Remembering Milwaukee’s Classic Restaurants
New book by Jennifer Billock recalls old German restaurants, Mafia-connected Italian places and much more.
Feb 10th, 2021
Three Bridges Park Is a Living Museum
It’s a Wisconsin prairie reborn in the city’s center. And a wonderful walk.
Jan 28th, 2021
A Hidden Forest At The City’s Edge
Seminary Woods goes back at least 175 years. It’s beautiful.
Jan 13th, 2021
Brady Street Area Has Many Delights
It’s a great urban walk, filled with Polish and Italian history and so much variety.
Dec 29th, 2020
The Loveliness of Lakeshore State Park
Wisconsin’s only urban state park offers walkers unparalleled views of the lake, downtown skyline and prairie.
Dec 3rd, 2020
A Forest in a City
Havenwoods State Forest is an overlooked gem, with six miles of trails.
Nov 2nd, 2020
Lake Park Has 138 Acres
No need to walk them all, though it’s so scenic you might be tempted.
Sep 17th, 2020
Government Pier Has Stunning Views
The pier stretching a half-mile into Lake Michigan offers some of the city’s best views
Aug 30th, 2020
A Riverwest Beerline Walk
The west side of the river offers a lovely journey filled with bird song.
Aug 3rd, 2020
Aria has Classic Fare and Fancy Digs
Breakfast and lunch staples are set against a beautiful art collection.
Mar 12th, 2020
Erv’s Mug Does Bar Food Right
Lot's of menu items and lots of bar kitsch at Erv's Mug on Ryan Road.
Feb 21st, 2020
How German Is It? Very
Bavarian Bierhaus in Glendale offers authentic Old World food and beer. Come hungry.
Feb 12th, 2020
Bay View’s Hi-Fi Cafe a Time Warp
‘50s and ’60s atmosphere and made-from-scratch breakfasts, lunches, shakes and malts
Feb 4th, 2020
Eataly Is Heaven for Italian Foodies
Chicago’s giant marketplace of Italian restaurants, bakeries, wines, cheeses, kitchenware.
Dec 30th, 2019
Simple Café Is So Satisfying
East Side cafe offers fresh, light, healthy, often complex, relatively inexpensive food. Delicious.
Dec 19th, 2019
Urban Beets Is All About Vegan
Cool atmosphere and all-vegan fare, but food is uneven.
Dec 11th, 2019
McKiernan’s Irish Pub Has Good Bar Grub
Lots of corned beef and that funky Barnacle Bud’s-style atmosphere.
Nov 27th, 2019
Fiesta Café Offers Big Breakfast
Mexican place in Walker’s Point offers tasty, healthy meals.
Nov 20th, 2019
Don’t Try Fairgrounds for Food
Chicago-based chain’s local cafe has a great selection of coffees, teas. The food? Meh.
Nov 19th, 2019
Orenda Café Is a New Favorite
Not perfect, but south-side cafe offers big portions and creative, Mexican-inspired dishes.
Nov 12th, 2019
El Salvador Has Gotten National Press
New York Times featured it. It’s a small special place with wonderful food.
Nov 7th, 2019
Glass + Griddle Has a Beautiful Interior
And the menu offers many gluten-free and vegan options.
Oct 29th, 2019
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.
Oct 10th, 2019
Toast Serves A Great Brunch
This spot is worth the wait on weekends. The extensive menu and interesting decor does not disappoint.
Oct 4th, 2019
Sabor Tropical Offers Unique Latino-Inspired Cuisine
Not easily defined, this restaurant serves a mashup of Latino-inspired dishes.
Oct 2nd, 2019
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.
Sep 25th, 2019
The National Is a Local Standout
Fresh ingredients, creative combinations, laid-back style. In nice weather, don’t miss the patio.
Sep 13th, 2019
Harbor House Boasts Spectacular Views
There may be no better place to linger and look. Oh, the food’s pretty darn good, too.
Aug 22nd, 2019
Comet Cafe Is a Milwaukee Classic
Comfort food with gourmet twists and big portions. Gotta love it.
Aug 16th, 2019
Public Table is ‘Art on the Plate’
This West Allis restaurant puts a fine dining twist on some bar food favorites.
Aug 6th, 2019
It’s All Fresh at Damascus Gate
Syrian restaurant on Mitchell St. serves the best falafel, kefta kabobs and hummus in town.
