Cari Taylor-Carlson

Cari Taylor-Carlson

Cari Taylor-Carlson, ran her own business, Venture West-guided outdoor adventures, for 32 years and was the founder of the “Milwaukee Walking and Eating Society.” She is best known as a food writer, and is the author of several books on the city’s dining scene, including Milwaukee Eats, Milwaukee’s Best Cheap Eats and The Food Lover’s Guide to Milwaukee. She also wrote about restaurants for 18 years for M Magazine for and has been a regular contributor to WUWW-FM’s “Lake Effect.”

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Recent Articles

Dining: Highlands Café Is Easy to Love
Dining

Highlands Café Is Easy to Love

Neighborhood cafe in Tosa serves lovely lunches and breakfasts made with local ingredients.

Dining: Sticky Rice Boasts Authentic Thai and Laotian Food
Dining

Sticky Rice Boasts Authentic Thai and Laotian Food

Brady Street restaurant offers tasty fare in a cheerful interior.

Dining: Hot Dish Pantry Is All About Comfort Food
Dining

Hot Dish Pantry Is All About Comfort Food

Howell Avenue restaurant is retro and reliable, with tasty, scratch-made fare.

Dining: Barbiere’s Offers Good Italian Comfort Food
Dining

Barbiere’s Offers Good Italian Comfort Food

Still made the old fashioned way. And oh, that garlic bread.

Dining: Pita Palace Serves It Up Fresh
Dining

Pita Palace Serves It Up Fresh

Palatial Middle Eastern restaurant serves spicy delicious fare from scratch.

Dining: The Edison Delights With Extra Thick Bacon
Dining

The Edison Delights With Extra Thick Bacon

Third Ward restaurant's menu teases “bacon cut too thick," but it's just right.

Dining: Strange Town Is Vegan Fare for Everyone
Dining

Strange Town Is Vegan Fare for Everyone

Innovative dishes using fresh ingredients. And lovely wine flights including orange wine.

Dining: Bringing Hawaiian Food to Milwaukee
Dining

Bringing Hawaiian Food to Milwaukee

And Hawaiian culture. Ono Kine Grindz in Wauwatosa is simple yet delicious.

Milwaukee Walks: Kilbourntown Tour Offers Tons of History
Milwaukee Walks

Kilbourntown Tour Offers Tons of History

A downtown walk with gargoyles, statues, monuments and more.

Dining: Riverfront Pizza Is a Waterside Respite
Dining

Riverfront Pizza Is a Waterside Respite

Great river views, good food and far more than just pizza.

Dining: Heaven’s Table Is Paradise for BBQ Fans
Dining

Heaven’s Table Is Paradise for BBQ Fans

So many kinds of Texas-style barbecue with a secret recipe and great side dishes.

Dining: La Canoa Serves Up So Many Different Dishes
Dining

La Canoa Serves Up So Many Different Dishes

The menu seems endless, the food good, the atmosphere colorful with a beach vibe.

Milwaukee Walks: Riverwest Is a Melting Pot
Milwaukee Walks

Riverwest Is a Melting Pot

Its historic mix of cultures and ethnicities continues to this day and, and creates a unique walk.

Dining: Hungry Sumo Won’t Leave You Hungry
Dining

Hungry Sumo Won’t Leave You Hungry

Bay View bistro offers sushi and other Asian fare. A big menu with good food.

Dining: Seven Swans Creperie Is So Lovely
Dining

Seven Swans Creperie Is So Lovely

Cozy, artsy atmosphere, and savory and sweet crepes that are delicious.

MKE Walks: Layton Boulevard Has Overlooked History
MKE Walks

Layton Boulevard Has Overlooked History

Once the city’s western boundary with homes for wealthy, the area later added Frank Lloyd Wright homes.

Dining: Explorium Brewpub Has Huge Menu
Dining

Explorium Brewpub Has Huge Menu

Downtown pub has historic atmosphere, good food and crazy beers like Key Lime Cheesecake.

Milwaukee Walks: Washington Park Was Once Farmland
Milwaukee Walks

Washington Park Was Once Farmland

Olmsted-designed park is an urban oasis with historic homes nearby.

Dining: Elsa’s Has a Unique Parisian Flair
Dining

Elsa’s Has a Unique Parisian Flair

Tasty, classic American food, good service, and such an elegant setting.

Dining: Barnacle Bud’s Is Nautical and Nice
Dining

Barnacle Bud’s Is Nautical and Nice

Good chow, especially seafood, a funky riverside atmosphere and lovely sunsets.

Milwaukee Walks: Ghosts of Milwaukee’s Past
Milwaukee Walks

Ghosts of Milwaukee’s Past

A walk through Forest Home Cemetery is a peaceful encounter with countless famous names.

Dining: Bridgewater Offers Good Food, Lovely River Views
Dining

Bridgewater Offers Good Food, Lovely River Views

The Bridgewater Modern Grill offers extensive menu and windows overlooking the KK River.

Dining: Daddy’s On Blue Mound Offers Home Cooking
Dining

Daddy’s On Blue Mound Offers Home Cooking

Soul food at its best, with memorable chicken wings.

Dining: Canela Café Is Sweet Place for Breakfast
Dining

Canela Café Is Sweet Place for Breakfast

Downer Avenue space is lovely, menu is huge, with good food and exceptional service.

Dining: El Cabrito Is The Real Thing
Dining

El Cabrito Is The Real Thing

Authentic Mexican food with a mostly Spanish-speaking clientele and easy going atmosphere.

