RESTAURANTS
A SELECT LIST OF MILWAUKEE’S BEST DINING ESTABLISHMENTS.
BY NEIGHBORHOOD
DOWNTOWN/THIRD WARD/CENTRAL AJ Bombers Alem Ethiopian Village Amilinda Bacchus
● ● ● ● Bavette La Boucherie Buckley’s Restaurant and
● Bar Carnevor Coquette Cafe County Clare
● ● ● ● Dandan Restaurant Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse
●
Dream Dance Steak Elsa’s on the Park Harbor
● ● ● House Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub Jing’s
● ● Chinese Restaurant Kil@wat (Intercontinental
● Milwaukee Hotel) Mason Street Grill Merriment
● ● Social Milwaukee Art Museum’s Cafe Calatrava
● ● Milwaukee Chophouse Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar
●
Peking House Stella Van Buren (Westin Hotel)
● ● ● Third Coast Provisions Tre Rivali Xankia Zarletti
● ● ●
EAST SIDE/RIVERWEST/BREWERS HILL Ardent
● Asian Fusion 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
● ● ● Company Brewing Dino’s Riverwest Easy Tyger
● ●
Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant FreshFin Poké
● ● ● Good City Brewing Huan Xi Lake Park Bistro
● ● ● Lisa’s Fine Foods Nessun Dorma Pizza Man Red
● ● ● Light Ramen by Ardent Rice ’n Roll Bistro SALA
● ● ● Sanford Restaurant Supper Tess Wolf Peach
● ● ●
Zaffiro’s
● NORTH SIDE The Tandem SHOREWOOD/NORTH SHORE Cloud Red Crave
● Cafe Devon Seafood + Steak Kawa Japanese
● ● ● North Shore Boulangerie Pastiche Bistro & Wine
● Bar Sobelman’s Pub & Grill Solly’s Grille Zarletti
● ● ● Mequon
SOUTH CITY (INCLUDES BAY VIEW) Anmol Restaurant Buena Vista Restaurant and Bar
● ● C-viche Café Corazón El Salvador Restaurant
● ●
Goodkind Guadalajara Restaurant Hello
● ● ●
Falafel Honeypie Iron Grate BBQ Co. La Casa
● ● ● de Alberto Lazy Susan Odd Duck Palomino
● ● ● ● Polonez Taqueria El Cabrito Three Brothers Bar
● ● & Restaurant Triskele’s Vanguard Bar
● ●
S./S.W. SUBURBS Fujiyama Jackson Grill Kyoto
● ● Maria’s Pizza Pizza Man
● ●
WALKER’S POINT AP Bar and Kitchen Bodegón
●
(Hotel Madrid) Bowls Restaurant Braise Restaurant
● ● Camino c.1880 Crazy Water Fixture Pizza
● ● ● ● Pub Meraki La Merenda Morel Movida The
● ● ● ● ● National Screaming Tuna
●
W. CITY/WAUWATOSA/WEST ALLIS Blue’s Egg
● Eddie Martini’s The Fitz (Ambassador Hotel) India
● ● Garden Irie Zulu Kegel’s Inn Le Rêve Patisserie
● ● ● & Cafe Mad Rooster Cafe Maxie’s McBob’s Pub
● ● ● & Grill North Avenue Grill Pizza Man Ristorante
● ● ● Bartolotta Sobelman’s Pub & Grill Story Hill BKC
● ●
Wy’east Pizza
● OZAUKEE COUNTY Twisted Willow WAUKESHA COUNTY Bass Bay Brewhouse
●
Café Manna Fujiyama I.d. at the Delafield Hotel
● ●
Jake’s Restaurant Mr. B’s– A Bartolotta Steakhouse
● ● Mr. Wok Rochester Deli Tofte’s Table
● ● ●
BY CUISINE
AFRICAN Irie Zulu
AMERICAN Bass Bay Brewhouse Bavette La
● Boucherie Benji’s Deli Blue’s Egg Café at the
● ● ● Plaza Camino Comet Cafe Company Brewing
● ● ●
Elsa’s on the Park Good City Brewing Engine
● ● ● Company No. 3 Goodkind Jackson Grill McBob’s
● ● ● Pub & Grill The National North Avenue Grill
● ● ● Palomino Rochester Deli Solly’s Grille Story Hill
● ● ● BKC The Tandem Triskele’s
● ●
AMERICAN NOUVEAU Ardent Bacchus Balzac
● ● Wine Bar Bodegón (Hotel Madrid) Braise
● ● Restaurant Buckley’s Restaurant and Bar c.
