Milwaukee restaurants-question

[New Era Warriors]

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]

Ricky's on State.

[warrior_rugby15]

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]

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]

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]

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

For Italian .. Pasta Tree.

[NYWarrior]

Le Merenda

[w0bbie]

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

For Italian .. Pasta Tree.

Pasta Tree definitely

[drewm88]

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

[jaybilaswho?]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Chili]

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]

    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]

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

[wadesworld]

Sabor. Need I say more?

[mu_hilltopper]

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]

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]

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]

Sabor. Need I say more?

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

[Sir Lawrence]

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]

Caveat: Roots' nacho plate is orgasmic. 

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

[Shanunu]

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]

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.