Milwaukee Magazine - Dine Out Guide 2020

E N T E R T A I N M E N T

G U I D E

2020

IN

milwaukeemag.com | DINE OUT 2020

ENJOY THE BEST OF MKE!

SI

DE

EAT & DRINK WISCONSINITE L I K E

MILWAUKEEMAG.COM

A

Dine Out EDITOR’S LETTER Badger State Bites 12 13 WAYS TO EAT LIKE A WISCONSINITE Supper clubs, fish fries, kringle, cheese curds. All the obligatory, scrumptious foods that will – we guarantee – make you a true Wisconsinite. 19 KNOW YOUR BREWERY Find the perfect local spot to meet your beer-loving needs. 44

C

DINING LISTINGS An A-to-Z guide to area restaurants specializing in steaks, seafood, pizza, sushi and other delights. 55

O N T E N T S

Dine Out 2020 7

KENOSHA MUSEUMS

5500 First Ave. | Kenosha, WI 53140 | 262-653-4140 www.KenoshapublicMuseum.org Open MOn.-SAT. 10AM-5pM; Sun. 12-5pM; ClOSed HOlIdAyS

5608 10th Ave. | Kenosha, WI 53140 | 262-653-4450 5400 First Ave. | Kenosha, WI 53140 | 262-653-4141 www.TheCivilWarMuseum.org www.dinosaurdiscoveryMuseum.org Open TueS.-Sun.12-5pM; ClOSed MOn. & HOlIdAyS

Open MOn.-SAT. 10AM-5pM; Sun. 12-5pM; ClOSed HOlIdAyS

BADGER STATE

Bites B

E D I T O R’ S ●

L E T T E R

eing an MKE child of the 1970s and ’80s meant a lot of Eating Like a Wisconsinite for me. Frozen custard, cheese, thin-crust pizzas, disappointed by these 13 obligatory summer sausage, fish fries and items to establish true Wisconsin many other casual comfort foods residency. Along the way, you’ll learn a few things about our state were regularly on the menu. It didn’t – from who was the first to add seem special or culturally significant spaghetti to chili to what exactly at the time, but now I know the distinguishes “broasted” depth to which my diet from “fried” chicken. And, defined the local in me. So EDITORIAL OFFICES because beer is as native offering up suggestions for 126 N. Jefferson to a Wisconsinite’s tongue how and where to hone your St., Suite 100 Milwaukee, WI as water, Executive Editor Wisconsinite eating skills 53202 414-273-1101 Chris Drosner, the magcomes not only naturally; milwaukeemag. azine’s beer expert, put it’s like revisiting a culinarily com together a compulsory list formative time in my life.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Whether you’re a native of local breweries to visit to 414-287-4333; 800-662-4818 who needs to brush up on fulfill the drinking element subscriptions@ milwaukee your skills, or a newbie of your Wisconsinite status. mag.com who could benefit from a I hope you find our Dine Out ADVERTISING bucket list to chip away booklet as much fun as I do.

INFORMATION at, I promise you won’t be —A N N C H R I ST E N S O N 414-287-4396

12 milwaukeemag.com

PHOTO KENNY YOO

13

W A Y S

T O

•

eat like a •

WISCONSINITE Kringle and cheese curds, frozen custard and Milwaukee-style pizza. The ultimate guide to embracing your inner locavore.

By Ann Christenson With contributions by Pamela Hill Nettleton Illustrations by Cornelia Li

PHOTO BY JEFFREY MARINI

Dine Out 2020

19

HobNo

20 milwaukeemag.com

b’s ste a

k au

p oi

v re

1

Supper Clubs

These old-fashioned steakhouses offer menu classics (the relish tray!) and time-travel to another era.

What’s not to love?

E A T

BUCKHORN S UP P ER C L U B

Milton With a view of Lake Koshkonong, it’s a favorite for prime rib and homemade desserts.

C OLO NY HOU S E

Trevor The spot for shrimp de Jonghe.

The Friday fish fry offers smelt, baby walleye, bluegill and perch.

C OP P ER D OC K

Hubertus Ask for a table near the windows

●

facing Friess Lake, and make a res early enough to watch the sunset.

L I K

HOBNOB

E

Racine A retro rendezvous since 1954.

