25 Essential Milwaukee Institutions
From neighborhood classics to high-wire tasting rooms, these are the places shaping the modern dining identity of Milwaukee.
St. Paul Fish Company | Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee
Wisconsin
Laid-back seafood restaurant & oyster bar amid bustling surrounds in the Milwaukee Public Market.
Hungry Sumo
Wisconsin
Traditional & creative sushi, Japanese & Thai small plates, rice bowls & ramen in a modern space.
Apollo Cafe
Wisconsin
Mellow counter serve offering traditional Greek specialties as well as imported beer & wine.
Harbor House
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Upscale spot with Lake Michigan & skyline views serving steak, seafood dishes & a lengthy wine list.
Oscar's Pub & Grill
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Casual, bustling tavern & American eatery known for its gourmet burgers & extensive beer selection.
Beerline Cafe
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Buzzy joint serving vegetarian and vegan options plus coffee & tea in a bright and spacious setting.
Balistreri's Bluemound Inn
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Casual operation serving thin-crust pizza & other Italian fare, plus wine & draft beers.
Antique Indian Restaurant Bar & Grills
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Service options: Delivery, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance.
Mason Street Grill
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic restaurant/lounge in the historic Pfister Hotel offering steakhouse fare & live jazz.
David Alan Alan's Smokehouse & Saloon MKE
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Service options: Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great beer selection. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Café At The Plaza
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stylish 1920s-inspired cafe with a lush garden patio serving organic, locally sourced fare & brews.
Carnevor | Milwaukee’s Premier Steakhouse
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Upscale steakhouse serving classic fare & an extensive wine list in a dark, contemporary setting.
Onesto
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Locally sourced Italian cuisine presented with wine & cocktails in a warm, brick-walled venue.
Purslane
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Service options: Onsite services, Dine-in. Highlights: Great cocktails, Great wine list. Popular for: Dinner, Solo dining. Offerings: Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails.
Merriment Social
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Urban-chic spot for globally influenced New American comfort food, plus beer, wine & cocktails.
Mediterranean cuisine
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Service options: Curbside pickup, Delivery, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service. Popular for: Lunch, Dinner, Solo dining. Accessibility.
Sanford
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chef’s tasting menu of creative, upscale New American fare & wine served in an elegant venue.
Cafe India
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Fast-food-style Indian restaurant offering a modest menu of comfort staples for eat-in or takeout.
Wy'east Pizza
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, Wheelchair accessible seating.
Landmark 1850 Inn | Milwaukee’s Oldest Tavern
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Craft beers on tap & pub grub served in a renovated 19th-century building with antique accents.
LuLu Cafe and Bar
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Casual cafe by day & lively bar at night featuring sandwiches, microbrews & live music.
Classic Slice
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Counter-serve pizzeria offering gourmet pies & slices in a hip, casual space with arcade games.
MKE Classic Pizza
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Hip counter-serve spot for creative pizzas, calzones & sandwiches plus gluten-free & vegan options.
Sushi Yuki
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Identifies as Asian-owned. Service options: Outdoor seating, Onsite services, Takeout, Dine-in. Highlights: Fast service, Great cocktails. Popular for: Dinner.
Cafe India Bar & Grill (Bay View)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Traditional Indian plates, cocktails & a lunch buffet are the specialty at this comfortable eatery.