MUScoop
MUScoop => The Superbar => Topic started by: Galway Eagle on January 12, 2023, 09:39:28 AM
-
A poster mentioning they were going to eat at Next made me think a restaurant recommendation & review thread might be useful for the board.
Some starter thoughts
Chicago:
Elske is super overrated
Sepia is amazing
Au Cheval is the best burger bar none
Osteria Langhe is the best Italian food I've ever had in the USA.
Milwaukee:
Char'd could hold its own anywhere in the country
Galway:
Aniar is an amazing
-
Interesting on Elske. Wonder if thinks have changed chef-wise. Its been years, but I went for my birthday summer of 2017. My now-wife took me on the high reco of a foodie friend she trusted as she wasn't very familiar with Chicago. Not her type of food but she was really impressed. It was a fantastic meal.
Speaking of Chicago, Schwa is still one of the most unique and phenomenal dining experiences you'll get in the city, incredible value for the money. Its changed a bit and you can get reservations through Tock. But when you could only get a table by calling in and if one of the sous chefs decided to answer the phone, it was amazing. Super elevated Michelin star quality fine dining while old school hip hop blasted out of the open kitchen and some nights a faint waft of marijuana smell filtered out. BYOB...which meant your bottle of whatever would be shared with whoever wanted it in the restaurant. So unique and fantastic.
Got unfortunate news last month that my favorite restaurant, probably in the world, Balagan in Paris would be closing. I sent multiple people there to the same rave reviews. Israeli-Med fusion in an atmosphere that could only be described as joyous. Incredible food, loud but not obnoxious Middle Eastern music, chefs and servers singing along, spontaneous dance and singing jaunts by the staff later in the evening, but absolutely mind blowing food. I went 3 times, had different options every time. Sat at a common table, 2 top, and at the bar, all unique and amazing in their own way. Hope the owners open something similar elsewhere in the city, cause the certainly didn't close for lack of buzz or business.
-
Chicago:
If you ever call Elske overrated again I'll fight you irl. They are one of my favorite restos in the city. Definitely Scandinavian preparations and flavors, though, so that's not everybody's thing. Their sourdough, homemade butter, radish, salt appetizer knocked my socks off.
Cellar Door Provisions is great if you dig great simple farm-to-table food
https://www.cellardoorprovisions.com/
Wasabi was my fav ramen, but now Monster Ramen has taken that crown. Strings is just okay, but they do to-go ramen really well.
https://monsterramenchicago.com/
Cheap eats: Taqueria Atotonilco is the best tacos al pastor in the city
http://taqueriasatotonilco.com/
Edit: In large metros it's easier to talk about specific cuisines/dishes than just best or favorite restaurants.
-
Chicago:
If you ever call Elske overrated again I'll fight you irl. They are one of my favorite restos in the city. Definitely Scandinavian preparations and flavors, though, so that's not everybody's thing. Their sourdough, homemade butter, radish, salt appetizer knocked my socks off.
Cellar Door Provisions is great if you dig great simple farm-to-table food
https://www.cellardoorprovisions.com/
Wasabi was my fav ramen, but now Monster Ramen has taken that crown. Strings is just okay, but they do to-go ramen really well.
https://monsterramenchicago.com/
Cheap eats: Taqueria Atotonilco is the best tacos al pastor in the city
http://taqueriasatotonilco.com/
If that's what it takes to get another attendee at my game watching event on Sunday I'll say it again and stand there with a sign saying "punch me" lol
Love wasabi, haven't been since right when I moved back from Ireland so Im overdue for a visit.
I'll have to check out cellar door provisions, my go to wine bars are beautiful rind and Lardon.
I actually have one more Chicago hot take: Mi Tacoya is super overrated got 5 dishes would say 1 was great 1 was ok everything else was disappointing.
-
We have reservations for Alinea later this month. Has anyone else been? Did they enjoy?
-
We have reservations for Alinea later this month. Has anyone else been? Did they enjoy?
Had some of their old dishes at The Aviary and they were unreal. I've heard some people say the experience is fantastic but the flavors lack compared to other fine dining in Chicago.
-
Sepia had the worst service ever the night I went 2 years ago. Wine-paired dinner. Wine always preceded the course it was supposed to go with by 20-30 minutes. Terribly coursed and no real awareness that they were messing up--even when I tried to go to the bar and buy a separate bottle of wine just so I could have something while waiting for the food to arrive.
I've also heard that about Elske from a co-worker. But still on the list.
My go-to's lately. Not exhaustive, not really claiming bests (except where stated), just tasty things to me at a moment in time.
Chicago
Dear Margaret. French-Canadian. Super great staff and the food is always exceeding my expectations. DO NOT sleep on the vegetable dishes as they are always top-notch. Kind of obsessed with this place.
Boka. This is sort of my standard. Every time the coursing is perfect, the dishes impeccable, and service is always top notch. Is it the best restaurant? I'm not saying that. But every time it is consistent, perfectly prepared, and delicious.
Sushi Hall. It's Mitch from Toro. He's fun, the fish is always great, and now there are tasty cocktails and a speakeasy in the back.
Big Kids Shiddy is gonna take best burger for me right now--it's just tasty. Owen and Engine chasing it, but completely different style.
Milwaukee
Birch on Pleasant. Really enjoyed my meal here. Do the Chef's tasting for sure if you go.
-
Second Dear Margaret! Can't say enough good things, are you going to do the second anniversary menu this Monday? They're changing it to just a burger and poutine place for the evening.
-
We have reservations for Alinea later this month. Has anyone else been? Did they enjoy?
Its incredible. Go with an open mind and just enjoy. I have been lucky enough to go twice, 5-6 years apart, and its just a blast.
-
I have a hot take on Alinea, but I hope you enjoy your meal there.
The food was good to great. The courses were disjointed, so the meal didn't feel tied together. The staff was middling at best (mumbling about the courses, spilling water when pouring), which is unacceptable for a 3* resto. The som kept touching the tops of the bottles while he was talking about each one during wine service, which is unacceptable as well.
-
No longer around because of Covid and then a personal decision, but Tandem was my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. The fried chicken was incredible, but the mission of the restaurant and the owner was the best. The videos below do a good job of explaining it, but I've heard a lot of interviews from the owner that are just awesome. She was a principal in Detroit before deciding to open the restaurant in Milwaukee. Intentionally opened it on 18th and Fon Du Lac, made it a priority to hire people who were getting their first job either overall (bussers and servers, etc.) or first job out of jail. The idea of the restaurant was to get people from all walks of life to come in and just enjoy good food.
When covid hit she decided she was going to just make free meals for people in need for as long as whatever funds were left would let her do that. Donations started coming in and then she got sponsored by World Central Kitchen. So then she started a tutoring program where kids could come in and get tutored, and then they would get a meal with it. Really awesome stuff. She since sold it and something else was scheduled to open. I'm not sure if it has yet or not. She was hoping to find someone with a similar mission to hers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNL2OZwADD8&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnqjmMN1xKg
-
Has anyone tried Ardent or Sanford in Milwaukee? Curious how they stack up to similar levels of dining in larger cities.
-
Second Dear Margaret! Can't say enough good things, are you going to do the second anniversary menu this Monday? They're changing it to just a burger and poutine place for the evening.
My wife is pescatarian so not much for her. If she has a meeting--then yes. Heck, I might just stop in anyways.
-
Eye wood assume most heer are Catholic, aina?
-
Eye wood assume most heer are Catholic, aina?
You got the low down on the best Jesus crackers or something?
-
Sepia had the worst service ever the night I went 2 years ago. Wine-paired dinner. Wine always preceded the course it was supposed to go with by 20-30 minutes. Terribly coursed and no real awareness that they were messing up--even when I tried to go to the bar and buy a separate bottle of wine just so I could have something while waiting for the food to arrive.
I've also heard that about Elske from a co-worker. But still on the list.
My go-to's lately. Not exhaustive, not really claiming bests (except where stated), just tasty things to me at a moment in time.
Chicago
Dear Margaret. French-Canadian. Super great staff and the food is always exceeding my expectations. DO NOT sleep on the vegetable dishes as they are always top-notch. Kind of obsessed with this place.
Boka. This is sort of my standard. Every time the coursing is perfect, the dishes impeccable, and service is always top notch. Is it the best restaurant? I'm not saying that. But every time it is consistent, perfectly prepared, and delicious.
Sushi Hall. It's Mitch from Toro. He's fun, the fish is always great, and now there are tasty cocktails and a speakeasy in the back.
Big Kids Shiddy is gonna take best burger for me right now--it's just tasty. Owen and Engine chasing it, but completely different style.
Milwaukee
Birch on Pleasant. Really enjoyed my meal here. Do the Chef's tasting for sure if you go.
I'll second Boka. Superb restaurant. At least it was a few years ago.
-
I have a hot take on Alinea, but I hope you enjoy your meal there.
The food was good to great. The courses were disjointed, so the meal didn't feel tied together. The staff was middling at best (mumbling about the courses, spilling water when pouring), which is unacceptable for a 3* resto. The som kept touching the tops of the bottles while he was talking about each one during wine service, which is unacceptable as well.
That's completely unacceptable. Everyone I know that has gone there has raved about their experience.
-
Has anyone tried Ardent or Sanford in Milwaukee? Curious how they stack up to similar levels of dining in larger cities.
I can't do Sanford anymore. Tables are to close together and no privacy. Feels like you are sitting with the next table. Food good but ambiance meh
-
Any y'all bin ta Lupi and Iris, hey?
-
Big Kids Shiddy is gonna take best burger for me right now--it's just tasty. Owen and Engine chasing it, but completely different style.
Love Owen & engines burger but have you tried Loyalist, Mott Street, Au Cheval or Little Bad Wolf?
Haven't tried big kids so I'll give it a go.
Edit: actually I have tried it, I was pretty drunk though so I'll give it a second go.
-
Any y'all bin ta Lupi and Iris, hey?
Yeah, and maybe I caught them on an off night, but I was thoroughly underwhelmed.
-
Sepia had the worst service ever the night I went 2 years ago. Wine-paired dinner. Wine always preceded the course it was supposed to go with by 20-30 minutes. Terribly coursed and no real awareness that they were messing up--even when I tried to go to the bar and buy a separate bottle of wine just so I could have something while waiting for the food to arrive.
I've also heard that about Elske from a co-worker. But still on the list.
My go-to's lately. Not exhaustive, not really claiming bests (except where stated), just tasty things to me at a moment in time.
Chicago
Dear Margaret. French-Canadian. Super great staff and the food is always exceeding my expectations. DO NOT sleep on the vegetable dishes as they are always top-notch. Kind of obsessed with this place.
Boka. This is sort of my standard. Every time the coursing is perfect, the dishes impeccable, and service is always top notch. Is it the best restaurant? I'm not saying that. But every time it is consistent, perfectly prepared, and delicious.
Sushi Hall. It's Mitch from Toro. He's fun, the fish is always great, and now there are tasty cocktails and a speakeasy in the back.
Big Kids Shiddy is gonna take best burger for me right now--it's just tasty. Owen and Engine chasing it, but completely different style.
Milwaukee
Birch on Pleasant. Really enjoyed my meal here. Do the Chef's tasting for sure if you go.
Thanks for these, Jake.
Never been to Boka or Dear Margaret. Just took a look at the menus and they both look amazing. The short rib at Boka had me almost drooling. Might need to try that next trip where we go out with another couple. Dear Margaret looks amazing, too -- but is someone saying they're becoming a burger joint?
-
Dear Margaret looks amazing, too -- but is someone saying they're becoming a burger joint?
Just for this Monday. It's their second anniversary and they're doing a limited special menu.
-
That's completely unacceptable. Everyone I know that has gone there has raved about their experience.
Yeah, I'd go again but there's so many restaurants and so little time. I'm the only one I know that's had a mediocre experience, so I'll chalk it up to bad luck.
-
Char'd is a great recommendation by Galway. Love that place.
A place that I did not expect to be as good as it was is Il Mito in Wauwatosa. It's this tiny Italian place on North Ave. Doesn't look like anything special inside or out but the food was fantastic. My wife's parents are first-generation Italian immigrants and both of them and my wife (who is an Italian food snob) all raved about their dinners. Went there on a recommendation of a friend and ended up thanking them for sending us there.
-
Char'd is a great recommendation by Galway. Love that place.
A place that I did not expect to be as good as it was is Il Mito in Wauwatosa. It's this tiny Italian place on North Ave. Doesn't look like anything special inside or out but the food was fantastic. My wife's parents are first-generation Italian immigrants and both of them and my wife (who is an Italian food snob) all raved about their dinners. Went there on a recommendation of a friend and ended up thanking them for sending us there.
When my wife was living with your sister she brought me to Il Mito twice on your sisters recommendation iirc. It's absolutely fantastic!
-
I'll be in the northern Suburbs, Skokie area in a few weeks, any suggestions?
-
When my wife was living with your sister
MUScoop is the weirdest place
I'll be in the northern Suburbs, Skokie area in a few weeks, any suggestions?
Pita Inn is an easy answer, but I haven't spent much time up there.
Edit: link for you https://pitainn.com/pita-inn-menu/
-
A place that I did not expect to be as good as it was is Il Mito in Wauwatosa. It's this tiny Italian place on North Ave. Doesn't look like anything special inside or out but the food was fantastic. My wife's parents are first-generation Italian immigrants and both of them and my wife (who is an Italian food snob) all raved about their dinners. Went there on a recommendation of a friend and ended up thanking them for sending us there.
If you haven't already, head down the street to Ca Lucchenzo. They hit the mark every time we've been. Food, service, everything.
-
Big Il Mito fan. It used to be located across the street from Conejito's before moving to North Ave location. My only complaint is parking is tough when hitting the North Ave places.
-
Gotta try a place in Bryant called Fargo's for que.
Pro-tip, not a good idea to eat it in the car on the way back to the Dallas airport.
-
Gotta try a place in Bryant called Fargo's for que.
Hopefully this isn't the meat they use ...
(https://d2j1wkp1bavyfs.cloudfront.net/wp-content/legacy/posts/3ed7bd38-1e79-4436-9ff4-5f902be2ee54.gif)
-
If you haven't already, head down the street to Ca Lucchenzo. They hit the mark every time we've been. Food, service, everything.
Ca’Lucchenzo has creeped in/near my top three in Milwaukee. You’re spot on that the food, service, everything is stellar. I also really enjoy Morel, Le Reve, and Story Hill BKC. There is a new Levantine place I want to check out, too.
-
We're going to the DePaul game on 2/25. It's a 6:30 tip, so we'll be looking for someplace to go around 9 p.m. that has decent food, good beer selection and a good vibe, preferably within walking distance of Fiserv. We don't expect gourmet food at that hour, and this crew probably wouldn't want that anyway, but maybe some of the guys would like better than just a meh bar burger.
Suggestions?
-
Chicago—I love Lula and always enjoyed Longman & Eagle, Owen & Engine, Frontera Grill, Smyth + The Loyalist, Kuma’s, and, of course, Pequods. Recently had hot chicken at Roost, casual and good. Used to hit up Purple Pig for wine and roasted beets with whipped goat cheese and pistachios, but I tend to try other neighborhoods when I’m in town.
Some of my fave plant based places have closed (Karen’s Raw and Spring) but there are good ones popping up along with a killer line up of Asian (of all kinds) restaurants.
-
We're going to the DePaul game on 2/25. It's a 6:30 tip, so we'll be looking for someplace to go around 9 p.m. that has decent food, good beer selection and a good vibe, preferably within walking distance of Fiserv. We don't expect gourmet food at that hour, and this crew probably wouldn't want that anyway, but maybe some of the guys would like better than just a meh bar burger.
Suggestions?
Man, I’m finding so many places close so early nowadays. If you can make your way to Brady Street, La Masa has really good empanadas and beverages, Diplomat has a better than meh burger for sure, I used to go to Balzac a lot, and Up Down is a fun place for a good beer. Good places slightly farther out in Third Ward and Walker’s Point.
Buckley’s is close, but the last meal I had there wasn’t as good as it has been, cool vibe in the bar. Birch on Water St is walkable and good, Vagabond across the river has been an old standby. Elsa’s is open late, I used to go there often, but that was a long time ago.
Any must haves in High Point, NC? I’m flying into Charlotte early tomorrow am, my son has a soccer id camp. Gonna hit up Elon, too, and can drive around if there are some killer eats.
-
21 Jump
Love all of your calls in MKE.
-
La Masa is a great call. Triciclo isn't as good, but they have some more traditional empanadas that are great. Dorsia is right across the street from La Masa and has some really good pasta and you can do it in flights. Elsa's is also a good call. Point's East for the best wings. TomKen's and Stenny's a step behind Point's.
The other restaurants I miss having moved out of town that aren't really fancy but easy to just decide on a whim to go to are Oscar's Pub, Cosmo's Cafe (the jerk chicken sandwich is incredible), India Garden, Meekong Cafe, Barbiere's pizza...I'm sure there are a bunch that I'm not thinking of right now, but those come to mind immediately.
-
Man, I’m finding so many places close so early nowadays. If you can make your way to Brady Street, La Masa has really good empanadas and beverages, Diplomat has a better than meh burger for sure, I used to go to Balzac a lot, and Up Down is a fun place for a good beer. Good places slightly farther out in Third Ward and Walker’s Point.
Buckley’s is close, but the last meal I had there wasn’t as good as it has been, cool vibe in the bar. Birch on Water St is walkable and good, Vagabond across the river has been an old standby. Elsa’s is open late, I used to go there often, but that was a long time ago.
Any must haves in High Point, NC? I’m flying into Charlotte early tomorrow am, my son has a soccer id camp. Gonna hit up Elon, too, and can drive around if there are some killer eats.
We're staying right near Fiserv and not sure we'll want to drive because we'll be tipping back a few, but there are Ubers. I'll look into several of those, so thanks for the suggestions.
High Point and Elon aren't very close to me; I've driven through them on the way to points beyond but never spent time in either, so sorry I can't give any recommendations.
Thanks to wades for MKE joints, too.
-
We're going to the DePaul game on 2/25. It's a 6:30 tip, so we'll be looking for someplace to go around 9 p.m. that has decent food, good beer selection and a good vibe, preferably within walking distance of Fiserv. We don't expect gourmet food at that hour, and this crew probably wouldn't want that anyway, but maybe some of the guys would like better than just a meh bar burger.
Suggestions?
Nads, have you been to Carson's, hey?
-
Owen & Engine tonight because of this thread. Finally tried the other stuff on the menu
-
We're going to the DePaul game on 2/25. It's a 6:30 tip, so we'll be looking for someplace to go around 9 p.m. that has decent food, good beer selection and a good vibe, preferably within walking distance of Fiserv. We don't expect gourmet food at that hour, and this crew probably wouldn't want that anyway, but maybe some of the guys would like better than just a meh bar burger.
Suggestions?
If you don't mind a short Uber I'd say Camino in Walkers Point. Great beer selection and the food has always been good.
There are some other spots near Fiserv but most close at 10. I've heard the new Pilot Project taproom up by Pabst has a decent food program if you want somewhere walkable.
-
Enjoyed the Happy Hour menu at Movida at Hotel Madrid
-
Nads, have you been to Carson's, hey?
doc's BBQ has some scooper ties eyn'a is it sir lawrence or...?
-
Big Il Mito fan. It used to be located across the street from Conejito's before moving to North Ave location. My only complaint is parking is tough when hitting the North Ave places.
surprised il mito didn't make it when it was across from conejitoes. we are lil rabbit junkies and the il mitos always seemed dead. then he moved out to tosa and bam!
-
La Masa is a great call. Triciclo isn't as good, but they have some more traditional empanadas that are great. Dorsia is right across the street from La Masa and has some really good pasta and you can do it in flights. Elsa's is also a good call. Point's East for the best wings. TomKen's and Stenny's a step behind Point's.
The other restaurants I miss having moved out of town that aren't really fancy but easy to just decide on a whim to go to are Oscar's Pub, Cosmo's Cafe (the jerk chicken sandwich is incredible), India Garden, Meekong Cafe, Barbiere's pizza...I'm sure there are a bunch that I'm not thinking of right now, but those come to mind immediately.
Mmm, India Garden. I was a Maharaja lunch buffet devotee for a lot of years, and I Cafe India at the gas station in Walkers Point. I am definitely an eat on the curb kinda guy. A new Indian place called Saffron has opened, seems a bit more upscale Indian food, looking forward to trying it.
I like Triciclo, especially the tiny size and eating in the park across the street. And, I’m an eat at places in areas of a city where people will look at me like what are you doing eating there (think Jizzles for chicken and rice with pepper gravy, yuuum). I’ve just had some really good food and times at La Masa lately. So good.
-
21 Jump
Love all of your calls in MKE.
Goose
MKE has some really good establishments. Another old favorite of mine is Tess, outside in the garden. That used to be my best MKE meal for a long time.
-
Owen & Engine tonight because of this thread. Finally tried the other stuff on the menu
And…
-
If you don't mind a short Uber I'd say Camino in Walkers Point. Great beer selection and the food has always been good.
There are some other spots near Fiserv but most close at 10. I've heard the new Pilot Project taproom up by Pabst has a decent food program if you want somewhere walkable.
Thanks a lot.
-
We're staying right near Fiserv and not sure we'll want to drive because we'll be tipping back a few, but there are Ubers. I'll look into several of those, so thanks for the suggestions.
High Point and Elon aren't very close to me; I've driven through them on the way to points beyond but never spent time in either, so sorry I can't give any recommendations.
Thanks to wades for MKE joints, too.
You’re welcome. All the places I mention are probably within a 20 minute walk. I have and would absolutely walk to them. My wife, well, maybe not to some of the farther ones. I should have said there are also good places in Third Ward and Walkers Point if you were to drive. Enjoy!
-
El Salvador Restaurant across the street from St. Josaphat makes an excellent pupusa. Highly reccomend
-
And…
Carpaccio is as close to a perfect dish as I've ever had.
Mussels were divine
Fish & chips were a bit overrated, I've had better in Galway at most spots and in Chicago at Duke of Perth while my wife didn't even think they met the ones at Lakefront Brewery.
Missed my usual order of marrow and a burger.
-
Perch, you say.
The Village Pump on Kelley’s Island.
Killer homemade tartar.
http://www.villagepumpkioh.com/menu-to-go.html
-
Next's Paris: 1906 experience was pretty good.
The food was excellent from beginning to end. Service was a little disjointed, with the more senior servers clearly irritated with the newbies that were a little lost. The Somm was weak. We had the 'Ultra' pairing, which was nice, but we didn't get much beyond the year/producer from the Somm. He was interested in chatting about other things. Good folks, good food, but we honestly had a better time at the bar of Swift and Sons than we did at dinner tonight.
Alinea group needs to get their crap together, imo.
Edit: My wild guess is that they're spicing in interns or replacement workers with the professionals, and it's impacting their level of service. The service isn't bad, but the service at Alinea/Next was below that of a 1 star resto. Really odd experiences, especially since it's twice now.
Restos that are up next, thanks to recommendations from good friends:
Ever: https://www.ever-restaurant.com/
Smyth: https://www.smythandtheloyalist.com/smyth/
-
Bayan Ko in Ravenswood tonight. Have been trying to get there for a few years and could never make it work. Cuban-Filipino spot, and we went with good friends - he is Cuban and she is Filipino. Outstanding- tried 8 different dishes and the only one which was just ok was an oxtail bare bare where the peanut sauce was too heavy. Everything else was an A. Highly recommend (also, BYOB which makes it more affordable).
-
Bayan Ko in Ravenswood tonight. Have been trying to get there for a few years and could never make it work. Cuban-Filipino spot, and we went with good friends - he is Cuban and she is Filipino. Outstanding- tried 8 different dishes and the only one which was just ok was an oxtail bare bare where the peanut sauce was too heavy. Everything else was an A. Highly recommend (also, BYOB which makes it more affordable).
Nice tip, we'll check it out.
I just spent 10 minutes under the warming light at the Montrose stop a hour ago, heading home from Bad Apple (pretty good burgers). Strangers passing in the night!
-
Nice tip, we'll check it out.
I just spent 10 minutes under the warming light at the Montrose stop a hour ago, heading home from Bad Apple (pretty good burgers). Strangers passing in the night!
Bad apple is one of my all time favorites
-
Dined at Lupi & Iris last night. Great atmosphere. I recognized our waiter from Mason Street Grill. He said he needed a fresh start.
Everything was good. Bring your wallet.
It will be interesting to see if it makes it with that pricing in Milwaukee. It was full last night.
-
Sir
I have not heard a bad thing about Lupi & Iris, aside from the price. Everyone that I know who had been there raved more about the food/service over complaining on price. On my list of places to try.
-
Sir
I have not heard a bad thing about Lupi & Iris, aside from the price. Everyone that I know who had been there raved more about the food/service over complaining on price. On my list of places to try.
Goose, I’d be interested in your take on the place. The atmosphere is very cool. And the wood fired oven brings the great smell. We enjoyed our meal. Sea Bass for me and Mrs. Sir Lawrence had a bone in NY strip. Her opinion is that it wasn’t quite Eddie Martini quality.
-
Sir
I will definitely drop you a note. With Dry January still going and upcoming Lent, it might be several months before we get there.
-
Sea Bass for me and Mrs. Sir Dame Lawrence had a bone in NY strip.
FIFY
-
FIFY
Bravo! Thank you for the education. Always learning.
-
Nice tip, we'll check it out.
I just spent 10 minutes under the warming light at the Montrose stop a hour ago, heading home from Bad Apple (pretty good burgers). Strangers passing in the night!
Lol- next time!
-
Next's Paris: 1906 experience was pretty good.
The food was excellent from beginning to end. Service was a little disjointed, with the more senior servers clearly irritated with the newbies that were a little lost. The Somm was weak. We had the 'Ultra' pairing, which was nice, but we didn't get much beyond the year/producer from the Somm. He was interested in chatting about other things. Good folks, good food, but we honestly had a better time at the bar of Swift and Sons than we did at dinner tonight.
Alinea group needs to get their crap together, imo.
Edit: My wild guess is that they're spicing in interns or replacement workers with the professionals, and it's impacting their level of service. The service isn't bad, but the service at Alinea/Next was below that of a 1 star resto. Really odd experiences, especially since it's twice now.
Restos that are up next, thanks to recommendations from good friends:
Ever: https://www.ever-restaurant.com/
Smyth: https://www.smythandtheloyalist.com/smyth/
They are really pumping Roister (chicken and waffles one of my favorites) on social media, so I’m wondering if there is an issue there.
Rose Mary for us next week.
-
Nice tip, we'll check it out.
I just spent 10 minutes under the warming light at the Montrose stop a hour ago, heading home from Bad Apple (pretty good burgers). Strangers passing in the night!
Oh- and speaking of good burgers- the Loyalist - below your upcoming Smyth reservation - has outstanding burgers!
-
Oh- and speaking of good burgers- the Loyalist - below your upcoming Smyth reservation - has outstanding burgers!
+1 I personally think it's better than au Cheval but everybody seems to think I'm insane for that lol don't sleep on the deviled eggs there either!
-
+1 I personally think it's better than au Cheval but everybody seems to think I'm insane for that lol don't sleep on the deviled eggs there either!
Loyalist is definitely above Au Cheval.
Next's Paris: 1906 experience was pretty good.
The food was excellent from beginning to end. Service was a little disjointed, with the more senior servers clearly irritated with the newbies that were a little lost. The Somm was weak. We had the 'Ultra' pairing, which was nice, but we didn't get much beyond the year/producer from the Somm. He was interested in chatting about other things. Good folks, good food, but we honestly had a better time at the bar of Swift and Sons than we did at dinner tonight.
Alinea group needs to get their crap together, imo.
Edit: My wild guess is that they're spicing in interns or replacement workers with the professionals, and it's impacting their level of service. The service isn't bad, but the service at Alinea/Next was below that of a 1 star resto. Really odd experiences, especially since it's twice now.
Restos that are up next, thanks to recommendations from good friends:
Ever: https://www.ever-restaurant.com/
Smyth: https://www.smythandtheloyalist.com/smyth/
After (bar side of Ever) is a great spot as well. We had a lot of fun going there for pre-Rose Mary cocktails.
-
Rose Mary tonight. It was regular - not restaurant week- menu. We had Zucchini fritters, Branzino and tortellini. Had the palačinke for dessert- an apple, toffee and vanilla ice cream in kind of a crepe-they heard us debating between that and the pistachio gelato, so waitress brought that too on the house. Amazing, concentrated pistachio flavor.
Food was very good, and actually a surprisingly good value.
-
Alinea was a great experience, though they did lean into a very black truffle heavy presentation. Which is fine, but can be and was a bit overwhelming in terms of flavor.
-
Rose Mary tonight. It was regular - not restaurant week- menu. We had Zucchini fritters, Branzino and tortellini. Had the palačinke for dessert- an apple, toffee and vanilla ice cream in kind of a crepe-they heard us debating between that and the pistachio gelato, so waitress brought that too on the house. Amazing, concentrated pistachio flavor.
Food was very good, and actually a surprisingly good value.
Been on the fence about going because I've heard it's been pretty inconsistent but based on this I'll give it a shot.
Have you ever made your way down to Autre Monde locally?
-
Alinea was a great experience, though they did lean into a very black truffle heavy presentation. Which is fine, but can be and was a bit overwhelming in terms of flavor.
Which experience did you do? Isn't there one that's supposed to incorporate a show or something around the courses?
-
Which experience did you do? Isn't there one that's supposed to incorporate a show or something around the courses?
My wife booked it. The main course was a5 SOS with black truffle. But the desert was deconstructed banana split.
Maybe it was a play on comfort food? But there were elements that would make me question that as well.
-
Been on the fence about going because I've heard it's been pretty inconsistent but based on this I'll give it a shot.
Have you ever made your way down to Autre Monde locally?
Many times, most recently for an early, old couple type NYE dinner (before their 9:00 pre fixe menu). I think it's a terrific option locally-different than anything else in the OP/RF/FP area (after all, it is in Berwyn!); closest would be Amerikas. Excellent cocktails too. And I think they have a pre fixe menu on Mondays.
Two other spots in Berwyn that I really like: La Parra (fun, young, good food, great cocktails, LOUD; Mrs. Legs likes the waiters and bartenders) and LaVergne's Tavern (I'd go just for the Italian beef egg rolls).
-
Many times, most recently for an early, old couple type NYE dinner (before their 9:00 pre fixe menu). I think it's a terrific option locally-different than anything else in the OP/RF/FP area (after all, it is in Berwyn!); closest would be Amerikas. Excellent cocktails too. And I think they have a pre fixe menu on Mondays.
Two other spots in Berwyn that I really like: La Parra (fun, young, good food, great cocktails, LOUD; Mrs. Legs likes the waiters and bartenders) and LaVergne's Tavern (I'd go just for the Italian beef egg rolls).
Hah we did the same thing, think we went there at 5pm on NYE because every other time was sold out!
Been thinking about checking out one of their new Monday pre fixe menus. Love La Parra, and Amerikas, I may say Rustico or Citrine have some stuff that can hang with them & Autre Monde but overall 100% agree that Autre Monde is a notch above.
Haven't been to Lavergne's, I'll be sure to check it out soon now that I'm kitchenless for two months.
Also saw today the sous chef from Gaetanos is opening up a new Italian spot in the old space on Madison. Hopefully it's remotely on par with the old spot!
-
I need a recommendation.
Taking my biz partner out to eat with his wife and 1 year old. I've taken them out to Armitage Ale House (great, btw) and that was the appropriate level of nice & child friendly. Anything you all would recommend in the city?
-
I need a recommendation.
Taking my biz partner out to eat with his wife and 1 year old. I've taken them out to Armitage Ale House (great, btw) and that was the appropriate level of nice & child friendly. Anything you all would recommend in the city?
The 4 Star restaurants around Southport Corridor (Frasca, Crosby's, Tuco & Blondie) are all solid food-wise and tend to be great with kids. Maybe a half step down in niceness from what I know of Armitage.
-
The 4 Star restaurants around Southport Corridor (Frasca, Crosby's, Tuco & Blondie) are all solid food-wise and tend to be great with kids. Maybe a half step down in niceness from what I know of Armitage.
When I was a 20 something in Chicago, I HATED Southport Corridor. The bars were comparitively lame to LP, Old Town, River North, or Wicker and the people I knew who lived in and preferred that area just happened to be not as fun or used terms like "good beer" when describing where they wanted to go on a weekend night. Schoolyard was the exception, naturally
Fast forward 10-15 years, my 3 best friends in the city live in Roscoe, Bucktown, and North Center and my last few visits down with my wife have brought us to the SoCo multiple times for really solid dinners. Life is funny.
-
Hah we did the same thing, think we went there at 5pm on NYE because every other time was sold out!
Been thinking about checking out one of their new Monday pre fixe menus. Love La Parra, and Amerikas, I may say Rustico or Citrine have some stuff that can hang with them & Autre Monde but overall 100% agree that Autre Monde is a notch above.
Haven't been to Lavergne's, I'll be sure to check it out soon now that I'm kitchenless for two months.
Also saw today the sous chef from Gaetanos is opening up a new Italian spot in the old space on Madison. Hopefully it's remotely on par with the old spot!
Agreed on Rustico and Citrine. Good news on Gaetano’s front
-
The 4 Star restaurants around Southport Corridor (Frasca, Crosby's, Tuco & Blondie) are all solid food-wise and tend to be great with kids. Maybe a half step down in niceness from what I know of Armitage.
I live in the neighborhood and I would recommend against Crosby's, personally, unless you're there for drinking instead of food. Tuco & Blonde is good for dinner with kids, better for cocktails on the patio during the summer.
Coda di Volpe is very good. Their brunch menu (sandwiches made with their pizza bread) is as good as their undersized pasta dishes. Ranked top 30 by Chicago Mag a few weeks back. I would say Armitage is in this tier of resto quality. Excellent for non-starred restaurants.
No dice on rezs at Frasca and Le Sud. Short notice, though.
I grabbed a reservation at Sochi, though. I think they got their first star this year. One of my favorites (I'm a sucker for Viet food, and their Slap Your Mama Fried Rice is bangin'), and I haven't tried their soups yet. Really looking forward to it, and I appreciate your help brainstorming!
-
I live in the neighborhood and I would recommend against Crosby's, personally, unless you're there for drinking instead of food. Tuco & Blonde is good for dinner with kids, better for cocktails on the patio during the summer.
Coda di Volpe is very good. Their brunch menu (sandwiches made with their pizza bread) is as good as their undersized pasta dishes. Ranked top 30 by Chicago Mag a few weeks back. I would say Armitage is in this tier of resto quality. Excellent for non-starred restaurants.
