125437 Fri May 12 12:45:07 -0700 2006 11 8 Midwest 0 680830 Will be traveling to Milwaukee in June for a conference at the Midwest Convention Center, staying at the Hilton (no car). Looking for recommendations for dinner(5 nights-Saturday till Wednesday), and possibly breakfasts (lunch is provided at conference). Prefer places that are a "Milwaukee " experience, i.e., something that I cannot easily obtain elsewhere (either the food, the view, or the ambiance). I am coming from southern California, where we have lots of good Mexican and Asian food, so prefer other recommendations. Thanks. Fri May 12 12:45:07 -0700 2006 0 Roph 1 680834 You'll have to make a stop at either Karl Ratzsch's or Mader's for German. In terms of atmosphere, either is amazingly German. It's been awhile since I've been at either, so others might disagree, but Ratzsch's is usually considered the better of the two. You might try County Clare, and Irish restaurant/pub/bed & breakfast. Again, really nice decor, and very good food. Fri May 12 12:57:53 -0700 2006 680830 0 mike 2 680840 I will need to try German - not real familiar with that cuisine. Does anyone have any more input on which to try - Maders or Karl Ratzsch? What are the good menu items? Thanks Fri May 12 15:07:14 -0700 2006 680834 0 Roph 3 680843 Mader's used to be great, but it has gone seriously downhill in the last few years. I would definitely go to Karl Ratzsch's. Fri May 12 16:45:15 -0700 2006 680840 0 Dr. Food 4 680848 I like Mader's Bar, but would pick Ratszch's food. If it's a nice day, a burger or brat on the Harp Inn's outdoor deck is enjoyable - not great food, but nice setting. Anything on the river is good in nice weather - Rock Bottom Brewery, etc. Although there's a lot downtown, taxis are relaly cheap, so I wouldn't rule out travelling a little further. We really liked Trocadero at the other end of Water Street. Elsa's on Cathedral Square is fun & good food - lots of places in this area. Lots to check out in the 3rd Ward - Coquette Cafe is great & the Harlequin Bakery for awesome breakfast goodies. Have a drink in the Pfister's bar - I actually like both the lobby & Blu, on the top floor for a great view. We haven't been to The Social's new location, but liked the old one. And I highly recommend the key lime pie martinis at the Velvet Room downtown ;-)) If you don't mind walking, you'll find all kinds of places almost any direction. You'll have the best times sitting at the bar & eating, but you probably know that if you travel a lot... Have fun - I always have a blast in Milwaukee!! Fri May 12 18:54:15 -0700 2006 680843 0 torta basilica 5 680849 P.S. I'm from SoCal too! Fri May 12 18:55:01 -0700 2006 680848 0 torta basilica 4 680863 I have to agree, Mader's isn't what it once was, (the last time I was there, they had started down the route of 'bistro cooking', complete with odd-combinations of flavors in the saucing/spicing.) But the beer-tasting sampler is still a nice treat. Sat May 13 17:08:42 -0700 2006 680843 0 Barb 5 680885 Speaking of beer.....I have heard there are several good brew pubs around downtown Milwaukee. Any recommendations? Sun May 14 22:34:10 -0700 2006 680863 0 Roph 4 680882 LOL - You're got to check out Ratzsch's "Lighter Fare" menu for an idea of what you're getting into... Käse Spatzle, Bratwurst Plate, Chicken Alfredo Strudel... When we were there in March, we walked by & were laughing so hard we were crying over their 'diet' selections. If that's the lighter fare, you can just imagine what the regular offerings are! Link: http://www.karlratzsch.com/dinner%202.htm#7 Sun May 14 16:19:49 -0700 2006 680843 0 torta basilica 1 680858 I would think that most Milwaukee area natives would agree that any restaurant under The Bartolotta Restaurant group is experiencing. I have had nothing but great experiences and wonderful meals when I dine with them. I would suggest: 1. Lake Park Bistro, French cuisine - www.lakeparkbistro.com 2. Bacchus, Contemporary American - www.bacchusmke.com Enjoy! Sat May 13 10:38:16 -0700 2006 680830 0 MD 1 680893 If you want to try something...well, not exactly different, but at least different from the other places suggested, try Miss Katie's Diner at 19th & Clybourn, a very short cab ride from your location. The setting is 50's diner but you'd be more likely to feel like James Dean will walk through the door rather that Laverne & Shirley, and the food is comfortable. Great shakes, and they do serve alcohol. If it means anything to anyone, when President Clinton and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl met in Milwaukee, they ate at Miss Katie's. Link: http://www.onmilwaukee.com/dining/articles/misskatie.html Mon May 15 10:02:47 -0700 2006 680830 0 Fydeaux 1 681118 Ratzch's for German, Three Brothers for Serbian (you will need to take a cab; it's not really downtown). Von Trier on the East Side for a huge beer selection; Buck Bradley's on a Friday night for fish fry (I think they have perch; get the perch, definitely). Not sure if you'll have access to Kopp's, Culver's, or Oscar's for frozen custard (and butterburgers), but if so, I highly recommend a double butterburger with fried onions followed by whatever the flavor oof the day is. Wed May 24 14:23:16 -0700 2006 680830 0 kitchengrl