Author Topic: Milwaukee restaurants-question (Read 15661 times)

New Era Warriors · « **on:** February 01, 2011, 01:03:20 AM »

Hey guys. My roommate was asking about which restaurant he should take his girlfriend to for Valentine's Day. He wants to take her for a "nice" dinner because they don't get out like that very often.

So... what are some of the steakhouses in downtown Milwaukee that you would recommend? Italian restaurants?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I'll show him all the responses. Thanks.

SoCalwarrior · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:26:36 AM »

Ricky's on State.

warrior_rugby15 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:08:57 AM »

New Era Warriors, theres a couple threads in the super bar on Milwaukee restaurants, for valentines day and non valentines day. i would find them, but it's 2:00 am right now.

Edit: Just happen to find some
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=12165.0
http://www.muscoop.com/index.php?topic=23485.0

4everwarriors · « **Reply #3 on:** February 01, 2011, 06:36:57 AM »

Ah, does he think she'll be "worth" it? If so, and he wants to blow his wad, then:

1. Bacchus
2. Carnevor
3. Milwaukee Steak House (think Coerpers, but in a much better neighborhood)
4. Lake Park Bistro

Chili · « **Reply #4 on:** February 01, 2011, 08:39:21 AM »

Harbor House - New Bartollota seafood restaurant where Pieces of Crap er Pieces of Eight used to be.
Hinterland - Great local sustainable food, Gastro Pub
Sanford - Just awesome.
Crazy Water - Best seafood restaurant in Milwaukee hands down. Small as all get up but awesome place.
Il Mito - in Tosa but great Italian food
Coquette Cafe - even though Sandy (owner / chef of Sanford) sold the restaurant to some of his old Chefs - the place has stayed great if you like French bistro food.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #5 on:** February 01, 2011, 09:13:31 AM »

The restaurant at the Harley Museum is very cool .. although not particularly expensive / romantic.

For Italian .. Pasta Tree.

NYWarrior · « **Reply #6 on:** February 01, 2011, 09:26:59 AM »

Le Merenda

w0bbie · « **Reply #7 on:** February 01, 2011, 09:35:27 AM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 09:13:31 AM

The restaurant at the Harley Museum is very cool .. although not particularly expensive / romantic.

For Italian .. Pasta Tree.

Pasta Tree definitely

drewm88 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 01, 2011, 09:39:53 AM »

Real Chili. If she's not cool with that, ditch her.

jaybilaswho? · « **Reply #9 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:02:08 AM »

Quote from: w0bbie on February 01, 2011, 09:35:27 AM

Pasta Tree definitely

has been voted one of Milwaukee's most romantic restaurants (I personally dont see it) and also best first date place (i think). This is one of my absolute MKE favorites.

New Era Warriors · « **Reply #10 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:06:34 AM »

Quote from: drewm88 on February 01, 2011, 09:39:53 AM

Real Chili. If she's not cool with that, ditch her.

Completely agree. Can't go wrong there. Thanks for all the suggestions I'll show him the thread and look at the ones from the past.

Ari Gold · « **Reply #11 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:07:33 AM »

Mimma's cafe on brady
ChopHouse
Balzac (I hate that place but, it's what he's looking for)
Agree with Bacchus
I hear Roots is great as well, same with Pasta tree

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:18:46 AM »

Roots .. has a very funky menu. Make sure there's something on there that you like.

Chili · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:35:12 AM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 10:18:46 AM

Roots .. has a very funky menu. Make sure there's something on there that you like.

Funky? Hardly - it's a local sustainable menu that changes with seasons. True - it's not a boring steak house but the food outstanding.

Spotcheck Billy · « **Reply #14 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:42:03 AM »

I'm taking my wife here for Valentines - Blue Cave Castle@Negril

for the lobster thermadore

I better do something nice, it's our 20th anny

MU B2002 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 01, 2011, 10:49:36 AM »

C'mon 'Brew that's only like $17 a piece. Better get 2 each. Of course you are in Jamaica, nevermind. You win.

wadesworld · « **Reply #16 on:** February 01, 2011, 12:03:50 PM »

Sabor. Need I say more?

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #17 on:** February 01, 2011, 12:51:00 PM »

Quote from: Chili on February 01, 2011, 10:35:12 AM

Funky? Hardly - it's a local sustainable menu that changes with seasons. True - it's not a boring steak house but the food outstanding.

If you are into funky food, yes, it's outstanding.

Soy Grilled Tilapia? Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with trumpet mushrooms? Yucatan Smoked Chicken? Caramelized Cauliflower Wedge?

Ok, then you have your Roasted Pork Chops, which are non-funky. Oh, but wait! Those come with stout braised red cabbage, caraway spaetzle, elderberry jus == FUNKY.

Then there's the Cellar .. slightly less funky. Here comes the grilled cheese .. with arugula!!!

Admittedly, if you have an educated pallet, Roots may be your mecca. Personally, I when I order "BBQ Pork Belly" I don't expect it to be "beer battered oysters, Carolina vinegar sauce, mizuna greens". (It might be a misprint, but I wouldn't put it past them.)