No dice on rezs at Frasca and Le Sud. Short notice, though.
I grabbed a reservation at Sochi, though. I think they got their first star this year. One of my favorites (I'm a sucker for Viet food, and their Slap Your Mama Fried Rice is bangin'), and I haven't tried their soups yet. Really looking forward to it, and I appreciate your help brainstorming!
Fair on Crosby's--food was hit or miss the last couple times we went. Great call on Coda.
I haven't made it to Sochi yet, and I've had their website open as one of many tabs on this computer for 2 months to remember to go. Appreciate the reminder--just snagged my own reservation there.
-
Anybody been to Andros Taverna? I've always wondered why there wasn't a "modern" Greek spot finally got one & damn to they pull it off well.
-
We'll be in downtown Chicago tonight, staying at the Palmer House Hotel. Any recommendations for dinner in that area. My wife wanted to see a show for her birthday so we have some Les Mis tickets at the Cadillac Theater. Was thinking maybe pizza as we have our 4 kids with us and think that may be easier on the wallet.
-
We'll be in downtown Chicago tonight, staying at the Palmer House Hotel. Any recommendations for dinner in that area. My wife wanted to see a show for her birthday so we have some Les Mis tickets at the Cadillac Theater. Was thinking maybe pizza as we have our 4 kids with us and think that may be easier on the wallet.
Go up to Pequods or Pizza Oven Grinder for some unique staples. If you want neopolitan I'd suggest Forno Rosso (though the OG spot is better), for New England style go to Piece in Wicker Park, for tavern style that'd be any spot that remotely looks shady, debating the best usually comes to fisticuffs.
-
Went to Bronzeville Winery for my birthday. Strongly recommend.
The snapper with red curry was amazing.
-
Anybody been to Andros Taverna? I've always wondered why there wasn't a "modern" Greek spot finally got one & damn to they pull it off well.
Andros is nice. Their brunch take on gyros x eggs is great, with pretty good spicy sauces.
Checking out Bar Mar tonight before Les Miz. We're pretty excited for dinner and a show... though I'll miss the Butler game.
In Mexico City, Quintonil is great. It inevitably gets compared to Pujol, which is also great, but Quintonil is more casual, fresh, and fun where Pujol is rooted in tradition and has more gravitas. I haven't been to Pujol for 3 years (and almost 10 years since our first visit), and I wouldn't hesitate to go back to both next time I'm in Mexico City. The wine pairing at Quintonil was outstanding, really nice program.
-
Stopped by the new Odd Duck spot for a late dinner after the game on Saturday. Lost some of the hidden gem charm imo but the food was still some of the best Milwaukee has to offer!
-
Went to Bronzeville Winery for my birthday. Strongly recommend.
The snapper with red curry was amazing.
I've actually never been out in bronzeville, going to have to check it out.
-
I've actually never been out in bronzeville, going to have to check it out.
It's a really cool space and not too far off LSD. They were hosting a Booth get together a little before we wrapped up. Normally not the DJ for dinner type, but their DJ was pretty great at keeping a good vibe there.
Would go back for sure--apparently they have a great brunch too.
-
Been to Andros a couple of times; my wife said that the branzino was by far the best she has ever had. Food and drinks good. Your generation, Galway. Nice update on trad Greek.
And speaking of your generation, went to Trivoli Tavern Friday night. Great location (Green St. off the cobblestone alley), very good food (Lentin restrictions applied, so we were a bit limited in choices). Big restaurant, cool 4sort of old-timey decor, and, yes, we were very much the oldest in the room. High recommend.
Stuck at a work related City Winery dinner tonight-wish we were trying Bronzeville Winery instead! (and hoping the MU game is out of reach before dinner starts).
What is best bar for watching the game in the West Randolph area?
-
It's a really cool space and not too far off LSD. They were hosting a Booth get together a little before we wrapped up. Normally not the DJ for dinner type, but their DJ was pretty great at keeping a good vibe there.
Would go back for sure--apparently they have a great brunch too.
You at Booth now? Son is there.
-
We'll be in downtown Chicago tonight, staying at the Palmer House Hotel. Any recommendations for dinner in that area. My wife wanted to see a show for her birthday so we have some Les Mis tickets at the Cadillac Theater. Was thinking maybe pizza as we have our 4 kids with us and think that may be easier on the wallet.
Late. Next time, Bongiorno’s is less than a mile North up State to Wabash.
-
“Esperanza” for Southwest in South Bay. (Manhattan Beach)
-
Stopped by the new Odd Duck spot for a late dinner after the game on Saturday. Lost some of the hidden gem charm imo but the food was still some of the best Milwaukee has to offer!
Odd Duck is still one of my favorites!
-
I grabbed a reservation at Sochi, though. I think they got their first star this year. One of my favorites (I'm a sucker for Viet food, and their Slap Your Mama Fried Rice is bangin'), and I haven't tried their soups yet. Really looking forward to it, and I appreciate your help brainstorming!
Sochi was fantastic. Absolutely loved it. Only criticism is we got their five spice short rib, which they brought out before the crab rice. After the five spice, couldn't taste anything in the crab rice. Took it home and it was delicious the next day cold. Just a little bit of a bummer that they didn't course it out better. Would go back anytime though.
Also hit Dear Margaret recently, but was disappointed. Ambience and service were great, food was just ok for the level of acclaim they get.
-
Sochi was fantastic. Absolutely loved it. Only criticism is we got their five spice short rib, which they brought out before the crab rice. After the five spice, couldn't taste anything in the crab rice. Took it home and it was delicious the next day cold. Just a little bit of a bummer that they didn't course it out better. Would go back anytime though.
Also hit Dear Margaret recently, but was disappointed. Ambience and service were great, food was just ok for the level of acclaim they get.
Sorry to hear that about DM, I personally love it. Maybe it's a quality control or maybe it's a love French food or not thing?
-
Too bad about DM. We'll be going soon because it's so close. I grab coffee at Heritage Bikes & Coffee next door on some weekend mornings. Good coffee, good breakfast sammies. They are SLAMMED some days, and it's mostly younger people. Really not what I'd expect from that stretch of Lincoln, but it's pretty exciting for them!
-
Tried Carnevore for the first time. It was...fine. Definitely not worth the price point.
-
Any grub suggestions in San Diego? Are there any MU bars down there? Ty.
-
Sorry to hear that about DM, I personally love it. Maybe it's a quality control or maybe it's a love French food or not thing?
Love French food. Baguette was burnt, fried smelts were oversalted to the point of being borderline inedible. (I literally was brushing salt off them before eating.) So I think it was more QC that night.
I will say the smoked mushrooms in the squash carbonara and the roe on the schnitzel were excellent touches, and they made a fantastic butter to go on that burnt bread.
-
Vagabond across the river has been an old standby.
We ended up going to Vagabond, and everyone really like their meals and beverages. Thanks for the recommendation, 21J.
-
Any grub suggestions in San Diego? Are there any MU bars down there? Ty.
Where in San Diego? Type of food?
Near Petco/East Village: Social Tap, Bub’s, Basic Bar (pizza) The Deck at Moonshine Flats.
Pacific Beach: Backyard Kitchen, Dirty Birds (Wings) also a Bub’s location, (Mavericks Beach Club has hosted MUBB events before) Birrieria for tacos.
Mission Beach: SandBar, (game watching) La Playa Taco Shop. (tacos)
Gaslamp: Barleymash, Nason’s, Gaslamp Tavern.
-
I guess I would be closest to the Gaslamp area. I'm staying at the Hyatt.
-
We ended up going to Vagabond, and everyone really like their meals and beverages. Thanks for the recommendation, 21J.
Glad you liked it
-
Any grub suggestions in San Diego? Are there any MU bars down there? Ty.
I love Pacific Beach and there are a couple places I frequent. Pacific Beach Fish Shop is awesome, it’s casual, picnic tables outside, cold Owl Farm beer, their house rub is super good. I don’t eat a lot of shrimp, but the shrimp with house rub is bomb. I like the Fishery, this is a sit down place with its own fish market, very good service, cool vibe. Big fan of Fig Tree Cafe for brunch. I’ve stayed at Tower 23 a handful of times, and I love goin barefoot at the bar overlooking the ocean.
In Gaslamp, I’ve really only had decent meals. Rustic Root is solid, but the real gem is the rooftop. I stay at the Pendry, so Lionfish is a decent option. Normally I’m a no restaurants in hotels kinda guy, but I changed my mind after eating at Xochi in Houston. Juniper & Ivy is well regarded as is Herb & Wood. Been reading about Zama, too, which is in the Gaslamp. Never been.
Good burgers at Hodad’s or Rocky’s.
My perfect trip is fish tacos in PB, a hike at Torrey Pines, and a show at Belly Up. Enjoy!
-
I guess I would be closest to the Gaslamp area. I'm staying at the Hyatt.
If you are in SD on a Sunday, you have to do the Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Del. You're welcome
-
I guess I would be closest to the Gaslamp area. I'm staying at the Hyatt.
Which Hyatt? Grand Hyatt?
Closest area would be Petco/East Village recs. Werewolf and Barleymash for game watching are about a half mile East of there between G and Market. There is a Prince Street Pizza location there if you are familiar with their NYC location for pizza. There are about a half a dozen good taco shops around there too.
The others for game watching, Social Tap, Bub’s etc are an additional half mile East, about a mile total from Grand Hyatt, near Petco, but close.
You are about 8 to 10 miles from some of the other locations.
-
Which Hyatt? Grand Hyatt?
Closest area would be Petco/East Village recs. Werewolf and Barleymash for game watching are about a half mile East of there between G and Market. There is a Prince Street Pizza location there if you are familiar with their NYC location for pizza. There are about a half a dozen good taco shops around there too.
The others for game watching, Social Tap, Bub’s etc are an additional half mile East, about a mile total from Grand Hyatt, near Petco, but close.
You are about 8 to 10 miles from some of the other locations.
Good stuff
-
What do you guys got for dinner spots in Minneapolis? Nothing upscale, breweries with good food are a plus.
-
What do you guys got for dinner spots in Minneapolis? Nothing upscale, breweries with good food are a plus.
Bauhaus for beer and food trucks. You like BBQ? (upon further evaluation, their trucks change, so check before you go)
Otherwise Falling Knife has good beer and BBQ.
Dangerous Man for beer.
Indeed for art and beer.
Enjoy. The whole NE brew district is great. Zero misses.
-
What do you guys got for dinner spots in Minneapolis? Nothing upscale, breweries with good food are a plus.
Pyres brewing was fantastic for beers (had a sour and a hazy) as well as seltzers (my wife did a cucumber mint), did brunch there and that was great idk how the dinner food is though
-
What do you guys got for dinner spots in Minneapolis? Nothing upscale, breweries with good food are a plus.
My buddy is always at Smack Shack and of course there is Matt’s Bar. When in Rome as it were.
-
Good stuff
Thanks. He’ll have several choices for sports bars and good eats separately. Or the mentioned sports bars have good food too.
-
Too bad about DM. We'll be going soon because it's so close. I grab coffee at Heritage Bikes & Coffee next door on some weekend mornings. Good coffee, good breakfast sammies. They are SLAMMED some days, and it's mostly younger people. Really not what I'd expect from that stretch of Lincoln, but it's pretty exciting for them!
I tend to go to Heritage on weekend mornings usually in the summertime since it's a nice walk down wellington to get there. That vegan crunchwrap is the stuff. I'm probably wearing a Marquette tshirt during those times so feel free to say hi.
Sad to hear the DM experience was so-so. The smelt isn't my go-to, but I find I love everything they have in the veggie department. Need to head back there soon.
Also noticed that Eden moved up to Roscoe and California (across from the Cafe Tola that's there). Gonna have to venture over there soon. Sounds like they have a great patio on the river.
-
I love Pacific Beach and there are a couple places I frequent. Pacific Beach Fish Shop is awesome, it’s casual, picnic tables outside, cold Owl Farm beer, their house rub is super good. I don’t eat a lot of shrimp, but the shrimp with house rub is bomb. I like the Fishery, this is a sit down place with its own fish market, very good service, cool vibe. Big fan of Fig Tree Cafe for brunch. I’ve stayed at Tower 23 a handful of times, and I love goin barefoot at the bar overlooking the ocean.
In Gaslamp, I’ve really only had decent meals. Rustic Root is solid, but the real gem is the rooftop. I stay at the Pendry, so Lionfish is a decent option. Normally I’m a no restaurants in hotels kinda guy, but I changed my mind after eating at Xochi in Houston. Juniper & Ivy is well regarded as is Herb & Wood. Been reading about Zama, too, which is in the Gaslamp. Never been.
Good burgers at Hodad’s or Rocky’s.
My perfect trip is fish tacos in PB, a hike at Torrey Pines, and a show at Belly Up. Enjoy!
Tyvm 21!
-
Which Hyatt? Grand Hyatt?
Closest area would be Petco/East Village recs. Werewolf and Barleymash for game watching are about a half mile East of there between G and Market. There is a Prince Street Pizza location there if you are familiar with their NYC location for pizza. There are about a half a dozen good taco shops around there too.
The others for game watching, Social Tap, Bub’s etc are an additional half mile East, about a mile total from Grand Hyatt, near Petco, but close.
You are about 8 to 10 miles from some of the other locations.
The Manchester Grand Hyatt. It appears to be next to Seaport Village? And like a 10 min walk to Gaslamp stuff.
-
If you are in SD on a Sunday, you have to do the Sunday Brunch at the Hotel Del. You're welcome
Oh....I hadn't even thought of that. Ty lawdog! I have been to the Del Corrado once and it's an amazing property.
-
The Manchester Grand Hyatt. It appears to be next to Seaport Village? And like a 10 min walk to Gaslamp stuff.
It depends on how much time you have/days to spend.
I would start with the two plus areas mentioned:
A) Gaslamp plus Petco/East Village. It’s the closest, Half a mile to the first few sports bars mentioned, plus the pizza place, burger places, half a dozen taco shops, all good choices. Half mile more down the road, Petco/East Village have a couple of mentioned sports bars. All of the mentioned sports bars have pretty solid food.
B) Mission Beach up to Pacific Beach. (less than 3.5 miles from one another) Both areas have lots of good mentioned choices. These areas will be about 8 to 10 miles as mentioned from your hotel. It’s San Diego, go to the beach.
I can give additional recs if you have more days/time for up the coast trips as far up as near the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside and back down through Duke’s in La Jolla, or wherever. But I would start with A and B and branch out from there if you have more time.
Recs were for sports bars, pub food, other good eats, many of mine were casual, the basics, good burgers, pizza, and tacos. It’s San Diego, have some tacos and seafood. If you need high end or something like that, Tom Hams Lighthouse is about 4.5 miles West of your hotel. (It’s also a popular event space.
-
I can give additional recs if you have more days/time for up the coast trips as far up as near the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside and back down through Duke’s in La Jolla, or wherever. But I would start with A and B and branch out from there if you have more time.
Yep, love Duke’s, sit up top, overlook the ocean, cold beer, taco night. What could be better?
Was at the Sports Complex for a national soccer playoff event, solid facility.
-
It depends on how much time you have/days to spend.
I would start with the two plus areas mentioned:
A) Gaslamp plus Petco/East Village. It’s the closest, Half a mile to the first few sports bars mentioned, plus the pizza place, burger places, half a dozen taco shops, all good choices. Half mile more down the road, Petco/East Village have a couple of mentioned sports bars. All of the mentioned sports bars have pretty solid food.
B) Mission Beach up to Pacific Beach. (less than 3.5 miles from one another) Both areas have lots of good mentioned choices. These areas will be about 8 to 10 miles as mentioned from your hotel. It’s San Diego, go to the beach.
I can give additional recs if you have more days/time for up the coast trips as far up as near the SoCal Sports Complex in Oceanside and back down through Duke’s in La Jolla, or wherever. But I would start with A and B and branch out from there if you have more time.
Recs were for sports bars, pub food, other good eats, many of mine were casual, the basics, good burgers, pizza, and tacos. It’s San Diego, have some tacos and seafood. If you need high end or something like that, Tom Hams Lighthouse is about 4.5 miles West of your hotel. (It’s also a popular event space.
I'm gonna be there Sat-Wed. I essentially have Sat and Sun off. Thx for all of the suggestions. I've golfed at Torrey twice so I know La Jolla a bit but was hoping to explore other areas.
-
NEW ORLEANS ...
We're going to the Big Easy this spring. I know it's an incredible eating town, but I haven't been in 15 years, my wife hasn't been in 30 and our friends have never been, so I'd love to hear a few suggestions.
Are there a couple "can't miss" local/Cajun spots? A sports bar with actual good food to watch the Final Four? Great breweries? Establishments with jazz as background (as opposed to the main feature) and wonderful food?
-
NEW ORLEANS ...
We're going to the Big Easy this spring. I know it's an incredible eating town, but I haven't been in 15 years, my wife hasn't been in 30 and our friends have never been, so I'd love to hear a few suggestions.
Are there a couple "can't miss" local/Cajun spots? A sports bar with actual good food to watch the Final Four? Great breweries? Establishments with jazz as background (as opposed to the main feature) and wonderful food?
One of my favorite cities on the planet 82! Here are a few places I’ve enjoyed.
