CAPH52

A week from Friday, as part of our hectic "college visit week", we're planning to take a quick look at Marquette (including a tour, if possible) and then have lunch in Milwaukee before heading on to Madison.

Basically, what we're looking for is a place where we can have a quick, but not rushed, fairly inexpensive (not fast food, but not upscale either) lunch. Maybe a German restaurant that has lunch specials? Or a good diner? Or some other type of ethnic food? Something along those lines. Near Marquette would be good. But not necessary as long as it's not way off our route. Something along the way from Milwaukee to Madison would be fine too.

I'm hoping to get some ideas here so that we're not wasting time driving around looking for something that day.

Thanks!

xxxx

Mader's is the best-known German restaurant in Milwaukee. madersrestaurant.com will give you an idea if it is more upscale than you want.

On your way to Madison, a few miles west of Milwaukee, is the Gasthaus in Waukesha. weissgerbers.com/gasthaus will give you an idea if this is also more upscale than you want.

I also read your other post about Madison. Essen Haus is by far the most casual of the 3 German choices. Madison is loaded with great places to eat.

Leaving Milwaukee, you will see all the usual chain choices as you go west.

Despite the name, Taco Amigo in Waukesha has decent Mexican and is right off the freeway on Hwy T.

A bit further west at Hwy. 83 Delafield/Wales is Benny's Seafood or The Gathering.

Use foodspot.com to look for other choices. There are other towns along the Interstate 94 corridor that have some choice. However, they are a few miles off the freeway.

CAPH52

Thanks, xxxx! I'll definitely check those links!

AngelaS

Personally I think Karl Ratzsch is the best German restaurant in Milwaukee. You can get lunch there Weds-Saturday and at reasonable prices (~$8-12). for the quality these prices are great (the dinner is much more expensive). Check it out: http://www.karlratzsch.com/lunch.htm
They are also locate downtown, only about 5 min. east from Marquette.

Enjoy visiting MU - that's my alma mater - it's a great school - so is Madison! Those were my two choices also. Good luck and enjoy! Be sure to drive by the Milwaukee lakefront too if you get a chance.

CAPH52

Thanks, Angela! We ate at Karl Ratzsch several years ago and really enjoyed it. Sounds like this would be a good opportunity to try it again at a lower price. Thanks for the link.

CAPH52

Thanks again, xxxx and Angela. We wound up eating at Karl Ratzsch. It was wonderful! But it wasn't the restaurant we'd eaten at before that I thought was Karl Ratzsch!

Now I'm trying to figure out where we did eat on a trip 5 or so years ago! My husband and I ate at Mader's over 20 years ago. So I know that wasn't it. I'm almost sure this restaurant had a man's name, first and last. And it was a little ways out of downtown. Or at least on the fringes. It had it's own parking lot. And in the restaurant, off the main dining room, were small one-table rooms. Do you have any idea what it would have been?

Thanks!

abram

CAPH52, maybe the restaurant you're thinking of is John Ernst Cafe, which is no longer in business.

I don't think quick would describe either Mader's or Karl Ratsch's.

Near Marquette is Miss Katie's Diner and the Envvoy in the recently wonderfully restored Ambassador Hotel.

If you want a real Marquette experience, Real Chili is one option.

CAPH52

Thanks, abram. That was it! I'm sorry to hear they're no longer in business.

Thanks for your suggestions too. But we were there this past Friday. You're right, Karl Ratzsch wasn't really quick but it sure was good! And it actually didn't take all that long.

AngelaS

Glad to hear you enjoyed Karl Ratzsch! Glad I could help!