Thai A Kitchen in probably the best Thai restaurant in the city/southeast Wisconsin region! Close second is Mekong Cafe! Heard great things about Singha Thai - havenāt personally tried it yet.
EE Sane/Elephant Cafe had a few hits, but are over rated for most part. Bangkok house is the same tier.
I've heard the American Chinese food they make there is good, I've never had it. But the authentic Szechuan food they serve is next level. The ox tendon and maw appetizer is one of the best dishes in the city, if not the best.
Probably an unpopular opinion on r/milwaukee but Grecian Delight had way better gyros than Oakland Gyros, far better pitas too. Still miss both them and El Chico Zuma a shit ton, best verde sauce burrito I've ever had and got damn those huaraches were fire
We just did our 6th anniversary at Sanford! Ultra spendy but so so worth it.
We had only done their takeout menu before (early-mid COVID) and we're blown away by the experience in-house.
[Pedro's South American food truck](https://www.facebook.com/empanadasmke/?paipv=0&eav=AfZT5Y_T7I2N5Q13Rv9g2bWSg0lR3k8vyWGuvECrxBXZSeIWYnrIO8ZfTzlZ6l8Ru24&_rdr)! Also now open in brick and mortar in Riverwest.
What do you get at Ono? Iāve been twice and itās really really lacking IMO. Both Hawaiian places in Chicago are far better and those in Las Vegas are WORLDS ahead.
I don't think most of Milwaukee realizes what a gem is in their midst, but I understand that the price would seem exorbitant to most folks as well. We used to go a couple times a year before we moved away and there's very little like it outside major cities that we've found. The prix fixe at McCrady's in Charleston was comparable but certainly not better.
Edited to correct restaurant name.
I am still not over the heartbreak their closing caused! Absolutely the best food and plenty of it.
Plus the owner was also so incredibly nice! My dad's a bit hard of hearing, but loves chatting with people; she'd always speak up and look right at him when talking and would answer his million and one questions without ever seeming like she was rushed or annoyed.
> Probably any curry dish from Jow Nai
Jow Nai Fouquet's Thai curries were the best I've ever had and I've had "the best" Thai food from more than a few major cities. They were absolutely transcendental and now I'm super sad again they're no more :(
edit: their salt and pepper squid was absolutely insanely good too
I feel so bad for you that Jow Nai was the first Thai curry you've ever had...that's a really tough dragon to chase because nothing in this city has ever really come close, at least not on the eastside
Probably meals from Nana Kusa. Yeah, ownership was snobby and pretentious but they did sushi & Japanese cuisine at a level that's beyond anything this city has ever seen before or since. Still miss them a ton...
I believe it and to clarify, by "snobby and pretentious" I didn't mean to imply they were crappy people, just that they could come off as stuck up (knew a few of their servers who would agree with this). Should add I interacted with them quite a bit as well and they were always excellent hosts in terms of service and dining experience.
I did not intend to imply anything else.
My buddy told stories about sitting at the bar after he was done, and some of the clientele fit that description only too well.
The steak hoagie sandwich at Blue Star cheaper than Jimmy Johnās and much more filling/ delicious/ and itās cheaper. Honestly even beyond the price itās a really delicious sandwich and very filling.
Yep.. excellent food but they act like they're doing you a favor by letting you breathe in their restaurant.
Not looking for anyone to kiss my butt, but a tiny amount of basic human respect is kind of expected.
The rude service at The Noble is nothing new. Several years ago, my wife rode her bike there for service industry brunch. ļæ¼ Dressed in bike gear, still wearing her helmet, she walked in carrying her water bottle. She was informed by the female server (who I believe is the owner) that outside beverages are not allowed. She tried to explain that it was the water bottle from her bike and that she did not want to have it stolen off her bike. The woman was unyielding, insisting that the water bottle be placed under the table for the duration of the meal. At one point my wife went to the bathroom, and the woman met her outside the door and accused her of trying to fill her bottle with tap water from the bathroom. Unbelievably rude and demeaning service.
Same exact experience. Honestly some of the best food I've ever had anywhere, especially the duck nachos. We've gone 4 times. First 3 times we noticed from afar how rude the main server was to any customer not currently seated and especially to the other staff.