Cochon
Butcher
Willie Mae’s (Bring a sixer for the line and a couple to share with your new friends)
Dooky Chase (Arguably NOLA’s most important restaurant)
My bar is The Kerry, coffee and beignets at Cafe Beignet (if you hit cafe du Monde sometimes getting into the inside area beats the line), Ole Saint is a sports bar, Parkway for a po boy (or Domilise), Central Grocery for a Muffuletta, Lafites for a drink and a ghost. Coop’s is a hole in the wall joint, Felix’s for Oysters (or Acme), Peche, Theo’s pizza, La Petite Grocery. Of course, you have the old standbys like Arnaud’s, Brennen’s, Commander’s Palace, Galitoire’s, etc. One of my best meals in my life was at Shaya, but I think that has gone. Perhaps there is a new place by the same chef, totally worth it.
Live music is everywhere, I super dig Fritzel’s, Tipitina’s, and of course hit Preservation Hall. Lafayette park often has events, I drank my way through the Abita catalog there. Stop and listen to a street band, throw some scratch into the guitar case.
Eat gumbo & red beans and rice & greens, take a Voodoo tour or hit the museum (buy a sachet, a little gris gris to keep you safe from harm), ride a street car, hit up other areas outside Bourbon St. I love Magazine St, Garden District, Frenchmen St., Royal St, Treme, City Park. Check out the WWII Museum, absolutely worth it. Ride a street car, visit a cemetery.
Honestly, I could go on and on. That city has a piece of my soul.
Edit: Keep your eyes up, you’re likely to see some cool stuff. As my young son at the time told me, he saw a woman wearing a purse…only a purse. Love. That. Town.
-
Haven't been since April of 2003...
-
Haven't been since April of 2003...
That was a good time to be alive in NOLA. Have some sweet pics with the guys on Bourbon St.
-
Hitting up birrieria zaragoza For lunch. Last time the wait was 2hrs hoping for maybe 1.5hrs today lol
Anybody up in MKE ever gone to Tavos Signature? That's one Mexican equivalent I haven't been able to find in Chicagoland for the same price:quality ratio.
-
Also noticed that Eden moved up to Roscoe and California (across from the Cafe Tola that's there). Gonna have to venture over there soon. Sounds like they have a great patio on the river.
Love Eden-the food and concept (growing much of its own). Haven't been to the new location yet-looks like a great summer spot. It will be missed on the West Side.
-
Hitting up birrieria zaragoza For lunch. Last time the wait was 2hrs hoping for maybe 1.5hrs today lol
Anybody up in MKE ever gone to Tavos Signature? That's one Mexican equivalent I haven't been able to find in Chicagoland for the same price:quality ratio.
Southside or the northside pop up?
-
Southside or the northside pop up?
The southside spot on Pulaski.
-
One of my favorite cities on the planet 82! Here are a few places I’ve enjoyed.
Cochon
Butcher
Willie Mae’s (Bring a sixer for the line and a couple to share with your new friends)
Dooky Chase (Arguably NOLA’s most important restaurant)
My bar is The Kerry, coffee and beignets at Cafe Beignet (if you hit cafe du Monde sometimes getting into the inside area beats the line), Ole Saint is a sports bar, Parkway for a po boy (or Domilise), Central Grocery for a Muffuletta, Lafites for a drink and a ghost. Coop’s is a hole in the wall joint, Felix’s for Oysters (or Acme), Peche, Theo’s pizza, La Petite Grocery. Of course, you have the old standbys like Arnaud’s, Brennen’s, Commander’s Palace, Galitoire’s, etc. One of my best meals in my life was at Shaya, but I think that has gone. Perhaps there is a new place by the same chef, totally worth it.
Live music is everywhere, I super dig Fritzel’s, Tipitina’s, and of course hit Preservation Hall. Lafayette park often has events, I drank my way through the Abita catalog there. Stop and listen to a street band, throw some scratch into the guitar case.
Eat gumbo & red beans and rice & greens, take a Voodoo tour or hit the museum (buy a sachet, a little gris gris to keep you safe from harm), ride a street car, hit up other areas outside Bourbon St. I love Magazine St, Garden District, Frenchmen St., Royal St, Treme, City Park. Check out the WWII Museum, absolutely worth it. Ride a street car, visit a cemetery.
Honestly, I could go on and on. That city has a piece of my soul.
Edit: Keep your eyes up, you’re likely to see some cool stuff. As my young son at the time told me, he saw a woman wearing a purse…only a purse. Love. That. Town.
So lots of sexpots there then, aina?
-
Hitting up birrieria zaragoza For lunch. Last time the wait was 2hrs hoping for maybe 1.5hrs today lol
Anybody up in MKE ever gone to Tavos Signature? That's one Mexican equivalent I haven't been able to find in Chicagoland for the same price:quality ratio.
Zaragoza is so good. Never been to Tavos. WIll have to add to the short list.
Have a Birch reservation for tomorrow night after the game. Not sure what I am gonna try to grab tonight when I get up there.
-
One of my favorite cities on the planet 82! Here are a few places I’ve enjoyed.
Cochon
Butcher
Willie Mae’s (Bring a sixer for the line and a couple to share with your new friends)
Dooky Chase (Arguably NOLA’s most important restaurant)
My bar is The Kerry, coffee and beignets at Cafe Beignet (if you hit cafe du Monde sometimes getting into the inside area beats the line), Ole Saint is a sports bar, Parkway for a po boy (or Domilise), Central Grocery for a Muffuletta, Lafites for a drink and a ghost. Coop’s is a hole in the wall joint, Felix’s for Oysters (or Acme), Peche, Theo’s pizza, La Petite Grocery. Of course, you have the old standbys like Arnaud’s, Brennen’s, Commander’s Palace, Galitoire’s, etc. One of my best meals in my life was at Shaya, but I think that has gone. Perhaps there is a new place by the same chef, totally worth it.
Live music is everywhere, I super dig Fritzel’s, Tipitina’s, and of course hit Preservation Hall. Lafayette park often has events, I drank my way through the Abita catalog there. Stop and listen to a street band, throw some scratch into the guitar case.
Eat gumbo & red beans and rice & greens, take a Voodoo tour or hit the museum (buy a sachet, a little gris gris to keep you safe from harm), ride a street car, hit up other areas outside Bourbon St. I love Magazine St, Garden District, Frenchmen St., Royal St, Treme, City Park. Check out the WWII Museum, absolutely worth it. Ride a street car, visit a cemetery.
Honestly, I could go on and on. That city has a piece of my soul.
Edit: Keep your eyes up, you’re likely to see some cool stuff. As my young son at the time told me, he saw a woman wearing a purse…only a purse. Love. That. Town.
Thanks for the list of restaurants and other stuff, 21J. We can't wait for the trip!
-
Thanks for the list of restaurants and other stuff, 21J. We can't wait for the trip!
If you haven't watched it yet, watch the Episode of Somebody feed Phil on New Orleans.
-
Haven't been since April of 2003...
I was there too, but was under 21 and even though tons of MU alums were trying to buy us all drinks, I wasn't a rule breaker. So I didn't fully experience it. Would love to go back.
-
If you haven't watched it yet, watch the Episode of Somebody feed Phil on New Orleans.
Amazing, just looked up his spots, he’s not wrong. I’ll have to watch the show.
Edit: I remember my first time at Willie Mae’s in 2012, the people are so warm, much like the homemade corn bread. Butcher is the sister restaurant of Cochon, it’s really good sandwiches.
-
Zaragoza is so good. Never been to Tavos. WIll have to add to the short list.
Have a Birch reservation for tomorrow night after the game. Not sure what I am gonna try to grab tonight when I get up there.
Birch is good. Hitting up Lupi & Iris this coming week, have heard mixed things, but it is recognized as a best new restaurant by James Beard. Hoping it’s solid.
I’ve driven by Tavos probably hundreds of times and never stopped in. It seems like it’s closed often, and I just looked it up and it says temporarily closed. I have heard good things and it is super tiny. Nearby is Wy’East, some great pizza, and also nearish is Triciclo Peru, a tiny little empanada joint.
-
Realize most people don’t go to New Orleans for Italian food, but if in the mood, Domenica is wonderful. Highly recommend the roasted cauliflower with whipped feta and the tagliatelle with braised rabbit, which is one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.
Jacques-Imo’s is great but a little off the beaten path. Cochon was also very good. I’ve had some excellent meals at Palace Cafe. Also Brennans, have them show you the wine room, had some great business meetings/lunches there.
-
Is the Garden District dead or something? Still have to hit Commander's
-
Classic burger with sauce and hand cut fries at Beck’s for lunch today, delicious cheese wall pizza and I think underrated extra thin/well done cheese pizza at Pequod’s next door for dinner. Sometimes the old standbys just hit the spot.
-
If you haven't watched it yet, watch the Episode of Somebody feed Phil on New Orleans.
Thanks, lawdog. I'll give it a watch.
-
Realize most people don’t go to New Orleans for Italian food, but if in the mood, Domenica is wonderful. Highly recommend the roasted cauliflower with whipped feta and the tagliatelle with braised rabbit, which is one of the best pasta dishes I have ever had.
Jacques-Imo’s is great but a little off the beaten path. Cochon was also very good. I’ve had some excellent meals at Palace Cafe. Also Brennans, have them show you the wine room, had some great business meetings/lunches there.
I second Domenica. If nothing else go there for a snack and get the roasted cauliflower head with crostini and a soft feta/goat cheese.
-
Which Hyatt? Grand Hyatt?
Closest area would be Petco/East Village recs. Werewolf and Barleymash for game watching are about a half mile East of there between G and Market. There is a Prince Street Pizza location there if you are familiar with their NYC location for pizza. There are about a half a dozen good taco shops around there too.
The others for game watching, Social Tap, Bub’s etc are an additional half mile East, about a mile total from Grand Hyatt, near Petco, but close.
You are about 8 to 10 miles from some of the other locations.
Thx again shoops! I'm at Barleymash. :)
-
Thx again shoops! I'm at Barleymash. :)
Good. You’re welcome. For reference, Werewolf is immediately NW of you along 4th ave, and Rustic Root is South of Market along 5th Ave.
There are 2 tacos shops immediately South of Market along both sides of Fourth Ave. Gordo is up two blocks on F street. Prince Street Pizza is immediately South of you along Market. Breakfast Republic is a few blocks NW of there.
You are about 3 blocks West and 2 blocks South of Petco. Take a ballpark tour and hit Social Tap/Bubs before/after one day.
Go to Balboa Park one day if you haven’t ever done it.
When you go to the beaches, it goes Ocean, Mission, Pacific, South to North. (Coronado probably has the best actually beach). Go to Pacific Beach and work your way South one day.
-
Amazing, just looked up his spots, he’s not wrong. I’ll have to watch the show.
Edit: I remember my first time at Willie Mae’s in 2012, the people are so warm, much like the homemade corn bread. Butcher is the sister restaurant of Cochon, it’s really good sandwiches.
Headed down to New Orleans tomorrow for the week. First timer.
Any suggestions for food or things to do/see would be appreciated.
-
Headed down to New Orleans tomorrow for the week. First timer.
Any suggestions for food or things to do/see would be appreciated.
Look at 21J's post at 9:29:50 AM today.
-
Thank you all for the SD suggestions!
-
Acuista Trattoria. Utopia. Queens, NYC
-
I tried Iris and Lupi today. Food was very good though not worth the price point IMHO. The surprise star of the meal was dessert. Had a caramel pot de creme that was damn near perfect. I'd go back for dessert and drinks, probably not a whole meal.
-
I tried Iris and Lupi today. Food was very good though not worth the price point IMHO. The surprise star of the meal was dessert. Had a caramel pot de creme that was damn near perfect. I'd go back for dessert and drinks, probably not a whole meal.
Went last week and likely won’t return. Food was shockingly average and woefully under seasoned/unbalanced (save the octopus which had nice char and an acidic salad to go with it). Additionally, the food was lukewarm at best. My BIL had the lamb chops and thought they were very good.
For a James Beard best restaurant nominee I would have expected the service to be on point. As my wife said, it was like a very good Applebee’s server. She was adequate but missed a very key moment when three of four of us ordered a “pasta course” and the fourth ordered two pastas as her meal. I just don’t understand why the server didn’t ask and bring one of the two pastas as her pasta course, it was awkward and not high level service. I would expect a place like L&I to offer the kind of service not only that you can’t get anywhere else but also the kind of service you didn’t know you wanted. I watched the team move about the restaurant, watched the manager make her way around, and I would have expected a table visit, a thank you from every single staff person we passed. It was underwhelming, and for $600 not worth it in my opinion.
We kicked around the wine room after and spoke with the wine director. He was super kind and knowledgeable, however, even he could have been more forward and intentional with his service. The Negroni is absolutely delicious. The space is gorgeous, the bar is beautiful.
-
I had the same experience you did, 21jump. Very underwhelmed. My dish was completely underseasoned, as was my wife's.
Service I thought was fine, but for the money I can get a better meal at a dozen different places in town.
-
Trying to decide on a birthday dinner, anybody been to El Ideas or Schwa?
those being BYOB & starred tasting menus caught my eye as I'm sitting on a $70 bottle with a 4.8 on Vivino.
-
Trying to decide on a birthday dinner, anybody been to El Ideas or Schwa?
those being BYOB & starred tasting menus caught my eye as I'm sitting on a $70 bottle with a 4.8 on Vivino.
Schwa all day. I don’t know if it’s lost it’s fastball at all but it’s such a cool spot
-
Hoping to grab dinner at Kie Gol Lanee on Monday. I've heard great things from two separate and reliable food friends.
-
Hoping to grab dinner at Kie Gol Lanee on Monday. I've heard great things from two separate and reliable food friends.
Ooh, nice, please share your experience. I really want to check out this joint.
-
Before I go on my off season scoop hiatus, Plas in Columbus and El Lugar were incredible. Would never go back to Lindey's
-
I had a wonderful coursed menu at Indienne last night. Every dish was a hit, service was excellent, the wine pairing was very good and the som was a great story teller. ~$500 for a couple. We'll be going again for sure, their menu updates seasonally. https://www.indiennechicago.com/
In another resto category altogether, I had wonderful chillaquilles and hot chocolate for breakfast last weekend at La Catedral in Little Village. Highly recommended - https://www.lacatedralcafe.com/
-
Indienne looks incredible. Did you have vegetarian or non-v?
-
Indienne looks incredible. Did you have vegetarian or non-v?
Non veg for the whole table. I went a couple of friends of mine that are of Indian heritage (and are very picky about the Indian food they eat) and they think it's phenomenal. They had been to Indienne once before and gotten 1 v and 1 non-v meal, and said both were excellent. It's just hard to pass up the lamb and the cornish hen dishes. Knocked my socks off.
The gin cart was delicious and novel. I just liked the Som a lot more than the gin cart guy so I'd get the win pairing next time.
Seats at the bar were available when we showed up around 8pm and you can order a la carte at the bar. Wonderful bartenders, and worth a quick pop-in if you're in River North without a previous reservation, I'd imagine.
-
Today is National Italian Beef Day. Johnnie's checks in as the #2 top restaurant in all of Chicago.
https://www.timeout.com/chicago/restaurants/best-chicago-restaurants-our-picks-for-every-cuisine?fbclid=IwAR21a-rz-ccfqSTzwPo_Dif7pTfc_FRJWRt-66cDMmbfrQkezN1UExVJr24_aem_th_ATqNwJLG4knALXPKvnFjHjNO-6CR9dSoZWs-RovsIhZ9hCBFHzSCJIFlKrCQFhdHRe0#li5z2x8y43f5jdny4z4
-
Was just in Alaska. The Double Musky Inn is outstanding . Cajun with a local sea food flair . Eclectic setting. About 45 minutes south of Anchorage in Girdwood.
Chef will make no salt meals if you request
-
Checking out the new-to-me Taqueria Atotonilco in Pilsen tonight. Their location in Little Village has the best tacos al pastor in the city, imo. I'm hopeful the Pilsen location is just as good since it's more convenient to get to.
-
In Richmond VA for a few days, had a good burger and excellent service and beer at Citizen Burger in Carytown. Enjoying Can Can Brasserie tonight, also in Carytown, hopefully it’s good.
Went to a bakery in Church Hill called Sub Rosa, absolutely outstanding, some of the best, flakiest, butteriest pastries I’ve ever had. Limit of eight, long line, they will run out, and they had zero loaves of their bread by 10am ish. Proper Pie is a short walk away, so split up and treat yourselves. Sub Rosa is phenomenal.
Got great recommendations for Stella’s and Perly’s while in line at Sub Rosa, modern Greek/Mediterranean restaurant and a Jewish Deli, two of my favorite cuisines.
-
In Richmond VA for a few days, had a good burger and excellent service and beer at Citizen Burger in Carytown. Enjoying Can Can Brasserie tonight, also in Carytown, hopefully it’s good.
Went to a bakery in Church Hill called Sub Rosa, absolutely outstanding, some of the best, flakiest, butteriest pastries I’ve ever had. Limit of eight, long line, they will run out, and they had zero loaves of their bread by 10am ish. Proper Pie is a short walk away, so split up and treat yourselves. Sub Rosa is phenomenal.
Got great recommendations for Stella’s and Perly’s while in line at Sub Rosa, modern Greek/Mediterranean restaurant and a Jewish Deli, two of my favorite cuisines.
I was a long term Richmonder (over 20 years).
Kuba Kuba is a must. Cuban food in a tiny, very busy place.
For the Love of Chocolate in Carytown is a phenomenal store. Leonidas is their primo selection of chocolate.