GGGG · « **Reply #18 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:11:29 PM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 12:51:00 PM

If you are into funky food, yes, it's outstanding.

Soy Grilled Tilapia? Baked Ricotta Gnocchi with trumpet mushrooms? Yucatan Smoked Chicken? Caramelized Cauliflower Wedge?

You've lived in Milwaukee too long if you think these are "funky."

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #19 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:23:21 PM »

Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on February 01, 2011, 01:11:29 PM

You've lived in Milwaukee too long if you think these are "funky."

Well, ok, I can go with that. I suppose every dish is contextually funky to someone. Vegemite in Australia = funky in the USA. Roots' menu = funky food for Milwaukee residents, and I would wager, in most of the midwest.

Skatastrophy · « **Reply #20 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:31:24 PM »

Quote from: wadesworld on February 01, 2011, 12:03:50 PM

Sabor. Need I say more?

Sabor's commercials remind me of the Sybaris commercials. /shudder

Sir Lawrence · « **Reply #21 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:43:08 PM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 01:23:21 PM

Well, ok, I can go with that. I suppose every dish is contextually funky to someone. Vegemite in Australia = funky in the USA. Roots' menu = funky food for Milwaukee residents, and I would wager, in most of the midwest.

I'm with Hilltopper on this one. Been to Roots twice, and just wasn't that impressed. It's one of those places that everyone says is great, but you come away wondering what all the fuss is.

For a special meal, I'm a big fan of Eddie Martini's.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #22 on:** February 01, 2011, 01:47:01 PM »

Caveat: Roots' nacho plate is orgasmic.

(And for the non-Milwaukee educated palette, you can funkify it with .. shudder .. tofu.)

Shanunu · « **Reply #23 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:06:31 PM »

Elsa's on the Park. Accidentally went there with some of my buddies one night after looking at Zagats. Not good for a guys night out, but definitely the perfect atmosphere for a night with that special someone.

BrewCity83 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:09:57 PM »

Quote from: Shanunu on February 01, 2011, 02:06:31 PM

Elsa's on the Park. Accidentally went there with some of my buddies one night after looking at Zagats. Not good for a straight guys night out, but definitely the perfect atmosphere for a night with that special someone.

fixed.

Mimma's, Pasta Tree, Eddie Martini's and Lake Park Bistro are all top notch in my book.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #25 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:29:58 PM »

How about Dream Dance in Potawatomi? (Still Bartolatta run?)

As a bonus, since Indian Casinos were exempted from the smoking ban, you can smoke a pack of cigs after your dinner, and play a few cards of bingo.

Chili · « **Reply #26 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:46:44 PM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 02:29:58 PM

How about Dream Dance in Potawatomi? (Still Bartolatta run?)

As a bonus, since Indian Casinos were exempted from the smoking ban, you can smoke a pack of cigs after your dinner, and play a few cards of bingo.

Ever since they have gone to Dream Dance Steak I have only gone once. Still good but not that same.

Another place I would HIGHLY recommend is Smyth at the Iron Horse Hotel. Damn is that some good food.

Freeport Warrior · « **Reply #27 on:** February 01, 2011, 02:49:27 PM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 01:47:01 PM

Caveat: Roots' nacho plate is orgasmic.

Totally agree. My wife and I go the Roots bar and make a meal of those pulled pork nachos with a couple beers before we go to the Oriental. The perfect low-key night for a middle-aged suburban couple. Don't buy into the Harbor House PR machine -- went last night, good enough, but certainly not worth the money. Don't get the hype. Would much rather go to Carnevor, Hinterland or upstairs at Roots any day.

wadesworld · « **Reply #28 on:** February 01, 2011, 03:46:47 PM »

Quote from: Skatastrophy on February 01, 2011, 01:31:24 PM

Sabor's commercials remind me of the Sybaris commercials. /shudder

Ever eaten there? Damn, I get hard just thinking about it. Going tomorrow if it's open to celebrate the snow day.

StillAWarrior · « **Reply #29 on:** February 01, 2011, 04:00:49 PM »

The fact that I haven't heard of any of the serious suggestions (which excludes Ricky's or Real Chili) makes me realize that either: a) I'm old; b) I never went to any nice places in Milwaukee; or c) all of the above.

My wife and I had a couple of nice meals while in Milwaukee. We liked Karl Raschs (sp?) and Pieces of Eight. Are they still around? Or have they been gone for nearly 20 years.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #30 on:** February 01, 2011, 04:31:53 PM »

Pieces of Eight closed within the year and is now Harbor House. Karl Ratzsch's is still open.

jaybilaswho? · « **Reply #31 on:** February 01, 2011, 04:51:54 PM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 01, 2011, 04:31:53 PM

Pieces of Eight closed within the year and is now Harbor House.

Any word on how Harbor House is? My favorite thing about Pieces of Eight was their amazing Sunday brunch buffet.

4everwarriors · « **Reply #32 on:** February 01, 2011, 06:50:22 PM »

Quote from: jaybilaswho? on February 01, 2011, 04:51:54 PM

Any word on how Harbor House is? My favorite thing about Pieces of Eight was their amazing Sunday brunch buffet.