Start with oysters Rockefeller, followed by steak au poivre or broiled whitefish.

JA C K SO N G R I LL

Milwaukee Steaks are the star at this cozy club in Burnham Park. Try the 16-ounce “saloon” steak with a grilled Portobello mushroom cap.

●

A ●

W I S C O N S I N I T E

PHOTO BY JEFFREY MARINI

Dine Out 2020

21

2 E A T ●

L I K E ●

A ●

W I S C O N S I N I

Cannibal Sandwich Yes, this is a thing. Raw ground beef topped with onion served open-faced on rye bread. It’s a party buffet table favorite!

T E

22

milwaukeemag.com

HO T H A M & R O LLS

3

This Sunday-only ritual in Milwaukee is the perfect grab-n-go meal. Whether baked, boiled or smoked, this ham makes for a sandwich you’ll crave.

GLORI OS O’ S

1011 E. Brady St. With a pound of boiled ham from the deli, they give you six free crisp-light Italian rolls made by nearby Peter Sciortino Bakery. Sun. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

IRON GRATE BBQ

4125 S. Howell Ave. Chef/owner Aaron Patin hickory-smokes his ham and offers it by the pound along with Texas toast. Sun. 8-11 a.m.

C A NF ORA BA KER Y

1100 E. Oklahoma Ave. Wisconsin-made Badger ham is the main attraction here. Buy a pound of meat, and get six gratis rolls.

Sun. 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS

Dine Out 2020

23

4

SAUSAGE Whether it’s brats or braunschweiger, Usinger’s (1030 N. Old World Third St.) is a must-visit for fresh sausages to cook at home or at a baseball tailgate!

5

Wisconsin Old Fashioned Not many states have their own iconic cocktail. But we consider this drink made with brandy and topped with a maraschino cherry as official as brats and beer.

24

milwaukeemag.com

PHOTO BY CHRIS KESSLER

FAVE BRANDY? In Wisco, it’s Korbel.

AR T IS AN 1 79 179 W. Wisconsin Ave., Pewaukee.

Order the classic or Ron & Mary’s Brown Mumbler, topped with sweet soda and a Luxardo cherry.

BR YANT ’ S COC KT AI L L OUNG E

E A T

1579 S. Ninth St. During Cocktail Hour (Sun-Thurs 5-8 p.m.), the simple, sweet old fashioneds are just $5.

●

L I K E ●

CA MP B A R

A

4044 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood; 6600 W. North Ave., Tosa; 525 E. Menomonee St. These Northwoods camp-themed bars stay true to tradition by using Korbel brandy.

●

W I S C O N S I N I T E

Dine Out 2020

25

26 milwaukeemag.com

Real Chili

6

Sorry, Cincinnati. This wallet-friendly, bar-time haunt was the first to mix chili with spaghetti!

Tarik Moody, a DJ with 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, was driven to find the dish that best defines our city. His research led him to the incomparable Real Chili (419 E. Wells St., 1625 W. Wells St.).

E A T ●

L I K

Moody: Some might say Real Chili stole the idea of putting spaghetti in chili from its sweeter cousin in Cincinnati. Actually, they would be 100% wrong!

Real Chili and its recipe have origins at a spot called Chili John’s in Green

Bay, established in 1913.

An employee of Chili John’s left to start Real Chili in Milwaukee in 1931. According to the website What’s Cooking America, Cincinnati chili was invented in 1922 – nine years after Chili John’s.

E ●

A ●

W I S C O N S I N I T E

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS

Dine Out 2020

27

E A T ●

L I K E ●

A ●

W I S C O N S I N I T E

28 milwaukeemag.com

MA R I A ’S PI Z Z A

5025 W. Forest Home Ave. Co-owner Bonnie Crivello (left) is one reason to visit this comfortably kitschy joint. The other is the pies! It doesn’t matter that there’s no liquor license.

Dig into a sausage and pepperoni pizza, but stop at the ATM first.

Cash only.

7 PIZZA Milwaukee-style

Our city’s distinctive version is defined by a crackerthin crust and square-cut pieces. Four favorites: ZAFFIRO’ S

C ALD E R O N E C LUB

1724 N. Farwell Ave. This original location dates to 1954, and it’s the bomb for saltine-thin crust pieces that hold up to a toppings-palooza.

