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Milwaukee Waterfront Deli

4.0 (107 reviews)
InexpensiveDelis
Open • 7:00 am - 2:30 pm
Updated a few days ago

About Milwaukee Waterfront Deli

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Milwaukee Waterfront Deli Photos

MILWAUKEE WATERFRONT DELI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Milwaukee Waterfront Deli

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Pastrami Sandwich
Alexa S.

The line was quick, and there are MANY choices. The atmosphere and music inside is cozy, welcoming, and comfortable. I ordered the pastrami and the sandwich was huge (in a great way) AND delicious. Glad I was able to stop in, and everyone I talked to who were staff were so friendly!

Chadrick J.

I found this gem of a little deli right across from the BMO where I work and I just am screaming from the rooftops about it! It's now become my spot of choice for soups, sandwiches, and even breakfast. I've been on the lookout for a genuinely good deli for longer than I ever realized, and Milwaukee Waterfront Deli nails it. They dish out everything fresh and in generous portions, which is exactly what a deli should be about. The quality stands out, and I love the choices they offer, keeping things interesting with daily specials, every day!

Expansive deli case with a wide variety of offerings.
Kelli P.

Stumbled on this place by chance because we chose to skip the not-so-great breakfast at our hotel. Walkable historical part of downtown. We were here around 10am on a Thursday, not super busy yet with diners eating inside but we did see a significant amount of people picking up coffees and to-go lunch orders. The exterior was nice but the interior is the show-stopper. Lots of murals and enchanting theatre vibe decor. Love the exposed dumb-waiter pully system that brings items from the ground floor kitchen to the upstairs seating area (most seating is upstairs, only a couple small tables by the door on the street level entrance). There is a giant cold case with homemade salads, deli meat ready to slice, and other grab-n-go prepacked portions. Soup, wine case, bottled sauce to buy, and small gift type items. I had a delicious corned beef hash with eggs and Hubs had a corned beef omelet, both with just enough chunky potato nuggets. Had some latte while we waited and looked around upstairs. Would definitely return to try the lunch offerings if we're ever back in downtown Milwaukee!

Caes F.

Affordably priced options at the Milwaukee Waterfront Deli. Really busy during the lunch rush. Expect to wait in line for a bit. Ordered the Asian Chicken Bowl as well as a BBQ Pizza. They have an array of hot food options and salads. My BBQ pizza came out quick. Taste was decent. They don't have Parmesan cheese or crushed red peppers :(

Soup and sandwich.
Doug M.

One of my last lunch stops on a trip to Milwaukee...this is located in a really cool older building in downtown. I ordered the Waterfront sub and a cup of broccoli cheddar soup. Both were good. One of the coolest things about this place, though. Is if you sit upstairs...the have this old school chain driven device that carries order baskets from the lower lever kitchen to the dining area upstairs...that Ali e is worth a visit. Overall Grade:

Would probably care less if this wasn't $13. Kinda just disappointed by how much their prices have escalated since Bmo tower arrived. I wouldn't mind a deli sandwich being completely burnt if it's prices were reasonable

Steven T.

This was my second deli choice because my first choice didn't have pastrami for the new restaurant of the week check in. This deli is in the hart of downtown with limited street parking but I got one across the street. The service was good with friendly staff. The place is narrow with a small seating area by the front window with stairs leading to an upper level that probably has more seating and a upper patio. I ordered the pastrami sandwich with a cup of ham and potato soup that comes with a pickle spear and two pieces of chocolate. The pastrami was weird because I assumed it would be on rye bread and I wasn't given an option for a bread choice so it came on generic soft wonder like white bread that stuck to my fingers, let down because I wish they would have asked me what kind of bread I wanted. The pastrami was piles high with Swiss cheese and mustard. The pastrami was what I imagine a good NY deli would have because it was lean/tender with a heavy smokey flavor, just an authentic flavor. The pickle spear was a crunchy better than the averaging good pickle. Although the ham and potato soup was good with a creamy base, soft potatoes and chopped up thin sliced deli ham that was disappointing because cubes or shreds is more authentic and I felt like it was leftover deli meat thrown in. The chocolates were delicious but when you have carry out and you place them on top of a container of hot soup and they melt is just wrong. Overall I think this deli has potential because the concept is there but the execution is lacking especially when you pile good/expensive meat on generic white bread and charge $20 for a cup of soup and a sandwich.