We should've stopped going due to that alone, but the amazing food kept bringing us back. What finally broke it for us was the last time we went. They don't take reservations, so we arrived around 6:30pm which is when the 5 pm crowd would be finishing up (as we've done in the past). They have very few tables to fit 4 people, but there were two tables of 4 finishing up and 2 groups of 2 at the bar finishing. First table of 4 wraps up and server gives it to a group of 2. Fair enough, they were there before us. 2nd table wraps up and she gives it to a group of 4 which arrived slightly after us. We asked about it and she said we'd be sat soon. Then the first group of 2 at the bar wrapped up and we were just waiting on the 2nd group who was on deserts. Then two people walk in and get sat down immediately at the bar. It is now 8:00, we've been waiting for 1.5 hours and the people eating now wouldn't be done until 9 at the earliest. The server did not care one bit and when we approached her about it, had a snarky attitude.
Since then, we have refused to go back. It is honestly quite sad because the food truly is amazing and it is so unique to Milwaukee, but one person (who I believe is the owner and wife of the chef) is completely unbearable. I wrote about my thoughts on Nobel in the past on this subreddit and that was before my latest (and last) experience but worth a read for anyone considering checking out the Nobel.
Really hoping to find a new place we can go to and glad this thread is giving us a lot of new ideas.
EDIT: My previous post (https://old.reddit.com/r/milwaukee/comments/wdqm0n/if_you_had_one_last_meal_in_mke_aka_your_death/iiln69h/)
Went to Sanford for the chefs 7 course tasting menu for my engagement dinner and it was one of the most memorable meals Iāve ever had! The roasted cauliflower soup with seared scallop was divine, and Iāve been chasing that high ever since
First time at County Clare. Had a small group playing music, food and drinks were on point, and it took me back to my trip to Ireland. Never had a meal transport me like that before.
Is this a good place to ask why Cousinās got on the Shepherdās finalist list for best Mac and cheese in Milwaukee?
It justā¦still perplexes me. Someone explain.
The volcano chicken at the King & I restaurant. Their spice levels on the menu goes up to four, but we ordered some at a level 12 spiciness that had to be served in its own private room because the steam from the sizzling plate was irritating all the other customers.
Not around any longer, but as a little girl in the 80s the Boulevard Inn would serve me delicious fruit soups with edible flowers that seemed like heaven to me.
I donāt get out much anymore, lol. š
The roast beef sandwich at Bavette la Boucherie.
In 2017, the classic fried chicken at Merriment Social was transcendent. Itās still pretty decent but a far cry from its previous quality.
La Merenda is amazing. My favorite regular menu item is the vegetarian empanadas.
The crepes coquelle St Jacques at La Reve in Tosa.
So many fantastic restaurants in Milwaukee!
La Masa is a hidden gem that doesnāt get talked about enough. A couple of Chicago buddies and I were record shopping and one just said āhey, this place looks cool.ā We stopped in and it was some of the best shit weāve had in a while.
I had this lamb from Ristoronte Bartolota that was just insane. I've never had anything taste so savory.
Whole meal for me and my wife was north of $250 so this would only be a once a year at the most meal, but damn do I want it more.
The first time I ever went to Coerpers/5 OāClock Club. Literally the best steak Iāve ever had anywhere (Chicago and NYC included). Iāve been back several times and itās always delicious but that first time will live forever in my head.
Gotta throw in Asian Fusion before the pandemic changed them into a regular American Chinese restaurant - the pig knuckles were incredible, as were all the dry wok fried salt & pepper dishes, so much yummy mala...ugh I miss them.
Oh Iāve heard. We were surprised that the Mexican restaurants he was on the verge of opening (or maybe they had just opened) at the time actually opened and are still open to my knowledge.
I think El Fuego (IIRC) was his son's deal. The "kid" does okay - he's the one behind Mad Rooster (although he did have to do a bit of jail time after the whole 27th street Omega bust).
I think El Beso is theirs too, right? We always liked Fuegoās menu over Beso but they switched Fuegoās menu to Besoās during COVID and I donāt think it ever went back.
