crab cakes, fried shrimp and lobster Cobb salad. L D BR ✹ ) $$-$$$

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DREAM DANCE STEAK

1721 W. Canal St., 414-847-7883. Steak A private entrance to this intimate Potawatomi Casino & Hotel restaurant lets you avoid the casino crowds. Dine on house-made charcuterie, steaks, venison and fresh fish. D $$$-$$$$

EASY TYGER

1230 E. Brady St., 414-226-6640. Tapas/Small Plates A spirited, unpretentious East Sider where the plates conjure up Norway, Korea, Italy, Peru, Jamaica and other places. Highlights: pig ear nachos and steamed buns. L D BR ✹ $-$$

EDDIE MARTINI’S 8612 Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-7716680. Steak The place for that prime Kobe tomahawk rib-eye you’ve always wanted to try. A solid choice for a filet, NY strip or (switching to the fresh catches) ahi tuna and sea scallops.

LD ✹ l $$$-$$$$

ELSA’S ON THE PARK

833 N. Jefferson St., 414-765-0615. American This fashionable sister of Kopp’s Custard also makes a good burger. In a coolly modern interior, a diverse audience attacks orders of wings and bacon grilled cheese sandwiches. LD l $$

EL SALVADOR RESTAURANT

2316 S. Sixth St., 414-645-1768. Salvadoran A pupuseria specializes in – what else? – pupusas, which are cornmeal cakes filled with cheese, pork and more. Additional delights at this modest resto: yucca with pork, lomo saltado (beef ) and chicken with fried onions. L D $

EL SENORIAL

1901 S. 31st St., 414-385-9506. Mexican With emphasis on authentic flavors, this friendly South Side place excels at parrillada – a mixed grill serving one to four diners. Other highlights: pork in green sauce, and chopped ribeye in chile de arbol sauce. LD ✹ $-$$

ENGINE COMPANY NO. 3

217 W. National Ave., 414-226-5695. American,

Breakfast The fire station theme is

carried throughout the brick/hardwood two-floor venue (replete with enginehouse memorabilia). Breakfast can be straightforward (eggs and bacon) or not (patacon con huevo). Engine Company’s yen for “international breakfast” is no surprise given its global-tapas-serving sibling La Merenda. B L BR l $$

ETHIOPIAN COTTAGE RESTAURANT

1824 N. Farwell Ave., 414-224-5226. Ethiopian The emphasis on eating without utensils draws greater attention to the textures and flavors of the meat and vegetarian stews served directly on a thin, spongy pancake. Pop for the chicken doro wat – a spicy chicken stew with hardboiled egg. Group of four or more diners? Even better. Bond over beef tibs. L D $$

GOOD CITY BREWING

2108 N. Farwell Ave., 414-539-4343. American The bright, airy craft brewery is as conscious of the food it serves as of the beer it makes. The chef’s mantra that diners want to eat well is in full force here with the scallops with guanciale, barramundi, and steak and fries. LD ✹ $$-$$$

GOODKIND

2457 S. Wentworth Ave., 414-763-4706. American The epitome of down-to-earth Bay View warmth and insouciance. Well-chosen wines and craft beers and well-balanced cocktails. The seasons dictate the menu to a certain degree, but you can count on the fabulous meats cooked on the French rotisserie. D BR ✹

)l $$-$$$

HARBOR HOUSE

550 N. Harbor Dr., 414-395-4900. Seafood Like sitting in an upscale fish house in New England – that’s the intention. Windows on three sides present an impeccable view of Lake Michigan on a clear day. Serves a stellar buffet-style Sunday brunch. The oyster bar and caviar service are highlights. L D BR ✹ l $$$-$$$$

HARRY’S BAR & GRILL 3549 N. Oakland Ave., 414-964-6800; 1234 E. Brady St., 414-273-6000. American The menu of moderately priced food is heavy on burgers and sandwiches. Try the Thai chicken tacos, Mediterranean platter and burger of the month. L D BR ✹ $$