842 N. Old World Third St. Owner Gino Fazzari’s father was part of pizza history. His dad opened a joint on Bartlett Avenue in 1979 (since closed), and now Gino follows his pop’s thin-crust lead, adding fancier toppings like prosciutto and arugula.

BALI S T RERI ’ S

za Piz ’s a ri

M

a

6501 W. Bluemound Rd. and 812 N. 68th St., Wauwatosa The pies here are particularly cheesy, with an exceptional pepperoni special.

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS

Dine Out 2020

29

8

BROASTED CHICKEN oa br

d st e

en ick ch

Fil ip p

o’ s

Wisconsin’s gift to poultry cooking is the “broaster,” a contraption that combines pressure cooking and deep-frying to create a crackly-crisp crust and juicy meat. Maybe the juiciest ever!

GET IT HERE:

F I LI PPO’S

2330 N. 124th St.

A L & AL ’S

1502 S. 12th St., Sheboygan

30 milwaukeemag.com

8

THE 3 BIGGIES OF MKE FROZEN CUSTARD

Kopp’s frozen custard

Frozen Custard When we want a cold, creamy dessert, Milwaukeeans don’t reach for ice cream or gelato. No, it has to be dense, egg yolk-rich custard!

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS (CHICKEN); JESSI PAETZKE (CUSTARD)

9 K O PP’S

7631 W. Layton Ave.; 18880 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield; 5373 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale For shakes, sundaes and the flavor of the day.

LE O N ’S

3131 S. 27th St. Go for the butter pecan cone or a banana split.

G I LLE S

7515 W. Bluemound Rd. You can’t beat the hot fudge mint marshmallow sundae.

E A T ●

L I K E ●

A ●

W I S C O N S I N I T E

Dine Out 2020

31

10

Kringle This rich Danish pastry is so revered here, there are virtually arm-wrestling matches over which bakery is the best and what filling (cheese, fruit, nuts?) should be inside it. Truth is, we love them all. And Racine is the source: Get yours at Bendtsen’s (bendtsensbakery.com), O&H Bakery (ohdanishbakery. com) and Larsen’s Bakery (larsenskringle.com).

y’s

ch

er

ry

kri ng le

IN 2 013, TH E KRINGLE W A S O FFICIALL Y NA M ED WIS CO’ S STA TE P AS TRY ! k

er

32 milwaukeemag.com

H O&

Ba

FRIDAY FISH FRY

11

According to Wisconsin lore, the fry developed out of Prohibition, Catholic meatless Fridays, our (once abundant) lake fish and German Gemütlichkeit. Check out these 3 excellent spots: KEGEL ’ S I NN

5901 W. National Ave. The family-owned German restaurant serves cod, lake perch, walleye and bluegill with good, crisp potato pancakes.

E

A T ●

L I

K E

R UPP’S

●

925 N. Eighth St., Sheboygan Worth the road trip (about an hour north of Downtown MKE) for a fry that includes a full salad bar, soups and homemade spaetzli.

A ●

W I

S

C

O

T HE PA C KI N G HO USE

900 E. Layton Ave. You don’t even need to get out of your car. Pull up to the cash-only, drive-thru window for your hand-breaded cod.

N S I

N I

T

E

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS

Dine Out 2020

33

12

Butter Burger

Because everything is better in butter, this messy – and delectable – patty gets a very generous glob (think big) of butter after it comes off the griddle.

S OL L Y’ S GRI L L E

4629 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale The burger needs a stack of napkins, which is why it’s also called a slider. Belly up to the counter for the original, with stewed onions.

MAKE IT A DOUBLE!

34 milwaukeemag.com

CHEESE CURDS

E A T ●

L I K

Why eat cold cheese curds when you can have them fried in batter and served steaming hot? Get them at: LAK EFRONT BR EWERY BEER H A LL 1872 N. Commerce St. Down them with a cold lager.

●

A ●

W I S

C A MI N O

434 S. Second St. Dip them in Russian dressing – mmm.

C O N S I

W ES T A L L I S C HEE SE & SA USA G E

N

Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water St.; 6832 W. Becher St. Add beef chili for a rich, saucy topping.