● ●
1880 Crazy Water The Fitz (Ambassador Hotel)
● ●
Hinterland Erie Street Gastropub Honeypie
● ● ● Kil@wat (Intercontinental Milwaukee Hotel) Lazy
● Susan Mason Street Grill Meraki Milwaukee Art
● ● ● Museum’s Cafe Calatrava Merriment Social Morel
● ● Sanford Restaurant Supper Tess Tofte’s Table
● ● ● ● Tre Rivali Twisted Willow Wolf Peach
● ● ●
ASIAN Asian Fusion Mr. Wok
●
BAR Camino Cloud Red McBob’s Pub & Grill
● ●
BBQ Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse Iron Grate BBQ
● Co. Maxie’s Pitch’s
● ● BREAKFAST Beans & Barley Benji’s Deli Blue’s
● ● Egg Café at the Plaza Engine Company No. 3
● ● ● Mad Rooster Cafe Solly’s Grille
●
BOWLS (POKE, SMOOTHIE, GRAIN) Bowls Restaurant FreshFin Poké
●
BURGER AJ Bombers Crave Cafe Elsa’s on the
● ● Park Oscar’s Pub & Grill Sobelman’s Pub & Grill
● ● ● Solly’s Grille
CAFE North Shore Boulangerie
CAJUN/CREOLE Maxie’s
CHINESE Dandan Restaurant Huan Xi Jing’s
● ●
Chinese Restaurant Peking House
●
ETHIOPIAN Alem Ethiopian Village Ethiopian
● Cottage Restaurant
FRENCH Coquette Cafe Lake Park Bistro Le
● ● Rêve Patisserie & Cafe North Shore Boulangerie
● ● Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar
GERMAN Kegel’s Inn
INDIAN/PAKISTANI Anmol Restaurant India
●
Garden
IRISH/AMERICAN County Clare ITALIAN Carini’s La Conca d’Oro Centro Cafe Dino’s
● ● Riverwest Pitch’s Ristorante Bartolotta SALA
● ● ● ● Stella Van Buren (Westin Hotel) Zarletti Zarletti
● ● Mequon JAMAICAN Irie Zulu JAPANESE Fujiyama Kyoto Red Light Ramen by
● ● Ardent Rice ’n Roll Bistro Screaming Tuna
● ●
MEXICAN Buena Vista Restaurant and Bar Café
● Corazón Guadalajara Restaurant La Casa de
● ● Alberto Taqueria El Cabrito
●
MIDDLE EASTERN Casablanca Middle Eastern Restaurant Hello Falafel
●
PERU C-viche
PIZZA Classic Slice Fixture Pizza Pub Lisa’s Fine
● ● Foods Maria’s Pizza Pizza Man Wy’east Pizza
● ● ● Zaffiro’s
●
POLISH Polonez
SALVADORAN El Salvador
SANDWICH Bavette La Boucherie Benji’s Deli
● ● Camino Nessun Dorma Rochester Deli
● ●
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 Movida
● STEAK Carnevor Dream Dance Steak Eddie
● ● Martini’s Jake’s Restaurant Milwaukee
● ● Chophouse Mason Street Grill Mr. B’s– A
● ● Bartolotta Steakhouse Stella Van Buren (Westin
● Hotel) SUPPERCLUB Jackson Grill Pitch’s Supper
● ● TAPAS/SMALL PLATES AP Bar and Kitchen Easy
● Tyger I.d. at the Delafield Hotel Balzac Wine Bar
● ● ● La Merenda Odd Duck
●
THAI Rice ’n Roll Bistro
VEGAN Beerline Cafe Café Manna Comet Cafe
● ● ● Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
VEGETARIAN Beans & Barley Beerline Cafe
● ● Bowls Restaurant Cafe Manna Cloud Red Hello
● ● ● Falafel Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
●
VIETNAMESE Xankia
BY NAME
AJ 1247bar BOMBERSwhereN. Water the St., peanuts 414-221-9999.and beer Burgers flow A liberally. corner Order Travel the Channel’s Milwaukee “Food Burger, Wars” which contest won againstthe Sobelman’s in 2010. L D $
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 ) $$
AMILINDA
315 E. Wisconsin Ave., 414-369-3683. Spanish/
Portuguese The cuisine is inspired by chef/ co-owner Gregory León’s interest in the Iberian Peninsula. Menu changes often and might include rabbit, pork, beef or fresh fish. D ) $$$
ANMOL RESTAURANT
711 W. Mitchell St., 414-672-7878. Pakistani/Indian Pakistani cuisine tends to be rich and very flavorful. Anmol gets that message. Meat dishes like haleem (shredded beef ), mutton kahari and the tandoori platters are of note. And do order the butter naan. L D $$
AP BAR AND KITCHEN
814 S. Second St., 414-672-6000. Tapas/Small
Plates Oenophiles open to experimenting with small, lesser-known wineries will find pours to their liking. The “shareable” menu changes frequently. D $$-$$$
ARDENT
1751 N. Farwell Ave., 414-897-7022. American
Nouveau Chef Justin Carlisle housed this impressive little creation in an unlikely, underground space. Simple ingredients from Wisco farms are transformed. A la carte and tasting menus. Lot parking available. D ) $$$
ASIAN1609 Frommake E. that clay FUSIONNorth bubblepot Ave., casserolesSuitetea! – C, lots 414-273-6688.to chef’sof unusual, specials Asian flavorful– dishes eggplant to in be clay had. pot, Cumin Szechuanlamb, house-specialstring beansL D and scallion BACCHUS pancakes are all recommended. $$$
925 SquareE. Wells lines, St., leather 414-765-1166. booths Americanand an elegant Nouveau bar definefoie gras, this Strauss Cudahy veal Towerand the space, porterhousea sure bet for for
two.) $$$-$$$$ Desserts are definitely worth a look. D l
BASSS79 W15851BAY BREWHOUSEAud Mar Dr., Muskego, 414-377-9449.