Jul 30th, 2019
Pho Saigon Offers Vietnam’s Variety
West Allis restaurant offers the real thing, authentic Vietnamese fare.
Jul 22nd, 2019
Wild Roots Is Stunningly Good
Earth-centric restaurant in West Allis emphasizing fresh ingredients gets a rave.
Jun 26th, 2019
Still Healthy After All These Years
Beans & Barley still draws crowds for healthy, fresh, organic meals.
Jun 17th, 2019
The Best Sandwiches in Town?
So claims the West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe. They might be right.
May 27th, 2019
Vanguard Is a Milwaukee Treasure
Heaven for sausage lovers. And those who aren’t will be amazed at how varied the fare is.
May 13th, 2019
St. Paul the Saint of Fresh Fish
Public Market restaurant and deli boasts delicious fish and seafood, reasonable prices.
May 8th, 2019
My Brother Couldn’t Get Measles Vaccination
The anti-vac advocates might want to consider what happened to him.
Apr 30th, 2019
Momo Mee Offers Flavors of Asia
Nearly everything at Walker’s Point restaurant was exceptional.
Apr 23rd, 2019
Celesta Is a Vegan Revelation
All plant based food, all delicious and quite inventive at Lower East Side cafe.
Apr 15th, 2019
It’s All Fresh at Vientiane
No-frills restaurant on National Ave. offers tasty Thai, Laotian, and Vietnamese fare.
Apr 3rd, 2019
Crawdaddy’s Is Real Cajun
West Allis restaurant has plenty of tasty dishes flavored with holy trinity.
Mar 29th, 2019
Blue Star Cafe Is a Star
Simple, fresh, colorful, inexpensive fare in a modest little restaurant. Lovely.
Mar 13th, 2019
Breakfast With A Beautiful View
Uncle Wolfie's in Brewers Hill overlooks the city with cozy vintage touches and tasty chow.
Feb 5th, 2019
MidTown Grill Offers Comfort Food
Less elaborate than its sibling North Avenue Grill, but the food is just as good.
Feb 1st, 2019
The Best BBQ In Town?
Double B’s BBQ in West Allis can compete with any other such restaurant in the area.
Jan 2nd, 2019
Don’s Diner Is A Bit Deluxe
Yes, comfort food and retro atmosphere, but dishes like scrambled eggs with truffles.
Dec 27th, 2018
The Tandem Has Good Southern Food
Charming interior, park views and delicious comfort food make this a winner.
Dec 18th, 2018
It’s Not Just for Pizza, Man
Pizza Man offers far-ranging menu, incredible wine list, good food -- and a very cool space.
Dec 3rd, 2018
Birch + Butcher Is a Winner
Great choices at the shop, creative cooking at the restaurant. Not to be missed.
Nov 28th, 2018
Try Rocket Baby For Lunch
Yes, the pastries are fabulous. But the lunches are pretty tasty, too.
Nov 16th, 2018
Tavo’s Is Mexican With a Twist
The small family-run restaurant offers tasty food. And oh, that dessert!
Nov 8th, 2018
Iron Grate Has Truly Texas-Style BBQ
Both the restaurant and food truck offer smoky, juicy meat. And oh, those grits!
Oct 10th, 2018
Bay View Gets a Cajun Cutie
Bellis Bistro serves delicious gumbo, jambalaya and other Cajun fare in cozy space.
Sep 26th, 2018
Fuel Cafe Is a 5th St. Hangout
Good coffee, of course, but hip, spacious place also has mostly tasty chow.
Sep 17th, 2018
City’s First Tequilaria Is Hot
And so is the food. Plus 160 different tequilas at Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria.
Aug 30th, 2018
Ted’s Is a 1950s Time Warp
Tosa diner has home-made soup, burgers, old-fashioned malts. Delicious and dirt cheap.
Aug 29th, 2018
La Masa Has Delicious Empanadas
There are many great reasons to visit Brady Street, La Masa is one of them.
Aug 6th, 2018
Bet The Farm on Parkside 23
A restaurant with its own farm, and you can taste the difference.
Jul 27th, 2018
La Scala Is Authentic But Uneven
Despite glitches, you can eat pretty well, and the Tiramisu dessert is perfection.
Jul 11th, 2018
Joe Mama’s Is Worth the Trip
A 40-minute drive to place touted by Travel Channel, with delicious food, big portions.