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HELLO2301 S. Howell FALAFEL Ave., 414-509-5924. Middle Eastern,

Vegetarian Besides offering homemade falafel with miscellaneous toppings, this low-key

Bay View joint makes fresh-squeezed juices and good salads (quinoa tabbouleh) and sides (charred halloumi cheese, fried cauliflower). Counter-service. LD l $

HINTERLAND ERIE STREET GASTROPUB

222 E. Erie St., 414-727-9300. American Nouveau The menu veers between elegant (pan-seared duck) and casual (burger) and offers great weeknight bar specials like $5 pho (Mondays) and $3 tacos (Tuesdays). D ✹) $$$-$$$$

HONEYPIE

2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-489-7437. American

Nouveau Think about dessert first. The pies (honeypie to banana cream), cupcakes and other sweets are all made in-house. Take a seat in a booth under photos of somebody’s relatives and have a pasty, mac and cheese or a

Wisconsin grass-fed beef burger. Now back to that other topic – pies. BL D BR l ✹ $$

HUAN XI

2428 N. Murray Ave., 262-732-5329. Chinese The restaurant offers many typical Hunan, Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. An expansion in 2016 turned Huan Xi into a traditional hot pot restaurant, where you cook your meal at a portable burner at your table. L D $$-$$$

INDIA GARDEN

2930 N. 117th St., Wauwatosa, 414-235-9220. Indian A cozy fireplace and spacious booths combine with a huge menu of North and South Indian dishes. Of particular note: butter chicken, lamb vindaloo curry, masala dosa, goat curry and the many varieties of naan. L D $$

IRIE ZULU

7237 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-509-6014.

African, Jamaican The menus at this friendly, vibrant little restaurant highlight the cuisines of various African countries, as well as of the island country of Jamaica. Highlights: peanut butter stew, oxtail stew and jerk chicken. L D

) $$

IRON GRATE BBQ CO.

4177 S. Howell Ave., 414-455-1776. BBQ Meats woodsmoked in a smoker just outside the building this restaurant shares with Hawthorne Coffee Roasters. The menu focuses on four meats, including the (well-worth-trying) Milwaukee Rib. Grits and mac and cheese are among the sides. L D ) $$

JACKSON GRILL

3736 W. Mitchell St., 414-384-7384. American The low-key supper club, tucked into a residential neighborhood, indulges Milwaukeeans’ love of large portions. Loosen your belt and dig into the rib-eye or spicy purgatory shrimp. D •✹

l $$-$$$

JAKE’S RESTAURANT

21445 W. Gumina Rd., Pewaukee, 262-781-7995.

Steak A West Side institution offering classics like Jake’s filet mignon and Wisconsin Maple

Leaf Farms roasted duck. D $$$$

JING’S CHINESE RESTAURANT

207 E. Buffalo St., 414-271-7788. Chinese Its Marshall building location doesn’t offer street visibility, but it ensures a cozy, in-the-know sort of space. Count on finding the staples of Chinese-American cuisine. If you’re looking for more authentic Chinese dishes, just ask. They’ll help you order from the “other menu.”

L D $$

KARL RATZSCH RESTAURANT

320 E. Mason St., 414-276-2720. German With a new owner at the helm and a refreshed interior, the Teutonic institution is back to focusing on classics, many of which have been updated. Look for Sauerbraten, crackling pork shank, schnitzels, old-style sausages, schaum torte and more. LD l $$$$

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KEGEL’S INN

5901 W. National Ave., 414-257-9999. German Wash down a plate of hearty pork shanks or wiener schnitzel with one of the bar’s nine German tap beers. With a history dating to the 1920s, this institution is also known for its fish fry (walleye, bluegill, lake perch). L D $$-$$$

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KYOTO

7453 W. Layton Ave., 414-325-1000. Japanese Often packed with diners jonesing for unagi bowls and udon noodles. Fresh sushi is the main draw to this Greenfield strip mall. L D $-$$$