AmericanBass Bay) A specializingcasual supperin comfort-and-joysclub (overlooking like “hangoverfried cheese burger” curds, and chickena fish fry fried served chicken,every day. Brunch (including chicken and the egg) also highly recommended. L D Br • ✹ $$
BALZAC WINE BAR
1716 N. Arlington Pl., 414-755-0099. American
Nouveau, Small Plates 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 fried Brussels sprouts, Korean meatballs or duck nachos. D l✹ $$
BAVETTE LA BOUCHERIE
330 E. Menomonee St., 414-273-3375. American,
Sausage Third Ward butcher shop-resto that serves house-made charcuterie, sausages and so on. The pâtés and sandwiches should be in your mouth. L D ) $-$$
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 ✹$
BENJI’S DELI
4156 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-7777. American,
Breakfast, Sandwich This Shorewood fixture specializes in corned beef and pastrami, chicken matzo ball soup, tuna melts and breakfast served all day. Grab a seat at the lunch counter or one of the booths, along with the crowd of regulars. BL D BR l $
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 Joe Muench offers familiar ideas packaged in untraditional ways. Don’t miss the stuffed browns, and the monkey bread. BL D BR ✹ l $$
BODEGÓN
Hotel Madrid, 600 S. Sixth St., 414-488-9146.
American Nouveau Think of this high-end restaurant and adjacent bar (Vermuteria 600) as restored old Cream City brick building meets Ernest Hemingway-esque hunting lodge. The service aims to match the expensive house dryaged steaks. The steaks are a menu highlight. There’s also a separate menu for vegetarians.
Br D ✹ $$$$
BOWLS RESTAURANT
207 W. Freshwater Way, 414-800-5667. Bowls,
Vegetarian Sunny dining room/open kitchen where the bill of fare comes in a bowl. The menu features grain-, vegetable- and smoothiebased bowls. Highlights: chocolate peanutbutter smoothie, fungi bowl, Green Goddess barley bowl. BL D$
BRAISE RESTAURANT
1101 S. Second St., 414-212-8843. American Nouveau Seasonal cuisine incorporating local foods is the mantra of this beautifully restored occupant of Walker’s Point’s “Restaurant Row.” The steamed pork buns are a must. Also offers hands-on cooking classes. D ✹ $$-$$$
BUCKLEY’S RESTAURANT AND BAR
801 N. Cass St., 414-277-1111. American Nouveau The owners trekked the handsome old bar inside this cozy spot all the way from Boston. Known for Meatloaf Monday and for a relentlessly satisfying menu by executive chef Thi Cao, whose creations include a lobster roll to grilled hanger steak. L D BR ✹ ) $$-$$$
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BUENA VISTA RESTAURANT AND BAR 3447 W. Forest Home Ave., 414-383-3040; 6000 W. Burnham St., 414-546-1197. Mexican The small space scores with its homemade salsas, tortas, tacos and shrimp dishes. It also operates taco trucks, including one parked near the South Side corner of Chase and Oklahoma. BL D $
C.1880
1100 S. First St., 414-431-9271. American Nouveau The name – a nod to the building’s date – inspired the decor, a riff on a scientist’s workshop. That’s a good analogy for the oft-changing plates created by owner/executive chef Thomas Hauck. Tasting menu available. Wine Spectator award winner. D
)l $$$-$$$$
CAFÉ AT THE PLAZA
1007 N. Cass St., 414-272-0515. American, Breakfast The lunch counter winds around this art deco dining room like a Formica serpent. Perfect morning fuel reads like this: hot coffee and blueberry pancakes. B L BR ✹ ) $-$$
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 $-$$
CAFÉ MANNA
3815 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, 262-790-2340.
