A hub for culinary creativity and innovative chefs, Milwaukee is positively bursting with new local flavors. Spanning cultures and cuisines, let your taste buds be your guide at these new Cream City restaurants.
Dining
While exploring the Historic Third Ward, The Edison is a can't-miss spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The new American restaurant specializes in coal-fired butcher's cuts and seafood. For a high-end experience, try a contemporary take on a traditional steakhouse at Carbon Steak. Or immerse yourself in a musical wonderland at Rock & Brews Restaurant at Potawatomi Casino | Hotel, created by legendary musicians Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of KISS. The restaurant offers a huge selection of local and craft brews alongside great food and live music.
In the nearby Walker’s Point neighborhood, 1033 is an intimate dining experience featuring shared small plates, charcuterie and a raw bar. On the South Side, head to Hot Dish Pantry for creative scratch-made Midwestern comfort foods, such as pierogis, pork tenderloin sandwiches and hot dish. Or take to the skies to enjoy unrivaled views from two new rooftop dining destinations: Avli, a creative Greek restaurant in the Brewer's Hill neighborhood and Il Cervo, atop The Trade, Autograph Collection Hotel by Marriott, which features a menu of authentic, modern Italian dishes. Downtown, newcomer The Wolf on Broadway pairs approachable fine dining with a timeless Parisian-inspired ambiance. The restaurant, located on the ground floor of the Kinn Guesthouse Downtown, offers modern takes on American fare, with familiar items like burgers and sandwiches alongside plates with international flair like mushroom indo-mie noodles and crab nasi goreng.
Quick Bites
Short on time? These spots offer quick options whether you’re between museums or meetings. Global flavors meet the tortilla at Barrel Burrito Co. In this surf shack-themed burrito joint, you can enjoy a wide array of unique entrees, such as a burrito bowl or burrito bites. If you’re looking for something lighter, swing into Wisconsin’s first Sweetgreen for a fresh salad or protein plate. Or build your own Indian bowl – rice, quinoa, fresh greens – or naanmelt at Ruta's Fresh Indian Fare.
Drinks
These new watering holes are perfect for a happy hour or nightcap. Try Vault for views of the Milwaukee River on their three-season terrace, or enjoy Pufferfish’s seasonal tropical rooftop bar at the Hotel Metro, Autograph Collection. For gameday, no matter where you sit at Who’s on Layton, you'll swear it's the best seat in the house. Take your best shot (or sip) at La Piña, offering over 80 types of tequila for you to enjoy. For swanky cocktails, try Edith Cocktail Bar in Westown or the apres ski-themed bar Experts Only near Cathedral Square. One of Milwaukee’s newest LGBTQ+ bars, POP offers curated video playlists, theme nights, DJs, drag, sports, art and more.
Milwaukee may hold the title of Brew City, but you'll find plenty of craft cider, too, including Pomona Cider Co., which makes craft cider using locally sourced ingredients. Unleash your inner beertender at City Fountain, Milwaukee’s first tap-your-own beer wall in 3rd Street Market Hall. Or swing away at J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard, an in-house brewery and restaurant at American Family Field, where you can enjoy craft brews while cheering on the Brew Crew or just hanging with your crew during the offseason.
Desserts
Delicious Bites is the new destination for fresh baked goods in Wauwatosa. Be sure to try a cheesecake jar! Just west, down North Avenue, you can find Joy Ice Cream Social, which features scoops of delicious Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream. For authentic brigadeiros, a decadent combination of condensed milk, butter and cocoa, swing by Sweet Joy Brazillian Café. Or try a tasty hybrid, the Mochinut, a fusion of the Korean mochi with a donut at BAYSHORE. Finally, Green Baked Goods Café is a cozy café serving bakery items made with local ingredients.