Veggie omelet and potatoes
Lauren G.

We visited the waterfront deli on a Wednesday morning and it was pretty quiet! However from the sounds of it, they sell out every day for lunch! My eggs and potatoes were yummy but a lil greasy for my liking. We'd visit again to try their salads that look amazing! They also have a fun wine, beer, and snack selection!

The upstairs.

We're from New York City. Our deli standard is very high. The sandwiches were fantastic. Great Boars Head meats. Love the theatre look ad feel and the meals delivered upstairs via the mechanical whatchamacallit!! Well done!

two sandwiches with pickles
Kushal D.

Taking some time to update my review to address their catering. We ordered bag lunches for a board meeting, and was told that waterfront was extremely nice to work with. They delivered the lunches on time, packaged individually for each person, with a descriptive label. It was a great experience and we will certainly order again.

Roasted turkey on ciabatta
Ophelia M.

Ordered a couple sandwiches and some pasta salad for takeout recently and was pleased! I'm writing this review during COVID19. Due to dine in restrictions, we were looking for a spot to pick up some sandwiches that we could bring to our neighborhood park for an afternoon picnic during a recent staycation. I thought it might be nice to try somewhere new to us. Enter Milwaukee Waterfront Deli. We were able to order ahead via phone and both my dining companion and I opted for their roast turkey sandwich, which comes with avocado, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and pesto on a ciabatta roll. It was flavorful, ample, and delicious. The bread was the perfect texture with a nice crispy crunch to the crust. It was amazing and probably some of the best deli sandwich bread I've had in Milwaukee. The pasta salad was pesto based with pine nuts and was a solid a-ok. The service was great, with my sandwiches ready for pickup 10 minutes after I phoned. Get to it!

Vikki Y.

This is my go-to place in Milwaukee for a quick and delicious bite. It's crazy busy at work so when I need something fast I'll run by and grab a to-go salad. They make delicious salads, sandwiches (check out the combo- you get a sandwich/side/pickle and cookie) and the prices are great. My favorite sides are probably the fresh fruit and the lemon pesto pasta- which is very yummy. The cookies are homemade and I like that there are a bunch of to-go drink options. They sell local wine and beers and even have Collectivo Coffee! There is a dumbwaiter to bring sandwiches upstairs which is a cool feature that you do not often see. The staff is friendly and I'm grateful that this place exists. I can't wait until it's warmer out and I can eat my sandwich right by the river!

Natalie R.

Went here for a quick lunch and couldn't have been happier! I ordered the soup (chili) and half sandwich (California BLT) and both were simply delicious! The price can not be beat for lunch anywhere, plus the amount and quality of the food wasn't skimped on at all! I will admit we weren't as familiar with the ordering process and with the lunch rush, we felt a bit out of sorts as we tried to get our bearings. While we figured it out, a friend who had her heart set on the potato soup had to take a few extra moments and choose something else because we didn't expect the soup to be out just after noon. Lesson learned: have a backup plan before you get in line. Also, there is water available near the door. I received my food right away but my friends waited for the dumbwaiter to deliver their food while we sat in the airy and gorgeously decorated upstairs. One friend thought perhaps this used to be a play house because of the decor. I enjoyed the atmosphere overall and every bite of my meal. The service here was friendly and efficient. It reminded me of an old school deli, with the hustle and bustle of everyone around you and in quite the small galley area where you order. Even with the line, I had ordered and paid in less than five minutes, with food in hand. I absolutely love the many options for lunch for $7-9 (less for breakfast), and noticed the many coffees and teas available for order as well! I wish I had known about this gem sooner but now that I do, I'll definitely be back!