Dining: Eating Lunch At The Pfister Hotel
Dining

Eating Lunch At The Pfister Hotel

Century-old ambience and elegance elevate the classic fare, making your visit an event.

Dining: Sisu Cafe Offers Nordic, Finnish Fare
Dining

Sisu Cafe Offers Nordic, Finnish Fare

And on some nights becomes a steakhouse. It's all a tasty addition to Bay View's dining scene.

Dining: Bombay Sweets Has Big Menu, Big Tastes
Dining

Bombay Sweets Has Big Menu, Big Tastes

About 120 items to choose from. Every one I had was delicious.

Dining: Comet Cafe Makes Happy Return
Dining

Comet Cafe Makes Happy Return

After two-year hiatus it offers same atmosphere, streamlined menu and satisfying comfort food.

Milwaukee Walks: The Streets That Solomon Juneau Planned
Milwaukee Walks

The Streets That Solomon Juneau Planned

A walk through Juneautown mixes downtown high rises and a surprising number of sculptures.

Dining: Lebnani House a Stunning New Restaurant
Dining

Lebnani House a Stunning New Restaurant

Lovely light-filled interior and delicious Middle Eastern food.

Dining: Jalapeño Loco’s Moles Are Memorable
Dining

Jalapeño Loco’s Moles Are Memorable

Great sauces and some of the city's most unique Mexican cuisine.

Dining: Brady Street’s Twisted Plants Is Unique
Dining

Brady Street’s Twisted Plants Is Unique

Semi-fast food burgers and sandwiches, but all vegan/vegetarian, healthy and tasty.

Dining: Hot Wax Is a Meat Eater’s Delight
Dining

Hot Wax Is a Meat Eater’s Delight

My favorite place at Crossroads Collective can elevate a sandwich or a burger to something memorable.

Milwaukee Walks: Yankee Hill Was Height Of Early Milwaukee Society
Milwaukee Walks

Yankee Hill Was Height Of Early Milwaukee Society

Area settled by New England transplants still has 19th century mansions and churches.

Milwaukee Walks: The Age of Elegance
Milwaukee Walks

The Age of Elegance

Upper East Side’s Prospect Hill neighborhood is a walk past one lovely, distinctive mansion after another.

Dining: Ventura’s Tacos Is The Real Thing
Dining

Ventura’s Tacos Is The Real Thing

Bay View restaurant has consistently good, genuinely Mexican fare.

Milwaukee Walks: Cold Spring Park Was Very German
Milwaukee Walks

Cold Spring Park Was Very German

Homes in near westside neighborhood mostly built in early 1900s, often resembling those built in Germany.

Dining: Company Brewing Was a Disappointment
Dining

Company Brewing Was a Disappointment

Nice atmosphere, impressive list of craft beers but food was so-so.

Milwaukee Walks: Stroll Down Milwaukee’s Gold Coast
Milwaukee Walks

Stroll Down Milwaukee’s Gold Coast

Prospect Avenue was also known as ‘Kings Row’ and many of those old mansions are still standing.

Dining: Wicked Hop Is a Crowd Pleaser
Dining

Wicked Hop Is a Crowd Pleaser

Good food, good service, big portions, fun atmosphere.

Milwaukee Walks: A Walk That’s All Woods And Water
Milwaukee Walks

A Walk That’s All Woods And Water

From Caesar’s Park to Urban Ecology Center you pass 70 different tree species and dozens of wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses.

Milwaukee Walks: Riverwalk Offers Many Different Views
Milwaukee Walks

Riverwalk Offers Many Different Views

Of Downtown, the river, many artworks and brewpubs of course.

Dining: Al Pastor Offers Meaty Mexican Fare
Dining

Al Pastor Offers Meaty Mexican Fare

West Allis restaurant goes beyond popular Tex-Mex fare with a lot of heart and heat.

Milwaukee Walks: Halyard Park Has a Suburban Feel
Milwaukee Walks

Halyard Park Has a Suburban Feel

It’s a neighborhood transformed, with new houses from 1970s and ‘80s, along with restored Victorian homes.

Dining: Riverwest’s Wonderland Is An Artsy Diner
Dining

Riverwest’s Wonderland Is An Artsy Diner

A unique decor, easygoing vibe and versatile menu with good choices for meat lovers, vegans and vegetarians.

Milwaukee Walks: Lincoln Village Is a Slice of Polish History
Milwaukee Walks

Lincoln Village Is a Slice of Polish History

There’s no neighborhood like it, with a history that goes back to the 19th century.

Dining: Camino Offers Far More Than Bar Food
Dining

Camino Offers Far More Than Bar Food

It’s a farm to table menu, long on sandwiches, with an extensive choice of craft beers.

Dining: Crafty Cow Is All About Comfort Food
Dining

Crafty Cow Is All About Comfort Food

Tiny Bay View restaurant has big menu with 13 different burgers, 6 kinds of chicken sandwiches.

Dining: Lafayette Place Is a Stunner
Dining

Lafayette Place Is a Stunner

Farwell Avenue vegan restaurant proves you can make great food sans cheese and eggs.

Dining: Tupelo Honey Cafe Is Scrumptiously Southern
Dining

Tupelo Honey Cafe Is Scrumptiously Southern

Buttery delicious food, large portions with some surprising touches. All good.

Dining: Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn Is Classic Italian
Dining

Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn Is Classic Italian

Slow down and enjoy the white table-clothed atmosphere and old-style Italian fare.

Dining: Black Sheep Offers Big Brunches
Dining

Black Sheep Offers Big Brunches

Walker’s Point wine bar and restaurant has a cool decor, interesting menu and good food.

