Milwaukee is a city of neighborhoods, and dining critic Rachel Bernhard intends on exploring them the best way she knows how: through food. In her seriesMovable Feasts, she sets out tocraft the ultimate meal by visiting multiple dining destinations — plus popular stops along the way — to get a better taste of what each of the city's distinct neighborhoods has to offer.Which neighborhood should she visit next? Let her know atrseis@gannett.com.
One of the questions I’m asked most often by folks visiting Milwaukee is where to eat downtown. That’s probably due to the number of hotels located downtown, the people coming in to see a play at the Marcus Performing Arts Center or concert at the Riverside Theater, or those who are in town on business and looking for somewhere near work.
My answer is always “it depends.” Are you looking for a quick bite before catching a show? In search of a place for a special celebration dinner? Need a good brunch spot to soak up the fun from the night before? Downtown Milwaukee has multiple options for each of those scenarios and more all within a few square blocks.
Ask five people what they consider to be “downtown” Milwaukee and you could get five different answers. For this guide, I chose to cordon the area north of Clybourn Street, south of Knapp Street, east of Sixth Street and west of Jefferson Street.
Could restaurants just outside of this designated space be considered "downtown," too? Absolutely! But I believe the restaurants in the Cathedral Square and East Town area (such as Lupis & Iris and Harbor House) deserve to be designated in their own guide. Same goes for restaurants around Fiserv Forum and near Marquette University. Look for separate dining guides for those areas in the future.
For now, I’ve highlighted 23 restaurants in the heart of downtown Milwaukee broken down by different dining styles. Don’t see your favorite here? Share it with me at rseis@gannett.com.
Best restaurants for something quick
Xankia
This counter-service Vietnamese-American restaurant serves up some mighty tasty noodle dishes, fresh spring rolls and steamy bowls of pho. But its banh mi sandwich is one of the best you’ll find in the city, made with options like steak, pork, classic pate, tofu, chicken and more. Eat in their airy dining room with a full bar or order delivery or takeout. A bonus? Xankia is open till 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.222 W. Wells St., xankiawi.com
Waterfront Deli
Open Monday through Friday for breakfast and lunch, this classic deli in the heart of downtown is a go-to spot for speedy work lunches or a quick bite while you’re hopping around downtown. At lunch, go for classic deli sandwiches like hot pastrami, chicken salad and smoked turkey, soups made in-house daily and crisp salads. Or stop by in the morning for a darn good breakfast burrito, omelet or quinoa bowl. Head upstairs to the upper dining space and have your meal delivered via the super-fun food elevator — a simple added delight for your day. 761 N. Water St., milwaukeewaterfrontdeli.com
3rd St. Market Hall
This bustling food hall is a prime spot to grab a quick bite or meet up with a group of indecisive eaters. Home to around 20 local vendors, the hall has everything from finger-lickin' good barbecue (Smokin’ Jack’s) and fresh sushi (Kawa), to top-notch burgers and custard (Dairyland) and sweet-as-can-be baked goods (Mid-Way Bakery). An in-house bar and craft beer tap wall make it all the more alluring from morning to night.The Avenue MKE, 275 W. Wisconsin Ave., 3rdstmarkethall.com
Best downtown Milwaukee restaurants for a date night
Amilinda
The dining room at Spanish-Portuguese-inspired Amilinda feels at once cozy and lively, with a line of two-tops stretching across a narrow corridor that lend intimacy while also making diners feel like they're part of the party as pop jams and disco hits jangle through the speakers. It won’t take long to study the menu — you'll find about 10 options total between starters and mains, but they’re all thoughtful, swapping out seasonally for an emphasis on what’s fresh, new and just right for the night you’re popping in.315 E. Wisconsin Ave., amilinda.com
The Wolf on Broadway
This new addition to the downtown dining scene is full of comfort and creativity, with playful dishes that read like high-end spins on childhood nostalgia (the fab fried fish sandwich smirks in the golden arches’ direction), plus plates influenced by classic Indonesian cuisine. The posh and petite dining room is a beauty, awash in earthy tones that set the vibe to “chill.” Dinner’s a delight, but if you’re feeling more date-morning than –night, head here for brunch, where the crafty menu shines just as brightly as it does at dinnertime.600 N. Broadway, broadwaywolf.com
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Third Coast Provisions
Start your date night with oysters at this upscale, seafood-centric eatery in a glam modern setting. From there, try theroasted sea scallops with beet risotto, seafood-load cioppino served with tomato focaccia, or the miso-marinated black cod with golden coconut curry. But if you’re not into seafood, you'll still find something to love here, like rigatoni with braised short ribs or classic French steak frites.724 N. Milwaukee St., thirdcoastprovisions.com