Vegetarian Serves a completely plant-based menu in eco-friendly surroundings. Wines come from organic, sustainable vineyards. Vegan, raw and gluten-free options available. LD ✹ l $$
CAMINO
434 S. Second St., 414-800-5641. Bar, American,
Sandwich A friendly, casual little bar where
the Brussels sandwichessprout grinder)can be quirkyand tasty. (kimcheese,The Sunday beer pierogis.bar brunchL D BR $ menu features 50-cent
CARINI’S3468 ClassicsN. OaklandlikeLA CONCA spiedini,Ave., D’ORO 414-963-9623.veal Siciliana Italianand rack of pizzas lamb baked combinein a with wood the oven recent shipped addition from of Naples,and the Italy. dessert, The tiramisu.wine chosen must$$ be Italian,
L D )
CARNEVOR
718 N. Milwaukee St., 414-223-2200. Steak
SURG-owned, high-tier steakhouse is a The splurge experience. The menu offers decadences such as the Mangalitsa ravioli, lobster mac and cheese, and if you’re really feeling spendy, the “reserve cuts.” D✹ l $$$-$$$$
CASABLANCA
728 E. Brady St., 414-271-6000. Middle Eastern Two levels of pulsating Middle Eastern music, and the perfumed fragrance of hookahs. Hookahs everywhere. If you’re here to eat (not inhale), order the appetizer combo, stuffed falafel and baked lamb. LD ✹ l $$-$$$
CENTRO CAFE
808 E. Center St., 414-455-3751. Italian The owners furnished this storefront with a salvaged marble-top bar and old church pew seating. The affordable menu offers simple pasta, app and pizza preparations. Favorites: pan-fried gnocchi, grilled calamari and scallops, and penne with salsiccia. D l $$-$$$
CLASSIC SLICE
2797 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-238-2406. Pizza A rad little pizzeria for a filling, satisfying slice or whole pie. Build your own or choose from selections like Meatallica, I’m Feta Up!!!, and Milmac N’ Cheese. Not here for a slice? Get a spicy meatball sandwich. L D ) $
CLOUD RED
4488 N. Oakland Ave., 414-231-9660. Bar, Vegetarian A modern, plant-based take on bar food at the former Shorewood Village Pub. The seasonally changing menu is printed on the chalkboard and includes a Vietnamese po’ boy, Thai grilled steak salad and grass-fed burger. Check out the super taco deals on Mondays and Tuesdays.
D $-$$
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 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. Come for Beer Coin Burger Night (Tuesdays). D BR ) $$
COQUETTE CAFE
316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-291-2655. French The Third Ward’s sole French resto gets down to tradition. Coq au vin, croque monsieur and trout in brown butter sauce are classic choices.
L D BR ✹ $$-$$$
COUNTY1234 guesthouseN. Astor corned CLARE offeringSt., 414-272-5273.beef and expecteds cabbage,Irish like Pub bangers houseroastedand and mash,A some vegetarianof Guinnessthose menu Irish pot offers classics.roast meatlessandL D shepherd’sBR • versions✹ $$ pie. of
CRAVE3592 N. CAFE Oakland Ave., 414-204-8778. Burger
of cheese,the amazingspicy mayo, Korean kimchi, burger cabbage (American slaw) Homeand a handful options. of Good, other crisp burger fries, (includingtoo. Counter-service.vegetarian)
LD ✹
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 ✹ ) $$$
DEVON SEAFOOD + STEAK
5715 N. Bayshore Dr., Glendale, 414-967-9790. Seafood Lookwith two first sides.at the Also fresh well-done:fish selections,crab cakes, available fried shrimp$$-$$$ and lobster Cobb salad. L D BR • ✹)
DANDAN RESTAURANT Chefs
117 N. Jefferson St., 414-488-8036. Chinese Dan Jacobs Van (late Rite of (formerlyOdd Duck)of Hinterland)offer their takes and on Dan dumplings,like Peking duck. noodles, Asian $$-$$$ pancakes and dishes
✹L D
DINO’S RIVERWEST
808 E. Chambers St., 414-562-9171. Italian
third-generation owners offer old family The recipes (the Friday fried fish) with new dishes like Italian shrimp and grits. Also good specials such as Thursday’s $5 burger. D BR • $$
DOC’S COMMERCE SMOKEHOUSE
754 N. Fourth St., 414-935-2029. BBQ New Milwaukee location of a chain (with two other Midwest locations) that specializes in hickorysmoked meats. Meats include pulled pork, brisket, ribs, chicken and Usinger’s sausage. Review to come. L D $$-$$$
DREAM DANCE STEAK
1721 W. Canal St., 414-847-7883. Steak Located at Potawatomi Casino & Hotel. Dine on housemade charcuterie, excellent steaks, venison and fresh fish. D $$-$$$
EASY TYGER
1230 E. Brady St., 414-226-6640. Tapas/Small Plates The plates conjure up Norway, Korea, Italy, Peru, Jamaica and other places. Menu changes often but might include pig ear nachos and steamed buns. L D BR ✹ $-$$