Jun 29th, 2018
Cocina 1022 Offers Huge Mexican Menu
New place in old Jacques’ space is promising, worth a try.
Jun 18th, 2018
Oh Camino, I Love You
Inventive Walker’s Point restaurant has so much more than burgers.
May 22nd, 2018
Good Mexican in an English Tudor Building
Michael Feker opens his third restaurant, this on city’s West Side.
May 18th, 2018
Sweet Diner Brings on Chicago Style
Menu and restaurant are big and upscale, but results at Third Ward place were uneven.
Apr 26th, 2018
Jo’s Cafe is the Real Deal
Northwest side café, really a diner, does comfort food right.
Apr 9th, 2018
Tacos Star at Brady Street’s Kompali
Owners of C-Viche have created another winning restaurant, with a street-food feel.
Apr 2nd, 2018
Bay View Place Has Great Pizza, Pasta
Santino’s Little Italy opened a year ago, a great addition to city’s Italian restaurants.
Mar 26th, 2018
The New Fuel Is More Upscale
The Walker’s Point Fuel Cafe is hip, spacious, with mostly tasty chow.
Mar 15th, 2018
The Original Is No Copy Cat
Cozy east side restaurant has good food with unique touches.
Mar 8th, 2018
El Patron Offers Good Cheap Mexican
Mostly familiar fare but tasty. And the addictive desserts are a surprise.
Feb 16th, 2018
Who’s Got the Best Pho?
Three Silver City restaurants are offering $5 bowls of Pho. We gave them a taste test.
Feb 15th, 2018
Benji’s, the Last Word on Corned Beef
So many ways to eat it, though other dishes are tasty, too.
Jan 16th, 2018
Miss Molly’s Has Scrumptious Pastries
Cafe on 92nd and Center also has breakfasts, lunches that will satisfy.
Jan 8th, 2018
Ka-Bobs Is a Bargain Bistro
West Allis eatery has big menu but the juicy kabobs stand out for price and taste.
Dec 11th, 2017
Guanajuato a Top Choice For Mexican
And where else can you get chocolate cake flan?
Nov 30th, 2017
Rivers Edge Brings Home the Bacon
The Saukville restaurant seems to serve it every possible way, all good.
Nov 3rd, 2017
The House of Mac and Cheese
Motor restaurant serves it six ways, along with delicious BBQ and chili.
Oct 30th, 2017
Dino’s Is a Riverwest Mainstay
But if you like unpretentious Italian fare, it’s worth a visit for those outside the neighborhood.
Oct 27th, 2017
Mazos Is a Tasty Time Warp
Serving ground daily, never frozen burgers since 1934. Delicious.
Sep 20th, 2017
EE-Sane Was a Disappointment
Popular Thai restaurant on Farwell offers big servings, smallish taste.
Sep 6th, 2017
Sabrosa Offers Farm-to-Table Mexican
New Bay View restaurant features good, made-from-scratch food and an art gallery.
Aug 21st, 2017
Authentic Italian, Generous Portions
Family owned and still one of the town’s best for true Italian dining.
Aug 15th, 2017
La Casa de Alberto Is Simply Delicious
Everything is fresh and authentic at this barebones Mexican restaurant.
Aug 7th, 2017
La Merenda Is a Taste Treat
You could circle the globe with their wide range of ethnic small plates.
Jul 26th, 2017
DiModa Has Innovative Italian Food
Delicious dishes, attractive atmosphere and dog-friendly.
Jul 20th, 2017
Twisted Fisherman Has, Ah, Great Atmosphere
Riverside restaurant has great barefoot beach ambience, not-so-good food.
Jul 12th, 2017
Solly’s Still Has the Best Butter Burgers
They’ve added some tasty heart-healthy meals. But oh, those burgers.
Jun 28th, 2017
Sheridan’s Is a Nice Place to Relax
Pretty good food, nice atmosphere and maybe the ghost of Dan Quayle.
Jun 21st, 2017
Botanas Is a Loud Letdown
Loud decor, a loud din, and tasteless, mass-produced food.
Jun 13th, 2017
Boo Boo’s Is Partner to Soup Bros.
One serves sandwiches, one serves soup. Results yummy in both cases.
Jun 1st, 2017
Breakfast At Good City Brewing
Great beer, good omelettes, very strange dessert.