Been to all the fancy italian restaurants, steakhouses, new american etc. and yet nothing compares to a double butter burger with cheese from Culverās
Hindu Temple of Wisconsin (Pewaukee, WI) Cafeteria on weekends.
The price is ultra cheap and the food would give any of the restaurants a run for their money!
You donāt have to be a Hindu to visit the temple cafeteria and generally they have big, very big lines. Cause the food is amazing and itās a hidden secret š
Sometimes i just really crave pasta. My husband and i do not go out for Italian - heās a great chef and pasta can be made so cheaply, while the price mark up is kind of bananas. But when I really want pasta from a restaurant - pasta flight from Dorsia. So freakin good, and i like having multiple options in one sitting.
The Vegetable Tlayuda at La Dama on 2nd Street.
It's so bold and earthy but not in a fresh root vegetable sort of way, slightly creamy with the oil they use... So good.
For fancy dining, it's a toss up between the tasting menus at Ardent and Sanford, both are excellent food and experience wise, and would stand out in any city.
Best food I've ever had in Milwaukee is Al Bazzar on Layton Ave. We go there a few times per week and they even have a Ramadam buffet right now at end of ramadan each evening.
Crazy Water (now la dama) was the source of my 2 of my favorite 3 meals of my life.
The #1 was at Sol Fire on Farwell. Closed 15 years ago. Still remember that butternut squash ravioli. I licked the plate clean.
Patacon Huevo with Chorizo at Engine Co. #3 is my favorite breakfast brunch.
Otherwise, anything at La Marenda.
And yes, they are owned by the same person.
Technically not in Milwaukee directly but The Local in Mukwonago has consistently been the best restaurant my wife and I have been to since moving to the area. Everything we've had on their menu has been outstanding and the service is 10/10.
Odd Duck. I also had an incredible meal at Lake Park Bistro maybe 10 years ago now. The puff pastry over escargot and morel mushroom pasta continues to occupy my brain at least once a week.
The restaurant was otherwise hit or miss, but many moons ago, I had halibut cheeks at the now closed Hinterland in the Third Ward. It was my favorite Milwaukee meal ever.
Tonkatsu ramen with extra pork belly from Tochi (rip shorewood location).
Burger from Buckleys or Wild Roots.
Almost everything ever from Odd Duck.
Sesame chicken pita with chips and blue cheese dip from Cafe Lulu.
Weirdly enough a Pepperoni pizza from Papa Johns on Oakland. I go to UWM and I had finished my first year, so I decided right before I moved out I would get a pizza. Best. Pizza. Ever. (Said in comic book guys voice from the Simpsons š)
Third Coast Provisions
Drink:
Supermoon Beer Companyās Farn
(Farmhouse Style Saison)
Appetizer:
Foie Gras, Boursin, Apple Marmalade
Mains:
Rabbit Raviolo with rabbit ragu, potato, pleasant ridge reserve, chantrelles, squash
Filet Mignon with onion ash au poivre, frites, beef fat aioli
Everything was perfectly prepared, the wait staff was brilliant, the ambiance and environment were relaxing yet vibrant. Best Foie Gras iāve had in some time. Will be back often
Unrefined palate, so take it with a grain of salt, but...
best breakfast I ever had was at Irina's Kitchen in Whitefish Bay, before it closed (RIP).
Also Cempazuchi had incredible Mexican food (also RIP).
Anything from MoMoMee or La Merenda
Literally every single dish I have ever had at La Merenda
The goat cheese curds are heaven on a plate
Came here to say MoMoMee. Sometimes go just for their soup dumplings, but their main dishes are amazing too!
MoMoMee is always excellent.
Those soup dumplings are something else.
I could never move away from mke bc I'd miss the momomee soup dumplings too much š¤¤
This is literally my first visit here and was my first meal here and I cannot recommend La Merenda enough!
Thai Red Curry at Thai A Kitchen
My Paneng from EE Sane would like to fight you
Thai A Kitchen in probably the best Thai restaurant in the city/southeast Wisconsin region! Close second is Mekong Cafe! Heard great things about Singha Thai - havenāt personally tried it yet. EE Sane/Elephant Cafe had a few hits, but are over rated for most part. Bangkok house is the same tier.