Dining: Chilango Express Is Authentic Mexican
Dining

Chilango Express Is Authentic Mexican

The sauces are a riot of textures and flavors at this West Allis restaurant.

Milwaukee Walks: A Ghost Town On The River
Milwaukee Walks

A Ghost Town On The River

Just north of Locust St. along the Milwaukee River are the remnants of homes in the River Colony.

Dining: Apollo Cafe Is A Winner
Dining

Apollo Cafe Is A Winner

Brady Street restaurant offers good food and service and low prices for classic Greek fare.

Dining: The Sheer Oozy Glory of Mac and Cheese
Dining

The Sheer Oozy Glory of Mac and Cheese

The Mac Shack offers countless variations but the Signature Mac was oh-so-delicious.

Dining: Brown Bottle is Historic, Yet Updated
Dining

Brown Bottle is Historic, Yet Updated

Classic atmosphere and a new menu with some dishes we loved, others not so much.

Milwaukee Walks: Mitchell Street Is A Diverse Mix of Cultures
Milwaukee Walks

Mitchell Street Is A Diverse Mix of Cultures

The one-time ‘Polish Grand Avenue’ has many stories to tell.

Dining: Big Daddy’s BBQ Is Messy But Good
Dining

Big Daddy’s BBQ Is Messy But Good

Tender, moist, smoky meats at Riverwest joint. But how about some napkins?

Milwaukee Walks: Kilbourn Reservoir Park Offers Wonderful View
Milwaukee Walks

Kilbourn Reservoir Park Offers Wonderful View

A park with a curious history and perhaps the best 360-degree view of the city.

Dining: The Truck Stop’s Fare Is Juicy Good
Dining

The Truck Stop’s Fare Is Juicy Good

Tiny Brady Street place offers mouth watering dishes like Korean Chicken Tacos and Loaded Fajita Fries.

Milwaukee Walks: A Walk In The Riverwest Woods
Milwaukee Walks

A Walk In The Riverwest Woods

The walk from Concordia to Capitol along the river displays oh so much of nature’s beauty.

Dining: El Tlaxcalteca Is Authentically Mexican
Dining

El Tlaxcalteca Is Authentically Mexican

And perhaps the best place in town to order birria.

Milwaukee Walks: Downer-Newberry Area All About Architecture
Milwaukee Walks

Downer-Newberry Area All About Architecture

Chic shops, historic homes in one of the city’s most architecturally diverse neighborhoods.

Dining: SmallPie Is Delicious Fun
Dining

SmallPie Is Delicious Fun

Small Bay View carryout place offers patio seating and scrumptious savory and sweet pies.

Milwaukee Walks: Third Ward Offers Cosmopolitan Stroll
Milwaukee Walks

Third Ward Offers Cosmopolitan Stroll

20 blocks of shopping, dining, arts galleries and theaters in a one-time swamp.

Dining: Taqwa’s Is a Middle Eastern Paradise
Dining

Taqwa’s Is a Middle Eastern Paradise

South-side restaurant is a wonderful addition to city’s dining scene.

Dining: La Dama Is Some Kind of Wonderful
Dining

La Dama Is Some Kind of Wonderful

Fine dining Mexican style in a colorful setting: the old Crazy Water with a lovely redesigned decor.

Milwaukee Walks: Watching the River Flow
Milwaukee Walks

Watching the River Flow

A walk along the river in Estabrook Park is pretty, along with remnants of a long gone Milwaukee industry.

Milwaukee Walks: Walker’s Point is a Living Museum
Milwaukee Walks

Walker’s Point is a Living Museum

So many housing styles and interesting architecture in what was once called ‘Skunk Grove.’

Dining: Mobay Cafe Is Truly Jamaican
Dining

Mobay Cafe Is Truly Jamaican

Owner Dixon, a native Jamaican, offers diverse menu of island specialties at Walker’s Point restaurant.

Dining: Nationally Famous House-Made Pasta
Dining

Nationally Famous House-Made Pasta

Adam Pawlak’s three Egg & Flour restaurants are a boon to Milwaukee.

Milwaukee Walks: Bay View Offers History and Lake Views
Milwaukee Walks

Bay View Offers History and Lake Views

Neighborhood charm and a spiritual connection to Lake Michigan.

Milwaukee Walks: North Point Is Milwaukee’s Gold Coast
Milwaukee Walks

North Point Is Milwaukee’s Gold Coast

Take a two-mile walk filled with historic, architecturally splendid homes and lovely lake views.

Milwaukee Walks: Brewers Hill Boasts Lovely Restored Homes
Milwaukee Walks

Brewers Hill Boasts Lovely Restored Homes

And a colorful history. It’s a fun, 14-block walk.

Milwaukee Walks: Eight Blocks of Food, History and Art
Milwaukee Walks

Eight Blocks of Food, History and Art

Both sides of the river between Kilbourn and Highland are filled with attractions.

Dining: Remembering Milwaukee’s Classic Restaurants
Dining

Remembering Milwaukee’s Classic Restaurants

New book by Jennifer Billock recalls old German restaurants, Mafia-connected Italian places and much more.

Milwaukee Walks: Three Bridges Park Is a Living Museum
Milwaukee Walks

Three Bridges Park Is a Living Museum

It’s a Wisconsin prairie reborn in the city’s center. And a wonderful walk.

Milwaukee Walks: A Hidden Forest At The City’s Edge
Milwaukee Walks

A Hidden Forest At The City’s Edge

Seminary Woods goes back at least 175 years. It’s beautiful.

