Milwaukee has a great number of local restaurants. There is no need to go to the national chains or a fast food joint to eat. Try these out and let me know what you think.
Balistreri’s Italian-American
A staple in the Wauwatosa area. This busy restaurant has wonderful thin crust pizza, garlic bread, and fried eggplant appetizers.
812 North 68th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53213-3909
(414) 475-1414
Cafe Centraal
Cousin of Cafe Hollander. Great atmosphere and killer beer list.
2306 South Kinnickinnic Avenue
Bay View, WI 53207
(414) 755-0377
Cafe Hollander (2 locations)
Great east side spot. Eat out on the patio in the summer. Great sandwiches and an excellent beer listing. You really have a chance to pick your poison with over 10 pages of beer choices!
2608 North Downer Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53211-4244
(414) 963-6342
7677 West State Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53213
(414) 475-6771
Classic Slice
Need a slice at lunchtime? Stop at this place for the biggest single slice you can find. Small dining area, so get there early.
2797 South Kinnickinnic Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53207-2265
(414) 727-0761
County Clare Irish Inn & Pub
Great Irish food in the heart of the lower east side.
1234 North Astor Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-2822
(414) 272-5273
Elsa’s On the Park
If you’ve heard of Kopps, try Elsa’s. This is a more upscale version with signature HUGE burgers. I recommend the Au Poivre variety with a great crust of peppercorn and sticky sauce.
833 North Jefferson Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3709
(414) 765-0615
Le Bistro Shanghai
The restaurant has been around a few years now. Great menu; each dish is excellent. Not one option will disappoint you. Try the pot stickers while you’re waiting for your main.
5191 South 108th Street
Hales Corners, WI 53130-1328
(414) 525-2266
lebistroshanghai.com
Louise’s Restaurant
On the corner of Cathedral Square in downtown, this restaurant is a fixture. This Italian restaurant has a great atmosphere, great food, and definitely a place to be.
801 North Jefferson Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-3709
(414) 273-1877
Mader’s German Restaurant
One of the great German restaurants in Milwaukee. This, being my favorite, gets top billing. Visit only when you’re hungry and be sure to try the sauerbraten.
1041 Old World 3rd Street
Milwaukee, WI 53203-1301
(414) 271-3377
Maxie’s Southern Comfort
A restaurant serving a variety of southern fare. From Carolina BBQ to New Orleans spice. Great food and great service. Try the jumbalaya.
6732 West Fairview Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53213-3937
(414) 292-3969
Milwaukee Ale House
A local brewpub. One of two locations, this one sits on the Milwaukee River. Try the Sheepshead Stout. They serve a variety of good pub fare and often have live music. Don’t go to chat with friends on…
233 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5729
(414) 226-2337
Roots Restaurant & Cellar
1818 North Hubbard Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212-3738
(414) 374-8480
Water Buffalo Restaurant
249 North Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 431-1133
West Bank Cafe
Vietnamese fare in a quaint corner building. Located in Riverwest. Check it out. Generally quiet when you arrive, don’t fret. The food is excellent.
732 East Burleigh Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212-2104
(414) 562-5555
Wicked Hop
345 N Broadway
Milwaukee, WI 53202-5879
(414) 223-0345
Yen Ching
7630 West Good Hope Road
Milwaukee, WI 53223-4514
(414) 353-6677