PHOTO BY ADAM RYAN MORRIS

E

Dine Out 2020

I T E

35

YO U R NE X T

Breakfast Adventure

Locally historic and charmingly original, we’re a timeless café serving up delicious breakfast choices and great company. Come experience your own Plaza-venture at our Café.

D O U B L E B U B B L E H A P PY H O U R

Summer: Wednesday through Sunday from 2pm-6pm Fall, Winter & Spring: Thursday through Saturday from 2pm-6pm

1007 N Cass Street | cafeattheplaza.com

Milwaukee’s top spy hangout GREAT FOOD. FUN DRINKS. AN ICONIC EXPERIENCE. 779 N Front St. Milwaukee 414.271.2 007 | safe-house.com

LAKEPARKBISTRO.COM

PJ Piper

PANCAKE HOUSE

Breakfast All Day • Kids Menu • Locally Owned Homemade Sandwiches & Soups • Daily Specials

MON. - SAT. 6AM - 2PM • SUN. 7AM - 2PM W61 N514 Washington Ave • Downtown Cedarburg

262.421.8040

KNOW YOUR

BREWERY There are dozens of breweries in the Milwaukee area. Which should you visit?

By CHRIS DROSNER

44

milwaukeemag.com

FOR THE

DOG LOVER

BLACK HUSKY BREWING 909 E. Locust St. Many of this brewery’s beers are named for members of its owners’ sled dog team from their early days in the Northwoods. And leashed pooches are welcome in the Riverwest taproom, giving it a lively vibe.

FOR THE

HISTORY BUFF CITY LIGHTS BREWING 2200 W. Mt. Vernon Ave. City Lights opened in 2017 in the beautifully restored Milwaukee Gas Light Co. complex, designed by celebrated architect Alexander Eschweiler in 1902.

B R E W E R I E S

Dine Out 2020 45

FOR THE

BASEBALL FAN BROKEN BAT BREWING 135 E. Pittsburgh Ave. This baseball-themed brewery is expected to open its (much, much) larger new facility – complete with an indoor wiffle ball field – in April.

FOR THE

SUBURBANITE

THE EXPLORIUM BREWPUB B R E W E R I E

5300 S. 76th St., Greendale Yes, there’s a good brewery in a mall! This Southridge tenant excels at a wide range of beers, but don’t leave without trying one of the pastry stouts.

S

46 milwaukeemag.com

THE CREAM (CITY) OF THE CROP Our Five Favorite Milwaukee Breweries

1 2 3 4 5

EAGLE PARK BREWING 823 E. Hamilton St.

GOOD CITY BREWING 2108 N. Farwell Ave. and 333 W. Juneau Ave.

LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St.

THIRD SPACE BREWING 1505 W. St. Paul Ave.

VENNTURE BREW

5519 W. North Ave.

Inspiring Minds and Appetites From Sunday brunch in CafÊ Calatrava to Thursday Happy Hour on the East End— satisfy your imagination and your stomach.

Photo by Matt Haas.

mam.org

Featured Advertiser Listings

Dining Listings AJ Bombers 1247 N. Water St.; 11340 W. Burleigh St., Wauwatosa, (414) 221-9999.

Burgers The original Water Street location is a corner bar where the peanuts and beer flow liberally. Order the Milwaukee Burger, which won the Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” contest against Sobelman’s in 2010.

Make it a meal with a side of “frickles” and curds.

Aria 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., 414-270-4422.

American Nouveau The Saint Kate hotel’s all-day restaurant Aria follows an approachable, homey American theme in a setting that fittingly celebrates visual art. The menus aim for accessibility and comfort (blueberry granola pancakes, Reuben sandwich, braised short ribs) with some elegant attention to plate presentation.

Bacchus 925 E. Wells St., 414-765-1166.

American Nouveau The recently remodeled Cudahy Tower space is a sure bet for foie gras, sea scallops and Chateaubriand for Two. Desserts are definitely worth a look.

Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn 6501 W. Bluemound Rd., 414-258-9881. Italian, Pizza Known for remarkable thincrust pizza, elaborate Italian dishes and fresh seafood.

And for the foodie, don’t miss out on the fegatini in padella (sautéed chicken livers) or pane acciughe (anchovy bread).