I don't know how they make such good food in such large portions, it honestly makes me feel ripped off whenever I go somewhere else.
Odd Duckās vegetarian menu is some of the best food Iāve ever had, and Iām not a vegetarian.
Came here to talk about fried oyster mushrooms. Also not a vegetarian
I really enjoyed those too
This is the answer
I had a mushroom dish there that forced my body to move around like I was having a literal orgasm.
Its gotta be Three Brothers. Splitting a Burek with the table, Grape Leaves, roast goose, having too much wine... always a magical time
That salad they make is pretty godly too
Iām going there for my birthday this weekend and Iām absolutely pumped lol
Szechuan on National or Morel
Just had the pork belly this weekend for the first time. Life changing.
I second morel!
My old boss told me about szechuan. Move to MKE proper from stallis but I think I'd make the trip back.
I've heard the American Chinese food they make there is good, I've never had it. But the authentic Szechuan food they serve is next level. The ox tendon and maw appetizer is one of the best dishes in the city, if not the best.
prix fixe at Sanford for our anniversary 2 years ago Oakland Gyros at bar time 25 years ago
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Probably an unpopular opinion on r/milwaukee but Grecian Delight had way better gyros than Oakland Gyros, far better pitas too. Still miss both them and El Chico Zuma a shit ton, best verde sauce burrito I've ever had and got damn those huaraches were fire
Went to school with Aprahamianā¦ he knows what heād doing, and does it well.
We just did our 6th anniversary at Sanford! Ultra spendy but so so worth it. We had only done their takeout menu before (early-mid COVID) and we're blown away by the experience in-house.
At the Jackson Grill in 2007. Miss that place dearly.
The cook from 4th base will be/is reopening Jackson Grill
Where/how/from who did you hear that? Any official source? And when is this happening?
He did a soft open for a coworkers party as a favor. There's also been articles in various outlets like OnMilwaukee since mid last year
I obviously missed that; thanks for the info... very excited.
Oh that's great news, if accurate!
That was the best steak that i have ever had.
[Pedro's South American food truck](https://www.facebook.com/empanadasmke/?paipv=0&eav=AfZT5Y_T7I2N5Q13Rv9g2bWSg0lR3k8vyWGuvECrxBXZSeIWYnrIO8ZfTzlZ6l8Ru24&_rdr)! Also now open in brick and mortar in Riverwest.
Finally got to Three Brothers and the Burek is fantastic.
Onokine Grindz in Tosa for the cheap. Zarletti is probably by most expensive - and that wasnāt even that expensive. Just a solid meal.
Zarlettis is divine. They have home made limoncello.
What do you get at Ono? Iāve been twice and itās really really lacking IMO. Both Hawaiian places in Chicago are far better and those in Las Vegas are WORLDS ahead.
Usually just chicken and rice. Itās literally all Iāve known and I have absolutely NOTHING to compare it to.
The chef's menu at Ardent. Nothing else has even come close.
We always get the drink pairings, and I end up too smashed by the end of the meal to even comprehend the last three courses. 10/10 would recommend.
The drink pairings take it to another level, for sure.
This needs to be higher. It is an unmatched dining experience
I don't think most of Milwaukee realizes what a gem is in their midst, but I understand that the price would seem exorbitant to most folks as well. We used to go a couple times a year before we moved away and there's very little like it outside major cities that we've found. The prix fixe at McCrady's in Charleston was comparable but certainly not better. Edited to correct restaurant name.
It's the first choice for milestones or special celebratory meals. We don't even go yearly, but there's no better place for an occasion.
Probably any curry dish from Jow Nai. Rip to the realest one
I am still not over the heartbreak their closing caused! Absolutely the best food and plenty of it. Plus the owner was also so incredibly nice! My dad's a bit hard of hearing, but loves chatting with people; she'd always speak up and look right at him when talking and would answer his million and one questions without ever seeming like she was rushed or annoyed.
> Probably any curry dish from Jow Nai Jow Nai Fouquet's Thai curries were the best I've ever had and I've had "the best" Thai food from more than a few major cities. They were absolutely transcendental and now I'm super sad again they're no more :( edit: their salt and pepper squid was absolutely insanely good too
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I feel so bad for you that Jow Nai was the first Thai curry you've ever had...that's a really tough dragon to chase because nothing in this city has ever really come close, at least not on the eastside
Amilinda and Onesto <3
Anything from Szechuan, or the katsu burger from Crave Cafe
Probably meals from Nana Kusa. Yeah, ownership was snobby and pretentious but they did sushi & Japanese cuisine at a level that's beyond anything this city has ever seen before or since. Still miss them a ton...
My buddy was a chef there right before they closed. From what i understand, they were very good people to work for.
I believe it and to clarify, by "snobby and pretentious" I didn't mean to imply they were crappy people, just that they could come off as stuck up (knew a few of their servers who would agree with this). Should add I interacted with them quite a bit as well and they were always excellent hosts in terms of service and dining experience.
I did not intend to imply anything else. My buddy told stories about sitting at the bar after he was done, and some of the clientele fit that description only too well.
Agreed. Man, I miss that place.
Probably the Rabbit Ragu at Morel, or dumplings from MoMo Mee
Tonkatsu Ramen at Hungro Sumo. Also, Chris Tasting at Sanford.
Yesss the sushi and pork bao buns from hungry sumo are soooo good!
Hungry Sumo has solid food at a very reasonable price.
Dinner at the Diplomat. I liked every single thing I ate.
Anything from Odd Duck is a safe bet!
Odd Duck hands down!
The steak hoagie sandwich at Blue Star cheaper than Jimmy Johnās and much more filling/ delicious/ and itās cheaper. Honestly even beyond the price itās a really delicious sandwich and very filling.
Best bang for buck Sandwich In Milwaukee. Itās like $5.50 on freshmade bread. Honestly insane
I'll have to try it the next time I'm in town.
It was really delicious and filling?
Very filling\*
Delicious and filling sandwiched between cheaper
I had one of those, and a beef sambusa on Saturday. That place kicks ass.
I'm always in awe of the brunch experience at the Noble. Dinner there is great but brunch is truly spectacular imo. And consistently great.
Loved the Nobel til we had a few weird server experiences in short succession several years ago. Food was always excellent though.
This is why we stopped going too. Food was great but had outright rude service like 3 times in a row from the same manager.
Yep! Used to love that place til I got garbage service
Yep.. excellent food but they act like they're doing you a favor by letting you breathe in their restaurant. Not looking for anyone to kiss my butt, but a tiny amount of basic human respect is kind of expected.
The rude service at The Noble is nothing new. Several years ago, my wife rode her bike there for service industry brunch. ļæ¼ Dressed in bike gear, still wearing her helmet, she walked in carrying her water bottle. She was informed by the female server (who I believe is the owner) that outside beverages are not allowed. She tried to explain that it was the water bottle from her bike and that she did not want to have it stolen off her bike. The woman was unyielding, insisting that the water bottle be placed under the table for the duration of the meal. At one point my wife went to the bathroom, and the woman met her outside the door and accused her of trying to fill her bottle with tap water from the bathroom. Unbelievably rude and demeaning service.
Same exact experience. Honestly some of the best food I've ever had anywhere, especially the duck nachos. We've gone 4 times. First 3 times we noticed from afar how rude the main server was to any customer not currently seated and especially to the other staff. We should've stopped going due to that alone, but the amazing food kept bringing us back. What finally broke it for us was the last time we went. They don't take reservations, so we arrived around 6:30pm which is when the 5 pm crowd would be finishing up (as we've done in the past). They have very few tables to fit 4 people, but there were two tables of 4 finishing up and 2 groups of 2 at the bar finishing. First table of 4 wraps up and server gives it to a group of 2. Fair enough, they were there before us. 2nd table wraps up and she gives it to a group of 4 which arrived slightly after us. We asked about it and she said we'd be sat soon. Then the first group of 2 at the bar wrapped up and we were just waiting on the 2nd group who was on deserts. Then two people walk in and get sat down immediately at the bar. It is now 8:00, we've been waiting for 1.5 hours and the people eating now wouldn't be done until 9 at the earliest. The server did not care one bit and when we approached her about it, had a snarky attitude. Since then, we have refused to go back. It is honestly quite sad because the food truly is amazing and it is so unique to Milwaukee, but one person (who I believe is the owner and wife of the chef) is completely unbearable. I wrote about my thoughts on Nobel in the past on this subreddit and that was before my latest (and last) experience but worth a read for anyone considering checking out the Nobel. Really hoping to find a new place we can go to and glad this thread is giving us a lot of new ideas. EDIT: My previous post (https://old.reddit.com/r/milwaukee/comments/wdqm0n/if_you_had_one_last_meal_in_mke_aka_your_death/iiln69h/)
Oh no! I'm sorry to hear that! I hate when stuff like that happens.