May 17th, 2017
Rice N Roll Is A Great Show
You can watch the chefs at work. The results are pretty tasty.
May 9th, 2017
Bumstead Has Big Sandwiches
Bumstead Provisions in Bay View offers Dagwood-style dining.
Apr 25th, 2017
No Tacos At Antigua
West Allis restaurant offers Mexican, Spanish, South American fare.
Apr 19th, 2017
Lovely Bits of Britain
Red Lion Pub offers tasty British fare, big portions, good service.
Apr 6th, 2017
Café Calatrava Is a Lovely Experience
Unique atmosphere and fine food. But its chef is moving on.
Mar 30th, 2017
Thai-namite Is Popular For a Reason
Brady Street Thai place is classy, with tasty, reasonably priced fare.
Mar 23rd, 2017
Crazy Water Is Crazy Good
Chef Peggy Magister has a magic touch with any food she creates.
Mar 10th, 2017
How I Became a Cheesehead
Arizona native Garold Spire cooked in Caribbean, now a cheese-mad chef.
Mar 3rd, 2017
Kegel’s Has Authentic German Fare
It rivals the food at Mader’s and Karl Ratzsch’s.
Feb 20th, 2017
Corazon Truly Has Fresh Local Fare
It’s Mexican food, but with a difference -- and that’s okay.
Feb 10th, 2017
Sala Is For Sugo Lovers
Sicilian restaurant has great homemade tomato sauce, generous portions, all delicious and fresh.
Feb 3rd, 2017
Food At New Pastiche Is Sublime
But the Hotel Metro space lacks the French bistro atmosphere of old place.
Jan 17th, 2017
Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant
New place in West Allis, The Farmer’s Wife, serves comfort food from the 1950s.
Jan 10th, 2017
The French Bistro Flair of Le Reve
There’s not one sandwich on the menu I wouldn’t order again.
Jan 4th, 2017
Café Grace Boasts French Bistro Fare
New Tosa cafe has good food, cozy atmosphere.
Dec 20th, 2016
No One Can Beat McBob’s Corned Beef
And oh those Reubens. It’s the best corned beef in town.
Dec 5th, 2016
Pho Hai Tuyet a Vietnamese Treat
Located near the airport, it’s a tasty antidote to all the fast food joints.
Nov 28th, 2016
Not Your Typical Hotel Restaurant
Tre Rivali, in the Kimpton Hotel, is adventurous, but uneven.
Nov 14th, 2016
Chef Paz Offers a Taste of Peru
Along with flavor influences from Spain and China. Definitely worth a trip.
Nov 7th, 2016
The Sheer Joy of Amaranth Cafe
I can’t really review it. There were no flaws, just great food and happiness.
Oct 31st, 2016
The Loveliest of Meat Markets
Bavette La Boucherie is a butcher shop and restaurant with far more than meat to eat.
Oct 25th, 2016
Oscar’s Is Hamburger Heaven
Delicious and low-priced, griddled not grilled burgers, with great fries. Yummy.
Sep 22nd, 2016
How Zach Espinosa Became a Master Chef
The one-time history major gravitated to the “chaos and camaraderie” of the kitchen.
Aug 30th, 2016
County Clare Makes a Meal of Sandwiches
With a made-from-scratch quality. Along with great Irish draft beers.
Aug 24th, 2016
Goodkind Offers All The Best
Small Bay View restaurant is charming, with fun menu and fine food.
Aug 17th, 2016
Hue In Bay View Is a Winner
Good Vietnamese food even includes Friday fish fry.
Aug 12th, 2016
Harry’s on Brady a Major Disappointment
But the servings are large and the food spills out, if you like that sort of thing.
Aug 3rd, 2016
Brian Frakes Juggles Four Kitchens
Pfister’s executive chef oversees all the hotel’s food. Yes, it’s intense.
Aug 1st, 2016
No One Leaves Il Mito Hungry
The food blends Italian and other global food styles with passion.
Jul 21st, 2016
North Avenue Grill Has Home Cooking
All-American diner has huge menu, great burgers and tons of choices for lunch or breakfast.
Jul 5th, 2016
Eating Cheap at the Metro Restaurant
Its offerings for Downtown Dining Week were good but skimpy.
Jun 20th, 2016
Small is Beautiful at Merriment Social
Delicious Dim Sum and small plates in a cheerful Fifth Ward atmosphere.
