I thought I would end my column for the year on a high note. And what better way than to share my favorite places to eat in the city? I didn’t include any place that I cannot stand so if you are wondering why a certain place didn’t make my list, there is a good chance that I hate it. So without further ado, my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee.
20. Café Brucke
When I want to really relax, and I mean almost to the point of literally putting my feet up on the table, I like to come and get a sandwich and some kind of funky European beer here. The café has dim lighting and capture’s the feel that some small town in Europe might feel.
19. Palms
If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, Palm’s Asian slaw would most definitely make my list. Their menu consists of a little bit of everything from hearty tuna steaks always served sushi grade to barbeque chicken sandwiches served on a Kaiser roll.
18. Alterra
I know, I know. This is not technically a restaurant, but I am here almost everyday of my life. Everyone has their own Alterra weakness. Mine is the bountiful garden muffin; it is truly a little bit of heaven on earth. I don’t know what they do, but their muffins are always incredibly moist and not to mention huge.
Their other breakfast treats, like their parfaits, are to die for, too. Their homemade granola is sweetened with toasted coconut and honey. Alterra simply defines Milwaukee.
17. Kenwood Inn
Eleven to two, that’s their hours and don’t you forget it. The Kenwood Inn is located on the third floor of UWM’s Union and if you haven’t been here on your lunch break, you are missing out on semi-gourmet college food. The pear and bleu-cheese salad is the perfect quick and satisfying bite in between classes. They also always have a daily chef’s special if nothing on the menu seems to strike your fancy that day.
16. Waterfront Deli
In all of the Divine Dinings I can honestly say I have never said “cute.” That is because I don’t think that word belongs in any food column anywhere in the world. But, I have got to hand it to the Waterfront Deli for being the “cutest” place to eat lunch in Milwaukee. Their opera house murals on the inside reflect their quirkyness. Order your chicken salad sandwich and champagne in a can downstairs and before you know it, your food arrives to you upstairs via the dumb waiter, or mini food elevator.
Go there in the summer and sit on their balcony. There is no better place to eat lunch and people watch in Milwaukee.
15. Dogg Haus
Don’t you just love the Dogg Haus? All the different types of hot dogs with all of the different types of toppings is exactly the type of thing that Milwaukee needed. Go in for lunch, dinner or after the bar. The staff is always ready to serve you up one, two or even four dogs of any kind.
14. Oakland Trattoria
I believe I gave Oakland Trattoria my first “A” grade in the history of Divine Dining. Reason being is that I always seem to leave that place really happy. The pizza’s crust is always thing and crispy and the toppings are always right on. My favorite? Barbeque chicken with mozzarella cheese, hands down. They have become a staple of good eating on the eastside.
13. Zaffiro’s
Sure, I gave Oakland Trattoria an “A” awhile back, but Zaffiro’s is simply ungradeable. The place has been around for decades and their pizza proves it. Thin crust, classic toppings, tons of people, plastic table clothes and Miller Lite describes a night at Zaffiro’s perfectly.
12. Singha Thai
Best Thai food in the city, yet I think I am the only one who knows this. The place is always empty, so come on people.
Get down there and try their crab puffs and pad thai. Trust me, after you eat their ethnic cuisine, you’ll think twice before you hit your speed dial for another night of Chinese delivery.
11. Hooligans
I will only tell you this one time and then I just expect you to know it. Hooligan’s has the absolute best bar food…probably in Wisconsin, but to be safe, I’m just going to stick to Milwaukee. Steak and black bean wraps on a whole wheat tortilla, chicken gumbo, black bean and okra soup and my all time favorite bruschetta on a bun.
Every entrée comes with your choice of a side salad, fries or fruit. If you haven’t been there, watch your next baseball game there and plan on eating dinner. You’ll never want to leave.
10. Sala de Pranzo
I love coming here for lunch. I sit at the bar and order a perfectly pressed roasted red pepper and goat cheese panino. Sometimes, I’ll even splurge on a glass of wine. The place evokes Old World Italian charm, right down to their tiny and mirror-less bathrooms.
9. Nanakusa
Yes, this is the most expensive sushi restaurant in Milwaukee and no, you shouldn’t go to those other, lower quality sushi places just to save a buck or two. Eat good raw fish, it won’t kill you. The sushi here cannot be compared to any other sushi in this city. The same goes for their service. Go to Nanakusa for an exceptional dining experience.
8. Elsa’s
There are three things that make Elsa’s one of my favorite restaurants. One, I want to get all glamorous and spend three hours getting ready to eat their food. It really is that fabulous.
Two, they have no drink list. Think of something you want and your server will get it for you. Three, the las brisas burger. Medium rare, quarter pound burger with salsa, avocado, pepper jack cheese and jalepeno peppers is the best burger in this city. And yes, I have tried them all.
7. Beans & Barley
OK, If I’m not at Alterra, I’m at Beans and Barley eating an egg white, spinach and feta cheese omelet. Or, I’m having their pesto scrambled eggs. Or, I’m loving a café au lait and a carrot walnut muffin. You get my point. I’ve had everything on their menu and it is all divine.
6. Hinterland
This place has two different menus to please to two different crowds. The first time I went to Hinterland I had the seared elk with a cherry beet glaze with sautéed beet greens and a great cabernet. The second time I went I had their pad thai, kobe beef sliders and a cold glass of their own brewed pale ale. The place is versatile for even the biggest penny pinchers to enjoy a meal.
5. Sanford
This is the only four-star rated restaurant in Milwaukee. It has the best food and service of any restaurant around. It made my list because there is no way I could make a list of my favorite restaurants without it.
Regardless of their New York City prices, Sanford truly is the empitome of fine dining right in our own city. If you have not been here, and you think you know what good food is supposed to taste like. You are truly mistaken.
4. Nessun Dorma
Small on menu choices big on flavor combinations. Nessun Dorma keeps it short and sweet but always does a bang up job from their perfect bruschetta, steamy paninis and perfectly dressed side salads.
3. Roots
Roots does everything well, but there is no place in Milwaukee that will ever do a better brunch than them. Many places have tried and they all have failed. My favorite time to dine is in the summer on their patio. Gorgeous views of the city only complement your mimosa and eggs benedict.
2. La Merenda
Tapas in Milwaukee was still something left to be desired until this worldy restaurant laid down their roots in Walker’s Point. Their prices are low and it is a great place to go to with friends. And if this won’t get you there, nothing will: Monday is half price bottle of wine night.
1. Cempazuchi
If you have been reading Divine Dining, you know I’m picky. You know I don’t settle when it comes to food (or anything else for that matter). And I will never say that I have a more loved restaurant in this city than Cempazuchi. Their flavors are truly unbeatable in everything from their margaritas to their tostadas truly original salsas.
This tops my list not only because of their authentic flavors but because of their prices. Dinner for two with appetizers, drinks and small entrées will cost you around $35. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the true flavors of southern Mexico in Milwaukee.