We stopped here on a Tuesday night. It wasn't too busy so there was plenty of seating available. On…read moreTuesday's they have $2 tacos, so I got three chicken tacos and ordered the chips and guacamole. The tacos were packed with flavor! The chips and guacamole were great too! I ordered a strawberry smash which was pretty large for an alcoholic drink. It was pleasing to the eyes and stomach. This place is great and they get bonus points for all the cute dogs you get to see!

I've been meaning to try Riley's for a long time so finally made it to this location! My friend's…read moreold coworker is one of the owners so I remember her telling me about it when they opened. I'm happy they are doing so well and have multiple locations now! We just wanted a drink and a quick bite to eat and being during a baseball game, lots of places in the area were busy. There was a good crowd there watching the game as well. It's an interesting setup, reminds me almost of a living room (with dining tables) and then the small bar area is to the side. To order food, you do it through two wall kiosks which I like because you can look at options and not feel rushed unless there's a line. Outside they have tables and a tv as well. I choose a veggie sandwich which had a good kick to it! The smaller size was good enough for me. It was a bit confusing how to get your food, from what we understood, you have to go through a door to get to the kitchen window (bathrooms are that way too) but no one calls your order number or anything. I'd suggest an improvement on that way you know your food is ready or maybe we missed something. Overall, I would return and would like to try other items on the menu!

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.

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.

What a fall from glory. Dismal. This place was an institution and I've tried to hold out, but it's…read morehorrible now. Soulless. Sloppy. They've changed the rye bread. It's soggy and doesn't hold up. There absolutely no reason to come here anymore. It was a staple and a must visit. Hasn't been that way in a long time. You know it's bad when they've gone from selling sandwiches to frying fish. It is dead and over for this place.

It took them 25 minutes to make me a pastrami sandwich, which wasn't very good. The pastrami was…read moresteak- thickness slabs, instead of deli slices like I'd expect. It was pretty bland (and I feel pastrami is difficult to make bland, by nature). It was overpriced for what I got - $15 for a typical-sized sandwich, and pickle. And my family of four had to go to a second restaurant for lunch, as only I ate from here... they didn't have anything on their short menu for two of my four, and didn't have the soups listed on their menu for the fourth. Less relevant, but still: the place is really sketchy, dingy. Looks like they cobbled it together halfway, and said 'eh, good enough'. We were not thrilled waiting here for almost a half hour for my meal to be ready. We never would have dined in. My daughter says the women's rest room was dirty and fly-infested.

We were happy to find parking super close to the front door and then dismayed to find out we had a…read more45 minute wait time with nowhere to sit or stand without being in the way of servers. We got lucky and had bar seats open up after about 5 minutes which allowed us to grab cocktails and relax. After a bit we ordered some Brussel sprouts as an appetitizer and before they could show up our table opened up. My wife chose the 2 piece cod fry with chips while I opted for the perch fry with fries. Everything was spectacular. The bartenders were jumping around each other to keep people happy at the bar and the rest of the staff get people's bellies filled with food. If you go keep in mind there are no reservations and will probably be a wait, but they will take great care of you and serve you some awesome fish!

I was heading to the Downer Theater after work for a movie on Friday night and of course wanted a…read morefish fry beforehand. I surprisingly don't have many options in my "MKE - Fish Fry" collection that are near downtown, but Swinging Door Exchange was one of them. I was pressed for time, so I placed a to go order rather than dining in. I got the combo fish fry (two pieces of cod, two pieces of perch, and three fried shrimp) with potato pancakes. I was also very easily talked into the half rack rib appetizer. The ribs were good, even though I prefer sauce that's more sweet and smokey. Their sauce was on the tangy side with a tease of spice that really only became noticeable when the majority of the half rack was gone. If I were in the mood for ribs as my main meal, I'd consider getting theirs as an entree. The two potato pancakes weren't homemade; instead, they were premade hash brown patties that some other restaurants also serve with their fish frys. These were perfectly acceptable in lieu of homemade pancakes. The cod tasted great, but the breading didn't hold up very well. Either the fish itself was too wet or the two block walk back to my car allowed for condensation to wreck it or possibly both. The perch was not yellow lake perch but probably something like pike perch. Even though both kinds of fish and the shrimp were all good sized portions, $29 feels like a lot. I wouldn't say no to it, though, if I were dining in next time and avoid the extra cost of their takeout fee. Shout-out to the bartenders working that night. The bar area was absolutely packed, but both of the ones I talked to about placing my order were friendly and helpful even with being super busy.

First time here since they reopened after being closed last October due to the fire. Fire…read moreupstairs, and smoke damage downstairs in the store. The place looks amazing, just like it used to. Stopped in to get a few things. An eclectic collection of grocery, chocolate, and baking items. Perfect as a gift for a special friend. Got a few things for me, cookies that pair well with a hot latte. So glad that they have reopened. The place has retained all of it's previous charm. The staff are all super helpful in find items (now where are those Green Cerignola olives?). Always a fun time to shop in an authentic italian store.