Capolla's Deli, also in Carytown, is great for sandwiches.
Do NOT pass up the opportunity to eat at Buzz and Ned's BBQ on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Incredible!
Check out the Shockoe Slip area.
Eat 4-5 meals a day if you need to.
-
I was a long term Richmonder (over 20 years).
Kuba Kuba is a must. Cuban food in a tiny, very busy place.
For the Love of Chocolate in Carytown is a phenomenal store. Leonidas is their primo selection of chocolate.
Capolla's Deli, also in Carytown, is great for sandwiches.
Do NOT pass up the opportunity to eat at Buzz and Ned's BBQ on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. Incredible!
Check out the Shockoe Slip area.
Eat 4-5 meals a day if you need to.
I like your style. Thanks for the recs!
-
Ada Street last night. Near the Hideout. Fantastic food (sharing plate style), cool bar, friendly staff, indoor/outdoor setting. Perfect night for it. Recommend their barrel aged manhattan, carrots, burrata, scallops, bolognese and agnolotti. Swordfish had too much cumin for me; lamb rib too bbq saucy, but still good. Will return.
-
I like your style. Thanks for the recs!
So....where did you eat in Richmond.? And please do not tell me that you did not go to Buzz and Ned's BBQ while in town.
-
So....where did you eat in Richmond.? And please do not tell me that you did not go to Buzz and Ned's BBQ while in town.
Well, probably gonna let you down here. Can Can in Carytown was a really cool French Bistro vibe, couple apps were good, wine was good, they had a particular German beer that one of my dining partners raves about and was stoked to see on a menu, food was above average, service above average.
What I didn’t quite realize is we only had two meals to cover one being a soccer team dinner which was at Home Team Grill near VCU, good beer, solid food, outstanding service. Tried for a couple brewery and tasting rooms one was not willing/able to set aside room for our sized group, the other said absofrickinlutely if they didn’t already have a private party that night.
So, that left Memorial Day which meant slim pickins for food. We ended up having a late lunch/early dinner at Native Plate. Bao buns were good, salmon larb was nice and funky, yellow curry was delish. Service started friendly, actually was always friendly, but just super laxed.
So, we will have to go back and check out your places and a few others. It was a pretty cool town with fun neighborhoods.
-
Well, probably gonna let you down here. Can Can in Carytown was a really cool French Bistro vibe, couple apps were good, wine was good, they had a particular German beer that one of my dining partners raves about and was stoked to see on a menu, food was above average, service above average.
What I didn’t quite realize is we only had two meals to cover one being a soccer team dinner which was at Home Team Grill near VCU, good beer, solid food, outstanding service. Tried for a couple brewery and tasting rooms one was not willing/able to set aside room for our sized group, the other said absofrickinlutely if they didn’t already have a private party that night.
So, that left Memorial Day which meant slim pickins for food. We ended up having a late lunch/early dinner at Native Plate. Bao buns were good, salmon larb was nice and funky, yellow curry was delish. Service started friendly, actually was always friendly, but just super laxed.
So, we will have to go back and check out your places and a few others. It was a pretty cool town with fun neighborhoods.
I absolutely fell in love with Richmond when I arrived in the 80's. Funky Carytown, the miles and miles of late 19th century/early 20th century homes, some luxurious, others elegant even in their simplicity, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Shockhoe Slip with its cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, the James River with its Class V rapids, tons of history. I grew up in the Chicago area, but in my heart, I will always be a Richmonder.
Promise me that you will go to Buzz and Ned's and also Kuba Kuba on your next trip.
-
I absolutely fell in love with Richmond when I arrived in the 80's. Funky Carytown, the miles and miles of late 19th century/early 20th century homes, some luxurious, others elegant even in their simplicity, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, Shockhoe Slip with its cobblestone streets, beautiful parks, the James River with its Class V rapids, tons of history. I grew up in the Chicago area, but in my heart, I will always be a Richmonder.
Promise me that you will go to Buzz and Ned's and also Kuba Kuba on your next trip.
I definitely will, they are on my list. Thank you!
I’m a proud graduate of Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Hoffman Estates.
-
I definitely will, they are on my list. Thank you!
I’m a proud graduate of Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Hoffman Estates.
Thomas Jefferson Elementary in HE checking in.
-
World’s largest Buc-ee’s opens today near Knoxville, TN. Sevierville, TN, home town of Dolly Parton and not far from Dollywood. 74,000 square feet. 46th location in 7 states. (soon to be 10 states)
Don’t fret Texas. A store remodel will make the Luling location number 1 again some time soon. 75,000 square feet.
Team Buc-ee’s.
-
Buc-ees is a must stop anytime we drive by
-
Buc-ees is a must stop anytime we drive by
Calling it a restaurant is a bit of a stretch.
It's a very fancy truck stop.
-
Obelix is the best restaurant I've been to this year. Casual, friendly service for a high end resto. West side of River North.
I had the lapin confit and it was great. Friends had the steak frites and the skate wing katsu, and both were excellent. Apps were the tartes aux fraises and the macaron au foie gras, both were wonderful.
Keeping it short, I can't say enough about the meal here. About $100/person if you have a drink with your meal. We'll be back soon to try the rest of the menu.
-
Obelix is the best restaurant I've been to this year. Casual, friendly service for a high end resto. West side of River North.
I had the lapin confit and it was great. Friends had the steak frites and the skate wing katsu, and both were excellent. Apps were the tartes aux fraises and the macaron au foie gras, both were wonderful.
Keeping it short, I can't say enough about the meal here. About $100/person if you have a drink with your meal. We'll be back soon to try the rest of the menu.
How are their burgers?
-
How are their burgers?
Biggest oversight on their menu, imo
Edit: That Taqueria Atontolico location in Pilsen is every bit as good as their Little Village location
Also, Itoko is the new neighborhood spot on Southport. The chef is the guy that founded Momotaro, but he wanted to run a neighborhood spot. Kocked my socks off, doing simple stuff well. We stuck to sushi/sashimi with sake/cocktails. Semi casual, boisterous, wonderful. Highly recommended.
-
Biggest oversight on their menu, imo
Actually I was joking. I wouldn't expect a fancy French restaurant to have cheeseburgers on their menu.
-
Obelix is the best restaurant I've been to this year. Casual, friendly service for a high end resto. West side of River North.
I had the lapin confit and it was great. Friends had the steak frites and the skate wing katsu, and both were excellent. Apps were the tartes aux fraises and the macaron au foie gras, both were wonderful.
Keeping it short, I can't say enough about the meal here. About $100/person if you have a drink with your meal. We'll be back soon to try the rest of the menu.
Just made a reservation...thanks
-
Actually I was joking. I wouldn't expect a fancy French restaurant to have cheeseburgers on their menu.
I know you were joking, and I responded with a joke. It's all good :)
-
Actually I was joking. I wouldn't expect a fancy French restaurant to have cheeseburgers on their menu.
Le chezburger
-
Atomix in NYC is the only USA restaurant ranked in the recent World's Best Top 25. It's less than a mile from MSG. I assume our players will dine there before winning btb BEast tournament titles?
-
Went to Mako last night. That was life changing sushi. One of the dishes might be the best thing I've ever had.
Can't imagine omakase Yume being much better
-
Actually I was joking. I wouldn't expect a fancy French restaurant to have cheeseburgers on their menu.
The funny thing is some of the best burgers Ive had in my life have been in bistros in France. That country, for all the freedom fries jokes over the years, absolutely crushes it with burgers.
-
The funny thing is some of the best burgers Ive had in my life have been in bistros in France. That country, for all the freedom fries jokes over the years, absolutely crushes it with burgers.
I have generally seen a burger option at French Bistros all across North America. It's all about the gruyere.
-
I don't need to muddy up the other thread where it was mentioned and I don't want to take this one too off course, but speaking of restaurants, has anyone seen a complete sh**show in terms of takeout/delivery orders in the last 6-12 months? I was just in NY/NJ for a week and 4 out of 5 delivery orders both in Manhattan and the near burbs of NJ were totally messed up, and met with tepid responses from the restaurants related to the staff. Back home in the MKE area, I think its a only 50-60% hit rate in terms of orders being correct.
-
Wags
As I noted in the other thread, lazy workers are causing big issues to restaurants and fast food joints. I am sure there are folks on here that will disagree, but bad workers might be a bigger problem than no workers.
-
Have we ever had worker shortages like we have now? Not in my lifetime. I’ve never seen anything like it. Have to pay to get decent talent. Good for workers whose income has been declining in real dollars for a long time.
The worst workers can now get and keep jobs. Isn’t that what has really changed? Not everyone is internally driven to perform or capable and if they are they are not in the lowest wage jobs, with customers screening at them because they forgot a napkin or to hold the ketchup etc. They have moved up the chain.
When will we encourage legal immigration again? Answer: It looks like never. We are literally paying for it now.
So just get used to poorer quality workers at the low end of the wage scale until there is a big employment downturn, or tech and robots replace people. It could be a while.
In the meantime, except that not everyone is going to hustle and be on top of their game. As a business professor used to say “how much of the worker’s loyalty did the employer buy” Answer: Not much for low wages. A lot for higher wages.
-
Wags
As I noted in the other thread, lazy workers are causing big issues to restaurants and fast food joints. I am sure there are folks on here that will disagree, but bad workers might be a bigger problem than no workers.
Pakuni and Dos Swine take umbridge to your description of them as lazy fast food workers.
-
Have we ever had worker shortages like we have now? Not in my lifetime. I’ve never seen anything like it. Have to pay to get decent talent. Good for workers whose income has been declining in real dollars for a long time.
The worst workers can now get and keep jobs. Isn’t that what has really changed? Not everyone is internally driven to perform or capable and if they are they are not in the lowest wage jobs, with customers screening at them because they forgot a napkin or to hold the ketchup etc. They have moved up the chain.
When will we encourage legal immigration again? Answer: It looks like never. We are literally paying for it now.
So just get used to poorer quality workers at the low end of the wage scale until there is a big employment downturn, or tech and robots replace people. It could be a while.
In the meantime, except that not everyone is going to hustle and be on top of their game. As a business professor used to say “how much of the worker’s loyalty did the employer buy” Answer: Not much for low wages. A lot for higher wages.
Exactly. This is an economic issue. Not a social, "no one wants to work these days" issue.
-
Business Economics 101-- the biggest obstacle to any successfully run business is...cheap help, hey?
-
Wags
As I noted in the other thread, lazy workers are causing big issues to restaurants and fast food joints. I am sure there are folks on here that will disagree, but bad workers might be a bigger problem than no workers.
One might argue if you pay bad wages, you get bad labor, especially during a labor shortage. Also, what GOO said.
EDIT: Didn't see this was a whole thing in the forest fire thread
-
I don't need to muddy up the other thread where it was mentioned and I don't want to take this one too off course, but speaking of restaurants, has anyone seen a complete sh**show in terms of takeout/delivery orders in the last 6-12 months? I was just in NY/NJ for a week and 4 out of 5 delivery orders both in Manhattan and the near burbs of NJ were totally messed up, and met with tepid responses from the restaurants related to the staff. Back home in the MKE area, I think its a only 50-60% hit rate in terms of orders being correct.
I refuse to do delivery anymore. It's all carry out, get there 10 minutes early and grab a drink at the bar. You at least know your food is hot and ready when you pick it up. Most food is not meant to be delivered and most people are not meant to be food deliverers.
-
I refuse to do delivery anymore. It's all carry out, get there 10 minutes early and grab a drink at the bar. You at least know your food is hot and ready when you pick it up. Most food is not meant to be delivered and most people are not meant to be food deliverers.
Never go through the drivethru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9upvWNN3P8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9upvWNN3P8)
-
I haven't trusted fast food since I saw what they did to Farva in Super Troopers.
I haven't trusted Applebee's or TGI Friday's since I saw Waiting. Clearly a documentary.
(Wait, it was made in 2005. These issues existed then?!?!? Who knew?)
All would be forgiven if my waitress was like Jennifer Aniston in Office Space.
Of course, if my dentist was like Jennifer Aniston in Horrible Bosses, maybe my opinion about dentists would be changed.
-
I haven't trusted fast food since I saw what they did to Farva in Super Troopers.
I haven't trusted Applebee's or TGI Friday's since I saw Waiting. Clearly a documentary.
(Wait, it was made in 2005. These issues existed then?!?!? Who knew?)
All would be forgiven if my waitress was like Jennifer Aniston in Office Space.
Of course, if my dentist was like Jennifer Aniston in Horrible Bosses, maybe my opinion about dentists would be changed.
You'd start going? (British teeth)
-
I'd enjoy it more.
-
Whoops
-
Pakuni and Dos Swine take umbridge to your description of them as lazy fast food workers.
I am definitely lazy. My fast food career lasted exactly one four-hour shift, however.
There is an art to being lazy and also successful. The most essential step is not wasting time on crap that absolutely doesn't matter.
-
I refuse to do delivery anymore. It's all carry out, get there 10 minutes early and grab a drink at the bar. You at least know your food is hot and ready when you pick it up. Most food is not meant to be delivered and most people are not meant to be food deliverers.
In the burbs, sure. But in Manhattan or a city, not as simple.
-
Was kickin around Chicago this morning while my kid was trying to get recruited to play soccer at Loyola, and we checked out Little Goat Diner by the great Stephanie Izard. We did a pork and biscuit, the okonomiyaki, and the chili crunch fries. All in all we wouldn’t rush back. Fries were really good with some added apricot hot sauce, my okonomiyaki was good but just a little short on flavor, pig and biscuit was super flavorful but maybe too much so. Drinks and coffee we just okay, sitting outside on the patio was great. Service was solid.
Side note: I drove past Birrieria Zaragoza today, I’m pretty sure someone mentioned it here. Had no idea it’s next to the Green Mill, can’t wait to check it out. I’m heading to the city soon to see a band at Subterranean and will have to swing by.
-
We went to Ever in Chicago last week. It was wonderful.
Great food, great service, great wine pairing + somm storytelling. ~2.5 hour service.
-
We went to Ever in Chicago last week. It was wonderful.
Great food, great service, great wine pairing + somm storytelling. ~2.5 hour service.
Did you see Richie?! Just kidding, very cool experience.
-
We went to Ever in Chicago last week. It was wonderful.
Great food, great service, great wine pairing + somm storytelling. ~2.5 hour service.
Wild - went on Thursday of last week. Never had a dinner experience like that before. Got a tour of the kitchen after too!
-
Side note: I drove past Birrieria Zaragoza today, I’m pretty sure someone mentioned it here. Had no idea it’s next to the Green Mill, can’t wait to check it out. I’m heading to the city soon to see a band at Subterranean and will have to swing by.
That's the new second location. The OG is down by midway.
-
We have a small Chinese place near where I work that has a buffet that charges by the pound. It is what I like to refer to as "good bad Chinese good." Today when I walked in I noticed that they have a 1 lb minimum on the buffet. That's cute...I wonder if anyone ever bought less than 1lb from the buffet.
-
We have a small Chinese place near where I work that has a buffet that charges by the pound. It is what I like to refer to as "good bad Chinese good." Today when I walked in I noticed that they have a 1 lb minimum on the buffet. That's cute...I wonder if anyone ever bought less than 1lb from the buffet.
They wouldn't have a rule if they didn't need it. My guess is that someone is bringing rice from home and is going over there for one little scoop of kung pao chicken or a couple of egg rolls to carry out or something like that.
-
Biggest oversight on their menu, imo
Edit: That Taqueria Atontolico location in Pilsen is every bit as good as their Little Village location
Also, Itoko is the new neighborhood spot on Southport. The chef is the guy that founded Momotaro, but he wanted to run a neighborhood spot. Kocked my socks off, doing simple stuff well. We stuck to sushi/sashimi with sake/cocktails. Semi casual, boisterous, wonderful. Highly recommended.
I'd second Itoko. It was nice for when you want dressed-up sushi/sashimi. I still trend towards Sushi Hall for a more casual joint (and The Ward Room in the back for their cocktails).
Was kickin around Chicago this morning while my kid was trying to get recruited to play soccer at Loyola, and we checked out Little Goat Diner by the great Stephanie Izard. We did a pork and biscuit, the okonomiyaki, and the chili crunch fries. All in all we wouldn’t rush back. Fries were really good with some added apricot hot sauce, my okonomiyaki was good but just a little short on flavor, pig and biscuit was super flavorful but maybe too much so. Drinks and coffee we just okay, sitting outside on the patio was great. Service was solid.
Side note: I drove past Birrieria Zaragoza today, I’m pretty sure someone mentioned it here. Had no idea it’s next to the Green Mill, can’t wait to check it out. I’m heading to the city soon to see a band at Subterranean and will have to swing by.
I do love those fries. But overall it's a spot to anchor GG's and Itoko over there. Tasty diner food, but not life-changing.
Did you see Richie?! Just kidding, very cool experience.
Well played on the reference! I've only ever been to After and had a PHENOMENAL maitake steam bun with my cocktails. Will have to make it over to Ever at some point--but that's more of a "I hate winter" sort of trip that I'll hold it for.
Went to Gather during Square Roots before seeing Real Estate and had a phenomenal meal there. That chicken dish is fantastic and the watermelon gazpacho was insanely delicious. Oh, and Boka is still fantastic--Gnudi and the sweetcorn dessert were two highlights for me.
A little sad that Owen & Engine is on its way out.Gotta have the veggie curry and the burger at least once more before the doors close.