Jun 6th, 2016
Buckley’s Is a “10”
Lovely food, lovely service, in upscale yet casual ambience.
May 27th, 2016
El Salvador Brings New Flavors to City
But stick with the restaurant’s Salvadorian dishes made with pupusas.
May 2nd, 2016
Envoy Serves An Awesome Brunch
The Ambassador Hotel is also a great place for lunch.
Apr 14th, 2016
Brown Bottle Has Old World Class
Great old Milwaukee atmosphere, some good food and some not.
Apr 4th, 2016
Pepi’s Place Has Plentiful Problems
Like uneven food, a so-so atmosphere, and service so bad it’s hard to believe.
Mar 23rd, 2016
C-viche Is An Ethnic Adventure
Peruvian, Mexican and even Chinese flavors intermixed at this new Bay View restaurant.
Mar 14th, 2016
Tsunami Is Genuinely Mexican
Mostly seafood served, the menu all in Spanish and gringos are rare. But good food.
Feb 16th, 2016
The Sweet Hospitality of Swig
Third Ward restaurant has moderate prices, yummy desserts.
Feb 4th, 2016
Chez Jacques, French and Reasonably Priced
Since 2001, it’s offered moderately-priced, bistro-style food and wine.
Jan 12th, 2016
Movida a Great Choice for Spanish Food
Wonderful food, great desserts, very dim lighting. But be careful about the Iberian ham.
Dec 22nd, 2015
Beerline Cafe Offers Vegan Variety
Even something that smells like bacon. And all very fresh.
Nov 24th, 2015
Zak’s Makes Sure You’re Never Hangry
Cozy Walker’s Point cafe offers hearty food in a warm, wood-toned atmosphere.
Oct 20th, 2015
Juniper 61 Is Great for Lunch
The second restaurant by Cafe Lulu’s owners offers great sandwiches.
Oct 5th, 2015
Beer Bistro Cooks Everything With Beer
The Travel Channel will feature the place. So how’s the food?
Sep 17th, 2015
La Masa Is Tasty Addition to Brady Street
The empanadas are mostly delicious and you could eat the sauces with a spoon.
Aug 31st, 2015
The National Is Really International
A sweet space, fun menu and great breakfasts and lunches.
Aug 24th, 2015
The Pasta Tree’s Suzzette Metcalfe
Life's twists and turns brought Metcalfe to The Pasta Tree twice before she became owner.
Aug 10th, 2015
Tenuta’s Offers Cozy Italian Dining
It’s like a neighborhood restaurant with classic southern Italian food.
Jul 30th, 2015
Lovely Patio Dining at Cafe at the Plaza
New evening hours are a great addition, while it’s still reliable for brunch or lunch.
Jul 6th, 2015
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.
Jul 1st, 2015
El Canaveral, My New Mexican Favorite
Food is authentic, dishes are all fresh-made and restaurant’s prices are reasonable.
Jun 12th, 2015
Stubby’s Gastropub Is Lots of Fun
With very good food in a relaxed, contemporary rustic setting.
May 19th, 2015
Small Is Beautiful at The Noble
Tiny Walker’s Point restaurant offers imaginative entrees in a very laid-back atmosphere.
Apr 24th, 2015
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.
Mar 9th, 2015
Chef Gregg DesRosier Loves Ramen
And he’s turned Tochi into the city’s only restaurant dedicated to it.
Feb 26th, 2015
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.
Jan 20th, 2015
Story Hill BKC Is a Puzzle
We had one great meal, and one mediocre one. Which is the real restaurant?
Dec 30th, 2014
Vanguard Offers Gourmet Sausages
The new Bay View restaurant creates delicious sausages made with lamb, duck and camel. Yes, camel.
Dec 9th, 2014
Onesto Offers the Pure Pleasure of Pasta
Third Ward Italian restaurant offers wonderful pasta dishes, and much more.
Nov 6th, 2014
Nourri Offers Eclectic Excellence
Restaurant boasts inventive menu, seductive entrees and great bakery.
Oct 1st, 2014
Another Look at Prodigal Gastropub
The restaurant’s food is creative, but uneven, another critic finds.
Aug 27th, 2014
Love Handle’s Sandwiches From Scratch
How a couple in love created a homey restaurant with unique, farm-to-table creations.
Jul 15th, 2014
