If you’ve ever gotten the chance to visit Milwaukee, you know that it’s pretty much all the stereotypical attributions of a midwesterner in one place. Incredibly nice, willing to help a stranger, and ranch is the superior condiment. It also holds a very special place in my heart as I got to live in this lovely city for four years of my life. And while I love Milwaukee very much and encourage everyone to check it out, it’s not really the kind of place you go if you’re a foodie. Milwaukee is not known for being a foodie city. Unless you are looking for some great comfort classics, do not expect much diversity. That being said, this list isn’t a true representation of the food changes this city has been adding in the last few years as many of these restaurants are what a broke college student could afford and I was not nearly as adventurous as I am now in terms of trying new things. So, while I thank you very much for checking out this post, double-check what others have to say as there have been a lot of changes since I lived there back in 2020. But without further ado, here are some of the best restaurants in MKE in my opinion.
1. Motor Bar in Harbor View Neighborhood
I won’t say too much about this place since I already have a full post dedicated to it, but if you go to any of these restaurants on this list, this is the one I would recommend the most. Not only is the food delicious, but it’s also a great place to go after checking out the very cool Harley Davidson Museum located across the street. I try and go anytime I know I’ll be in Milwaukee for a few days and I have yet to be disappointed with the offerings. It’s great for all ages. Some of my favorites are their Big & Twisted Pretzels, Full Throttle Grilled Cheese, Bold BLT, Brisket Mac, and their BBQ in general. Come hungry!
2. Comet Cafe in Lower East Side Neighborhood
Comet Cafe is as old-school diner as you can get. It closed back in 2020 but because it is so loved by the people of Milwaukee, another investment group reopened it recently. I have not been back since it reopened, but this was where we would go if we wanted a lot of food for a pretty cheap cost. Comfort food to the max here. You won’t be leaving with an empty stomach that is for sure. They focus on the dishes that remind you of home and just add their own special twist. Need to get back up there soon and see if it is as good as it was before it had to shut down. Some of my favorites are Comet Poutine, Mac and Cheese, Reuben, and Artichoke Melt.
3. BelAir Cantina in Murray Hill Neighborhood
BelAir Cantina was the place to be on a Tuesday or Thursday. With $2 tacos and killer margs, this was one of the best taco restaurants for Taco Tuesday. In Milwaukee, you are either a BelAir or Vagabond fan, and my heart definitely belongs to BelAir. Plus their salsa trio is unreal. Could just have that and be content. With plenty of different taco flavors for different eaters, there is something for everyone. Some of their best in my opinion are their Birria, Korean Inspired Beef, Baja Tilapia, and Black Bean & Corn.
4. Swingin’ Door Exchange in Central Downtown Neighborhood
It can’t be a list of top restaurants in Milwaukee without adding in a supper club. Supper Clubs are an essential part of Wisconsin and the Midwest in general, and Swingin’ Door Exchange is one of my favorites. It’s the kind of place that you could probably walk past it all the time not knowing that it was there. Stop in and grab an Old Fashion (Wisconsin’s are made with brandy) and enjoy some old-school classics or better yet, their Fish Fry Friday is year-round, not just during Lent! Their Garlicky Chardonnay Mussels, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, Patty Melt, and Prime Dip are worth checking out!
5. Dorsia in Lower East Side Neighborhood
Finally! My pasta lovers, this is for you! Dorsia was the place we would go to when our parents were in town cause it was a little too expensive for us college students, but it is so worth it. You’ve probably heard of different flights when it comes to beer and wine but Dorsia is known for its pasta flight, Yep, you heard that correctly, a wooden board topped with as many pasta choices of your choosing. Incredible. And as someone who has tried most of them at this point, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Their Eggplant Chips and Burrata Bruschetta are great apps but if you want to skip to the good part you can’t go wrong with their Lobster Mac, Chicken Cajun Piccante, Pesto, or the Sprimp Sprecata.
6. Cafe Benelux in Historical Third Ward Neighborhood
Cafe Benelux was definitely the place to be post-pay day. A great restaurant year round as they have a rotating menu and an amazing outside deck for both summer and winter. It’s like upscale comfort food. Their brunch and regular menu are equally fantastic and with it being located right in the Third Ward, it’s a super easy location to get to either by walking or with other public transportation. They have a great Impossible Burger for all my vegetarians! Check out their Kale Artichoke Dip, Crab Cake BLT, Jerk Shrimp Pasta, or the Bacon Havarti Chicken Sandwich.
7. La Masa Empanada Bar in Lower East Side Neighborhood
La Masa was the place that first opened my eyes to the greatness that is empanadas. With rotating specials, there will always be a flavor you haven’t tried yet. It’s a fun atmosphere serving up great drinks and great Latin-inspired dishes. All empanadas are served with their house chimichurri sauce and fries. And don’t forget to check out their sangria! They take traditional Latin cuisine and twist it with classic American flavors for a great fusion. Some of the best empanadas are their Chicken Tinga, Carnitas Verde, Wisco Corn, and the Mushroom Truffle Parmesan.
8. Buckley’s in East Town Neighborhood
If you find yourself looking at black and white designed umbrellas, you know you’ve made it to Buckley’s. An upscale restaurant for anyone looking for something a little nicer. Perfect date place as it is only a few blocks away from Lake Michigan. Buckley’s brunch is phenomenal as well but unfortunately, it looks like they had to take that away for a little bit due to Covid. Hopefully, they bring that back soon. Can’t go wrong with their Grilled Broccoli, Truffled Fried Artichokes, Scallops, or their Eggplant main.
9. DanDan in Historical Third Ward Neighborhood
DanDan was probably the first Chinese restaurant that served more traditional dishes and not just the Americanized Chinese food. Opened my eyes past the sweet & sour chicken and broccoli beef into a world of dim sum and dumplings and other incredible things. I only have been here a few times, but it would be a place I would want to check out again along with other ethnic food restaurants I might have been too scared to check out before. Check out their Smashed Cucumbers, Scallion Pancakes, Mapo Tofu, and the Golden Curry Glass Noodles.
10. Doc’s Commerce Smokehouse in Westown Neighborhood
One of my roommates in college worked as a waitress and would often stop at Doc’s on her way home and pick up food for us. It became an instant favorite. You get so much for your buck here. We once got one of their plates for 3 of us and still had leftovers afterward. As someone who has eaten at a decent amount of BBQ places, Doc’s is up there in my favorites. All their meats are really good and if you are looking for a side check out the Coleslaw, Mac & Cheese, or the Bacardi Baked Beans.
11. (Honorary Mention) Public Market and The Outsider in Historical Third Ward Neighborhood
Who doesn’t love a good honorary mention? If you are looking for a place with a lot of different options for everyone to enjoy, Milwaukee Public Market is one of my favorite places to just walk through. There are so many different food choices as well as a fantastic bakery, wine bar, and cheese shop. One of our favorite things to do in college was grab a sandwich from the market and then make our way over to the lake and have a little picnic. Great people watching! The Outsider is my favorite bar in Milwaukee and my favorite place to go for a late-night drink. It’s not really the place you go for multiple drinks as it definitely has some steeper prices, but with an outside patio open year-round, it’s a great hang-out spot. It is also located in the Third Ward so a great place to go after a day of shopping.
Thanks for checking out this post! I hope you enjoyed it! Next time you find yourself in Milwaukee, definitely check out one of these restaurants! Would love to hear if you’ve been to these places!
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
The Library Abroad 
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