Milwaukee Restaurants Go Halal For Annual Restaurant Week
Halal dining event returns June 5 through 14.
Onesto. Photo by Cari Taylor-Carlson.
On the heels of the major Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha, Halal Restaurant Week returns to Milwaukee June 5-14, with 11 participating restaurants offering specials ranging from brunch and brisket to lobster and lamb chops.
Chefs across the area will present their takes on halal dishes, prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary guidelines, throughout the 10-day event.
Best-known restrictions include the prohibition of pork and alcohol; however, halal also informs how permissible meats are slaughtered and processed.
Though it may sound daunting, preparing halal food in a restaurant setting can be as simple as swapping vendors or special-ordering proteins, while being mindful of cross-contamination and missteps, such as using wine to deglaze a pan.
Featured restaurants in 2026 include Allende Cocina Mexicana, Amilinda, Axolotl Cafe, Momo Mee, Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Brookfield, Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Mequon, Odd Duck, Onesto, Smoke Shack, Sweet Basil and The Bridgewater Modern Grill.
Hayat Pharmacy and True Dental sponsor the event, and diners from all backgrounds are welcome to participate.
Some participants, like Odd Duck, request that guests specify a halal preference in their reservation notes so servers can highlight standout options, though halal dishes will also be marked on the menu.
Reservations are strongly encouraged where accepted.
Eat Halal Milwaukee, the event organizer, is partnering with MUHSEN, a nonprofit organization serving families and individuals with intellectual, mental and physical disabilities, to offer caregiving services during the first night of Halal Restaurant Week.
On June 5, caregivers can drop off their loved ones with trained volunteers from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 815 W. Layton Ave. for a “Respite Night,” allowing them to venture out to a local restaurant for an evening of halal dining.
Registration is required and can be completed online.
Eat Halal Milwaukee launched the annual event in 2022, driven by the goal to diversify halal dining options throughout the city. Organizers reached out to local restaurants and asked them to consider switching to halal vendors — even for just a short time.
Most requests were met with enthusiasm, and many restaurants have made the switch permanent. A guide to local eateries with year-round halal offerings is available to view online.
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