Gloriosos was so great. So much to look at. I grabbed a tiramasu latte (they have a coffee bar),…read morewhich was terrific, and went shopping. Had a vege aranchini. It was huge and well worth $6. Very delicious. Got a cherry tomato focaccia bread, and I cannot stop eating it. Also bought pasta, sauce, cheese, snack mix, pistachio croissant, all kinds of things. The employees were all so helpful and pleasant. They have a little area where you can sit and eat prepared food, if you wish. I will definitely be back for more treasures. Join their rewards program for lots of savings!

I ordered the Henny Penny sandwich and I'm not exaggerating this is the best sub I've ever had…read more Service was swift and excellent will 1000% be coming back soon.

I visited the location on Bluemound road 3-23-26. I ordered a meatball sub. When I say this was the…read moreworst sandwich I have ever could imagine coming from this shop. This was suppose to be a hot sandwich first of all, the cheese was not melted and the meatballs was not saucy almost like they let these meatballs unthaw on the counter and then used them. I'm very disappointed and saddened that some of our favorite eateries do not care about their customers anymore . I live about 25 minutes away from there and it just was a total bust. You guys are going down and its a shame. Whomever the gentleman is up front short guy? cooper skin complexion. Please stop touching your nose and handling food. Use gloves. Please and thank you.

A great stop on our Milwaukee trip. Definitely worth a visit if you have a group of people with…read moredifferent tastes or wants. They have everything from Mexican food, fresh seafood, desserts, ice cream, and fresh vegetables. There is parking right next to the market, so walking is minimal. It's also walking distance from other shops and restaurants.

Took a nice stroll around Milwaukee Public Market after dinner and this place did not disappoint…read more Smaller version than most food halls I've been to but the choices we're great. Great stop for cool souvenirs, ice cream, drinks, food, wine, olive oils, and the best part... cold cuts and cheese! I did not leave empty handed. As a cheese enthusiast... I could help but grab a few that made their way home to California. The cheese curds are also perfectly salty and chewy. I loved the selection of summer sausages and appreciated them sourcing locally.

The line was quick, and there are MANY choices. The atmosphere and music inside is cozy, welcoming,…read moreand 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!

I found this gem of a little deli right across from the BMO where I work and I just am screaming…read morefrom 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!

Friendly service, great music (Michael Jackson, Prince, and New Edition while I dined), and…read moredelicious food. Generous portions and lots of cheeeeese!

Staying at a hotel close by, I made my way to the Milwaukee Public Market and found Foltz Family…read moreMarket. Foltz's offers a wide variety of foods, but what drew my attention was the wood fired pizza! From wide selection of choices, I landed on the Philly. I am normally not a fan of white Alfredo sauced pizzas, but I am glad I went with this choice. The toppings were fresh and delicious, with a little crisp left in the onions and green peppers which made this pizza standout. Crust was the perfect balance of crisp and chew, the only criticism I had was the bottom Could've used 30 seconds longer - other than that fantastic pizza! Well executed pizza, if you are in the neighborhood - check it out!

Stopped in to LP with my kiddo and wife before the Jonas Brothers concert. I had seen their…read moredelicious food photos on Instagram and knew this would be a good spot for us. While other restaurants in the district had hour and a half plus waits, we practically owned the place sitting wherever we liked. On event days they have a reduced menu. As they were slow, the kitchen gracefully allowed us to place a regular menu Crustless Grilled Cheese with Tomato Bisque order for our kiddo. I ordered the LP Burger with bacon ($14 + $2.5 - double smash, sharp american cheese, shredded lettuce, fresh tomato, shaved red onion, LP sauce, potato roll) and my wife ordered the Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Sammy ($12 - honey mop glaze, mayo, shredded lettuce and pickles). The bar has a fair amount of good bourbons and at decent prices for being in the deer district, such as the double neat pour of Stagg I had. There was one bartender/server for the place, but she knew how to hustle while still being super friendly. The interior could use some art on the walls, but is bright and clean otherwise. The food was delicious and presented very well. That bacon I paid extra for? Oh my goodness. Thick cut, perfectly cooked, so dang good. Usually I regret adding bacon but here it is a must. My 8-year-old kiddo, who is practically a vegetarian at this point, devoured her grilled cheese and half of the big bowl of soup. I never even saw my wife's chicken sammy, so you know it was good when it goes down that fast. Thankfully as our food arrived the place started to fill, as they deserve to be filled! I want to come back on a non-event day to try the shrimp poboy, their house dry rub wings, as well as on the weekend for their brunch.

LP MKE: This is a relatively new bar/restaurant that opened near Fiserv Forum in August of 2023…read more The name serves a dual purpose as it stands for Local Pub (LP) as well as a reference to the building's past as a record store (LP was a type of record that stands for long playing or long play). I dined at the restaurant as part of a wedding rehearsal dinner, and they had a BYO burger bar. The potato bun was soft, perfectly chewy, and had hints of potato and butter. As for the smash burger patty it was pleasantly crispy but still juicy. Staff were attentive and friendly. Doughboy approved! Only reason for four instead of five is no premium or out of the box toppings (cheese curds, macaroni and cheese, fried egg, etc..) were offered. Doughboy_Food_Reviews