Milwaukee Walks: Brady Street Area Has Many Delights
Milwaukee Walks

Brady Street Area Has Many Delights

It’s a great urban walk, filled with Polish and Italian history and so much variety.

Milwaukee Walks: The Loveliness of Lakeshore State Park
Milwaukee Walks

The Loveliness of Lakeshore State Park

Wisconsin’s only urban state park offers walkers unparalleled views of the lake, downtown skyline and prairie.

Milwaukee Walks: A Forest in a City
Milwaukee Walks

A Forest in a City

Havenwoods State Forest is an overlooked gem, with six miles of trails.

Milwaukee Walks: Lake Park Has 138 Acres
Milwaukee Walks

Lake Park Has 138 Acres

No need to walk them all, though it’s so scenic you might be tempted.

Milwaukee Walks: Government Pier Has Stunning Views
Milwaukee Walks

Government Pier Has Stunning Views

The pier stretching a half-mile into Lake Michigan offers some of the city’s best views

Milwaukee Walks: A Riverwest Beerline Walk
Milwaukee Walks

A Riverwest Beerline Walk

The west side of the river offers a lovely journey filled with bird song.

Dining: Aria has Classic Fare and Fancy Digs
Dining

Aria has Classic Fare and Fancy Digs

Breakfast and lunch staples are set against a beautiful art collection.

Dining: Erv’s Mug Does Bar Food Right
Dining

Erv’s Mug Does Bar Food Right

Lot's of menu items and lots of bar kitsch at Erv's Mug on Ryan Road.

Dining: How German Is It? Very
Dining

How German Is It? Very

Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale offers authentic Old World food and beer. Come hungry.

Dining: Bay View’s Hi-Fi Cafe a Time Warp
Dining

Bay View’s Hi-Fi Cafe a Time Warp

‘50s and ’60s atmosphere and made-from-scratch breakfasts, lunches, shakes and malts

Dining: Eataly Is Heaven for Italian Foodies
Dining

Eataly Is Heaven for Italian Foodies

Chicago’s giant marketplace of Italian restaurants, bakeries, wines, cheeses, kitchenware.

Dining: Simple Café Is So Satisfying
Dining

Simple Café Is So Satisfying

East Side cafe offers fresh, light, healthy, often complex, relatively inexpensive food. Delicious.

Dining: Urban Beets Is All About Vegan
Dining

Urban Beets Is All About Vegan

Cool atmosphere and all-vegan fare, but food is uneven.

Dining: McKiernan’s Irish Pub Has Good Bar Grub
Dining

McKiernan’s Irish Pub Has Good Bar Grub

Lots of corned beef and that funky Barnacle Bud’s-style atmosphere.

Dining: Fiesta Café Offers Big Breakfast
Dining

Fiesta Café Offers Big Breakfast

Mexican place in Walker’s Point offers tasty, healthy meals.

Dining: Don’t Try Fairgrounds for Food
Dining

Don’t Try Fairgrounds for Food

Chicago-based chain’s local cafe has a great selection of coffees, teas. The food? Meh.

Dining: Orenda Café Is a New Favorite
Dining

Orenda Café Is a New Favorite

Not perfect, but south-side cafe offers big portions and creative, Mexican-inspired dishes.

Dining: El Salvador Has Gotten National Press
Dining

El Salvador Has Gotten National Press

New York Times featured it. It’s a small special place with wonderful food.

Dining: Glass + Griddle Has a Beautiful Interior
Dining

Glass + Griddle Has a Beautiful Interior

And the menu offers many gluten-free and vegan options.

Dining: Stone Bowl Does Korean Specialties
Dining

Stone Bowl Does Korean Specialties

Stone Bowl has a long menu, full of traditional Korean dishes. Try the Hangover Soup, or the authors favorite: Bibimbop.

Dining: Toast Serves A Great Brunch
Dining

Toast Serves A Great Brunch

This spot is worth the wait on weekends. The extensive menu and interesting decor does not disappoint.

Dining: Sabor Tropical Offers Unique Latino-Inspired Cuisine
Dining

Sabor Tropical Offers Unique Latino-Inspired Cuisine

Not easily defined, this restaurant serves a mashup of Latino-inspired dishes.

Dining: Zaffiro’s Is More Than Just a Pizza Joint
Dining

Zaffiro’s Is More Than Just a Pizza Joint

This historic East Side pizza place has a wide array of Italian-American favorites that impress.

Dining: The National Is a Local Standout
Dining

The National Is a Local Standout

Fresh ingredients, creative combinations, laid-back style. In nice weather, don’t miss the patio.

Dining: Harbor House Boasts Spectacular Views
Dining

Harbor House Boasts Spectacular Views

There may be no better place to linger and look. Oh, the food’s pretty darn good, too.

Dining: Comet Cafe Is a Milwaukee Classic
Dining

Comet Cafe Is a Milwaukee Classic

Comfort food with gourmet twists and big portions. Gotta love it.

Dining: Public Table is ‘Art on the Plate’
Dining

Public Table is ‘Art on the Plate’

This West Allis restaurant puts a fine dining twist on some bar food favorites.

Dining: It’s All Fresh at Damascus Gate
Dining

It’s All Fresh at Damascus Gate

Syrian restaurant on Mitchell St. serves the best falafel, kefta kabobs and hummus in town.

Dining: Pho Saigon Offers Vietnam’s Variety
Dining

Pho Saigon Offers Vietnam’s Variety

West Allis restaurant offers the real thing, authentic Vietnamese fare.

