TO THE NORTH
BAYSIDE, DEER, BROWN BUTLER, CEDARBURG, POINT, FOX GERMANTOWN, GLENDALE, GRAFTON, MEQUON, MENOMONEE FALLS, HILLS, RIVER SHOREWOOD, THIENSVILLE, WHITEFISH BAY
Brandywine
Where to Eat Cloud Red
Standard bar fare is not how this 6-year-old rolls. Cloud Red is cloud nine for fresh, from-scratch food, some of which leans veg-heavy and healthyish, while some goes full-on comfort. Diners – who place their orders at the buzzing bar – hit the jackpot with plates ranging from pulled pork nachos to the Indian potato-cucumber bhel bowl. And the weekly specials, including seasonal soups and flatbreads, are often outstanding. 4488 N. Oakland
Ave., Shorewood
Brandywine
Named after a type of heirloom tomato, this chef-owned enterprise is particularly deft with its handmade pastas, but you really can’t go wrong with a seasonal small or large plate, especially if it’s beef carpaccio or seared fresh fish. The restored 1862 storefront oozes with historic Cedarburg charm, while the plates have big-city panache. W61 N480 Washington Ave., Cedarburg
Crave Cafe
This little counter-service eatery is mostly focused on burgers – and what burgers they are. Weighing in at a respectable one-third pound, the patty is perhaps at its best slathered in Korean BBQ glaze, American cheese, spicy mayo, kimchi and cabbage slaw. But then there’s the Crave burger, which slays with its toppings of melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onion, arugula and white truffle aioli. The crispy seasoned fries are excellent, too.
3592 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
Daily Taco & Cantina
The owners of (currently shuttered) Nepalese restaurant The Cheel opened this terrific homage to the tortilla in late 2020. Whether you order a taco, burrito, bowl, etc., it’s the protein choices that give it gusto, particularly the lamb birria (stew) served with dipping consommé.
They also offer five kinds of salsa – which makes eating chips and salsa a real treat – along with deliciously tart, fresh margaritas. 105 W. Freistadt Rd., Thiensville
Café 1505
Tucked inside the East Towne Square Mall, this longstanding breakfast-lunch spot offers great omelets, quiche and specialty pancakes, plus ace sandwiches and soup of the day. Don’t miss baked goods such as ooey gooey cinnamon rolls and sunshine buns. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon
Where to Shop Larry’s Market
Sure, many supermarkets are putting more effort into their cheese sections, but there’s still no place quite like Larry’s. It’s not just that the artisan cheese counter in this intimate, friendly shop is stocked with wheels of smallbatch dairy divinities from near and far, but everything is so meticulously labeled (with sampling encouraged!), you know it was created by someone whose love and knowledge of cheeses is at the expert level. And you’ll find everything else you need to create an outstanding charcuterie board that will please even the most discriminating gourmand. 8737 N. Deerwood Dr., Brown Deer
Faye’s
Faye’s has been around 31 years, but it is always current. The inventory is curated with a very discerning eye, meaning that every piece is on-trend. Plus, the sales team is so helpful, it’s like having your own private stylist. East Towne Square Mall, 1505 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon
Bayside Garden Center
Need a vacation? Wander the greenhouses at Bayside Garden Center, where the houseplant selection is unmatched. Whether you’re looking for familiar favorites or exotic species, you’ll be hardpressed to find a better array of greenery in the Milwaukee area. Plus, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. 400 E. Brown Deer Rd., Bayside
Fifth-Main
For pre-owned designer capital-L luxury apparel, Fifth-Main is the place. The prices are steep, but these are collectibles, not plain old used clothes! (Think Oscar De La Renta, Alexander McQueen and Givenchy.) The items are so beautiful that it’s worth a visit even if only to look and dream. 174 S. Main St., Thiensville