EDDIE MARTINI’S 8612 Watertown Plank Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-7716680. Steak The place for that prime Kobe tomahawk rib-eye you’ve always wanted to try. A solid choice for a filet, NY strip or even ahi tuna and sea scallops. LD ✹ l $$$-$$$$
EL SALVADOR RESTAURANT
2316 S. Sixth St., 414-645-1768. Salvadoran A pupuseria specializes in – what else? – pupusas, which are cornmeal cakes filled with cheese, pork and more. Additional delights at this modest resto: yucca with pork, lomo saltado (beef ) and chicken with fried onions. L D $
ENGINE COMPANY NO. 3
217 W. National Ave., 414-226-5695. American,
Breakfast The fire station theme is carried throughout the brick/hardwood venue. Breakfast can be straightforward (eggs and bacon) or not (patacon con huevo). Engine Company’s yen for “international breakfast” is no surprise as its global-tapas-serving sibling is La Merenda. B L BR l $$
ETHIOPIAN COTTAGE RESTAURANT
1824 N. Farwell Ave., 414-224-5226. Ethiopian The emphasis on eating without utensils draws 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 hard-boiled egg. Group of four or more diners? Even better. Bond over beef tibs. L D $$
THE FITZ Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., 414-345-5015. American Nouveau The result of the Ambassador Hotel’s 2017 rebranding (inspired by the “Roaring ’20s”) was this June 2017 opener, offering scallops cordon bleu, spatchcocked chicken and lamb chops on the dinner menu. Review pending. BL D Br $$$$$$$
FIXTURE PIZZA PUB
623 S. Second St, 414-736-8709. Pizza Thin-crust pizza with a twist: The sauce is applied over the cheese. Specialty and build-to-order pizzas, plus calamari, spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parm, Italian beef and more. Deep-dish pizza also available. L D $$
FRESHFIN POKÉ
1806 E. North Ave., 414-239-8677. Bowls Sunny counter-service resto specializing in signature and build-your-own rice/veggie bowls, with salmon, ahi tuna, shrimp, chicken and vegan options. L D $-$$
FUJIYAMA 17395D W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield, 262-7961977; and 2916 S. 108th St., West Allis, 414-755-1977.
Japanese The sizable Japanese menu is at once kind to lovers of raw fish and the theatrical hibachi. Spring for tempura (veggie and/or shrimp), sushi and sashimi, special maki rolls and any appetizer from the sushi bar. LD l
$$-$$$
GOOD CITY BREWING
2108 N. Farwell Ave., 414-539-4343. American The bright, airy craft brewery is as conscious of the food it serves as of the beer it makes. The chef’s mantra that diners want to eat well is in full force here, with options such as barramundi and Malaysian curry. LD ✹ $$-$$$
GOODKIND
2457 S. Wentworth Ave., 414-763-4706. American The epitome of down-to-earth Bay View warmth. Well-chosen wines and craft beers and well-balanced cocktails. The seasons dictate the menu to a certain degree, but you can count on the fabulous meats cooked on the French rotisserie. D BR ✹ )l $$-$$$
HARBOR HOUSE
550 N. Harbor Dr., 414-395-4900. Seafood Like sitting in an upscale fish house in New England – that’s the intention. Windows on three sides present an impeccable view of Lake Michigan. Serves a stellar buffet-style Sunday brunch. The
oyster bar $$$-$$$$and caviar service are highlights. L D
BR ✹ l
HELLO FALAFEL
2301 S. Howell Ave., 414-509-5924. Middle Eastern,
Vegetarian Besides offering homemade falafel, this low-key Bay View joint makes fresh-squeezed juices and good salads (quinoa tabbouleh) and sides (charred halloumi cheese, fried cauliflower). Counter-service. L
D l $
HINTERLAND ERIE STREET GASTROPUB
222 E. Erie St., 414-727-9300. American Nouveau The menu veers between elegant (pan-seared duck) and casual (burger) and offers great weeknight bar specials like $5 pho (Mondays) and $3 tacos (Tuesdays). D ✹ ) $$$-$$$$
HONEYPIE
2643 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-489-7437. American
Nouveau Think about dessert first. The pies (honeypie to banana cream), cupcakes and other sweets are all made in-house. Take a seat in a booth under photos of somebody’s relatives and have a pasty, mac and cheese or a Wisconsin grass-fed beef burger. Now back to that other topic – pies. BL D BR l ✹ $$
HUAN XI
2428 N. Murray Ave., 262-732-5329. Chinese The restaurant offers typical Hunan, Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. An expansion in 2016 turned Huan Xi into a hot pot restaurant, where you cook your meal 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 note: butter chicken, masala dosa, goat curry and the many types of naan. L D $$
IRIE ZULU
7237 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-509-6014.
African, Jamaican The menus at this friendly, vibrant little restaurant highlight the cuisines of various African countries, as well as of the island country of Jamaica. Highlights: peanut butter stew, oxtail stew, jerk chicken. L D ) $$
IRON GRATE BBQ CO.
4125 S. Howell Ave., 414-455-1776. BBQ Chef/owner Aaron Patin moved his business specializing in wood-smoked meats to a new location in summer 2017. His focus remains on meats, including the great Milwaukee Rib. Grits and mac and cheese are among the sides. Additions to the menu are in the works, as of this writing.
LD ) $$
JACKSON GRILL
3736 W. Mitchell St., 414-384-7384. American
Supper Club The low-key supper club indulges Milwaukeeans’ love of large portions. Loosen your belt and dig into the rib-eye or spicy purgatory shrimp. D✹ l $$-$$$
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JAKE’S RESTAURANT
21445 W. Gumina Rd., Pewaukee, 262-781-7995.
Steak A Waukesha County institution offering classics like Jake’s filet mignon and Wisconsin Maple Leaf Farms roasted duck. D $$$$
JING’S CHINESE RESTAURANT
207 E. Buffalo St., 414-271-7788. Chinese Its Marshall building digs don’t offer street visibility, but ensure a cozy, in-the-know space. Count on staples of Chinese-American cuisine.
If you’re looking for more authentic dishes, ask for the “other menu.” L D $$
KAWA JAPANESE RESTAURANT
325 W. Silver Spring Dr., 414-249-5750. Japanese Once an Eastern-European diner (and bagel shop), this North Shore address is all about fish. Sashimi, nori rolls, shrimp tempura, fried softshell crab, etc. The hot and cold appetizer menu is a particularly good value. L D $$
KEGEL’S INN
5901 W. National Ave., 414-257-9999. German Wash down a plate of hearty pork shanks or wiener schnitzel with one of the bar’s nine German tap beers. With a history dating to the 1920s, this institution is also known for its fish fry (walleye, bluegill, lake perch). LD $$-$$$
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KIL@WAT
139 E. Kilbourn Ave., 414-291-4793. American
Nouveau The best table at this sixth-floor restaurant (inside the Intercontinental Hotel) has a large window with views of the busy intersection of Kilbourn and Water. Order the Big Boy burger as an appetizer, then sink into the beer-braised short ribs. L D BR ✹ $$$
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 $-$$$
LA CASA DE ALBERTO
624 W. National Ave., 414-643-5715. Mexican Small, cozy space opened by some expat exployees of Conejito’s Place. The guac, tacos and chiles rellenos are stars of the show. L D $-$$
LA MERENDA
125 E. National Ave., 414-389-0125. Tapas/Small
Plates The global menu at Peter Sandroni’s Walker’s Point haunt highlights India to Italy, Argentina to Morocco. Choices come and go; if you find empanadas, pumpkin ravioli and Argentinian beef, go with them. LD ) ✹ $-$$
LAKE PARK BISTRO
3133 E. Newberry Blvd., 414-962-6300. French Bartolotta-owned and set in historic Lake Park Pavilion, LPB has the decorative elements of a French farmhouse. Try: steak tartare, Dover sole and chocolate gateau. L D BR l $$$-$$$$
LAZY SUSAN
2378 S. Howell Ave., 414-988-7086. American
Nouveau Owner A.J. Dixon’s mantra is eclectic, shareable small plates (and her restaurant’s design motif includes Lazy Susans). Menus have included pan-seared skate wing and Brazilian steak frites. Three cheers for the Wednesday night Dinner for Two prix fixe menu. D BR $-$$$
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. BL D ✹ l) $$$
LISA’S FINE FOODS
2961 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-6360. Pizza An East Side/UW-Milwaukee-area institution for good thin-crust pizzas (12- to 16-inch) – crispy crust,
with sauce. a Thick-crustsubstantial applicationpizza available,of sweettoo. D tomato$-$$
MAD4401 Huge W. ROOSTERmenu Greenfieldof sweetCAFE Ave., and 414-231-9120.savory, from Breakfast cinnamon French Benedict. toast Propsto breakfastgo to their burger homemadeand eggs Greek yogurt,(e.g., goat breakfastcheese baby tacos reds).and signatureB L $-$$ potatoes
MARIA’S PIZZA
5025 W. Forest Home Ave., 414-543-4606. Pizza
of the city’s most singular restaurants and the One home of wonderful amoeba-shaped pizzas, for dine-in or carryout. The interior is decorated with religious and holiday finery. No liquor license. D $$
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 the chefs make your crab cakes and NY strip. The bar
offers live music and a nifty separate menu. L D
✹ ) $$-$$$$
MAXIE’S
6732 W. Fairview Ave., 414-292-3969. Cajun/Creole,
Seafood, BBQ While the decor conjures up a pseudo-bordello, the cuisine takes off in various directions: BBQ (really fine beef brisket), raw oysters from the coasts, Louisiana jambalaya, and “low country” South Carolina specialties like frogmore stew. Dl ✹ $$-$$$