Balistreri’s ItalianAmerican Ristorante 812 N. 68th St. Wauwatosa, 414- 475-1414. Italian, Pizza You cannot go wrong with this Tosa staple. We recommend one of the tasty pizzas with the thinnest and crispiest crust you’ve ever tasted.

Balzac 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.

BelAir Cantina 1935 N. Water St., 414-226-2245; 2625 N. Downer Ave., 414-964-1190; 6817 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-988-8533; 250 High St. at The Corners of Brookfield, 262-784-4938. Mexican The eclectic tacos served here are in the style of L.A. taco trucks; the margaritas are made with fresh-squeezed lime juice and one of many tequilas.

Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria 249 N Water St., 414-431-1133.

Mexican This Third Ward taco and tequila joint on the Milwaukee Dine Out 2020 55

Featured Advertiser Listings River features “global street food” and claims to be Milwaukee’s very first tequilaria. The eclectic menu boasts tacos (chicken fried chicken, curried cauliflower) you can turn into a bowl, plus 160 kinds of tequila.

Buck Bradley’s 1019 N. Old World Third St., 414-224-8500. American A block from the bustle of Fiserv Forum, this eatery has the historic feel of its old-world neighborhood and a menu of high-quality pizzas, house sandwiches and hearty selections for brunch.

The Café at the Plaza 1007 N. Cass St., 414-272-0515.

American, Breakfast The lunch counter winds 56 milwaukeemag.com

BACCHUS

around this art deco dining room like a Formica serpent.

A perfect morning spot for pancakes, eggs Bene and more.

combine with the addition of pizzas baked in a wood oven shipped from Naples. The wine chosen must be Italian, and the dessert, tiramisu.

Café Calatrava at the Milwaukee Art Museum 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. Inventive and delicious entrées are inspired by feature exhibitions.

Centro Café 808 E. Center St., 414-4553751. Italian, Pasta The owners furnished this storefront with a salvaged marble-top bar and old church pews for seating.

The affordable menu offers simple pasta, app and pizza preparations.

Carini’s Southern Italian 3468 N. Oakland Ave., 414-963-9623. Italian Classics like spiedini, veal Siciliana and rack of lamb

Crazy Water 839 S. Second St., 414-6452606. American Nouveau Funky old German bar converted to a bistro where

PHOTO BY CHRIS KESSLER

Botanas 816 S. Fifth St., 414-672-3755.

Mexican Chef Jaime Gonzalez brings dishes from Guadalajara, Mexico to Milwaukee in this Walker’s Point restaurant, which offers a wide variety of traditional Mexican fare. And be sure to try Jaime’s famous shrimp soup.

EXPERIENCE THE ART OF

Extraordinary WITH MARCUS RESTAURANTS

Blu Café at The Pfister Mason Street Grill In The Pfister Hotel – 424 E Wisconsin Ave

Aria Giggly Proof Pizza the Bar The Dark Room In Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel – 139 E Kilbourn Ave

ChopHouse Miller Time Pub and Grill In the Hilton Milwaukee City Center – 509 W Wisconsin Ave

SafeHouse 779 N Front St

MarcusHotels.com

Featured Advertiser Listings most of the cooking is done behind the bar. Musts: burger, duck breast, sea bass.

Crossroads Collective 2238 N. Farwell Ave., 414-763-9081.

This collective brings eight chef-driven micro-restaurants together under one roof along with a full bar open for lunch and dinner and a speakeasy through Black Cat Alley, which you can visit for a nightcap between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.

Wednesday to Saturday.

The Diplomat 815 E. Brady St., 414-8005816. American Nouveau Chef/co-owner Dane Baldwin brings his know-how to a hearty, flavorful menu that can include trout with tonnato sauce or roast chicken with spaetzle, cabbage and roasted apple jus.

Glass & Griddle 1130 N. Ninth St. 414-988-1551.

American This beer hall-style restaurant is located inside The 42, formerly a Pabst Brewing warehouse.

The menu encompasses 58 milwaukeemag.com

burgers, sandwiches, salads, veggies and larger plates like beer-poached shrimp and Korean fried chicken wings.

Golden Mast Inn W349 N5293 Lacy’s Lane, Okauchee, 262-567-7047.