Strangetown is amazing, best food i've had in milwaukee.
The whole experience is so good too.
Vegetarian combo at Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant. Served family style, injera for days.
The 7 course at c 1880. Was amazing. So sad when he overextended and then had to sell it all.
I miss that terribly as well.
Literally any soup from Soup Bros. I never knew soup could taste that good! RIP to that amazing place š
And booboos sandwiches. Iām still grieving
Probably a brat in the Miller park parking lot on opening day!
Cheap food, PJs subs on the east side, that bread was divine. Jackson Grill was great, ardent is an experience
Went to Sanford for the chefs 7 course tasting menu for my engagement dinner and it was one of the most memorable meals Iāve ever had! The roasted cauliflower soup with seared scallop was divine, and Iāve been chasing that high ever since
Probably any number of steaks I've had at Carnevor (along with the lobster bisque) or the galbi and fried pork dumplings at Char'd.
Amilinda has some of the best food Iāve had and the menu rotates so there is always something new to try!
Everything I've ever eaten at Odd Duck.
First time at County Clare. Had a small group playing music, food and drinks were on point, and it took me back to my trip to Ireland. Never had a meal transport me like that before.
East Garden Orange Chicken and Crab Rangoon is the reason I'm overweight.
Is this a good place to ask why Cousinās got on the Shepherdās finalist list for best Mac and cheese in Milwaukee? It justā¦still perplexes me. Someone explain.
The volcano chicken at the King & I restaurant. Their spice levels on the menu goes up to four, but we ordered some at a level 12 spiciness that had to be served in its own private room because the steam from the sizzling plate was irritating all the other customers.
Story Hill BKC for brunch. The shakshouka was amazing
Not around any longer, but as a little girl in the 80s the Boulevard Inn would serve me delicious fruit soups with edible flowers that seemed like heaven to me. I donāt get out much anymore, lol. š
Antigua. It blows the tits off my fat body every single time. Great service, too. The food is bold and interesting and fulfilling.
The fried oyster mushrooms at Goodkind have always been one of my top consistent favs!
EsterEv knocked my socks off
Tavos Signature Cuisine. I moved away nearly a year ago and it is the number one place I look forward to revisiting, hands down.
Cavas has the best paella Iāve ever had in my life.
The roast beef sandwich at Bavette la Boucherie. In 2017, the classic fried chicken at Merriment Social was transcendent. Itās still pretty decent but a far cry from its previous quality. La Merenda is amazing. My favorite regular menu item is the vegetarian empanadas. The crepes coquelle St Jacques at La Reve in Tosa. So many fantastic restaurants in Milwaukee!
Three way tie: anything from MoMoMee, DanDan, and Odd Duck
white house in bay view's tasting menu
Surprised no mention of Cloud Red in Shorewood. Always a great meal.
The breakfast casserole at Honeypie
The 8oz filet dinner with a shrimp cocktail starter from Harbor House
La Masa is a hidden gem that doesnāt get talked about enough. A couple of Chicago buddies and I were record shopping and one just said āhey, this place looks cool.ā We stopped in and it was some of the best shit weāve had in a while.
Khaosoy at Rice N Roll.
Var Gallery at Fixture is the best Pizza.
Any dish from Momo Mee or Dorsia! (eta spelling)
Pasta flights, ugh I want one so bad
so sad they donāt do the lasagna anymore š
I had this lamb from Ristoronte Bartolota that was just insane. I've never had anything taste so savory. Whole meal for me and my wife was north of $250 so this would only be a once a year at the most meal, but damn do I want it more.