MCBOB’S PUB & GRILL
4919 W. North Ave., 414-871-5050. Bar, American It’s hard to beat the Reuben served at this hardworking, no-frills bar. McBob’s even does a corned beef-stuffed meatloaf. BL D BR $-$$
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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 menu changes seasonally and can include a seafood pancake or 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 $$$-$$$$
MR. WOK Silvernail Plaza, 2128 Silvernail Rd., Pewaukee, 262521-9780. Asian Behind the veneer of Chinese food is a solid foundation of Pan-Asian dishes,
and curry they chicken,are good. mee Best gorengof the (noodles) bunch: and Malyasian rendang chicken. L D $$
MOREL
430 S. Second St., 414-897-0747. American
Nouveau 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 ✹ ) $$$
MOVIDA
524 S. Second St., 414-224-5300. Tapas/Small Plates The interior says “reclaimed old Milwaukee storefront.” Weekly live flamenco guitar, and flowing gin and tonics, say “Madrid.” Pair them with croquetas (fritters) and tostas (open-faced sandwiches). D BR $-$$
THE NATIONAL
839 W. National Ave., 414-431-6551. American Sometimes a pan of biscuits or brownies will be cooling on the lunch counter when you stop in for a turkey club or a bowl of tonkotsu ramen. The charming counter-service cafe also serves a super breakfast, options including a stuffed avocado and breakfast rice bowl. BL ✹$
NESSUN DORMA
2778 N. Weil St., 414-264-8466. Sandwich A Riverwest staple for a toasty-good panino (formaggio, Puccini), or something from their tiny chalkboard of specials. Share the ciccio appetizer (a delish plate of Italian meats, cheeses, olives and grilled bread) with a friend and you may be set for the night! D ✹$
NORTH AVENUE GRILL
7225 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-453-7225.
American On the busy stretch of North Avenue in Tosa, this casual diner packs ’em in for weekend breakfast. Menu highlights include housemade corned beef hash, breakfast skillets, burger and Cuban sandwich. BL D ✹ $
NORTH SHORE BOULANGERIE
4401 N. Oakland Ave., 414-963-2153. Cafe, French The French bakery, co-owned by a graduate of Chicago’s The French Pastry Institute, produces wonderful croissants and breads. Lentil soup, salade nicoise and croque monsieur round out the lunch menu. B L 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.” D
l ✹ ) $$
OSCAR’S PUB & GRILL
1712 W. Pierce St., 414-810-1820. Burgers The bar focuses on more or less one thing: burgers. Bring your voracious appetite for the Big O with a side of sweet potato fries. LD ✹ l$
PALOMINO
2491 S. Superior St., 414-747-1007. American “Cold beer, hot whiskey” is part of the slogan for this Bay View bar, nestled near Groppi’s Market. It’s also your portal to Southern deliciousness like baked pimento cheese, fried chicken and biscuits and shrimp po’ boy. L D BR ✹ ) $$
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 $$$
PEKING HOUSE
782 N. Jefferson St., 414-763-9378. Chinese Bypass General Tso’s chicken for the house specials, including Szechuan hot pot. Hot, spicy food is easy to procure here. LD l $-$$
PITCH’S
1801 N. Humboldt Ave., 414-272-9313. BBQ, Italian,
Supper Club Barbecued baby back ribs is one of the things this north-of-Brady-Street destination is known for. But Pitch’s is also an Italian supper club with a cult following for its Sicilian steak, veal Marsala and shrimp scampi. D $$-$$$
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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)
$$-$$$
POLONEZ
4016 S. Packard Ave., 414-482-0080. Polish. The menu features traditional Polish plates like the sampler (stuffed cabbage, pierogis, Polish sausage), bigos (hunter’s stew) and potato dumplings with tomato or mushroom sauce. L D
BR l) $$-$$$
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RED LIGHT RAMEN BY ARDENT
1749 N. Farwell Ave., 414-837-5107. Japanese Serves its own menu of seafood tins, snacks and soups. Start with a seafood tin, 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). L
D l $$$
RISTORANTE BARTOLOTTA
7616 W. State St., 414-771-7910. Italian The old family photos and unpretentious, tight-fitting dining room make diners feel at home. Head chef Juan Urbieta keeps folks coming back for the brick-style chicken and hand-cut pappardelle with duck ragu. D l $$$
ROCHESTER DELI
143 W. Broadway, Waukesha, 262-522-9611.
American, Sandwich A shop that gives its all to the sandwich. The hand-carved corned beef Reuben is among the area’s best. Also consider the sandwich of carved-to-order pastrami and horseradish sauce on caraway rye. 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) $$$-$$$$
SOBELMAN’S PUB AND GRILL
Multiple locations, sobelmanspubandgrill.com.