Dining: Wild Roots Is Stunningly Good
Dining

Wild Roots Is Stunningly Good

Earth-centric restaurant in West Allis emphasizing fresh ingredients gets a rave.

Dining: Still Healthy After All These Years
Dining

Still Healthy After All These Years

Beans & Barley still draws crowds for healthy, fresh, organic meals.

Dining: The Best Sandwiches in Town?
Dining

The Best Sandwiches in Town?

So claims the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. They might be right.

Dining: Vanguard Is a Milwaukee Treasure
Dining

Vanguard Is a Milwaukee Treasure

Heaven for sausage lovers. And those who aren’t will be amazed at how varied the fare is.

Dining: St. Paul the Saint of Fresh Fish
Dining

St. Paul the Saint of Fresh Fish

Public Market restaurant and deli boasts delicious fish and seafood, reasonable prices.

Op Ed: My Brother Couldn’t Get Measles Vaccination
Op Ed

My Brother Couldn’t Get Measles Vaccination

The anti-vac advocates might want to consider what happened to him.

Dining: Momo Mee Offers Flavors of Asia
Dining

Momo Mee Offers Flavors of Asia

Nearly everything at Walker’s Point restaurant was exceptional.

Dining: Celesta Is a Vegan Revelation
Dining

Celesta Is a Vegan Revelation

All plant based food, all delicious and quite inventive at Lower East Side cafe.

Dining: It’s All Fresh at Vientiane
Dining

It’s All Fresh at Vientiane

No-frills restaurant on National Ave. offers tasty Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese fare.

Dining: Crawdaddy’s Is Real Cajun
Dining

Crawdaddy’s Is Real Cajun

West Allis restaurant has plenty of tasty dishes flavored with holy trinity.

Dining: Blue Star Cafe Is a Star
Dining

Blue Star Cafe Is a Star

Simple, fresh, colorful, inexpensive fare in a modest little restaurant. Lovely.

Dining: Breakfast With A Beautiful View
Dining

Breakfast With A Beautiful View

Uncle Wolfie's in Brewers Hill overlooks the city with cozy vintage touches and tasty chow.

Dining: MidTown Grill Offers Comfort Food
Dining

MidTown Grill Offers Comfort Food

Less elaborate than its sibling North Avenue Grill, but the food is just as good.

Dining: The Best BBQ In Town?
Dining

The Best BBQ In Town?

Double B’s BBQ in West Allis can compete with any other such restaurant in the area.

Dining: Don’s Diner Is A Bit Deluxe
Dining

Don’s Diner Is A Bit Deluxe

Yes, comfort food and retro atmosphere, but dishes like scrambled eggs with truffles.

Dining: The Tandem Has Good Southern Food
Dining

The Tandem Has Good Southern Food

Charming interior, park views and delicious comfort food make this a winner.

Dining: It’s Not Just for Pizza, Man
Dining

It’s Not Just for Pizza, Man

Pizza Man offers far-ranging menu, incredible wine list, good food -- and a very cool space.

Dining: Birch + Butcher Is a Winner
Dining

Birch + Butcher Is a Winner

Great choices at the shop, creative cooking at the restaurant. Not to be missed.

Dining: Try Rocket Baby For Lunch
Dining

Try Rocket Baby For Lunch

Yes, the pastries are fabulous. But the lunches are pretty tasty, too.

Dining: Tavo’s Is Mexican With a Twist
Dining

Tavo’s Is Mexican With a Twist

The small family-run restaurant offers tasty food. And oh, that dessert!

Dining: Iron Grate Has Truly Texas-Style BBQ
Dining

Iron Grate Has Truly Texas-Style BBQ

Both the restaurant and food truck offer smoky, juicy meat. And oh, those grits!

Dining: Bay View Gets a Cajun Cutie
Dining

Bay View Gets a Cajun Cutie

Bellis Bistro serves delicious gumbo, jambalaya and other Cajun fare in cozy space.

Dining: Fuel Cafe Is a 5th St. Hangout
Dining

Fuel Cafe Is a 5th St. Hangout

Good coffee, of course, but hip, spacious place also has mostly tasty chow.

Dining: City’s First Tequilaria Is Hot
Dining

City’s First Tequilaria Is Hot

And so is the food. Plus 160 different tequilas at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria.

Dining: Ted’s Is a 1950s Time Warp
Dining

Ted’s Is a 1950s Time Warp

Tosa diner has home-made soup, burgers, old-fashioned malts. Delicious and dirt cheap.

Dining: La Masa Has Delicious Empanadas
Dining

La Masa Has Delicious Empanadas

There are many great reasons to visit Brady Street, La Masa is one of them.

Dining: Bet The Farm on Parkside 23
Dining

Bet The Farm on Parkside 23

A restaurant with its own farm, and you can taste the difference.

Dining: La Scala Is Authentic But Uneven
Dining

La Scala Is Authentic But Uneven

Despite glitches, you can eat pretty well, and the Tiramisu dessert is perfection.

Dining: Joe Mama’s Is Worth the Trip
Dining

Joe Mama’s Is Worth the Trip

A 40-minute drive to place touted by Travel Channel, with delicious food, big portions.

Dining: Cocina 1022 Offers Huge Mexican Menu
Dining

Cocina 1022 Offers Huge Mexican Menu

New place in old Jacques’ space is promising, worth a try.

Dining: Oh Camino, I Love You
Dining

Oh Camino, I Love You

Inventive Walker’s Point restaurant has so much more than burgers.

Dining: Good Mexican in an English Tudor Building
Dining

Good Mexican in an English Tudor Building

Michael Feker opens his third restaurant, this on city’s West Side.

