My Must Eats in Milwaukee
Since moving to Milwaukee, I’ve found a never ending supply of amazing restaurants to try, and while I have only scratched the surface, these are some of the places I’ve found myself coming back to time and time again.
Pictured: The lobster roll from Bridgewater Modern Grill
Open + Airy: Bridgewater Modern Grill
It can be tough to find an restaurant that feels upscale but doesn’t also take a hit to your wallet. Bridgewater Modern Grill is a perfect marriage of high quality food and a beautiful, waterfront atmosphere with moderate pricing. Located in Milwaukee’s harbor district, their outdoor patio makes the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and summer weather.
They have a variety of menu items that live in the realm of American and Seafood, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and muscles, there is something for everyone. That said, my go-to will always be their lobster roll. This is my favorite spot to take out of town family for a nice dinner.
The Best Breakfast: Cranky Al’s
Cranky Al’s is the best place in the Milwaukee area for an amazing breakfast, located in Wauwatosa, this stop is a well-known favorite. They’re known best for doughnuts but my husband Tanner swears by the ghost pepper jack cheese bagel. They’re typically open until 1 pm, but on weekends, you likely won’t catch them after 10 am since they sell out of everything so quickly.
If you head to Cranky’s and find out they’ve sold out for the day, Rocket Baby Bakery is another great option just across the street.
Fusion Food: Tauro Cocina
Tauro Cocina is a gem my husband and I recently found through the Milwaukee City Tins coupon gift a friend bought for us for Christmas. Their menu blends Italian and Mexican into a really flavorful menu that pairs classic staples with more adventurous dishes so picky eaters and big foodies alike can have . This spot is great for a date night with a moody romantic atmosphere.
Friday Night with Friends: La Masa
Oh La Masa! The place that turned us into empanada addicts. It’s like our home away from home, but with more deliciously stuffed pastries. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a casual dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone in your group. Also, they offer platters of twelve empanadas with as many or as few flavors as you’d like, making it perfect to share for groups of three to six, depending on how hungry everyone is. Their prices are good for what you get and they are always very quick to seat their guests since they don’t take reservations. Even on the busiest night with a group of six, I’ve never waited more than fifteen minutes. Since they’re located in the bustle of Brady street on the east side of Milwaukee, I’m always impressed on how short their wait times are. Also, be sure to save room for a dessert empanada! It’s the best thing they serve, don’t miss out!
Since we’ve been to this restaurant many times over, it’s also worth noting that their empanadas warm up perfectly as leftovers, just be sure to use an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave.
A Little Bit of Everything: Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s not just a place to grab lunch, you can also relax with a glass of wine, grab something from a bakery, pick up some flowers, and shop for Milwaukee merchandise. It’s a one-stop shop in the best way. Whenever I’m in the Third Ward I typically end up spending some time here. There are all types of food stalls there: American, Thai, Seafood, Middle Eastern, and more!
Milwaukee is a hub of good food, and while the places I listed above are my favorites, I wanted to mention a few places I still frequent as honorable mentions.
Honorable Mentions:
Simmas Bakery
Dorsia
Golden Nest Pancakes & Cafe
Rocket Baby Bakery
Thai-namite
Joy Ice Cream
Have any recommendations for me to try next? Let me know below!