The joint is beautiful and the view is unmatched. Should be even better in summer for outdoor dining. As for the food, just OK, nothing special.

GGGG · « **Reply #33 on:** February 01, 2011, 07:20:21 PM »

Quote from: Sir Lawrence on February 01, 2011, 01:43:08 PM

I'm with Hilltopper on this one. Been to Roots twice, and just wasn't that impressed. It's one of those places that everyone says is great, but you come away wondering what all the fuss is.

For a special meal, I'm a big fan of Eddie Martini's.

See this is why its good that taste differs. I would never spend the money for Eddie Martinis.

4everwarriors · « **Reply #34 on:** February 01, 2011, 07:26:23 PM »

Quote from: The Sultan of South Wayne on February 01, 2011, 07:20:21 PM

See this is why its good that taste differs. I would never spend the money for Eddie Martinis.

Sully, you would if it were Valentine's Day, you were single, and you deemed the broad worth it.

Ari Gold · « **Reply #35 on:** February 01, 2011, 07:44:32 PM »

Quote from: 4everwarriors on February 01, 2011, 07:26:23 PM

Sully, you would if it were Valentine's Day, you were single, and you deemed the broad worth it.

Chloroform if she isnt

Chili · « **Reply #36 on:** February 02, 2011, 10:40:46 AM »

Quote from: jaybilaswho? on February 01, 2011, 04:51:54 PM

Any word on how Harbor House is? My favorite thing about Pieces of Eight was their amazing Sunday brunch buffet.

Pieces of Eight good? I wouldn't feed that crap to a stray dog. That place blew Iraqi goats.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #37 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:25:12 AM »

Yet somehow, Pieces of Eight managed to stay open for 41 years. Must be a lot of stray dogs in Milwaukee.

Chili · « **Reply #38 on:** February 02, 2011, 11:32:00 AM »

Quote from: mu_hilltopper on February 02, 2011, 11:25:12 AM

Yet somehow, Pieces of Eight managed to stay open for 41 years. Must be a lot of stray dogs in Milwaukee.

It was good. But they switched management and skated by for years on the view. It was shame that the city let such poor managers run that place into the ground and kept renewing their lease.

Hards Alumni · « **Reply #39 on:** February 16, 2011, 04:51:03 PM »

Made a reservation at Hinterlands for Saturday... wondering what the dress code is.

I plan to attend the MU game that evening and I was hoping I wouldn't have to change much...

suggestions?

Chili · « **Reply #40 on:** February 16, 2011, 05:28:53 PM »

Quote from: Hards_Alumni on February 16, 2011, 04:51:03 PM

Made a reservation at Hinterlands for Saturday... wondering what the dress code is.

I plan to attend the MU game that evening and I was hoping I wouldn't have to change much...

suggestions?

it's a gastropub. nice jeans, decent shirt, normal shoes....you will be ok.

77ncaachamps · « **Reply #41 on:** February 16, 2011, 08:23:28 PM »

Pasta Tree is STILL around?

Been away for about 14 years and can't believe that place is still there.

In a good way...not a bad way. Running restaurants is a hard business. But if you're Pasta Tree you must be doing something right.

A nice, quaint place to spend a romantic dinner.

mu_hilltopper · « **Reply #42 on:** February 17, 2011, 12:56:32 PM »

Quote from: 77ncaachamps on February 16, 2011, 08:23:28 PM

Pasta Tree is STILL around?

Been away for about 14 years and can't believe that place is still there.

They expanded next door as well.

Spotcheck Billy · « **Reply #43 on:** March 18, 2011, 09:38:33 AM »

there's a Groupon deal right now for a friend's place Chili Lili's, check it out, great chili's and fantastic kobe burgers (the exact same burger as at Lagniappe)

http://www.groupon.com/deals/chili-lilis-chili-bar-milwaukee?utm_campaign=chili-lilis-chili-bar-milwaukee&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&c=button&addx=jwoodall@wi.rr.com&utm_content=milwaukee_inter&user=jwoodall@wi.rr.com&d=deal&s=featured_deal&divison=milwaukee&date=20110317

http://bestburgersinmilwaukee.com/lagniappe/

Ari Gold · « **Reply #44 on:** March 18, 2011, 09:17:07 PM »

Quote from: Homebrew101 on March 18, 2011, 09:38:33 AM

there's a Groupon deal right now for a friend's place Chili Lili's, check it out, great chili's and fantastic kobe burgers (the exact same burger as at Lagniappe)

http://www.groupon.com/deals/chili-lilis-chili-bar-milwaukee?utm_campaign=chili-lilis-chili-bar-milwaukee&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&c=button&addx=jwoodall@wi.rr.com&utm_content=milwaukee_inter&user=jwoodall@wi.rr.com&d=deal&s=featured_deal&divison=milwaukee&date=20110317

http://bestburgersinmilwaukee.com/lagniappe/

Pretty Decent Chili at Chili Lili's

Trouble forgiving them for this tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/chilililis/status/39086834952839168 -->
http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/sh_02_19_11

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Author Topic: Milwaukee restaurants-question (Read 15661 times)