Dining: Sweet Diner Brings on Chicago Style
Dining

Sweet Diner Brings on Chicago Style

Menu and restaurant are big and upscale, but results at Third Ward place were uneven.

Dining: Jo’s Cafe is the Real Deal
Dining

Jo’s Cafe is the Real Deal

Northwest side café, really a diner, does comfort food right.

Dining: Tacos Star at Brady Street’s Kompali
Dining

Tacos Star at Brady Street’s Kompali

Owners of C-Viche have created another winning restaurant, with a street-food feel.

Dining: Bay View Place Has Great Pizza, Pasta
Dining

Bay View Place Has Great Pizza, Pasta

Santino’s Little Italy opened a year ago, a great addition to city’s Italian restaurants.

Dining: The New Fuel Is More Upscale
Dining

The New Fuel Is More Upscale

The Walker’s Point Fuel Cafe is hip, spacious, with mostly tasty chow.

Dining: The Original Is No Copy Cat
Dining

The Original Is No Copy Cat

Cozy east side restaurant has good food with unique touches.

Dining: Swingin’ Door Is a Winner
Dining

Swingin’ Door Is a Winner

Downtown tavern serves up great food.

Dining: El Patron Offers Good Cheap Mexican
Dining

El Patron Offers Good Cheap Mexican

Mostly familiar fare but tasty. And the addictive desserts are a surprise.

Dining: Who’s Got the Best Pho?
Dining

Who’s Got the Best Pho?

Three Silver City restaurants are offering $5 bowls of Pho. We gave them a taste test.

Dining: Benji’s, the Last Word on Corned Beef
Dining

Benji’s, the Last Word on Corned Beef

So many ways to eat it, though other dishes are tasty, too.

Dining: Miss Molly’s Has Scrumptious Pastries
Dining

Miss Molly’s Has Scrumptious Pastries

Cafe on 92nd and Center also has breakfasts, lunches that will satisfy.

Dining: Ka-Bobs Is a Bargain Bistro
Dining

Ka-Bobs Is a Bargain Bistro

West Allis eatery has big menu but the juicy kabobs stand out for price and taste.

Dining: Guanajuato a Top Choice For Mexican
Dining

Guanajuato a Top Choice For Mexican

And where else can you get chocolate cake flan?

Dining: Rivers Edge Brings Home the Bacon
Dining

Rivers Edge Brings Home the Bacon

The Saukville restaurant seems to serve it every possible way, all good.

Dining: The House of Mac and Cheese
Dining

The House of Mac and Cheese

Motor restaurant serves it six ways, along with delicious BBQ and chili.

Dining: Dino’s Is a Riverwest Mainstay
Dining

Dino’s Is a Riverwest Mainstay

But if you like unpretentious Italian fare, it’s worth a visit for those outside the neighborhood.

Dining: Pho Viet Is Authentic Vietnamese
Dining

Pho Viet Is Authentic Vietnamese

The dishes are tasty.

Dining: Mazos Is a Tasty Time Warp
Dining

Mazos Is a Tasty Time Warp

Serving ground daily, never frozen burgers since 1934. Delicious.

Dining: EE-Sane Was a Disappointment
Dining

EE-Sane Was a Disappointment

Popular Thai restaurant on Farwell offers big servings, smallish taste.

Dining: Sabrosa Offers Farm-to-Table Mexican
Dining

Sabrosa Offers Farm-to-Table Mexican

New Bay View restaurant features good, made-from-scratch food and an art gallery.

Dining: Authentic Italian, Generous Portions
Dining

Authentic Italian, Generous Portions

Family owned and still one of the town’s best for true Italian dining.

Dining: La Casa de Alberto Is Simply Delicious
Dining

La Casa de Alberto Is Simply Delicious

Everything is fresh and authentic at this barebones Mexican restaurant.

Dining: La Merenda Is a Taste Treat
Dining

La Merenda Is a Taste Treat

You could circle the globe with their wide range of ethnic small plates.

Dining: DiModa Has Innovative Italian Food
Dining

DiModa Has Innovative Italian Food

Delicious dishes, attractive atmosphere and dog-friendly.

Dining: Twisted Fisherman Has, Ah, Great Atmosphere
Dining

Twisted Fisherman Has, Ah, Great Atmosphere

Riverside restaurant has great barefoot beach ambience, not-so-good food.

Dining: Solly’s Still Has the Best Butter Burgers
Dining

Solly’s Still Has the Best Butter Burgers

They’ve added some tasty heart-healthy meals. But oh, those burgers.

Dining: Sheridan’s Is a Nice Place to Relax
Dining

Sheridan’s Is a Nice Place to Relax

Pretty good food, nice atmosphere and maybe the ghost of Dan Quayle.

Dining: Botanas Is a Loud Letdown
Dining

Botanas Is a Loud Letdown

Loud decor, a loud din, and tasteless, mass-produced food.

Dining: Boo Boo’s Is Partner to Soup Bros.
Dining

Boo Boo’s Is Partner to Soup Bros.

One serves sandwiches, one serves soup. Results yummy in both cases.

Dining: Breakfast At Good City Brewing
Dining

Breakfast At Good City Brewing

Great beer, good omelettes, very strange dessert.

Dining: Rice N Roll Is A Great Show
Dining

Rice N Roll Is A Great Show

You can watch the chefs at work. The results are pretty tasty.

Dining: Bumstead Has Big Sandwiches
Dining

Bumstead Has Big Sandwiches

Bumstead Provisions in Bay View offers Dagwood-style dining.

Dining: No Tacos At Antigua
Dining

No Tacos At Antigua

West Allis restaurant offers Mexican, Spanish, South American fare.

Dining: Lovely Bits of Britain
Dining

Lovely Bits of Britain

Red Lion Pub offers tasty British fare, big portions, good service.

Dining: Café Calatrava Is a Lovely Experience
Dining

Café Calatrava Is a Lovely Experience

Unique atmosphere and fine food. But its chef is moving on.

Dining: Thai-namite Is Popular For a Reason
Dining

Thai-namite Is Popular For a Reason

Brady Street Thai place is classy, with tasty, reasonably priced fare.

Dining: Crazy Water Is Crazy Good
Dining

Crazy Water Is Crazy Good

Chef Peggy Magister has a magic touch with any food she creates.

Chef Chat: How I Became a Cheesehead
Chef Chat

How I Became a Cheesehead

Arizona native Garold Spire cooked in Caribbean, now a cheese-mad chef.

Dining: Kegel’s Has Authentic German Fare
Dining

Kegel’s Has Authentic German Fare

It rivals the food at Mader’s and Karl Ratzsch’s.

Dining: Corazon Truly Has Fresh Local Fare
Dining

Corazon Truly Has Fresh Local Fare

It’s Mexican food, but with a difference -- and that’s okay.

Dining: Sala Is For Sugo Lovers
Dining

Sala Is For Sugo Lovers

Sicilian restaurant has great homemade tomato sauce, generous portions, all delicious and fresh.

Dining: Food At New Pastiche Is Sublime
Dining

Food At New Pastiche Is Sublime

But the Hotel Metro space lacks the French bistro atmosphere of old place.

Dining: Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
Dining

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

New place in West Allis, The Farmer’s Wife, serves comfort food from the 1950s.

Dining: The French Bistro Flair of Le Reve
Dining

The French Bistro Flair of Le Reve

There’s not one sandwich on the menu I wouldn’t order again.

Dining: Café Grace Boasts French Bistro Fare
Dining

Café Grace Boasts French Bistro Fare

New Tosa cafe has good food, cozy atmosphere.

Dining: No One Can Beat McBob’s Corned Beef
Dining

No One Can Beat McBob’s Corned Beef

And oh those Reubens. It’s the best corned beef in town.

Dining: Pho Hai Tuyet a Vietnamese Treat
Dining

Pho Hai Tuyet a Vietnamese Treat

Located near the airport, it’s a tasty antidote to all the fast food joints.

Dining: Not Your Typical Hotel Restaurant
Dining

Not Your Typical Hotel Restaurant

Tre Rivali, in the Kimpton Hotel, is adventurous, but uneven.

Dining: Chef Paz Offers a Taste of Peru
Dining

Chef Paz Offers a Taste of Peru

Along with flavor influences from Spain and China. Definitely worth a trip.

Dining: The Sheer Joy of Amaranth Cafe
Dining

The Sheer Joy of Amaranth Cafe

I can’t really review it. There were no flaws, just great food and happiness.

Dining: The Loveliest of Meat Markets
Dining

The Loveliest of Meat Markets

Bavette La Boucherie is a butcher shop and restaurant with far more than meat to eat.

Dining: Oscar’s Is Hamburger Heaven
Dining

Oscar’s Is Hamburger Heaven

Delicious and low-priced, griddled not grilled burgers, with great fries. Yummy.

Chef Chat: How Zach Espinosa Became a Master Chef
Chef Chat

How Zach Espinosa Became a Master Chef

The one-time history major gravitated to the “chaos and camaraderie” of the kitchen.

Dining: County Clare Makes a Meal of Sandwiches
Dining

County Clare Makes a Meal of Sandwiches

With a made-from-scratch quality. Along with great Irish draft beers.

Dining: Goodkind Offers All The Best
Dining

Goodkind Offers All The Best

Small Bay View restaurant is charming, with fun menu and fine food.

Dining: Hue In Bay View Is a Winner
Dining

Hue In Bay View Is a Winner

Good Vietnamese food even includes Friday fish fry.

Dining: Harry’s on Brady a Major Disappointment
Dining

Harry’s on Brady a Major Disappointment

But the servings are large and the food spills out, if you like that sort of thing.

Chef Chat: Brian Frakes Juggles Four Kitchens
Chef Chat

Brian Frakes Juggles Four Kitchens

Pfister’s executive chef oversees all the hotel’s food. Yes, it’s intense.

Dining: No One Leaves Il Mito Hungry
Dining

No One Leaves Il Mito Hungry

The food blends Italian and other global food styles with passion.

Dining: North Avenue Grill Has Home Cooking
Dining

North Avenue Grill Has Home Cooking

All-American diner has huge menu, great burgers and tons of choices for lunch or breakfast.

Dining: Eating Cheap at the Metro Restaurant
Dining

Eating Cheap at the Metro Restaurant

Its offerings for Downtown Dining Week were good but skimpy.

Dining: Small is Beautiful at Merriment Social
Dining

Small is Beautiful at Merriment Social

Delicious Dim Sum and small plates in a cheerful Fifth Ward atmosphere.

Dining: Buckley’s Is a “10”
Dining

Buckley’s Is a “10”

Lovely food, lovely service, in upscale yet casual ambience.

Dining: El Salvador Brings New Flavors to City
Dining

El Salvador Brings New Flavors to City

But stick with the restaurant’s Salvadorian dishes made with pupusas.

Dining: Envoy Serves An Awesome Brunch
Dining

Envoy Serves An Awesome Brunch

The Ambassador Hotel is also a great place for lunch.