-
I'd second Itoko. It was nice for when you want dressed-up sushi/sashimi. I still trend towards Sushi Hall for a more casual joint (and The Ward Room in the back for their cocktails).
I do love those fries. But overall it's a spot to anchor GG's and Itoko over there. Tasty diner food, but not life-changing.
Well played on the reference! I've only ever been to After and had a PHENOMENAL maitake steam bun with my cocktails. Will have to make it over to Ever at some point--but that's more of a "I hate winter" sort of trip that I'll hold it for.
Went to Gather during Square Roots before seeing Real Estate and had a phenomenal meal there. That chicken dish is fantastic and the watermelon gazpacho was insanely delicious. Oh, and Boka is still fantastic--Gnudi and the sweetcorn dessert were two highlights for me.
A little sad that Owen & Engine is on its way out.Gotta have the veggie curry and the burger at least once more before the doors close.
A little sad is a major understatement (for me) their bone marrow was the best I'd had in Chicago, burger was the only burger that was spiced like an Irish or English burger, everything but the fish & chips was just outrageously good.
-
This came up in my Google news feed and I thought interesting for summer Scoop discussion.
https://vinepair.com/articles/america-oldest-bar-every-state/
The Oldest Bar in Every State
WORDS: HANNAH STAAB
ILLUSTRATION: SARA PINSONAULT
While it’s easy to get caught up in chasing reservations at the buzziest new cocktail destinations, there’s something to be said for bars that can stand the test of time. These American bars especially — with the oldest establishment on the list dating all the way back to 1673 — are tried and true.
Most of these establishments have persisted through decades — and in some cases, centuries — thanks to their dedication to sticking to what works. Rather than rebranding to sound more trendy, most of these bars’ names still unironically boast terms like “saloon,” “pirate”, and “olde” with astounding frequency. Instead of newfangled cocktails and natural wine, these places mostly persist on foamy beers and straight whiskey. And forget about modern interior design: Most of these spots are scattered with bizarre yet charming memorabilia from their centuries of operation — and that’s why we love them.
In many states these bars are widely recognized, and proudly flaunted, as the region’s oldest bar, but in others, the fight for the title can be a bit more controversial. Through centuries of history, including the murky years of prohibition, there are bound to be a few caveats to the oldest bar designations. So to compile this list, we had to make a few judgment calls.
CONTINUED AT ABOVE LINK. WAS TOO LONG TO POST HERE.
-
This came up in my Google news feed and I thought interesting for summer Scoop discussion.
I don't think I've been to any of them, but I have been to Fraunces Tavern in NYC a couple of times. It's kind of wild to have a pint where Washington bade farewell to his officers after the Revolutionary War.
It's also an interesting pop culture spot because at least some of the tavern scenes in Hamilton are reportedly set there (and reportedly Hamilton and Burr were both there for an event on July 4, 1804 -- a week before the infamous duel).
-
Got Kasama at the Sportsman Club pop up yesterday. That was delicious, definitely need to check out the full menu
-
Love me the spirits at Lafitte’s Blacksmith, both the drinking and the voodoo gris gris kind
-
I've been to four on the list. CT, VT, GA, DC
-
Love me the spirits at Lafitte’s Blacksmith, both the drinking and the voodoo gris gris kind
Lafitte's is the bomb. Gotta hang out there and drink at least one Voodoo daiquiri every time I am in NOLA.
-
Love me the spirits at Lafitte’s Blacksmith, both the drinking and the voodoo gris gris kind
Lafittes is unique in the fact that is super well known and touristy…but it’s also incredibly cool and a must visit that never seems cheesy
-
I've been to the second oldest pub in London:
https://ye-olde-cheshire-cheese.co.uk/about/#:~:text=Probably%20the%20most,London%20in%201666. (https://ye-olde-cheshire-cheese.co.uk/about/#:~:text=Probably%20the%20most,London%20in%201666.)
"Probably the most famous pub in the world, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of London’s few remaining 17th Century chophouses. The sawdust on the floor is changed twice daily, It is a pub and eating house offering unpretentious fare in wooden bays provided by high-backed church pews and served by waiters. The site formed part of the 13th century Carmelite monastery and since 1538 a pub has stood here. The medieval pub was rebuilt in about 1667 after the Great Fire of London in 1666."
-
wife and I went to Girl & The Goat today. It was good but I know people who drive from Madison and Milwaukee to eat there and plan a trip around that a couple times a year... good but not life changing.
-
Armando’s Italian Restaurant, Northern BLVD between 73rd and 74th, Jackson Heights, Queens, NYC.
-
Middle Child Clubhouse Fishtown, Philadelphia.
-
I don't think I've been to any of them, but I have been to Fraunces Tavern in NYC a couple of times. It's kind of wild to have a pint where Washington bade farewell to his officers after the Revolutionary War.
It's also an interesting pop culture spot because at least some of the tavern scenes in Hamilton are reportedly set there (and reportedly Hamilton and Burr were both there for an event on July 4, 1804 -- a week before the infamous duel).
Fraunces Tavern is great! Visit it every time I go to the BET. Easy subway ride from MSG.
-
Had a shot of bitters on Saturday night on Washington Island (Door County) at Nelson's Hall & Bitter's Club, which stakes a claim as the longest continuingly operating pub in WI - they served drink sized potions of bitters through prohibition. And they still sell 10,000 plus shots annually--Angastora Bitters biggest client.
https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/ (https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/)
-
I'm also a card carrying member of their bitters club.
-
Had a shot of bitters on Saturday night on Washington Island (Door County) at Nelson's Hall & Bitter's Club, which stakes a claim as the longest continuingly operating pub in WI - they served drink sized potions of bitters through prohibition. And they still sell 10,000 plus shots annually--Angastora Bitters biggest client.
https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/ (https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/)
Haha that's cool - I didn't know it was a thing. Probably calls for a lot of cool variations on a Trinidad Sour.
-
I’ll stick with amaro
-
Any restaurant suggestions for Rome and Florence? We will be there next month before heading up to Oktoberfest.
-
Any restaurant suggestions for Rome and Florence? We will be there next month before heading up to Oktoberfest.
In Florence we went to:
L'ortone & Podere 39
Both were absolutely outstanding! Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded.
Get the Gnuddi at Podere and the Plum stuffed pork and seafood risotto at L'ortone 3 of the top 5 or 10 dishes we had between Italy France and Spain
-
Any restaurant suggestions for Rome and Florence? We will be there next month before heading up to Oktoberfest.
Save up your calories for Münich.
-
Any restaurant suggestions for Rome and Florence? We will be there next month before heading up to Oktoberfest.
Get the Open Table App if you don't have and you'll need to make reservations for dinner every night.
Make your morning routine figuring out where you want to eat and make a reservation and note that restaurants don't open until 6:30 or 7:00.
-
Any restaurant suggestions for Rome and Florence? We will be there next month before heading up to Oktoberfest.
I was in both in April 2022 with my older daughter. She just wanted homemade pasta and we found a list of the 10 Best for Pasta in Florence and the Bistecca Santa Croce came up as #1. it's on Santa Croce square and my daughter swears the list got it right and the best pasta she ever had.
Was in Munchen in November 2022. Loved it. Always ate in a beer hall. Helles or Dunkel beer. I'm sure Oktoberfest Fest is different.
-
Had a shot of bitters on Saturday night on Washington Island (Door County) at Nelson's Hall & Bitter's Club, which stakes a claim as the longest continuingly operating pub in WI - they served drink sized potions of bitters through prohibition. And they still sell 10,000 plus shots annually--Angastora Bitters biggest client.
https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/ (https://www.facebook.com/nelsenshallandbittersclub/)
I think I would rather spread those bitters among a couple dozen old fashioneds.
-
I think I would rather spread those bitters among a couple dozen old fashioneds.
Ahhh...if that were the only choice, I would agree with you. But I did both!
-
Ahhh...if that were the only choice, I would agree with you. But I did both!
TMI
-
Anyone try The Saucy Pig in St. Francis?
-
Anyone try The Saucy Pig in St. Francis?
I used to know the guy that owns that place (The Saucy Swine). I've been meaning to go but I make it up to Milwaukee like never. Let me know how it is!
-
Non Solo Piada.
37th and 8th Avenue, near Penn Station, NYC. (Casual Italian)
-
A few to throw there for those traveling to Paris:
114 Faubourg was very good. Just a hard bill to stomach.
Chef's a Table wins for best meal in Paris the week we were there. Everything was perfect, they had a vegetarian or "classic" tasting menu and both were phenomenal. Would have eaten there again if we had gone earlier in the week the first time.
DC:
- Brunch at Unconventional Diner
- Rasika (west end) for Indian. Holy crap what a meal I had there this week. Still thinking about the Palak Chaat and Lamb Biryani.
-
That whole burger conversation over on the main page has me thinking. Has anyone actually had a burger in Milwaukee that compares to the top burgers in Chicago?
I'm talking places like
Au Cheval
Loyalist
Little Bad Wolf
Big Kids
Mott Street
-
That whole burger conversation over on the main page has me thinking. Has anyone actually had a burger in Milwaukee that compares to the top burgers in Chicago?
I'm talking places like
Au Cheval
Loyalist
Little Bad Wolf
Big Kids
Mott Street
Yes. Au Cheval and Little Bad Wolf are the only ones that are noticeably better than Oscar's.
-
Yes. Au Cheval and Big Kids are the only ones that are noticeably better than Oscar's.
Haven't been to Oscar's since 2013 so I must be remembering poorly through the haze of day drinking.
-
That whole burger conversation over on the main page has me thinking. Has anyone actually had a burger in Milwaukee that compares to the top burgers in Chicago?
I'm talking places like
Au Cheval
Loyalist
Little Bad Wolf
Big Kids
Mott Street
Can we add Kuma's Corner?
-
That whole burger conversation over on the main page has me thinking. Has anyone actually had a burger in Milwaukee that compares to the top burgers in Chicago?
I'm talking places like
Au Cheval
Loyalist
Little Bad Wolf
Big Kids
Mott Street
I thought Conde Nast was a reputable publication:
https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-04-08/the-best-burgers-in-america-top-15-cities (https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-04-08/the-best-burgers-in-america-top-15-cities)
-
Can we add Kuma's Corner?
I'd call that the most overrated burger in the Chicagoland area but I suppose if you like a classic pub burger i can see the appeal.
-
Burger categories:
Fast food/cheap: Redhot Ranch, Five Guys
Good burgers, no price limit: Owen & Engine (rip), Armitage Alehouse
Burgers with lots of toppings: Don't care, these burgers are not good. Kumas is in this category and is a bad burger buried under toppings
Oscars and Culvers have no place in this conversation. Kinda ridiculous they're even brought up in the thread on the main board.
I haven't had a great burger in Milwaukee, but I haven't been to Milwaukee for dinner in like 10 years.
-
Burger categories:
Fast food/cheap: Redhot Ranch, Five Guys
Good burgers, no price limit: Owen & Engine (rip), Armitage Alehouse
Burgers with lots of toppings: Don't care, these burgers are not good. Kumas is in this category and is a bad burger buried under toppings
Oscars and Culvers have no place in this conversation. Kinda ridiculous they're even brought up in the thread on the main board.
I haven't had a great burger in Milwaukee, but I haven't been to Milwaukee for dinner in like 10 years.
Are you thinking Oscar’s Frozen Custard? Because that’s closer to Culver’s. Oscar’s Pub is nothing like Culver’s.
-
Are you thinking Oscar’s Frozen Custard? Because that’s closer to Culver’s. Oscar’s Pub is nothing like Culver’s.
Ahh that makes more sense. Yeah, I was thinking Oscars Frozen Custard since that's been around for a long time. I honestly thought you all were nuts.
Appreciate the correction.
-
I thought Conde Nast was a reputable publication:
https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-04-08/the-best-burgers-in-america-top-15-cities (https://www.cntraveler.com/stories/2016-04-08/the-best-burgers-in-america-top-15-cities)
That list loses all credibility when they have Parlour’s burger on the list. Meh.
This summer, discovered Deer’s Bar in Deer Park. Tiny little town, drove by the place for years. The place has a “turn of the century” vibe to it. The burgers are outstanding. Worth the drive. A top ten burger on my list. Drinks are cheap too (as they should be in a Wisconsin Northwoods bar).
https://www.facebook.com/deersbar/
They have their own meat locker across the street, so the meat is always fresh…never frozen.
King’s Place is noteworthy too. Out of the way, but close enough. Worthy burger destination.
https://kingsplacebar.com/
-
Finally got to Rose Mary tonight. 100% worth it. Absolutely delicious would recommend everything we got.
Straciatella
Tuna Crudo
Gnocchi
Squid ink risotto
Cevapi (Serbian sausages)
-
Went to Cavas in Milwaukee last Saturday. Do not go. One of the worst meals I've had. Any place claiming "artisan baguette" and plops down a room temperature white bread sub sandwich roll needs to reevaluate whether they should be in business. Cannot believe it has the ratings on yelp, google and Facebook it has.
-
Finally got to Rose Mary tonight. 100% worth it. Absolutely delicious would recommend everything we got.
Straciatella
Tuna Crudo
Gnocchi
Squid ink risotto
Cevapi (Serbian sausages)
Went to Cavas in Milwaukee last Saturday. Do not go. One of the worst meals I've had. Any place claiming "artisan baguette" and plops down a room temperature white bread sub sandwich roll needs to reevaluate whether they should be in business. Cannot believe it has the ratings on yelp, google and Facebook it has.
We get it. Chicago is awesome and everything in Milwaukee sucks ass.
-
I have reservations at Alchemist and Noma this week. I'm very excited.
-
I have reservations at Alchemist and Noma this week. I'm very excited.
Unreal lineup. Even more so considering Noma’s short remaining future. I’d tentatively planned Copenhagen, including Noma, for my 40th in 2025 with my wife and my friend and his wife who has a similar bday. That took a hit when that was announced
-
Best restaurant in Door County is up for sale. Which of course means the end of the Wickman House.
-
Unreal lineup. Even more so considering Noma’s short remaining future. I’d tentatively planned Copenhagen, including Noma, for my 40th in 2025 with my wife and my friend and his wife who has a similar bday. That took a hit when that was announced
When it was announced we started camping reservations and we were luckily got one a couple of months back. Booked Copenhagen in a rush, and lucked out when someone cancelled at Alchemist late last week.
I'm trying not to get overly hype and letting that impact my enjoyment of the meals. Just happy to have the opporunity honestly.
-
We get it. Chicago is awesome and everything in Milwaukee sucks ass.
lol nobody's making you read my posts.
I love many Milwaukee restaurants. Char'd, Odd Duck, Tavo Signature are all some of my favorite restaurants between both cities not to mention there's nothing like points east or club G's in Chicago. I consistently tell people in conversation Milwaukee's underrated nationally. Just because I don't have an attitude of "everything from the dollar burger to the fine dining is the best in the world!" Doesn't mean I don't appreciate Milwaukee.
Would you prefer I tell everyone "forget, flavorless broth, store bought sub rolls, baked unseasoned white mushrooms. Spend your hard earned money on sub par food!"
-
I have reservations at Alchemist and Noma this week. I'm very excited.
So jealous. Please share all your thoughts on Noma!
-
Burger categories:
Fast food/cheap: Redhot Ranch, Five Guys
Good burgers, no price limit: Owen & Engine (rip), Armitage Alehouse
Burgers with lots of toppings: Don't care, these burgers are not good. Kumas is in this category and is a bad burger buried under toppings
Oscars and Culvers have no place in this conversation. Kinda ridiculous they're even brought up in the thread on the main board.
I haven't had a great burger in Milwaukee, but I haven't been to Milwaukee for dinner in like 10 years.
Just wanted to further RIP for Owen and Engine and +1 Redhot.
Good to know on Armitage Alehouse. Still haven't been.
-
Best restaurant in Door County is up for sale. Which of course means the end of the Wickman House.
Wild Tomato too. Although that was kinda going downhill.
Still enjoy Waterfront when I am up there as a "nicer" spot. But Wickman House would be missed.
-
Wild Tomato too. Although that was kinda going downhill.
Still enjoy Waterfront when I am up there as a "nicer" spot. But Wickman House would be missed.
Yeah, I don't understand the WT sale. They're the only show in town and they have three locations that are constantly busy. Maybe they got sick of doing it, or finding reliable help was too difficult. I don't know.
We used to enjoy the English Inn because it was able to serve large groups, but this Labor day might have been the single worst dinner I've had in my life there. 2.5 hours for food to come out, it was wrong, and parts were awful. I have no idea what prompted the mgmt to seat a group of 15 if they didn't have the staff (front or back end) to serve us as a group. When the meal was over one of the party privately voiced their displeasure to the manager and was told that he, "makes so much money he doesn't care". Okay dude.
-
Just wanted to further RIP for Owen and Engine and +1 Redhot.
Good to know on Armitage Alehouse. Still haven't been.
O&E is doing pop ups at Bixi till March in case you did hear. I don't know how much of the menu but it's at least the bangers and the burger.
-
Yeah, I don't understand the WT sale. They're the only show in town and they have three locations that are constantly busy. Maybe they got sick of doing it, or finding reliable help was too difficult. I don't know.