Seafood, Steak This inn on the shore of Okauchee Lake offers a wide seafood menu and more in its original 1967 dining room.

It also has a lakeside patio, fireplace room, sun room and more options for taking in the beautiful view.

Harbor House 550 N. Harbor Dr., 414-395-4900. Seafood Like sitting in an upscale fish house in New England.

It offers an impeccable view of Lake Michigan. The oyster bar and caviar service are highlights. Buffet-style Sunday brunch.

Holey Moley 316 N. Milwaukee St., 414-308-1616. Café/Bakery A café that specializes in beautifully crafted cake donuts with a daily rotating menu. Try the Diablo

Rojo – red velvet filled with Nutella, covered in chocolate ganache, dipped in peanut butter chips and drizzled with chocolate.

Kawa Restaurant 325 W. Silver Spring Dr., Glendale, 414-249-5750; 2321 N. Murray Ave., 414-800-7979. Japanese Kawa’s two locations serve some of the best food from Japan: sashimi, nori rolls, shrimp tempura, fried softshell crab. Kawa orders fresh fish of the highest quality daily, and the tonkotsu broth is painstakingly made with Berkshire pork bones from a nearby farm. The Murray Avenue location features ramen exclusively and a full bar.

The Knick 1030 E. Juneau Ave., 414-272-0011. American This East Side haunt serves fresh fish, meat and poultry, as well as breakfast and brunch on the weekends. The outdoor patio overlooks Lake Michigan, making for a scenic spot for a delicious meal.

Featured Advertiser Listings La Fuente 9155 W. Bluemound Rd., Wauwatosa, 414-771-9900.

Mexican One of Wauwatosa’s go-to spots for a great flavored margarita, a steaming plate of fajitas and a wide selection of quality Mexican food, La Fuente has been serving customers for over 20 years. Their ample bar is especially inviting. Leave room for some deep-fried ice cream.

Lakefront Brewery 1872 N. Commerce St., 414-372-8800. American One of Milwaukee’s most popular breweries, whether for a brewery tour or a bite to eat in the Beer Hall. The food has Wisconsin-made ingredients and a Milwaukee bent, a perfect accompaniment to a glass of Lakefront beer.

Mason Street Grill 425 E. Mason St., 414-298-3131. American Nouveau, Steak Located in the Pfister Hotel, the best seat in the house is at the kitchen counter, where you can watch your crab cakes, 60 milwaukeemag.com

chopped salad and NY strip with Delmonico potatoes being prepared. The leather booths offer a little more privacy. You can also find live entertainment and a nifty bar menu. Other standouts: fried surf clams and herb crumb-crusted halibut.

Milwaukee Ale House 233 N. Water St. 414-226-2337.

American This riverside brewpub has a selection of locally inspired brews, such as the MKE IPA, and serves a sturdy selection of bar food to fuel you throughout its 3-6 p.m. happy hour or Wednesday’s trivia.

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 of dark wood and leather furniture, located in the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.

Milwaukee Sail Loft 649 E. Erie St., 414-223-0100.

Seafood As suggested by its

name, Milwaukee Sail Loft embraces a maritime theme with two-sided dining just above the river’s edge in the eastern section of the Third Ward, providing an ideal view.

There are many delicious seafood entrees to select from on the menu, including sauteed mussels, panko crusted sea bass and roasted Creole mahi mahi.

Onesto 221 N. Broadway, 414-3081600. Italian With a cozy and romantic atmosphere, the menu at Italian restaurant Onesto pays homage to traditional Italian with modern touches.

The menu stays true to this concept, playing up housemade pastas and protein-based entrées.

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 An empire of thin-crust pizzas topped with everything from cream cheese to meatballs.

MODERN COOKING in a new and vibrant setting

bacchusmke.com

Featured Advertiser Listings pizza lover – from the taco pizza to the pesto-smeared Harborfront and more.

THE DIPLOMAT

The Rumpus Room 1030 N. Water St., 414-292-0100. American Aficionados of craft beer and spirits are the people seated at the bar. Culinarily, this venue straddles the line between pub food and just homey, goes-with-any-drink food.