LA MERENDA

125 E. National Ave., 414-389-0125. Tapas/Small

Plates The global menu at Peter Sandroni’s always-busy Walker’s Point haunt highlights India to Italy, Argentina to Morocco. Choices come and go; if you find empanadas, pumpkin ravioli, Argentinian beef, and fried potatoes with chorizo, go with them. LD ) ✹ $-$$

LAKE PARK BISTRO

3133 E. Newberry Blvd., 414-962-6300. French Bartolotta-owned and set in historic Lake Park Pavilion, LPB has the decorative elements of a fancy French farmhouse. It’s as comfortable to eat at the bar as it is at a table in the warmly lit dining room facing Lake Michigan. Try the steak tartare; Dover sole; and mousse au

chocolat. L D BR l $$$-$$$$

LAZY SUSAN

2378 S. Howell Ave., 414-988-7086. American

Nouveau Owner A.J. Dixon’s mantra is eclectic, shareable small plates (and her restaurant’s homey design motif includes a collection of lazy Susans). Menus have included pan-seared skate wing and Brazilian steak frites. Three cheers for the Wednesday night Dinner for Two prix fixe menu. D BR $-$$$

LE RÊVE PATISSERIE & CAFE

7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 778-3333.

French Breakfast is simple counter-service fare like quiche and croissant sandwiches. Solve your lunch dilemma with a croque-madame. Come dinner, hit up the bouillabaisse, grilled lamb or steak au poivre. Finish with pastries –

lots of them. BLD ✹ l) $$$

MARIA’S PIZZA

5025 W. Forest Home Ave., 414-543-4606. Pizza One of the city’s most singular restaurants and the home of wonderful amoeba-shaped pizzas, for dine-in or carryout. The interior is decorated with religious and holiday finery. No liquor license. D $$

MASON STREET GRILL

425 E. Mason St., 414-298-3131. American Nouveau

Steak The best seat in the house is at the kitchen counter, where you can watch your crab cakes, chopped salad and NY strip with Delmonico potatoes be prepared. The leather booths offer privacy, and the bar, live entertainment and a nifty bar menu. LD ✹)

$$-$$$$

MAXIE’S

6732 W. Fairview Ave., 414-292-3969. Cajun/

Creole, Seafood, BBQ While the decor conjures up a pseudo-bordello (red paint, crystal-like chandeliers), the cuisine takes off in various directions: BBQ (really fine beef brisket), raw oysters from the coasts, Louisiana jambalaya, and “low country” South Carolina specialties like frogmore stew. Dl ✹ $$-$$$

MERAKI

939 S. Second St., 414-897-7230. American Nouveau The intriguing Victorian “steampunk”-designed interior offers seating at high-backed leather booths and a counter facing the open kitchen.

The a seafood menu pancake, changes prawns seasonally with and saffroncan include risotto and smoked pork shoulder with sweet potato buttermilk biscuits. L D $$-$$$

MERRIMENT SOCIAL

240 E. Pittsburgh Ave., 414-645-0240. American

Nouveau The old warehouse space’s garage doors make this an open-air venue in summer. A “dim sum” cart offers dumplings, which supplement the small- and large-plate menu. Serves an exceptional burger. D BR ✹ ) $$

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM’S CAFÉ CALATRAVA

700 N. Art Museum Dr., 414-224-3831. American

Nouveau You’d expect a resto at the Quadracci Pavilion to be bright, modern and anti-cafeteria. Entrées are inspired by feature exhibitions. L

Br ✹ $$

MILWAUKEE CHOPHOUSE

633 N. Fifth St., 414-226-2467. Steak The wedge salad, twice-baked potato and NY strip are served in a suitcoat-appropriate room full of dark wood and leather furniture, and manned (and womaned) by waitstaff who scrape the crumbs off the table. D $$$-$$$$