Zarletti
For 20 years, Zarletti has served northern Italian comfort cuisine in a warm, familial setting that blends laid-back and lux. The menu’s filled with elevated takes on Italian classics, like rustic bruschetta, rich pasta alla carbonara, lemony veal cutlets or the rotating ravioli of the day. Pasta is made fresh daily, the extensive wine list features big hitters from Italy, and the desserts, like house-made tiramisu, are worth saving room for.741 N. Milwaukee St.; zarletti.net
Best brunchspots in downtown Milwaukee
ARIA
Located on the second floor of the artsy Saint Kate hotel, ARIA is a chic space for dinner, but its “Bubbles & Brunch” service on Saturday and Sunday mornings is just that — bubbly.The bright dining room is the perfect eye-opener, and if the sunny windows don’t help, maybe the endless mimosas will — they come in five flavors. Then dive into brunch classics like biscuits and gravy, loaded avocado toast, lemon ricotta blueberry pancakes and a peanut butter-banana French toast dubbed “The Bronze Fonz.”139 E. Kilbourn Ave., saintkatearts.com
Brunch It Up
Brunch doesn’t have to wait for the weekend, and that’s where Brunch It Up comes in. It’s open every day for breakfast and lunch, serving up hearty egg scrambles, flavored pancakes like cookies and cream and s’mores, plus other items with fun brunch-y twists like croissant beignets and scrambled egg egg rolls. And for those who believe bacon is a lifestyle, try Brunch’s bacon flight — an assortment of three flavors on one plate. 714 N. Milwaukee St., brunchitup.com
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
This Southern-inspired chain has a sunny dining room that makes even the slowest-moving weekend mornings feel electric. And if that doesn’t do the trick, the restaurant’s famous chicken and waffles will. Other Southern-tinged treats include fried chicken and a biscuit with gravy, shrimp and grits, and a buttermilk fried chicken eggs Benedict. Just save room for Tupelo Honey’s heavenly banana pudding. 511 N. Broadway; tupelohoneycafe.com
Best casual restaurants in downtown Milwaukee
The Swingin' Door Exchange
There aren’t too many classic Wisconsin taverns downtown, so be doubly thankful for this cozy spot adorned in wood-paneled walls, spindle-backed barstools and beer-slinging regulars that line the well-weathered brass-rail bar. It’s a fun place to drink, but the easygoing grub on its menu is a couple steps above your average pub fare. Creamy Buffalo chicken dip sits alongside chardonnay mussels, comfy burgers go great with the homemade chips, and the signature grilled beet salad and spicy vermouth carrots are a true love-at-first-bite experience.219 E. Michigan St., swingindoorexchange.com
Alem Ethiopian Village
Grab a group when you dine at this exceptionally friendly Ethiopian restaurant — you'll want more diners around the table to share the vibrantly spiced vegetarian and carnivorous stews that taste like a hug. It's a blast to pluck up each bite with addictively sour and spongey injera bread, which is the only utensil at your disposal for dinner. The customary tradition of eating the food with your hands only adds to the experience, making it more fun, more familial and more memory-making. 307 E. Wisconsin Ave., alem-ethiopianvillage.com
DOC’s Commerce Barbecue
Smoke, spice and sports are aplenty at this barbecue joint with an open, expansive dining room. TVs are mounted at every angle so you can take in the game while downing slow-smoked ribs, brisket, chicken, pulled pork and sausage. Classic Southern barbecue sides like collard greens, baked beans, mac and cheese, and potato salad are pure comfort in a vibrant, airy space across from the Baird Center and just a couple blocks from Fiserv Forum.754 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave., docsbbq.net
Major Goolsby’s
For 50 years, Major Goolsby’s has been the ultimate hangout for sports fanatics who come to catch a game, swig a beer and down some no-frills bar bites. Go for simple burgers, saucy wings, crispy fries and gooey cheese curds while you watch one — or two, or five — games playing on dozens of TVs hanging in the bar. Its prime location by the UW-Milwaukee Panther arena and Fiserv Forum make ita popular spot for sportos before and after the big game.340 W. Kilbourn Ave., majorgoolsbys.com
Best steakhouserestaurants in downtown Milwaukee
Carnevor
If you’re seeking a splurge, head to Carnevor, a high-end modern steakhouse with flair to spare, down to the cavernous, stone-lined dining space. Cuts include USDA Prime and Japanese Wagyu beef, with the chef’s reserve cuts being some of the best beef you can find in the city. Choose from a variety of toppings and sauces like roasted shallot wine sauce, foie gras, King crab Oscar or truffle butter to customize your steak experience. Carnevor’s wine list includes more than 800 bottles and 42 wines by the glass sourced from mainly U.S. wineries.718 N. Milwaukee St., carnevor.com
Mason Street Grill