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3 months ago

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1 year ago

Great sandwiches and service. Great people running the place. Love the contraption machine!

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

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3 years ago

Simple, cheap, tasty deli. Soup and sandwich lunch under $10. They also have this cool pulley system to deliver meal baskets upstairs.

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4 years ago

Friendly, clean place with traditional deli setup. The vegetarian sandwich was very fresh and very delicious.

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4 years ago

My faves are the Caesar salad and the huevos rancheros! Great downtown location -- Highly recommend!

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Ask the Community - Milwaukee Waterfront Deli

Is the Waterfront Deli kosher?

No. They have bacon and ham on the menu daily.

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Glorioso's Italian Market

Glorioso's Italian Market

4.6(634 reviews)
1.0 mi•Lower East Side
•$$

I have been wanting to try their Italian beef for so long and I'm so glad that I finally did! I got…read morethe regular size, it was fully loaded and way more than enough. The beef was perfectly tender and well seasoned. I got the au jus on the side which I'm glad I did because as fresh and delicious as the roll was, it was pretty soft and not sturdy enough to hold all of that flavorful beef. The flavor of the au jus was incredible and it was nice to be able to dip and pour a little on top as I gobbled down. I also got the tomato salad and marinated mozzarella. The tomatoes were super fresh and juicy and all of the vegetables were crunchy and fresh! I only got one cucumber slice but at the same time I also ordered the smallest size so that's just how the cookie crumbled in terms of ratios. The mozzarella might have been the best I've ever had. The seasoning on the outside was amazing and the freshness and moisture was absolutely perfect. I tried the pizza slice at Brady st fest and it was pretty solid. The sauce had a slight sweetness to it and there was a very nice cheese to sauce to crust ratio. I love a good thick layer of cheese and this definitely had it! The Italian sausage was cooked perfectly and the seasoning was on point! The staff was super friendly and helpful. The inside of the store had a really unique feel, almost like I was in another country. I can't wait to go back to their deli and try more of their delicious food!

I'm so glad that the Market is back! I love visiting and…read moregetting stuff from the fresh deli shop, I grab the food for my family and everyone enjoys it! We just wish it was closer so it was hot by the time I got it home! They have ready to cook meals too and a variety of Pastas, Wines, Italian condiments, Gelato, Cheeses! Lots of Sweets as well & Caviar as well! You won't be disappointed!!!

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Glorioso's Italian Market - Interior

Interior

Glorioso's Italian Market - Cannoli galore!!

Cannoli galore!!

Glorioso's Italian Market - Greek pasta salad

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Greek pasta salad

Bunzel's Meat Market - Bratwurst

Bunzel's Meat Market

4.7(274 reviews)
6.3 mi
•$$

A friend has brought fresh brats to our place a couple of times. Each time the brats were…read moredelicious. Recently we held a brat forward event and tried the traditional, honey mustard, jalapeño cheddar, Reuben and chicken feta. Each type was amazing. The honey mustard was a favorite for anyone who chose it. I tried both the jalapeño cheddar and the Reuben. I love a jalapeño cheddar brat and this is the best! Warm heat and perfect proportion of cheddar and sausage. Delicious right off the grill and amazing reheated later. Enjoyed with pasta for a lunch and with potatoes for a breakfast. I tried the Reuben brat out of curiosity. I am a fan of a Rachel and not a Reuben but gave this a go. It was wonderful. The perfection of flavors and the best cheese bite every bite of the sausage. Also reheated and was delicious as leftover. Could not recommend this place higher.