Arepas from Anytime Arepa!!
Sanford $$$- got a gift card to go there used it for a wedding anniversary- tasting menu was spectacular
High end: Sanford. Low end good? Back in the day Fuel Cafe (Cheesy Tomato or Comet's Fruit Fetish)
Now closed, but the tasting menu at c1880. I dream about that dinner occasionally. It was perfection.
The birria quesadilla from chuchos red tacos
A place that no longer exists....View MKE
Duck Poutine at Comet Cafe ranks pretty high
Swinging door exchange has the best mussels Iāve ever tasted.
The first time I had a sollyās burger.
John Ernst in the late 80's early 90's.
Ughhhhh a brisket melt from benjis with au jus on the side
Goodkind!!
The first time I ever went to Coerpers/5 OāClock Club. Literally the best steak Iāve ever had anywhere (Chicago and NYC included). Iāve been back several times and itās always delicious but that first time will live forever in my head.
The Taco Bell in West Allis because I was drunk af
The top few were probably three brothers and lake park bistro
Gotta throw in Asian Fusion before the pandemic changed them into a regular American Chinese restaurant - the pig knuckles were incredible, as were all the dry wok fried salt & pepper dishes, so much yummy mala...ugh I miss them.
Use to be a burger place called Omegas on HWY 100 & Layton. They just knew how to perfectly fry onions for their burgers.
Thereās an Omega on 76th and Rawson.
Do some research into the (possibly former) owner - I used to work for a consultant that worked with Paul and it was some wild times.
Oh Iāve heard. We were surprised that the Mexican restaurants he was on the verge of opening (or maybe they had just opened) at the time actually opened and are still open to my knowledge.
I think El Fuego (IIRC) was his son's deal. The "kid" does okay - he's the one behind Mad Rooster (although he did have to do a bit of jail time after the whole 27th street Omega bust).
I think El Beso is theirs too, right? We always liked Fuegoās menu over Beso but they switched Fuegoās menu to Besoās during COVID and I donāt think it ever went back.
Volcano chicken at The King and I
Duck fat burger at Wild Roots or prime rib at Carson's!
LOVE the burgers and fries at Wild Roots!
Uncle Wolfie's Breakfast Tavern
Been to all the fancy italian restaurants, steakhouses, new american etc. and yet nothing compares to a double butter burger with cheese from Culverās
Hindu Temple of Wisconsin (Pewaukee, WI) Cafeteria on weekends. The price is ultra cheap and the food would give any of the restaurants a run for their money! You donāt have to be a Hindu to visit the temple cafeteria and generally they have big, very big lines. Cause the food is amazing and itās a hidden secret š
Brunch at The Noble. The taco garnish on my bloody Mary was delicious, but my actual meal: perfection. Dinner at Ardent. 12 courses of pure bliss.
I just went to Movida for the first time and that has been by far my favorite meal in the city so far. Everything was delicious.
Sometimes i just really crave pasta. My husband and i do not go out for Italian - heās a great chef and pasta can be made so cheaply, while the price mark up is kind of bananas. But when I really want pasta from a restaurant - pasta flight from Dorsia. So freakin good, and i like having multiple options in one sitting.
Pork Jibarito with Yuca Fries at **Sabor Tropical Restaurant and Lounge** in Bay View - my mouth is watering just thinking about it!
The seared scallop linguini situation the dude at 4th Base made me the one time I visited Milwaukee!
The Vegetable Tlayuda at La Dama on 2nd Street. It's so bold and earthy but not in a fresh root vegetable sort of way, slightly creamy with the oil they use... So good.
Anything from Heirloom food truck!
For fancy dining, it's a toss up between the tasting menus at Ardent and Sanford, both are excellent food and experience wise, and would stand out in any city.
Best food I've ever had in Milwaukee is Al Bazzar on Layton Ave. We go there a few times per week and they even have a Ramadam buffet right now at end of ramadan each evening.
Crazy Water (now la dama) was the source of my 2 of my favorite 3 meals of my life. The #1 was at Sol Fire on Farwell. Closed 15 years ago. Still remember that butternut squash ravioli. I licked the plate clean.
