A Taste of Stallis: Dine Around West Allis

The phrase hidden gem doesn’t do it justice. Neither do phrases like best-kept secret or seriously underrated. No, this suburb just west of downtown Milwaukee moves a little differently. It’s West Allis, a fast-growing suburb with blue-collar roots, a tight-knit community and small businesses all over the place. 

Wander through its many pockets, and you’ll discover a city with a creative heartbeat. It isn’t always obvious, and if you’re not looking for inspiration, the spark might just pass you by. It’s the thoughtful craft brews at places like Ope! Brewing Co. and the occasional mural or painted electrical box that fly under the radar. But you can get a taste for what continues to draw locals and visitors to this western suburb best in its dining scene. 

You can take a bite out of this exciting culinary scene for yourself with special discounts and deals during A Taste of Stallis, a dining week that takes you on a tour of the neighborhood’s bars, restaurants, cafes and beyond. 

Some like it spicy, some like it savory, some want the straight-up best breakfast bites around, and others want late-night tacos served al fresco from a permanent walk-up food stand. Full of diverse, adventurous and sometimes daring dining options, these are some of the spots that make Stallis special—morning, noon and night (and beyond).  

Order up. 

Coffee & Bakery

Grebe's Bakery

Grebe’s is a donut dynasty, and that’s not a phrase to take lightly. For four generations, and the better part of a century, this place has been churning out fried, sweet, doughy treats to morning crowds looking for a pairing to their A.M. coffee. Their specialty, found at around 200 locations across the area, is the cruller: dense, crunchy on the outside, soft and crumbly on the inside, and so good it will change the way you see donuts. On Sundays, Grebe’s honors another longtime tradition: hot ham and rolls.

Also Try: Lake Effect Coffee Company, Aroma Cafe, Piece of Love Cake & Coffee

Breakfast

The Bake Sale

My mouth is watering just thinking about The Bake Sale. This charming local bakery in West Allis offers an ever-changing menu of scratch-made scones, fritters, baguettes and so much more. They even offer baked-to-order pies for those special occasions and anniversaries. And did I mention the fresh-baked bread? With shelves stocked full of delicious, housemade pies and breads, I can't think of a better way to start your morning in West Allis. 

Also Try: Aggie's Bakery & Cake Shop, 7C's Cafe

Lunch

West Allis Sausage & Cheese Shoppe

When you picture a classic deli, you’re imagining a place just like the West Allis Sausage & Cheese Shoppe. Known for, as luck would have it, sausage and cheese, their café is a great place to get a deli sandwich. There’s the classic Reuben and a turkey club, but the Stallis Stack is everything you’re looking for. It’s a hefty handheld loaded with ham, turkey, bacon, provolone, goat chevre and really a smattering of everything that makes this sandwich shop a favorite of West Allis residents and a magnet for visitors.

Also Try: Su Plus Two, Ruta's Fresh Indian Fare

Dinner

Wild Roots

Wild Roots takes farm-to-table dining one step further with its unique seed-to-table approach. Part farmer-owned and part chef-owned, this West Allis gem brings fresh, locally sourced ingredients to the forefront. Chef Thi Cao thoughtfully crafts each dish with clean ingredients, bold flavors and creative twists, including plenty of vegan-friendly options. With a menu rooted in seasonality and creativity, there's always something fresh and exciting to discover at Wild Roots. 

Also Try: Flour Girl & Flame, Archie's Flat Top, Camino West Allis, Crawdaddy's

Drinks

Ope! Brewing Co.

Ope! Welcome into the brewery; what can we getcha? With over 20 beers on tap and a taproom that’s huge without losing an ounce of personality, Ope! Brewing Co. is the place to be. The hop-inspired bar lighting, plenty of dartboards and décor that pays homage to Milwaukee’s corner bar roots without getting stuck in the past make it easy to see why it’s a local favorite and a hangout for West Allis residents. Tack on the fact that the whole place is pup-friendly, has a massive patio, a packed events calendar and a menu that also includes seltzers, sours and cocktails, and you’ll wonder why anyone ever leaves.

Also Try: Perspective Brewing Company, Slingshot Bar, Kegel's Inn

Late Night Bites

ODB's Classy Dive

When you think of ODB's Classy Dive it is classy and gritty with its fair share of dive bar energy and scratch-made eats. You can expect a cold one and DJ nights with a menu serving late into the hours with flavor. Imagine everything from wings to burgers to flatbreads. All about good times, good people and good food at ODB's Classy Dive. 

Also Try: TomKen's Bar & Grill

West Allis Farmers Market

Milwaukee’s farmers market scene flies under the radar. For the most part, each neighborhood has its own, and each has a unique vibe and atmosphere. The West Allis Farmers Market is one of the best around, though, and a weekly staple for locals from May through October. With nearly 40 vendors from across the state of Wisconsin, here you can pick up fresh produce, local honey, meat, plants and artisanal goods to take home with you. Stroll the market to take in the energy of a busy farmers market in motion and tick a few things off your grocery list all at once.