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$ | | Café
Craving a jolt of flavorful java? Take a coffee break from the usual and perk up with a cup at this local chain, housed in a historic water pumping station (you can still see the old pump). Amid lofty ceilings, exposed brick and hardwood floors, sip your lovingly crafted and poured brews, made-from-scratch pastries and simple and fresh sandwiches like pesto mozzarella, Wisconsin grilled cheese and avocado BLT. There are 11 Alterra locations throughout the Milwaukee area.
1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Dr., , East Side, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
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$$ | | Italian
Try the veal Balistreri (veal topped with eggplant and spinach), pollo carciofi (chicken served on pasta with artichoke hearts and spinach), or insalat di pollo (crunchy chicken salad) at this casual restaurant on the west side of Milwaukee.
6501 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53213, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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$$ | | French
On a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, this bistro is renowned for its French–style Sunday brunch. The daily menu includes roast duck and seasonal seafood dishes with rich and buttery sauces. The formal dining room is festooned with French impressionist paintings and curtains.
3133 E. Newberry Blvd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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$ | | German
This chalet on 14 acres displays soccer memorabilia and handmade chandeliers. The menu lists continental cuisine such as steaks and hamburgers, along with such classic German fare as sauerbraten and schnitzels. Every Friday, the inn hosts live German music and a fish fry. Reservations essential Sat.
700 W. Lexington, Glendale, Wisconsin, 53217, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekends. No dinner Sun. Brunch served Sun.
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$$ | | American
Braise Chef-owner Dave Swanson learned the ropes at acclaimed restaurants including Milwaukee's renowned Sanford. In 2012, he transferred his skills to the burgeoning Walker's Point neighborhood and repurposed a rundown building. He used its old bowling lanes as communal tables, paneled one wall with old barn siding and brought Milwaukee a farm-to-table hit. The menu changes depending on the ingredients he receives from the 400-some Wisconsin farmers he works with. Past favorites have included crispy pork belly served with creamy polenta goat cheese and sorghum syrup. For a special treat, book a spot at the last-Sunday-of-the-month suppers, featuring a local farmer's fare in three courses, served family style.
1101 S. 2nd St., , Walker's Point, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53204, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Mon.
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$ | | American
A wide cross-section gathers at this trendy spot in the Bay View neighborhood, where the menu is as eclectic as the decor. Funky art hangs on the walls, and lamps of all colors and shapes cast a dim glow over a bar made from old doors. There's a little bit of everything here, from Moroccan chicken to tuna sandwiches to East Indian pita, in addition to weekly specials. Make sure to save room for a heavenly slice of pie à la mode.
2265 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53207, USA
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$$ | | French
Provincial French bistro fare is served at this café in a large, renovated warehouse in Milwaukee's trendy Third Ward district, just south of downtown. The beer is specially brewed to complement the menu, which is filled with dishes like roasted mussels and thin-crust Niçoise and Alsatian pizzas.
316 N. Milwaukee St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
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$ | | Irish
This restaurant looks like a traditional Irish pub, with deep-green walls adorned with Gaelic sayings and a long, ornate bar. You can chow down on hearty offerings like corned beef and cabbage, pub sandwiches, and homemade soups-of-the-day. On Sunday, traditional Irish music is played in the afternoon.
1234 N. Astor St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
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$$ | | American
Impressionist paintings hang on the walls at this chic downtown restaurant. The kitchen serves up seafood delicacies like lobster, sushi, and crab—there's even an oyster bar. You can dine inside or outside on the patio overlooking popular Water Street. The well-stocked bar here is one of the largest in the state.
1030 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
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$ | | American
Across from Cathedral Square Park, this chic but casual restaurant has frequently changing art exhibits and serves big, juicy hamburgers and pork-chop sandwiches.
833 N. Jefferson St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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$ | | Japanese
This small, cozy restaurant on the east side of town has a sushi bar and a menu of traditional Japanese fare, such as udon and sukiyaki.