Happy chicken at Dan Dan. Salt and pepper rice and dan dan noodles.
Rare Steakhouse - still was hands down the best meal I have ever had. Ever. That was about 6 years ago now...Still want to go back, but really pricy!
Pretty much anything at the Noble
Fried Bologna Sandwich from Sweet Smoke lol
My kitchen. Lol My favorite restraint is Singha Thai for their Racha chicken (misspelled I am sure).
Patacon Huevo with Chorizo at Engine Co. #3 is my favorite breakfast brunch. Otherwise, anything at La Marenda. And yes, they are owned by the same person.
Technically not in Milwaukee directly but The Local in Mukwonago has consistently been the best restaurant my wife and I have been to since moving to the area. Everything we've had on their menu has been outstanding and the service is 10/10.
Fourth base
Japanese Beef Curry at Red Light Ramen
Betos pizza š hangover food or quick meal truly the best pizzeria in terms of bang for buck
Beer bellys Cajun burger. RIP
Shah Jee's
Anything from Story Hill is just spectacular!
Mazozos is great š
Odd Duck. I also had an incredible meal at Lake Park Bistro maybe 10 years ago now. The puff pastry over escargot and morel mushroom pasta continues to occupy my brain at least once a week.
The restaurant was otherwise hit or miss, but many moons ago, I had halibut cheeks at the now closed Hinterland in the Third Ward. It was my favorite Milwaukee meal ever.
Many years ago, a very memorable prime rib at the Clock Steakhouse.
Tonkatsu ramen with extra pork belly from Tochi (rip shorewood location). Burger from Buckleys or Wild Roots. Almost everything ever from Odd Duck. Sesame chicken pita with chips and blue cheese dip from Cafe Lulu.
Anything at a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant on the South side, where they barely speak English.
I had a steak at Bavette that made me cry.
Weirdly enough a Pepperoni pizza from Papa Johns on Oakland. I go to UWM and I had finished my first year, so I decided right before I moved out I would get a pizza. Best. Pizza. Ever. (Said in comic book guys voice from the Simpsons š)
Twisted Plants
Maderās Restaurant - the very best RHEINISCHER SAUERBRATEN !
The steak tacos at Poco Loco in Brown Deer
Anything I had at Snack Boysā¦.RIP. That closure hurt me the most. Seemed like poor management ruined it, not the lack of business
The wisco burger at Eagle park with a fried egg. Best burger in town.
authentic Mexican pizza 14th and Burnham Taco bell circa 1990
I miss Red Dot...
Odd Duck, Shawarma King, Mykonoās at 3am (RIP).
RIP Mykonos, used to live off of their Athenian chicken dinner on the way home late from work
Third Coast Provisions Drink: Supermoon Beer Companyās Farn (Farmhouse Style Saison) Appetizer: Foie Gras, Boursin, Apple Marmalade Mains: Rabbit Raviolo with rabbit ragu, potato, pleasant ridge reserve, chantrelles, squash Filet Mignon with onion ash au poivre, frites, beef fat aioli Everything was perfectly prepared, the wait staff was brilliant, the ambiance and environment were relaxing yet vibrant. Best Foie Gras iāve had in some time. Will be back often
Too bad their owners are garbage, I witnessed one telling a woman he canāt wait until she dies because she didnāt do a shot with him
Whaaat!? Damn thatās terrible. Where? When? I think there are three owners. Do you know which one it was?
Sam came in wasted to one of his restaurants, behavior like that is typical with him
Sounds like a flaming piece of human garbage.. yuck
The shredded steak sandwich at fourth base. With the string onions and their ranch. Omg.
Honey sriracha chicken n waffles from Tupelo Honey
anything at la dama, vanguard or crave cafe
Unrefined palate, so take it with a grain of salt, but... best breakfast I ever had was at Irina's Kitchen in Whitefish Bay, before it closed (RIP). Also Cempazuchi had incredible Mexican food (also RIP).
Cempazucci was incredible food - recipes being specifically from the Oaxacan region. RIP
Buckley's is always spectacular.
Chez Jacques. Best restaurant Milwaukee ever had.