Burgers Competed against AJ Bombers in the Travel Channel’s “Food Wars,” and despite losing, has triumphed with its “Loser Burger.” You can’t really lose here, with a burger or bloody mary. LD l ✹$
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SOLLY’S GRILLE
4629 N. Port Washington Rd., 414-332-8808.
American, Burger, Breakfast Come here when you want to people-watch at a curvy lunch counter. Besides a solid breakfast, Solly’s is famous for is the butter burger – a fried patty globbed with a generous pat of butter. BL D $
STELLA VAN BUREN
Westin Hotel, 550 N. Van Buren St.. 414-847-5622.
Italian, Steak Modern Italian-American steakhouse that promises “destination-worthy wines and bourbon.” Dinner menu features red wine-braised short rib fettuccini and 22-ounce
dry-aged bone-in ribeye. Review pending. B L
D $$$-$$$$
STORY HILL BKC
5100 W. Bluemound Rd., 414-539-4424. American “BKC” stands for “Bottle, Kitchen, Cocktail.” The charming storefront has a great 3-5 p.m. happy hour menu and “Upper Midwest”inspired evening meals. L D BR $$-$$$
SUPPER Shorecrest Hotel, 1962 N. Prospect Ave., 414509-6074. American Nouveau, Supper Club A restaurant that walks the line between traditional and modern. The tables inside the low-lit dining room hold some club trademarks, including a relish tray and Lazy Susan. D $$-$$$$
THE1848 Soul W. TANDEMand Fond comfortdu Lac foodsAve., 414-885-1919.are the focus, Americanplus the Southernsides. American$ staple of fried chicken and
L D BR
TAQUERIA EL CABRITO
1100 S. 11th St., 414-385-9000. Mexican A great little near-South City haven for tacos (goat, chorizo), substantial soups and tortas. BL D $
TESS
2499 N. Bartlett Ave., 414-964-8377. American
Nouveau An easy little west-of-Oakland spot to roll into for apps at the bar or a more organized affair in the white-tablecloth dining room. Bonus points for the cozy, private garden patio. D✹ $$$
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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. D $$
TRE RIVALI Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, 200 N. Broadway, Suite 100, 414-291-3971. American Nouveau The highprofile hotel resto offers nibbly plates and larger Mediterranean creations coriander-crusted roasted whole branzino. BD ✹ $$-$$$
TRISKELE’S
1801 S. Third St., 414-837-5950. American The menu is divided into meat, seafood and vegetarian categories (the Celtic “triskele” symbol has three interlocked spirals). Terrific: mussels, burgers and mac and cheese. D $$
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URBAN BEETS CAFE & JUICERY
1401 N. Martin Luther King Dr., 414-800-6265.
Vegan, Vegetarian This bright little cafe offers beaucoup options for diners who avoid gluten and dairy products. Try a smoothie bowl and the U.B. avocado Reuben. BL l $
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 appears in the wood-fired pizzas. D BR ✹ l $$-$$$
WY’EAST PIZZA
5601 W. Vliet St., 414-943-3278. Pizza From the same folks who used to run a Portland, Oregon, pizza camper. Try the aptly named Hot Marmot. D ✹ $$-$$$
XANKIA
222 W. Wells St., 414-817-0241 Vietnamese A muststop if you’re into bahn mi sandwiches (eight kinds), but the menu also has pho, bubble tea and noodle dishes. L D $-$$
ZAFFIRO’S PIZZA
1724 N. Farwell Ave., 414-289-8776. Pizza MKE oldstyle pizza, cracker-thin. Sausage and cheese is a standby, but experiment and find your favorite. LD l $$
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ZARLETTI
741 N. Milwaukee St., 414-225-0000. Italian The modern space is devoted to classic, regional cuisine. Order osso bucco or rack of lamb. Tiny and intimate. LD ) ✹ $$$-$$$$
ZARLETTI MEQUON
1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-5990. Italian Sister of the MKE Street Zarletti, this place offers brick-oven pizzas. Try the arancini, house-made burrata cheese, seafood stew and braised short ribs. LD ✹ BR $$-$$$$ ◆