MR. WOK Silvernail Plaza, 2128 Silvernail Rd., Pewaukee, 262-521-9780. Pan Asian Behind the veneer of Chinese food is a solid foundation of Pan-Asian dishes, and they are good. Best of the bunch: Malyasian curry chicken, mee goreng (noodles) and rendang chicken. L D $$

MOREL

430 S. Second St., 414-897-0747. American You’ll find morel mushrooms on occasion. And lots of rich preps of duck, lamb, beef and fish. If you don’t mind a little heat, the few seats at the kitchen counter (in view of the chefs) are the most entertaining spots in the house. D ✹ ) $$$

MOVIDA

524 S. Second St., 414-224-5300. Tapas/Small Plates The interior says “reclaimed old Milwaukee storefront.” Weekly live flamenco guitar, and flowing gin and tonics, say “Madrid.” Pair them with croquetas (fritters) and tostas (open-faced sandwiches). D BR $-$$

ODD DUCK

2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-763-5881. Tapas/Small

Plates The menu is diverse, most definitely not odd. Bein’ inventive might be the prerequisite for working here. Small plates are separated under “Animal” and “Vegetable.” Each visit is an adventure. Dl ✹ ) $$

PALOMINO

2491 S. Superior St., 414-747-1007. American “Cold beer, hot whiskey,” is part of the slogan for this Bay View bar, nestled near Groppi’s Market. It’s also your portal to Southern deliciousness like baked pimento cheese, fried chicken and biscuits and shrimp po’ boy. L D BR ✹ ) $$

PASTICHE BISTRO AND WINE BAR Hotel Metro, 411 E. Mason St., 414-482-1446; 4313 W. River Lane, Brown Deer, 414-354-1995. French Confusion may ensue upon entry. Is this Milwaukee or a farmhouse in France? Calling your name, in French: fried frog legs, ratatouille and cassoulet. D l $$$

PEKING HOUSE

782 N. Jefferson St., 414-763-9378. Chinese Bypass

General Tso’s chicken for the house specials, including Szechuan hot pot. Hot and spicy food is easy to procure here. LD l $-$$

PIZZA MAN 2597 N. Downer Ave., 414-272-1745; 11500 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, 414-249-2000; Drexel Town Square, 7974 S. Main St., Oak Creek, 414-856-1000. Pizza The owners are building an empire out of thin-crust pizza topped with everything from cream cheese to meatballs. L D BR ✹ l) $$-$$$

RED LIGHT RAMEN BY ARDENT

1749 N. Farwell Ave., 414-837-5107. Japanese Ramen shop that started as a pop-up inside Ardent restaurant now serves a menu of seafood tins, snacks and soups to the diner and late-night crowd. Start with a seafood tin and the Snack Pack, followed by a tonkotsu (pork broth) ramen and boozy slushie. D $

RICE ’N ROLL BISTRO

1952 N. Farwell Ave., 414-220-9944. Japanese, Thai The little kitchen that can hold its own with sushi and Thai dishes like drunken noodle. Try the signature maki rolls and entrées like Born to

Kill (seafood in a rice cracker shell). LD l $$$

RISTORANTE BARTOLOTTA

7616 W. State St., 414-771-7910. Italian The old family photos and unpretentious, tight-fitting dining room make diners feel at home. Head chef Juan Urbieta keeps folks coming back for the brick-style chicken and hand-cut pappardelle with duck ragu. D l $$$

THE RUMPUS ROOM

1030 N. Water St., 414-292-0100. American Aficionados of craft beer and spirits are the people seated at the bar. Culinarily, this acrossfrom-the-Marcus-Center venue straddles the line between pub food and just homey, goeswith-any-drink food. LD ✹ $$-$$$

SALA

2613 E. Hampshire St., 414-964-2611. Italian Red walls and colorful canvases populate the dining room at this casual spot near UW-Milwaukee. Pastas are solid. Start with an app like baked goat cheese in tomato-basil sauce. LD ✹ $$-$$$