Rare Steakhouse 833 E. Michigan St., 414-273-7273. Steak This dressy Downtown white-tablecloth dining room offers Wagyu and wet- and (in-house) dry-aged steaks cooked in a custom infrared broiler. Offers tableside 62 milwaukeemag.com

Caesar salad and boule bone-in-Berkshire pork chop.

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 7616 W. State St., Wauwatosa, 414-771-7910. Italian The old family photos and unpretentious dining room make diners feel at home. Chef Juan Urbieta keeps folks coming back for his classic Italian fare.

Riverfront Pizzeria Bar & Grill 509 E. Erie St., 414-277-1800.

Pizza This Third Ward pizzeria offers a wide variety of unique pies that will satisfy any

Saloon on Calhoun with Bacon 17000 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, 262-783-0222.

American, Bacon “Home of the bacon happy hour,” this saloon calls out lovingly to Milwaukee’s many bacon appreciators with dishes like bacon-wrapped mozzarella sticks,

PHOTO BY CHRIS KESSLER

PJ Piper Pancake House W61 N514 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, 262-421-8040.

American, Breakfast This breakfast hotspot in historic Cedarburg provides “a warm, early 1900s kind of atmosphere,” according to owner Judi Fergadakis. Try the Big Sky Breakfast.

SafeHouse 779 N. Front St., 414-271-2007.

American A hidden and password-protected entrance are just a few of the mysteries that await all want-to-be spies. Accept the option of a day or night mission to complete with intrigue and a meal to satisfy.

Featured Advertiser Listings baconized deviled eggs and a cheese-steak bacon melt.

Non-bacon-centric dishes include the “big a** pretzel.”

Smoke Shack 332 N. Milwaukee St., 11340 W. Burleigh St, Wauwatosa, 414-431-1119. BBQ/Ribs A lot of fantastic smoked options here, including baby-back and spare ribs, pulled pork and chicken, beef brisket, andouille sausage, even BBQ seitan for vegans.

all-seasons patio and private event space.

Three Brothers Restaurant 2414 S. St. Clair St., 414-481-7530. Serbian This family-run institution offers many must-tries, including the Serbian salad, cevapcici (sausage), cheese or beef burek, goulash and chicken paprikash. Cash only.

StoneFire Pizza Co. 5320 S. Moorland Rd., New Berlin, 262-970-8800.

Pizza This New Berlin restaurant offers a pizza buffet and a lively spot for birthday parties, arcade fun and more. There’s even a new augmented reality wall. Come for “Sunday Funday.”

Tu Casa Mexican Restaurant & Bar 3710 W. Lincoln Ave., 414-383-4666. Mexican Find authentic Mexican dishes in this dining room replete with imported artwork hanging on the walls.

Tu Casa stays open until midnight during the week, so it’s a perfect spot for a late-night delivery – and they’re on both DoorDash and Grubhub.

Tied House 124 N. Water St. American Husband and wife team Adam and Melissa Weber bought the old M&M Club and turned it into an inclusive space, offering food, drinks and fun. It has an

View MKE 1818 N. Hubbard St., 414-763-0003. American One of the most popular rooftop restaurants and bars in the city, offering a beautiful view of Downtown, an inventive craft cocktail

64 milwaukeemag.com

menu and delicious brunch and dinner menu with standouts such as the espresso-rubbed pork shoulder and teriyaki tuna.

Vino Cappuccino 2848 N. Brookfield Rd., Brookfield, 262-797-9061.

Italian, Coffee This restaurant, wine bar and coffee shop has an extensive food menu and great daily specials. Convenient for west suburbanites, the atmosphere is modern but cozy, with couches and a fireplace, a unique touch among local wine bars. The varied list of more than 100 wines is particularly strong on California choices.

Wahlburgers 332 N. Broadway., 414-223-3005. Burgers This famous burger franchise, created by chef Paul Wahlberg and his actor brothers Mark and Donnie, arrived in the Third Ward late last year. They’re serving up heaping one-third pound Angus burgers topped to your heart’s content. 

J pp

, , , w

,

FREE APPETIZER with purchase of two entrĂŠes Valid until 8/15/2020. Not valid in combination with any other coupons, discounts or special promotions. No cash value. Valid only at Brookfield and Milwaukee Wahlburgers locations. Limit one coupon per table.

WAHLBURGERS.COM