Bunzels is one of my favorite lunch spots on Fridays. I almost always get the fried cod sandwich…read more It's a great deal, two meaty pieces of cod and all the toppings you'd like for just over $5 on a fresh hoagie... I usually get cheddar, lettuce tomato, tartar, and creamy coleslaw on mine. As you can see from the picture it's usually enough for two meals. Yes, when you walk in around lunch time that deli counter will be swamped, but I encourage you to grab a number and know that these employees are efficient so you won't be waiting that long. Aside from the great lunch specials, they also have great customer service, everyone that works there is really friendly. I love bunzel's!

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Bunzel's Meat Market - Deli hot case

Deli hot case

Bunzel's Meat Market - Beef

Beef

Bunzel's Meat Market

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Bavette La Boucherie - Previously retired 80-yr old butcher

Bavette La Boucherie

4.5(463 reviews)
0.5 mi•Historic Third Ward
•$$

Was in town for the weekend and TikTok said the only things I should do in Milwaukee were Discourse…read moreCoffee and Bavette. LISTEN... The only crime here is that this place isn't a chain and it's miles away from me. Our waitress was amazing, the vibes were perfect, everything felt intentional in the best way. The heirloom tomato salad was so fresh and delightful. A full 5 out of 5. And those beef tallow fries were unreal. I am still thinking about them and genuinely wish I could figure out how to recreate them at home. TikTok actually delivered on this one. Very happy we ended up going.

I was excited to be in Milwaukee today, given the many restaurants that have earned recognition…read morefrom the James Beard Awards. Most of those spots only open for dinner, so I was thrilled to find that Bavette La Boucherie now serves lunch. My friend, a local, told me the restaurant originally began as a butcher shop. While that's no longer the case, the space still pays tribute to its roots -- shelves lined with kitchen knick-knacks, butcher-block counters, and a display of local provisions that hint at its past. Chef-owner Karen Bell leads the way here, and you can feel her touch throughout -- from the creative menu to the casual-elegant vibe. The décor blends exposed brick and warm wood with soft light and a friendly hum from the open kitchen. Our server, Matthew R., had only been with Bavette a couple of weeks, but his background in restaurant management showed. He was knowledgeable, attentive, and offered great suggestions. Before our sandwiches arrived, we shared a cup of pork and tomatillo pozole topped with cabbage slaw and a dollop of sour cream. It was piping hot, bright, and deeply flavorful -- the kind of starter that makes you stop talking for a minute just to enjoy the next spoonful. Having read rave reviews of the Korean steak au jus, I nearly ordered it, but Matthew suggested the roast-beef with cheddar since I'm not a big lunch eater. Excellent call. The sandwich was divine -- tender, flavorful beef layered with melted cheddar on a crisp, perfectly toasted roll. The beef-fat fries had great depth of flavor, though I'd love them even more if they were twice-cooked for that extra crunch. Being more of a gin or vodka drinker, I couldn't resist the Gin Old Fashioned on the cocktail list. It was delicious -- smooth, aromatic, and balanced enough that I happily ordered a second. Great food, warm service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Bavette La Boucherie is a gem I can't wait to revisit.

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Bavette La Boucherie - Fresh-cut roast beef w/pickled veggies and brown mustard

Fresh-cut roast beef w/pickled veggies and brown mustard

Bavette La Boucherie - Everything here is SO delicious!

Everything here is SO delicious!