SANFORD RESTAURANT

1547 N. Jackson St., 414-276-9608. American

Nouveau Founded by James Beard Awardwinning chef Sanford D’Amato; owned by

JBA winner Justin Aprahamian. Unsurpassed for service and food. The global cuisine incorporates products from a long list of Wisco farms. Elk, duck, fresh fish are all good choices. Dessert is compulsory. D l) $$$-$$$$

STORY HILL BKC

5100 W. Bluemound Rd., 414-539-4424. American “BKC” stands for “Bottle, Kitchen, Cup.” The charming storefront has a great 3-5 p.m. Happy Hour menu and “Upper Midwest”-inspired evening meals. L D BR $$-$$$

THIRD COAST PROVISIONS

724 N. Milwaukee St., 414-323-7434. Seafood Elegant multi-level place for fresh, chargrilled and fried oysters; lake fish (when available); and seafood. Don’t miss: shrimp and grits, lobster potholes, surf and turf. D $$$$

THREE BROTHERS BAR & RESTAURANT

2414 S. St. Clair St., 414-481-7530. Serbian This Bay View institution still has a Schlitz brewery globe

suspended over the bar – a piece of historic MKE in an otherwise old-world bubble. Cevapcici (sausage), beef burek and chicken paprikash are not to miss. D ) $$$

TOFTE’S TABLE

331 Riverfront Plaza, Waukesha, 262-408-5633.

American Nouveau An informal, warm storefront is the setting for former Eddie Martini’s chef Jason Tofte’s diverse (and delicious) shareable plates. Try the duck confit tostadas, fried chicken drumstick, and meatloaf and mashed potatoes. The owners also operate the nearby Steaming Cup

coffeehouse. D $$

TRE RIVALI Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, 200 N. Broadway, Suite 100, 414-291-3971. American Nouveau The high-profile hotel resto offers nibbly plates and larger creations such as the heritage pork chop. Follow up with a nightcap at the rooftop Outsider lounge. BD ✹ $$-$$$

TRISKELE’S

1801 S. Third St., 414-837-5950. American The menu is divided into meat, seafood and vegetarian categories (the Celtic “triskele” symbol has three interlocked spirals). A terrific place for Tuesday night mussels, burgers and mac and cheese. D $$

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VANGUARD BAR

2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-539-3593. Sausage Cheddarwursts, chili dogs and other links are the modus operandi of this counter-service sausage emporium, which is also serious about whiskey and bourbon. L D BR ✹ ) $

WOLF PEACH

1818 N. Hubbard St., 414-374-8480. American

Nouveau The restaurant on Brewers Hill boasts a stellar skyline view. The name is an homage to the tomato, which figures into

many things, including wood-fired pizzas. D

BR ✹ l $$-$$$

WY’EAST PIZZA

5601 W. Vliet St., 414-943-3278. Pizza A couple who used to operate a Portland, Oregon, pizza camper specialize in chewy, rustic crusts covered with seasonal and locally sourced toppings. Try the restaurant’s seasonal special and the aptly named Hot Marmot. D ✹ $$-$$$

ZAFFIRO’S PIZZA

1724 N. Farwell Ave., 414-289-8776. Pizza Milwaukee old-style pizza, cracker-thin. Sausage and cheese is a standby, but

experiment and find your favorite. LD l

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ZARLETTI

741 N. Milwaukee St., 414-225-0000. Italian The modern space with chocolate-brown walls is devoted to classic, regional cuisine. Housemade four-cheese ravioli, ossobuco and rack of lamb are all worth considering. Tiny and intimate. LD ) ✹ $$$-$$$$

ZARLETTI MEQUON

1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-5990. Italian Sister of Downtown’s Zarletti, this operation offers brick-oven pizzas. Try the arancini, house-made burrata cheese, seafood stew and braised short ribs. LD ✹ BR $$-$$$$