Attached to the Pfister Hotel, this swanky steakhouse boasts elegant service and a dining room that’s equal parts comfy and classy, plus live jazz music during dinner every night of the week. You’ll find your standard steakhouse fare like cooked-to-order steaks, fresh seafood and entrees like roasted chicken and grilled pork chops made with precision. Did you save room for dessert? The carrot cake is a must. A tip for parking, too: Sunday through Wednesday, you can park in the attached garage and get up to four hours of parking validated; Thursday through Saturday, valet parking is available for $10.425 E. Mason St., masonstreetgrill.com
Mo’s ... A Place for Steaks
Old-school sophistication comes in spades at this downtown steakhouse, from the candlelit dining room with white tablecloths to the attention to detail in the stellar service. Aside from classic steakhouse cuts of beef, Mo’s offers gorgeously marbled Wagyu beef for those who take their steaks seriously. Go for a bowl or cup of lobster bisque, too, if you’re feeling sultry. Located next to the Riverside Theater, Mo’s is a prime spot for an upscale pre-show dinner.720 N. Plankinton Ave., mosaplaceforsteaks.com
Best downtown Milwaukee pizzajoints
San Giorgio
Lovers of Neapolitan-style pizza should make a pilgrimage to San Giorgio, the only Milwaukee-area pizzeria that’s certified under the strict rules of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana. The pies are cooked in a 900°F Stefano Ferrara oven and come out with a puffy crust with charred edges and a delicate center. It’s one of the top pizza joints in town, and it feels classy enough for a pre-show meal but not too stuffy to stop in before a Bucks game a couple blocks north.838 N. King Drive, sangiorgiopizza.com
Flourchild Pizza
If you’re feeling like something a little funkier than a slice of pepperoni, head to this vibey pizza joint where they sling pies like the Curd Your Enthusiasm (topped with cheese curds, of course), the Pineapple Express (topped with pepperoni, pineapple and pickled pepper cream cheese) or the Doritos Locos (topped with confit chicken, cheese curds, Doritos, “Baja sauce” and pico de gallo).If you want to keep the cowabunga lifestyle going, throw back one of the Ninja Turtle shots (co*cktail shots named after the heroes in a half shell).722 N. Milwaukee St., flourchild.pizza
Ian’s Pizza
This by-the-slice chain started in Madison and has three locations in Milwaukee, including its downtown spot, known for its in-house mini arcade as well as its giant New York-style slices in rotating flavors. Take a peek down the pizza counter to check the day’s — or night’s, or early morning’s (Ian’s is open till 2:30 a.m. on weekends) — toppings, but rest assured Ian’s signature slice topped with mac and cheese will likely be on the menu when you’re there.146 E. Juneau Ave., ianspizza.com
Best classic Milwaukee restaurants downtown
Real Chili
Since 1931, Real Chili has been dishing up bowls of comfort (and hot dogs, too) in a classic diner atmosphere that's frozen in time. It’s a go-to lunch spot for downtown office workers as well as a soak-up-the-night spot for the late-night crowd (Real Chili is open past bar time Thursday through Saturday). You can customize your chili (pick a heat level, make it dry or juicy, load on your toppings), but the Marquette special is the classic — a bowl of spaghetti and beans with juicy, medium-heat chili with your choice of toppings. Or go wild with The All-In, which is everything in the Marquette special plus all available toppings, including shredded cheese, onions, jalapenos and sour cream. Polished off your first bowl? Dine-in orders can get a second helping for half the price.419 E. Wells St., realchilimilwaukee.com
Mader’s
With Milwaukee’s rich German heritage, many visitors come here looking for authentic German cuisine, and Mader’s has satisfied their cravings for more than 120 years. It fits that the restaurant is located on what was formerly called Old World Third Street — it's filled with old-world charm from the outside to the dining room, an ornate space with Bavarian decor and a waitstaff that dons dirndls and lederhosen.Specialties include the pork shank with apple demi-glace, sauerbraten served with spaetzle, and lightly breaded wiener schnitzel, but modern twists like Reuben rolls made with wonton wrappers and beer cheese spread with pretzel crostini bring the beloved Bavarian restaurant into this century.1041 N. King Dr., madersrestaurant.com
Calderone Club
This classic red-sauce joint has been serving traditional Italian dishes in downtown Milwaukee since 1983. Traditional eggplant Parmesan, lasagna with Bolognese sauce, and the restaurant's famous spaghetti and meatballs are favorites. But the pizza — with a scorched-edge, cracker-thin crust that’s a Milwaukee-style signature — is a standout, said to be the oldest pizza recipe in Wisconsin, dating back to 1945 from Milwaukee’s original Caradaro Club restaurant. 842 N. King Drive; calderoneclub.net
Rachel Bernhardjoined the Journal Sentinel as dining critic in June 2023. She’s been busy exploring the Milwaukee area food scene to share her favorite finds with readers along the way. Like all Journal Sentinel reporters, she buys all meals, accepts no gifts and is independent of all establishments she covers.
What should she cover next? Contact her atrseis@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at@rachelbernhardor on Instagram at@rach.eats.mke.