We used to enjoy the English Inn because it was able to serve large groups, but this Labor day might have been the single worst dinner I've had in my life there. 2.5 hours for food to come out, it was wrong, and parts were awful. I have no idea what prompted the mgmt to seat a group of 15 if they didn't have the staff (front or back end) to serve us as a group. When the meal was over one of the party privately voiced their displeasure to the manager and was told that he, "makes so much money he doesn't care". Okay dude.
Wild Tomato is owned by a guy with hands in a lot of stuff so probably selling high and moving on.
This is our favorite in the area.
https://chivesdoorcounty.com/
Casey’s for BBQ isn’t bad either.
-
Wild Tomato is owned by a guy with hands in a lot of stuff so probably selling high and moving on.
This is our favorite in the area.
https://chivesdoorcounty.com/
Casey’s for BBQ isn’t bad either.
Agreed on Chives. For lakeside supper club, Donny’s Glidden Lodge ($$)
For more casual supper club, Nitengale in Sturgeon Bay.
We seem to find a new place or two every year.
-
I have reservations at Alchemist and Noma this week. I'm very excited.
Holy crap. Enjoy!
-
Wild Tomato is owned by a guy with hands in a lot of stuff so probably selling high and moving on.
This is our favorite in the area.
https://chivesdoorcounty.com/
Casey’s for BBQ isn’t bad either.
Yep, been to Chives a bunch of times, it's our favorite outside of Wickman.
We go to DC every year at least one or twice.
-
Bummed about Wickman. Didn't get a chance to go this year, though our meal at Trixie's was more than a fine consolation prize.
Bad Moravian's Detroit style pizza was pretty solid. Also loved the little wine bar across the way.
-
Skatastrophy
My wife dined at Noma earlier this year and enjoyed it. Anxious to hear your review. By the way, she loved Copenhagen a lot.
-
Stayed at the Osthoff in Elkart Lake a few weeks back and went to Schwarz’s in St Anna’s on a Sunday. I ordered the queen cut Prime Rib (second smallest of the 5 cuts on the menu) and it was very good. I’m usually hesitant to order Prime Rib at “Supper Clubs” because of how often I’ve been disappointed. Schwarz’s is an interesting place if you’ve never been there.
-
O&E is doing pop ups at Bixi till March in case you did hear. I don't know how much of the menu but it's at least the bangers and the burger.
Oh heck yeah. That makes me happy. Will have to go check that out.
I'll also throw a Marquette-related kudos to Levitt Inn for their smash burger and Bloody Mary. Both hit the spot and it's a great place to watch the game (which they will have on unlike that "Marquette" bar in Roscoe that sucked).
Finally, went to Chef's Special last night and unsurprisingly it's still awesome. Kudos to them for their Bib Gourmand (again). Sad the eggplant dumplings have been moved off the menu for now (they were fire), but enjoyed the new sweet potato dish.
-
I'm back and sort of rested from Copenhagen and Helsinki. Dual work/pleasure so I get to expense quite a bit of it other than.... Alchemist and Noma!
Alchemist 10/10 - https://alchemist.dk/
A mind bending experience that was intense in many ways. Service was ~6 hours and 50 courses/impressions. We got one of the wine pairings with lesser-known wine regions which was a lot of fun to explore, they took a lot of care with the wine selection. The food was everything from fun, to bizarre, to challenging, to delicious. The experience was wild, moving you through 5 (?) rooms over 3-4 stories of a large building over the course of your 'meal'. The experience was physical art, beautiful spaces, an audio/video extravaganza in basically an imax dome covering the main dining room, then a series of physically interactive art installations as you move to the final cocktail lounge overlooking the other spaces you spent your evening in.
The meal was one of the best I've had, and part of that was that it came with a not-so-gentle social message regarding how we interact with each other as humans, how we interact with the planet, how we should reconsider our consumption... all while in the midst of one of the most opulent meals you'll ever eat. They completely unnatural carnal knowledge with your mind, it was great as an experience and an art installation. The meal was wonderful on top of it, minus a few intentionally challenging courses (goat brain course was yummy but my bro struggled with the idea of it, the reindeer blood course was tough for me because of the intense earthy iron flavor, ya know).
The service was exceptional. We were paired with our head server in the first/second space and she stuck with us for the entire service. No switching, no platoon, just one human spending all of her energy making sure we were cared for. It was nice to have her as a mental anchor during the more mind bending parts, and she spent a lot of time and effort explaining everything from the food, wine, experience, city, everything.
The founder & chef played a big part of our meal which was nice. He was really engaged with the diners which I was surprised about. He obviously cares about his experiment.
Noma 10/10 - https://noma.dk/
Noma was in many ways the opposite of Alchemist. Warm and welcoming from the greeting staff at the front of their natural garden property, leading us to a greenhouse for a mug of tea while we waited, then an escort into the wooden dining room with large windows overlooking their prairie and lake. It was so damn cozy the entire time. We had a rotating cast of servers while we ate our way through their Game and Forest menu and wine pairing. Easy-drinking wines were paired with reindeer, pheasant, berries, grains, mushrooms, cherries, and plums. Over and over they served us different preparations of similar animals/berries/grains/etc, it was an eye opening experience into how much you can do with a few simple ingredients and an unlimited budget when it comes to preparation options. Had a fun interaction with chef Rene when we were walking in and he saw us through the glass of his prep kitchen greenhouse and made a point to 2-handed wave to us. He didn't have to and that means a lot. Service was ~5 hours and I left wanting to not leave. I could live there.
Noma closes at the end of next year and we probably won't get back in, but I would be happy to explore their other menus.
Summarized
These two restos were everything that Alinea wasn't. I was getting a little bored with fine dining recently and these two menus revived my interest. I can't think of any area where they fell short even a little bit. Alchemist was more precise and innovative and coldly indifferent to your comfort while driving their message, Noma was confident excellence but somehow still casual and warm. The Alchemist's review is longer not because it was better, but because it was so much harder to wrap my head around. What a week of eating. Copenhagen stole my heart
Helsinki restaurants
lol Helsinki's restaurant scene is mid, go to Copenhagen for food unless you like Salmon soup and salt licorice. They drink hard like Milwaukee does. I had a decent omakase menu at Latitude 25, but it's not worth travelling for. Finnjavel is really nice if you're in the city and want to experience a grandma's menu leveled up to Michelin level.
-
lol nobody's making you read my posts.
I love many Milwaukee restaurants. Char'd, Odd Duck, Tavo Signature are all some of my favorite restaurants between both cities not to mention there's nothing like points east or club G's in Chicago. I consistently tell people in conversation Milwaukee's underrated nationally. Just because I don't have an attitude of "everything from the dollar burger to the fine dining is the best in the world!" Doesn't mean I don't appreciate Milwaukee.
Would you prefer I tell everyone "forget, flavorless broth, store bought sub rolls, baked unseasoned white mushrooms. Spend your hard earned money on sub par food!"
Went to Odd Duck last month. Became a fan. Pro tip: "small plates" are not small. I LOVED the oyster-fried mushrooms, but probably would only get with a group given the portion size there. Their vegetable dishes are quite impressive. I really want to go back again as it sounds like the menu items rotate pretty frequently.
Lupi & Iris was our post-game on Saturday. The veal was delicious but nothing that completely wowed me (meat is good, but prefer things that are more creative--but this is a great option if you're just looking for a meat an potatoes type dish). However, everything else we had was FANTASTIC. The scallops were out of this world and the goat cheese chevre was perfectly executed. Strongly recommend the lobster tail pasta as well--lobster tail is usually played out and poorly executed (read as: hammered), but this one was delicate and the pasta was very flavorful.
-
Went to Odd Duck last month. Became a fan. Pro tip: "small plates" are not small. I LOVED the oyster-fried mushrooms, but probably would only get with a group given the portion size there. Their vegetable dishes are quite impressive. I really want to go back again as it sounds like the menu items rotate pretty frequently.
Lupi & Iris was our post-game on Saturday. The veal was delicious but nothing that completely wowed me (meat is good, but prefer things that are more creative--but this is a great option if you're just looking for a meat an potatoes type dish). However, everything else we had was FANTASTIC. The scallops were out of this world and the goat cheese chevre was perfectly executed. Strongly recommend the lobster tail pasta as well--lobster tail is usually played out and poorly executed (read as: hammered), but this one was delicate and the pasta was very flavorful.
Agreed with everything here. The stars of Odd Duck are their veggie dishes and I'm a certified carnivore.
Lupe & Iris dinner was underwhelming, especially for the price. But their drinks and desserts were immaculate. Would definitely go for a drink and dessert again
-
I'm checking out Bacchus tonight. Anyone been and have a recommendation?
-
Seeing Jake’s quote of Galway reminds me…we were so disappointed by Char’d.
Food was fine but nothing special. Service was incredibly slow. Took over 45 minutes from when we finished our appetizers to when our entrees arrived (we ordered them together.) Server offered us a round of drinks as an apology for the wait, but those didn’t arrive until we had finished our entrees. I know there are a dozen things that could have been going on to cause this, but the food wasn’t good enough for me to go back and risk that service again.
That being said, anyone have recs for Korean in Milwaukee?
-
Seeing Jake’s quote of Galway reminds me…we were so disappointed by Char’d.
Food was fine but nothing special. Service was incredibly slow. Took over 45 minutes from when we finished our appetizers to when our entrees arrived (we ordered them together.) Server offered us a round of drinks as an apology for the wait, but those didn’t arrive until we had finished our entrees. I know there are a dozen things that could have been going on to cause this, but the food wasn’t good enough for me to go back and risk that service again.
That being said, anyone have recs for Korean in Milwaukee?
I'm sorry to hear that and apologize if my recommendation sent you there to experience that. I admit I haven't gone for about a year and a half so could be management or chef changes but my group of friends & wife's friends have always enjoyed it.
I don't know about any current Korean in Milwaukee but just want to say RIP to Seoul which was fantastic back in the day.
-
Seeing Jake’s quote of Galway reminds me…we were so disappointed by Char’d.
Food was fine but nothing special. Service was incredibly slow. Took over 45 minutes from when we finished our appetizers to when our entrees arrived (we ordered them together.) Server offered us a round of drinks as an apology for the wait, but those didn’t arrive until we had finished our entrees. I know there are a dozen things that could have been going on to cause this, but the food wasn’t good enough for me to go back and risk that service again.
That being said, anyone have recs for Korean in Milwaukee?
I definitely haven't eaten a ton of Korean, but my wife loved Ono Kine before moving out of state. I had a coworker and his wife who loved it too.
-
I'm sorry to hear that and apologize if my recommendation sent you there to experience that. I admit I haven't gone for about a year and a half so could be management or chef changes but my group of friends & wife's friends have always enjoyed it.
I don't know about any current Korean in Milwaukee but just want to say RIP to Seoul which was fantastic back in the day.
Ha all good! No blame at all. Probably just an off night for the staff.
Ono Kine is a good one to keep in mind, wades. I didn’t realize they veer into a little Korean on their menu.
-
Speaking of Korean, not Milwaukee, but there is a relatively new spot in Queens called SyKo, its -Syrian-Korean fusion from a married couple of those seemingly opposite ethnicities. But according to a few people I know that have been, its supposedly UNREAL.
-
Milwaukee made some sort of restaurant list, but more importantly it gives a run down of 38 Milwaukee restaurants, so worth a skim, unless you don’t want to make yourself hungry!
I’ll try a link, hopefully it works:
https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-milwaukee-wisconsin
-
Milwaukee made some sort of restaurant list, but more importantly it gives a run down of 38 Milwaukee restaurants, so worth a skim, unless you don’t want to make yourself hungry!
I’ll try a link, hopefully it works:
https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-milwaukee-wisconsin
Not bad. But leaving off Eddie Martini’s is shameful.
-
Sir
I am old school and Eddie’s is my favorite go to place. Love everything about the place. Great list, but Eddie’s makes me happy.
-
Went to Ed Debevic's in Chicago today. Surprised it doesn't have a Bib Gourmand
-
Sir
I am old school and Eddie’s is my favorite go to place. Love everything about the place. Great list, but Eddie’s makes me happy.
Besides quality food the service is top shelf.
-
Going to Cinci in 2 weeks for the X game.
Restaurant recommendations?
-
Going to Cinci in 2 weeks for the X game.
Restaurant recommendations?
Taste of Belgium for breakfast or brunch. Love their waffles.
-
Going to Cinci in 2 weeks for the X game.
Restaurant recommendations?
When in Cinci you have to do Italian. I would recommend Pompilio's in Newport.
https://pompilios.com/
-
Taste of Belgium for breakfast or brunch. Love their waffles.
After visiting Cincy a large number of times over the last 4 years, I second the choice. They have a 1/2 dozen locations (on the riverfront by the Bengals stadium, near U of Cincy, OTR (Over-the-Rhine), Rookwood area among others. (These are the 4 I've eaten at more than once.) They have an interesting menu. The owner is Belgian. Guy Fieri has had TOB on two separate episodes.
Where are you staying, what neighborhood?
-
Went to Tickle Pickle…for a burger…sheesh. Dive burger and beer bar near Xavier.
-
Grater's for ice cream is great.
-
I can make more specific recommendations if I know what section of Cincy you're staying. Downtown? Oakley? Near the Xavier campus? On the river in Covington/Newport? Next to the U of Cincy campus?
Listermann Brewery is practically on campus and you can walk to the Cintas in less than 10 minutes if you want to pre-game. They serve food also.
https://www.listermannbrewing.com/
Dana Gardens is the Xavier bar where all the students hang out. (So you don't want to go there.)
-
I can make more specific recommendations if I know what section of Cincy you're staying. Downtown? Oakley? Near the Xavier campus? On the river in Covington/Newport? Next to the U of Cincy campus?
Listermann Brewery is practically on campus and you can walk to the Cintas in less than 10 minutes if you want to pre-game. They serve food also.
https://www.listermannbrewing.com/
Dana Gardens is the Xavier bar where all the students hang out. (So you don't want to go there.)
We’ll be staying fairly near campus, yes.
-
Any recommendations for Chilaquiles in Milwaukee?
-
Any recommendations for Chilaquiles in Milwaukee?
Man, I LOVE chilaquiles. Mad Rooster has pretty good ones and a solid, varied brunch menu. Cieloto Lindo and Cafe Corazon, or another hole in the wall place. Or…my house 😁
Edit: To add, I’m a salsa verde chilaquiles guy with a couple runny-ish eggs.
-
Man, I LOVE chilaquiles. Mad Rooster has prettt good ones and a solid, varied brunch menu. Cieloto Lindo and Cafe Corazon, or another hole in the wall place. Or…my house 😁
Edit: To add, I’m a salsa verde chilaquiles guy with a couple runny-ish eggs.
Was racking my brain as to where I recently had good ones. Finally hit me. Went to Sweet Diner before a game recently, had their chilaquiles, thought they were good, also a varied menu in a cool spot. Enjoy!
Edit: Oh my, you just have hit a nerve, a good one! Also had the short rib chilaquiles at Merriment Social recently, also solid. And perhaps, I’m mistaking Sweet Diner (which is still solid) with Merriment. Now, I’m done!
-
Guadalajara in Walkers Point?
-
Guadalajara in Walkers Point?
Yep!
-
Cafe Manna has chilaquiles as a special dish on occasion. Worth da drive from da Twin Cities, hey?
-
Cafe Manna has chilaquiles as a special dish on occasion. Worth da drive from da Twin Cities, hey?
Didn’t take you for a lover of the vegan cuisine, Doc, mad respect
-
I'm gluten and grain free by choice. Manna does a great job with their offerings. Bet you didn't know we could frequently be seen at Cafe 1505 also. Big fan of their Balsamic chicken salad and Tuna salad.
While I love my summit bros., I usually order a fish dish. Gotta watch da waistline, hey?
-
I'm gluten and grain free by choice. Manna does a great job with their offerings. Bet you didn't know we could frequently be seen at Cafe 1505 also. Big fan of their Balsamic chicken salad and Tuna salad.
While I love my summit bros., I usually order a fish dish. Gotta watch da waistline, hey?
Cafe Manna is great, as is Cafe 1505, big fan 😁. You a quinoa guy or wild rice guy? Yeah, I gotta get that waistline moving back in the right direction.
Check out Strange Town sometime.
-
Just came back from a weekend at the Xavier game. I swear I gained about 40 pounds this weekend. The food scene in Milwaukee is outstanding! The bar scene always has been good and this year was no exception.
Buckley's was out of this world good. Had dinner there Saturday night with Newsdreams, Doc Blackheart and their wives. The pasta was to die for. Just an incredible atmosphere, good food and outstanding wine list (Doc expects the best :) and always delivers. Really wonderful).
Sunday before the game was brunch at HarborHouse on the Lakefront. Elegant restaurant with exceptional crusine. Had the prime rib for brunch with my son and our Saturday night party. Worth a trip because of the ambiance, quality and the views were exceptional.
Food was wonderful both nights!
-
We’ll be staying fairly near campus, yes.
The only place really near campus is (Exit 5 off of I-71):
* Listermann Brewery is practically on campus and you can walk to the Cintas in less than 10 minutes if you want to pre-game. They serve food also.
https://www.listermannbrewing.com/
* And a couple coffee shops.
One highway exit away headed north (Exit 6 off of I-71) is the Rookwood section of Cincinnati. It's only a 5 minute drive from campus. You can see two big strip mall plazas from the high way exit.
* Taste of Belgium Rookwood is here
* Agave & Rue Restaurant
* BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
* Local restaurants as well as national chains
* One block past the plazas is an Asian restaurant, Wild Ginger Asian Bistro, that we've eaten at a large number of times
Two highway exits away headed north (Exit 8A off of I-71) is the Oakley section of Cincinnati. It's only a 10 minute drive from campus.