Dining: Brown Bottle Has Old World Class
Dining

Brown Bottle Has Old World Class

Great old Milwaukee atmosphere, some good food and some not.

Dining: Pepi’s Place Has Plentiful Problems
Dining

Pepi’s Place Has Plentiful Problems

Like uneven food, a so-so atmosphere, and service so bad it’s hard to believe.

Dining: C-viche Is An Ethnic Adventure
Dining

C-viche Is An Ethnic Adventure

Peruvian, Mexican and even Chinese flavors intermixed at this new Bay View restaurant.

Dining: Tsunami Is Genuinely Mexican
Dining

Tsunami Is Genuinely Mexican

Mostly seafood served, the menu all in Spanish and gringos are rare. But good food.

Dining: The Sweet Hospitality of Swig
Dining

The Sweet Hospitality of Swig

Third Ward restaurant has moderate prices, yummy desserts.

Dining: Chez Jacques, French and Reasonably Priced
Dining

Chez Jacques, French and Reasonably Priced

Since 2001, it’s offered moderately-priced, bistro-style food and wine.

Dining: Movida a Great Choice for Spanish Food
Dining

Movida a Great Choice for Spanish Food

Wonderful food, great desserts, very dim lighting. But be careful about the Iberian ham.

Dining: Beerline Cafe Offers Vegan Variety
Dining

Beerline Cafe Offers Vegan Variety

Even something that smells like bacon. And all very fresh.

Dining: Zak’s Makes Sure You’re Never Hangry
Dining

Zak’s Makes Sure You’re Never Hangry

Cozy Walker’s Point cafe offers hearty food in a warm, wood-toned atmosphere.

Dining: Juniper 61 Is Great for Lunch
Dining

Juniper 61 Is Great for Lunch

The second restaurant by Cafe Lulu’s owners offers great sandwiches.

Dining: Beer Bistro Cooks Everything With Beer
Dining

Beer Bistro Cooks Everything With Beer

The Travel Channel will feature the place. So how’s the food?

Dining: La Masa Is Tasty Addition to Brady Street
Dining

La Masa Is Tasty Addition to Brady Street

The empanadas are mostly delicious and you could eat the sauces with a spoon.

Dining: The National Is Really International
Dining

The National Is Really International

A sweet space, fun menu and great breakfasts and lunches.

Chef Chat: The Pasta Tree’s Suzzette Metcalfe
Chef Chat

The Pasta Tree’s Suzzette Metcalfe

Life's twists and turns brought Metcalfe to The Pasta Tree twice before she became owner.

Dining: Tenuta’s Offers Cozy Italian Dining
Dining

Tenuta’s Offers Cozy Italian Dining

It’s like a neighborhood restaurant with classic southern Italian food.

Dining: Lovely Patio Dining at Cafe at the Plaza
Dining

Lovely Patio Dining at Cafe at the Plaza

New evening hours are a great addition, while it’s still reliable for brunch or lunch.

Chef Chat: Shanah Kaiser, the Accidental Chef
Chef Chat

Shanah Kaiser, the Accidental Chef

The executive chef at McBob’s never planned such a career, but loves food, the job, and the fast-paced action.

Dining: El Canaveral, My New Mexican Favorite
Dining

El Canaveral, My New Mexican Favorite

Food is authentic, dishes are all fresh-made and restaurant’s prices are reasonable.

Dining: Stubby’s Gastropub Is Lots of Fun
Dining

Stubby’s Gastropub Is Lots of Fun

With very good food in a relaxed, contemporary rustic setting.

Dining: Small Is Beautiful at The Noble
Dining

Small Is Beautiful at The Noble

Tiny Walker’s Point restaurant offers imaginative entrees in a very laid-back atmosphere.

Dining: Kil@wat, the Brightest Restaurant in Town?
Dining

Kil@wat, the Brightest Restaurant in Town?

A fine place on a sunny day for breakfast or lunch, or later fare as the street lights of Downtown come up.

Chef Chat: Chef Gregg DesRosier Loves Ramen
Chef Chat

Chef Gregg DesRosier Loves Ramen

And he’s turned Tochi into the city’s only restaurant dedicated to it.

Dining: Pizza Man Offers Far More Than Pie
Dining

Pizza Man Offers Far More Than Pie

It still offers good food, a wide-ranging menu and vast wine list, but now in a bigger, gorgeously-rehabbed space.

Dining: Story Hill BKC Is a Puzzle
Dining

Story Hill BKC Is a Puzzle

We had one great meal, and one mediocre one. Which is the real restaurant?

Dining: Vanguard Offers Gourmet Sausages
Dining

Vanguard Offers Gourmet Sausages

The new Bay View restaurant creates delicious sausages made with lamb, duck and camel. Yes, camel.

Dining: Onesto Offers the Pure Pleasure of Pasta
Dining

Onesto Offers the Pure Pleasure of Pasta

Third Ward Italian restaurant offers wonderful pasta dishes, and much more.

Dining: Nourri Offers Eclectic Excellence
Dining

Nourri Offers Eclectic Excellence

Restaurant boasts inventive menu, seductive entrees and great bakery.

Second Helpings: Another Look at Prodigal Gastropub
Second Helpings

Another Look at Prodigal Gastropub

The restaurant’s food is creative, but uneven, another critic finds.

Dining: Love Handle’s Sandwiches From Scratch
Dining

Love Handle’s Sandwiches From Scratch

How a couple in love created a homey restaurant with unique, farm-to-table creations.