MKE - Carol Deptolla's Top 30 Restaurants

[Fowler]

Her new list is out and it looks pretty similar to previous lists and I generally agree. Bunkers, though. That's a real head scratcher. I have been there several times because another couple likes to go there but I would not put it in the top 30.

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment...

What are your thoughts?

[KoolWhip]

I value the opinions of you and others that post on ChowHound much more than Carol Deptolla's. Not taking a shot at her, but I think one persons opinion can only be given so much weight. Yes, the list is pretty much the same with a few head scratchers, which I guess is good as it might make try a few places I haven't been.

[Fowler]

You said it, KoolWhip! I trust the Chowhound advice more than Deptolla's opinion. Case-in-point: we were at Lake Delton over the weekend and tried Monk's for the first time based solely upon your recommendation in another thread. It was great. Thanks.

[Sailing77]

I agree with KoolWhip and Fowler and I would add...

Bunkers made the list but River Lane Inn did not?!?! Bunkers = 1 step above bar food. River Lane Inn = Probably some of the best seafood in the state.

Cafe Manna... Seriously? That is one of the BEST restaurants?

She seems to throw out a very big net. Sebastian's (which is excellent) is located in Racine. Café Soeurette is located in West Bend. It reminds me of when someone asked for fish fry recs in Milwaukee and nextasy pointed them towards Delavan and Madison! :-)

It is all subjective I guess, but that is the great thing about Chowhound. We can talk about what "critics" say and make our own desicions. based upon our own feedback.

[Fydeaux]

I havent been to Bunker's in quite a few years, well before they moved from the spot across from State Fair Park; unless they've upped their game a WHOLE lot, I dont understand what they are doing here.

That being said, I was happy to see two of my favorites, Meritage and La Reve, on the list. I've only been to Maxie's once and I enjoyed it very much. I met the chef from Lagniappe at the Winter Farmer's Market, tasted some samples, and found him to be quite creative.

Sanford should probably go into some type of "Hall of Fame" category so that they can be assumed to be one of the best and not have to worry about it. Likewise, Three Brothers, Jake's, and Lake Park Bistro are consistantly included on these lists.

La Merenda is the only one completely new to me, so I am anxious to give them a try.

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La Merenda
125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Lake Park Restaurant
7 E Old Ridge Rd, Hobart, IN 46342

Meritage
5921 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208

[Fowler]

I have not been to La Merenda but their menu looks great. Certainly a lot of variety.

Meritage and La Reve are two favorites as well. Great food at reasonable prices.

And of course Sanford is one of the best. Their wine dinners are especially good.

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La Merenda
125 E. National Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53204

Meritage
5921 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208