Bavette La Boucherie - Charcuterie Plate

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Charcuterie Plate

G Groppi's Food Market - Homemade lasagna

G Groppi's Food Market

4.2(146 reviews)
3.0 mi•Bay View
•$$

There are places you go to buy lunch, and then there are places that somehow turn buying lunch into…read morean experience. G. Groppi Food Market is the second kind. I walked into G. Groppi Food Market expecting to grab a sandwich. Somehow, about 30 seconds later, I felt like I had accidentally wandered into a tiny neighborhood market somewhere in Italy. This place has character. Everything feels old-school in the best possible way--beautifully organized produce, fresh meats, Italian sausages (including garlic Italian sausage and something appropriately called the "Angry Italian"), cheeses, olive oils, wines, prepared foods, and enough little discoveries on the shelves to make you forget you originally came in for lunch. Then there's the deli. The gentleman making sandwiches looked like he had stepped directly out of a 1920s movie: tall, slender, full mustache, old-school cap--the whole look. I half expected him to hand me my sandwich and then go outside and start a Model T. But beyond the style, he was incredibly welcoming, courteous, and genuinely added to the charm of the place. I ordered the turkey panini and had them make it spicy. Fantastic. The bread was perfectly toasted--crisp on the outside without being destroyed by the panini press--and the sandwich itself was fresh, flavorful, and exactly what I wanted. But here's where Groppi really got me. I took my sandwich and a bottle of San Pellegrino out to their little garden/patio area. It was one of those perfect Milwaukee fall afternoons: sweater weather, leaves falling from the trees, sunshine coming through the branches, and I'm sitting there eating this ridiculously good Italian sandwich thinking, Where has this place been hiding? They even have a bar in the back where you can enjoy your sandwich with a glass of wine, do a wine tasting, or grab another drink. They also make hot prepared foods--including mac and cheese and other meals you can take home--so this isn't just a deli. It's part neighborhood grocery store, part Italian market, part deli, part bar, and part little neighborhood escape. You can come here to grocery shop. You can come for fresh meat and sausage. You can grab a sandwich. You can sit outside with lunch. You can have a glass of wine. Or, apparently, you can walk in for a sandwich and spend the next hour pretending you're on vacation in a tiny Italian neighborhood. Absolutely loved this place. One of those Milwaukee gems that makes exploring the city worth it.

Groppis Market is a must stop in the Bay View neighborhood! It's got so much character and…read moreeverything you could want in an Italian deli. They have the best paninis in town. Santa Fe and Cubano are my two favorites. They are huge, so if you're not seriously hungry get the half and you'll be plenty full. They also have a wine bar in the back with a nice tap list of beers. There is a killer patio to hang out in, sip on your wine/beer as you savor your panini. You definitely feel like you're in Italy when you step into this market. Definitely one of the highlights when visiting the Bay View neighborhood.

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G Groppi's Food Market
G Groppi's Food Market - Hit up the wine bar for a glass and a cheese platter to enjoy on the patio.

Hit up the wine bar for a glass and a cheese platter to enjoy on the patio.

G Groppi's Food Market

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Wioletta's Polish Market

Wioletta's Polish Market

4.5(25 reviews)
4.7 mi•Tippecanoe

I really wanted to like this place but the wheels fell off at the deli. It's a nice little store…read moreand I wanted to sample a few things. They have heat and serve items that are homemade. The deli looked amazing with meats that I have never seen before. I started with what looked like meat sticks because I'm a sucker for meat sticks. Next was homemade cheese and potato pierogis. On to the meat counter and I would sample 4-5 of 1/8 of a pound deli meats. While my first meat choice was being sliced an older blond woman would intervene with a nasty attitude and said no 1/8 of a pound because the minimum on deli meats is 3/4 of a pound and there is signs stating that I didn't notice ? Well I don't need 5 pounds of deli meat for sampling. Then I get what are we supposed with the meat we already sliced and I said I will buy it and was only .520 of a pound which was not their minimum quantity that they stated, I would have spent about $10 more in the deli if they didn't have a ridiculously unusual policy. I have been ordering deli meat most of my life and this is the first time I had to order a minimum quantity, am I in the twilight zone ??. The fact that older blond was so rigid about a minimum quantity and not willing to sell me deli meats that I requested is absolutely a giant fail at customer service. O W deli had no problem doing that for me a couple weeks ago and what a contrast between the two polish Deli store.

Great polish sausage. An other varieties as well good bakery. Soups are also good. The mushroom.read more

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Wioletta's Polish Market
Wioletta's Polish Market
Wioletta's Polish Market

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Milwaukee Waterfront Deli - delis - Updated October 2026

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