* The very large MadTree Brewing is here. They do have limited food options inside
* There's a Kroger/Target plaza with some chain restaurants in it
* Oakley Center has Sleepy Bee Cafe if you need a breakfast / lunch place
* Baba India, another restaurant we've eaten at a large number of times
If you want to visit OTR (Over-the-Rhine) that's only a 10 minute drive south from campus.
It's loaded with bars & restaurants & breweries as well as the FC Cincinnati stadium.
* Sam Adam's largest brewery & taproom is here. (Jim Koch is from Cincinnati.)
* Rheingeist Brewery
* Northern Row Brewery & Distillery
* MadTree has a smaller taproom here combined with a very good sit down restaurant called Alcove
* There's a Taste of Belgium here also.
* There is good breakfast place by the UC campus called HangOverEasy
If you have time visit the riverfront park by the Stadiums and the Roebling Bridge (Roebling, the architect, built this one before he designed the Brooklyn Bridge).
-
Just came back from a weekend at the Xavier game. I swear I gained about 40 pounds this weekend. The food scene in Milwaukee is outstanding! The bar scene always has been good and this year was no exception.
Buckley's was out of this world good. Had dinner there Saturday night with Newsdreams, Doc Blackheart and their wives. The pasta was to die for. Just an incredible atmosphere, good food and outstanding wine list (Doc expects the best :) and always delivers. Really wonderful).
Sunday before the game was brunch at HarborHouse on the Lakefront. Elegant restaurant with exceptional crusine. Had the prime rib for brunch with my son and our Saturday night party. Worth a trip because of the ambiance, quality and the views were exceptional.
Food was wonderful both nights!
Ahem. No Real Chili mention?
-
If you're ever in Capetown:
Salsify at the Roundhouse. Beautiful view of Camps Bay and amazing food with better service.
Cavalli Estate. Great wine, fantastic view, a real experience.
-
Cafe Manna is great, as is Cafe 1505, big fan 😁. You a quinoa guy or wild rice guy? Yeah, I gotta get that waistline moving back in the right direction.
Check out Strange Town sometime.
Not a fan of either. Generally ask for extra veggies instead. Ever been to Harvey's in The Quon?
-
Not a fan of either. Generally ask for extra veggies instead. Ever been to Harvey's in The Quon?
I’ve always liked both as gluten/grain free options and as sort of a blank canvas. Haven’t been to Harvey’s in a LONG time, maybe 10+ years. How are they holding up?
Just got back from Philly, some restaurant thread additions:
Fiorella—Very highly rated, tiny Italian spot, stalked a reservation a month out, sat at the bar across from where they cook the food (party of four, bar is the only option), only 10 or so seats at the bar and maybe 10 seats in small tables around the bar. Homemade pastas, good wine and cocktails. Service is exceptional, staff saw we were basically trying the entire menu minus a few pastas, so they brought out the ones we didn’t order for us to try. Food a bit underwhelming, escargot arrancini app was on the salty side, which I liked but did mention, from that point on the food was under seasoned. Perhaps they actually adjusted to what they thought I wanted, which would have been incredible. Desserts were capital P Phenomenal.
Helm—Classic neighborhood BYO joint. Service again, impeccable. Food, underwhelming. I love texture, food was really one note, soft ish, except for the way too smoky way too under done roasted carrots. Desserts average. Drinks average cause I bought average wine at the University City Acme, not the best selection.
The Love—Brunch was good, shareable biscuits and scones were quite good, food above average to good, could be what we ordered because everything was presented really well. Service bordered on exceptional and overwhelming. Even in a fine dining spot, I would have felt I was asked too many times and too quickly to clear my plate or if I was done. Dial it back and service would be perfect.
Middle Child Clubhouse—My go to, brought about 15 to a late night dinner after a game at the Palestra. Food and service are exceptional, ambiance is very cool, I love this place. Another old guy and I cleaned up at the pool table over a bunch a lawyers. Good stuff. Big fan of places that ask if you want still or sparkling water and it’s good, filtered water in a clear wine bottle, not $10 for a San Pell. Such a fan of this place, didn’t realize it had gotten to 1am and were closing. College kids couldn’t wait for the dads to finish, hah! This place started me on my love for amaro journey.
As for the person who brought up Buckley’s, so glad to hear it’s back on track. I really like the bar area, but have been underwhelmed the last couple times I was there.
If you’re looking for another downtown MKE place, check out Safina, next to Taylor’s near Cathedral Square. Very good food, good wine list, excellent service, fits in the very good place that is not pretentious at all. When I venture out from my first love, a good hole in the wall, I love a place like Safina. Can still wear my jeans and a t-shirt and get a higher level experience.
Headed to Costa Rica in a few weeks, I know I’ve been one to offer some suggestions, but I’m looking for food spots in La Fortuna and Monteverde specifically. Never been to either part of the country.
-
Middle Child Clubhouse—My go to, brought about 15 to a late night dinner after a game at the Palestra. Food and service are exceptional, ambiance is very cool, I love this place. Another old guy and I cleaned up at the pool table over a bunch a lawyers. Good stuff. Big fan of places that ask if you want still or sparkling water and it’s good, filtered water in a clear wine bottle, not $10 for a San Pell. Such a fan of this place, didn’t realize it had gotten to 1am and there closing. College kids couldn’t wait for the dads to finish, hah! This place started me on my love for amaro journey.
Someone (maybe you?) recommended Middle Child Clubhouse to me in this thread when I went to Philly back in October. I strongly recommend as well. Ambience is very cool and the breakfast sandwich I had there was possibly the best I breakfast sandwich I have ever had. Will definitely go back next time in Philly
-
Someone (maybe you?) recommended Middle Child Clubhouse to me in this thread when I went to Philly back in October. I strongly recommend as well. Ambience is very cool and the breakfast sandwich I had there was possibly the best I breakfast sandwich I have ever had. Will definitely go back next time in Philly
It was probably me. They made their mark with those breakfast sandwiches, so good. Check em out for dinner sometime, too, you won’t be disappointed.
-
If you’re looking for another downtown MKE place, check out Safina, next to Taylor’s near Cathedral Square. Very good food, good wine list, excellent service, fits in the very good place that is not pretentious at all. When I venture out from my first love, a good hole in the wall, I love a place like Safina. Can still wear my jeans and a t-shirt and get a higher level experience.
Great to hear. Walked by it the other day and had it as a "we should try that spot" for my wife and I. Will have to check it out when we are up there again.
Re: Chicago spots
We went to Atelier on Friday (the old Elizabeth). It's pricey, but the service is absolutely fantastic and the food matches. I'd actually recommend trying the NA cocktail pairings if you're feeling bored with wine--they did a great job with them. On the short list for places to go back to.
-
Flying in for the UConn game Wednesday. Need some recommendations for the best Italian joint in Milwaukee. Go…
-
Flying in for the UConn game Wednesday. Need some recommendations for the best Italian joint in Milwaukee. Go…
I am a big fan of Onesto in the Third Ward.
https://onestomke.com/
-
Zarletti's downtown, hey?
-
Flying in for the UConn game Wednesday. Need some recommendations for the best Italian joint in Milwaukee. Go…
Check out www.safinamke.com and www.calucchenzo.com
Safina is walking distance, Ca’Lucchenzo is on 61st and North.
-
Zarlett's is the nicest and fanciest. You will not have a bad meal there. The downtown location makes sense for a meal, if you're working around #mubb.
Another option is Carini's is over by UWM and is the best of your traditional Sicilian spots. Their sauce is the best in town and while their pizza is not VPN, it is just as good as any VPN spot.
-
If you're looking for something beyond a red sauce joint Ca Lucchenzo is the pick.
Downtown I'd probably go with Zarletti as well.
-
Flying in for the UConn game Wednesday. Need some recommendations for the best Italian joint in Milwaukee. Go…
Il Mito in Tosa. Mrs. TAMU is the granddaughter of four Italian immigrants and none of their children married outside the tribe. She turns her nose up at every Italian joint we go to because it's nowhere near as good as her familys (and being a regular consumer i can confirm she is correct). Il Mito is the one exception we've found in Milwaukee.
I loved Onesto personally (Mrs TAMU says it was okay)
-
Il Mito in Tosa. Mrs. TAMU is the granddaughter of four Italian immigrants and none of their children married outside the tribe. She turns her nose up at every Italian joint we go to because it's nowhere near as good as her familys (and being a regular consumer i can confirm she is correct). Il Mito is the one exception we've found in Milwaukee.
I loved Onesto personally (Mrs TAMU says it was okay)
Your wife has good taste.
-
No Calderone Club ❤️?
-
No Calderone Club ❤️?
Neither of us were impressed. Won't go back
-
Neither of us were impressed. Won't go back
TripAdvisor #3 Italian. Always packed pregame and even reserving three days before is a hard reservation. Seems to be the MU Mafia regular place. Very good in my experience.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60097-c26-Milwaukee_Wisconsin.html
-
TripAdvisor #3 Italian. Always packed pregame and even reserving three days before is a hard reservation. Seems to be the MU Mafia regular place. Very good in my experience.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60097-c26-Milwaukee_Wisconsin.html
I never trust Trip Advisor for restaurant reviews. They are all written by tourists who don't have a point of comparison in that particular town.
-
I never trust Trip Advisor for restaurant reviews. They are all written by tourists who don't have a point of comparison in that particular town.
Some people spend more time on the Trip Advisor forums than on Scoop and you'll get an earful from them if you knock their website. You in the TA cult, Blackheart? haha
-
I never trust Trip Advisor for restaurant reviews. They are all written by tourists who don't have a point of comparison in that particular town.
Seconded, I'd rather use a Thrillist, timeout or eater list that hasn't really been updated in 10yrs than trip advisor.
-
Thanks for all the recommendations.
Went with 21’s recommendation of Safina. Place was awesome. Owner was there. Had a spot called Giovanni’s on the East Side for 30 years. Would Defintely go back.
-
Thanks for all the recommendations.
Went with 21’s recommendation of Safina. Place was awesome. Owner was there. Had a spot called Giovanni’s on the East Side for 30 years. Would Defintely go back.
So glad you enjoyed it, my wife and I are big fans.
-
I never trust Trip Advisor for restaurant reviews. They are all written by tourists who don't have a point of comparison in that particular town.
I agree. Yet, the MU Faithful love Calderone. It's JB's Place.
That said, Stella's is underrated. Fair rating actually.
-
TripAdvisor #3 Italian. Always packed pregame and even reserving three days before is a hard reservation. Seems to be the MU Mafia regular place. Very good in my experience.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g60097-c26-Milwaukee_Wisconsin.html
Haha, we both hated the food at Glorioso's too (#1 per your link). Guess we're not TripAdvisor people. Il Mito at 16 is absurd.
-
Glorioso's is incredible.
-
Zarletti's downtown, hey?
Easily. Great food.
-
Glorioso's a grocery store, deli. Amazing lunch spot but I wouldn't do dinner there.
Calderone is solid but has benefitted from their location. You'd have to have the MECCA's management not to be packed being where they are in relation to the FF + Baird Center. I do love their sister spot next door San Georgio (VPN Pizza) but it's pricey. In the Hauser days a lot of Steven Point royalty (Point Beer) would dine there on MU weekends. Good people. As for Calderone, Gino has done a nice job but I think Carmelo's spot up in Fox Point is better.
All that said...
Red sauce / pizza: Carini's
Fancy / big occassion: Zarletti
Great date night: Ca'Lucchenzo
-
Glorioso's is incredible.
Per Mrs TAMU: "I would rather eat Rocky Rococo than Gloriosos"
-
Per Mrs TAMU: "I would rather eat Rocky Rococo than Gloriosos"
Her loss. It's awesome.
Like The Lens said, you aren't going there to sit down and eat dinner. But to pick up some stuff you can make at home for dinner and grab a sandwich for lunch while you're there, it's amazing.
-
Her loss. It's awesome.
Like The Lens said, you aren't going there to sit down and eat dinner. But to pick up some stuff you can make at home for dinner and grab a sandwich for lunch while you're there, it's amazing.
We've done both. Not for us. To each their own.
-
Glorioso's has some hits but I've had some genuinely awful stuff there (whatever they used to call their approximation of an Italian sub had an insane amount of peppers, the cannoli is insanely sweet, like icing instead of ricotta sweet)
That said I don't think it's anything particularly special that you wouldn't find in most larger cities. Ive for sure found various approximations in St Louis, Chicago, Boston, & NYC with some better and some worse.
-
Glorioso's has some hits but I've had some genuinely awful stuff there (whatever they used to call their approximation of an Italian sub had an insane amount of peppers, the cannoli is insanely sweet, like icing instead of ricotta sweet)
That said I don't think it's anything particularly special that you wouldn't find in most larger cities. Ive for sure found various approximations in St Louis, Chicago, Boston, & NYC with some better and some worse.
Chicago has bangin italian food. That being said...
Ca'Lucchenzo on the edge of Tosa is fantastic. Wonderful updated takes on traditional italian. Killer wine list.
Also don't sleep on the Rocky Rococo sausage super slice w/ the bread sticks and cheese sauce.
-
Chicago has bangin italian food. That being said...
Ca'Lucchenzo on the edge of Tosa is fantastic. Wonderful updated takes on traditional italian. Killer wine list.
Also don't sleep on the Rocky Rococo sausage super slice w/ the bread sticks and cheese sauce.
We haven't gotten to Ca'Lucchenzo yet. High on our list.
-
We haven't gotten to Ca'Lucchenzo yet. High on our list.
First time I ate there, the meal entered the chat of top five MKE restaurant. Each time since hasn’t surpassed it, but the bar was set really high. On a beautiful night, eat outside in the back.
-
Glorioso's a grocery store, deli. Amazing lunch spot but I wouldn't do dinner there.
Calderone is solid but has benefitted from their location. You'd have to have the MECCA's management not to be packed being where they are in relation to the FF + Baird Center. I do love their sister spot next door San Georgio (VPN Pizza) but it's pricey. In the Hauser days a lot of Steven Point royalty (Point Beer) would dine there on MU weekends. Good people. As for Calderone, Gino has done a nice job but I think Carmelo's spot up in Fox Point is better.
All that said...
Red sauce / pizza: Carini's
Fancy / big occassion: Zarletti
Great date night: Ca'Lucchenzo
the best seafood and octopus salad i've had
great selections of Italian meats and cheeses. never thought of it as a restaurant, but the smell of their stuff in the car on drive home was torture. simple open face sciortinos bread Genoa or mortadella with a slice of provolone maybe some giardiniera on the side...don't bust my boo-alls and get the fu** outta heeya
-
Tenuta’s is better
-
Chicago has bangin italian food. That being said...
I didn't realize they had a Porcini's.
-
Chicago has bangin italian food. That being said...
Ca'Lucchenzo on the edge of Tosa is fantastic. Wonderful updated takes on traditional italian. Killer wine list.
Also don't sleep on the Rocky Rococo sausage super slice w/ the bread sticks and cheese sauce.
sorry I wasn't trying to boost up Chicago in particular was only trying to point out that while Glorioso's concept is fairly uncommon in MKE (I guess Grappi sort of compares) it's not a particularly revolutionary concept with similar Italian markets existing all over many with better or worse food.
-
Chicago has bangin italian food. That being said...
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRXQ0V6YVcQvrCFVjwOux0ZoRMywnC3AzE-tg&usqp=CAU)
-
Il Mito in Tosa. Mrs. TAMU is the granddaughter of four Italian immigrants and none of their children married outside the tribe. She turns her nose up at every Italian joint we go to because it's nowhere near as good as her familys (and being a regular consumer i can confirm she is correct). Il Mito is the one exception we've found in Milwaukee.
I loved Onesto personally (Mrs TAMU says it was okay)
Was not super impressed by Il Mito. Ambiance was lacking (stereotypical Italian restaurant soundtrack interrupted by commercials!) Food presentation was middling. Food was pretty good, with the exception of the pasta. Tasted boxed. I’d go back, but there’d have to be a few other spots booked first before I turned to it.
On the other hand, recently went to Morel in Walker’s Point. Great food, great cocktails, good service.
-
Was not super impressed by Il Mito. Ambiance was lacking (stereotypical Italian restaurant soundtrack interrupted by commercials!) Food presentation was middling. Food was pretty good, with the exception of the pasta. Tasted boxed. I’d go back, but there’d have to be a few other spots booked first before I turned to it.
On the other hand, recently went to Morel in Walker’s Point. Great food, great cocktails, good service.
Morel is solidly in my top five MKE restaurants. Big fan
-
rocket
If I go to Benji's deli or Glorioso's I am eating all the way home. I go to Glorioso's quite a bit and love the car ride home. My mouth this watering as I write this post.
-
Tenuta’s is better
Big fan of Tenuta’s but then again I grew up in a German household and still enjoy good sauerbraten every couple of years.
-
Ate at Smyth last week for my birthday and while it was truly incredible i wasn't blown away. I thought for a 3 Michelin star restaurant it'd be doing something out of this world but it was seemingly on par with the likes of El Ideas and Sepia.
Maybe my expectations were too high?
-
For any NYC people, had dinner at Kochi in Hells Kitchen on Friday. Ambitious modern Korean spot. Fantastic tasting menu at a really reasonable price for a Michelin starred restaurant in Manhattan.