2150 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends
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$$ | | Italian
Homey decor combined with classic Sicilian dishes offer an old-world atmosphere, while creative drinks and pizza combinations provide a modern flair. Family-style or pizza-party menus offer a satisfying option for large groups. Try a quatro staggione (four seasons) pizza for a little bit of everything—the pie is divided into four sections with such toppings as eggplant, peppers and zucchini—or order baked rigatoni or fettuccini Alfredo for something more traditional. Desserts are exquisite, but the generous portion sizes and abundance of bread make it almost impossible to save room.
500 N. Water St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sun.
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$$ | | German
In German tradition, dirndl-skirted waitresses serve schnitzel, roast duckling, and sauerbraten at this family-owned restaurant decked out with murals, chandeliers made from antlers, and antique beer steins. Piano music on Friday and Saturday nights adds to the fun. First-time visitors to Milwaukee shouldn't miss this place.
320 E. Mason St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon. and Tues.
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$ | | Mexican
Every night feels like Cinco de Mayo at this popular and colorful Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of the city's Latin Quarter. La Fuente doesn't accept reservations, but the reasonably priced traditional Mexican dishes—enchiladas, quesadillas, sizzling fajitas, and the like—are worth the wait. (Warning: your food will be spicy unless you request otherwise.) Ask for a table on the fountain-filled patio if weather permits, or come during lunch for a more relaxing atmosphere.
625 S. 5th St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53204, USA
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$$$ | | German
It's named after the Mader family, not after a German mama. Diners here get the ultimate old-world experience, from the Hummels that occupy niches in the entryway to the dark-wood paneled walls. And of course, you'll dine on rich German favorites; weiner schnitzel, sauerbraten, and spaetzle reign.
1041 N. Old World Third St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203, USA
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$ | | American
As soon as the temperature permits, locals flock to the dual decks of this brew and food favorite. But no matter the weather, it's a happening spot for locally crafted beer, like Louie's Demise, a malty amber ale, and the Irish-style Sheepshead Stout. If you're staying for lunch or dinner, you'll also find flavors of this stout in the signature pot roast. Wednesday and Saturday are prime rib nights. Other options include pasta, pizza, burgers, chicken pot pie and a late-night menu of fancied-up bar food like nachos topped with beer-marinated chicken. Live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday runs the gamut from classic rock to jazz (cover charges typically start at $5).
233 N Water St., , Downtown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
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$ | | Italian
This café is northeast of downtown in a clapboard building dating from 1890; inside are columns and walls sponge-painted in subtle hues. The kitchen prepares recipes from northern Italy to Sicily, including some 50 different pasta dishes.
1307 E. Brady St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$ | | Steak House
Subtitled "A Place For Steaks," this downtown eatery is all about meat. Diners get to choose their steaks from a platter of cuts. Side dishes and desserts are outstanding, too. Can't get enough Mo's? Try Mo's Cucina, Mo's Irish Pub, Moceans (A Place for Seafood), or Mocha, all in the same downtown neighborhood.
142 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$$ | | American
From naturally raised meats, to sashimi-grade wild-caught fish, and produce from farmer-slash-chef-owner John Raymond's own Cedarburg farm, its wholesome elements like these that keep diners coming back to their Roots. Executive chef Daniel Jacobs, a Chicago area native, promises more of the same freshest-of-fresh approach. Roots had already earned a reputation as a dinner destination, and now attracts fans to its Sunday brunch. Traditional early-day favorites have unique blends like an eggs Benedict with seared rare tuna, poached eggs, tempura nori, shitake-daikon hash and wasabi hollandaise; and the waffle Monte Cristo, made with Canadian bacon, smoked turkey and Swiss cheese, served with maple whipped cream. A tree-root motif brings a literal interpretation to the food that connects people with the earth, and views of downtown Milwaukee top things off.
1818 N. Hubbard St., , Brewer's Hill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53212, USA
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$$$$ | | American
Nationally acclaimed chef Sanford D'Amato serves contemporary American cuisine in this restaurant, which occupies a remodeled grocery store on Milwaukee's east side. Popular dishes include seared sea scallop and lobster with almond cream and paprika brown butter, slow-cooked pinn-oak lamb, and sweetbread schnitznel with pea cream and lemon curd. For something different, try the seven-course surprise menu or four-course seasonal menu. Long banquettes make things cozy.
1547 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202, USA
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch