What NOT to miss in Milwaukee

[napolean]

We are taking a roadtrip to Milwaukee (March 28-30) and will be first time visitors. Not sure what neighborhood we'll be staying in, but driving is not an issue. Are there any casual neighborhood bars or restaurant institutions that shouldn't be missed on our first visit? What does Milwaukee have to offer as far as food? Thanks!

[jenniegirl]

I lived in Milwaukee for a year, and I swear the food was so good. I would recommend for cheap eats (and a really fun, cool area) to go to the East Side, by the U of M. Oakland street has this really great, really cheap Thai place called "Authentic Thai Kitchen" They had great curry-everything was good there. Bypass Oakland Trattoria, it looks cute, but it's not that great. Also, PizzaMan on Brady Street is good, and if you go north on Lake Street (gorgeous mansions!) I think there's a place called Pandles that has really good fish. Copps custard is not to be missed-also Leon's Custard Stand.

[gido]

That's Lake Drive and it's Jack Pandl's, http://www.jackpandls.com/.

And it's Kopp's, which posts its flavor of the day at http://www.kopps.com/

[Foureyes137]

My wife and I have been eating our way through this list the last couple visits while visiting her family. So far we have been very happy with the results.

http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.a...

The Sanford is good, but if you live in a major metro, you've likely been to better white tablecloth restaurants. Still quite good.

Its Kopps not Copps. And I second a visit. Awesome vanilla malts.

If you are there on a Friday, one thing you cannot miss is a good Wisconsin Fish Fry. Start off with a Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Get the Perch if they have it. We love Clifford's (Hall) in Hales Corners (or it might be West Allis). Family style, all you can eat, pure Milwaukee.

[Living4fun]

Milwaukee does have an abundance of good restaurants. Brady Street area: Hi-Hat, Balzac, Bosley's, Mimmas to name a few.
Third Ward :The Hinterland Gastro Pub, Wicked Hop, Coquette Cafe
Downtown : Lake Park Bistro, Turner Hall for a Fish Fry, Yanni's, IMO Sandford's is one of the best, but it is a special occasion restaurant.It has been named one of the best in the country in several publications.
Walkers Point: has several Mexican restaurants
South Side: Three Brothers, a Serbian restaurant. You feel like your in Europe once entering.
Check out onmilwaukee.com to get an idea for dining and reviews.

[Living4fun]

One more to add: Sobleman's on St. Paul for the best hamburger.

[jenniegirl]

I had a really bad experience at Mimma's. I was a poor student teacher and went there for my birthday dinner. First, my food was served then my roomates came out 35 minutes later. I had lasagna (or shells, I don't remember which one)-they tasted frozen in the middle. They took it in the kitchen and returned it another 35 minutes later. When I called to complain the next day they accused me of lying to get a free meal.
Not cool.

[Living4fun]

Wow that wasn't cool at all. Granted I haven't been there in a couple of years, but I have always had a good dining experience.

[AnneInMpls]

When I go to Milwaukee, my must-visit places are Leon's Custard and the Three Brothers (get the burek). And the Public Market - be sure to go when you're hungry!

http://milwaukeepublicmarket.org/

But I've only ever eaten at a handful of places in MKE (partly because I HAVE to go to Three Brothers), so I know I'm just scratching the surface. This is a great thread for ideas. Check these other threads, too:

A week in Milwaukee
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/315883

Downtown Milwaukee Recs
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/311867

Milwaukee -- Report (way, way longer than necessary)
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/122529

Anne

[nsxtasy]

If you enjoy high-end restaurants, then Sanford is THE place to go. I had one of the very best meals of my life there. It compares well with the very best restaurants in Chicago, where I live. www.sanfordrestaurant.com

[mike_d]

If you're looking to combine food and bar, then despite the glory that is Sobelman's burger, Hooligan's is your place (North Ave. and Farwell, east side). There food is consistently good. Wide variety of bar foodThe New England clam chowder on Fridays is really good (looking at your visiting dates) and a good fish fry too. Maybe not the best, but very good..... Lakefront Brewery's Palm Gardens has a good fish fry too, also East side.

Around the same area, Beans and Barley is the vegetarian institution (though they do serve poultry), but also to try Hotch-a-do, all organic, interesting preparations of standard breakfasts and sandwiches. They aren't fast, but it's worth the wait.

http://www.hotch-a-do.com/

If you can narrow down the neighborhood, we can give you more options I'll bet.

[napolean]

Thanks to all for the advice! Can't wait to try out the fare at Three Brothers along with a great burger and fish fry...accompanied with saome great beer of course! I've always enjoyed Lake Effect Brews. I believe it's a Wisconsin Local? Any others to try and the whole fish fry caught my attention. Any more thoughts on this subject. I love Lake Perch!

[gido]

Never heard of Lake Effect Brews, but Lakefront Brewery is a great place to combine a Friday fish fry with some great beer.

http://www.lakefrontbrewery.com/

[jastjohn]

I love Hotch. A really close friend of mine works there, too. The food is great lunch eats, although they do serve dinner (and beer).

[jastjohn]

Somehow, nobody mentioned Mason Street Grille. A shame. I think it's the best restaurant in the city.