Wisconsin is a dairy haven for certain, but believe it or not, it’s not all cheese curds and Culver’s. And Milwaukee, aside from being the home of the Brewers major league baseball team, has a number of noteworthy restaurants. In fact, several of these are definitely going on my list of places to eat. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Milwaukee has some delectable options.
1. SafeHouse
Opened in 1966, this spy-themed restaurant and bar is a truly unique experience. For starters, you need the password to get in! If you don’t know it, you might be put through a clearance test or given a special task to prove you’re a “friendly agent.” Once inside, the spy-themed atmosphere provides endless amusement, and games provide endless entertainment. And don’t worry, spy drinks like the Mission Impossible or the Great Spytini are delicious, and agents rave about the food. From mouthwatering burgers like the Double Agent or the MOAB, to Licensed to Kill Cheese Macaroni, to other special sandwiches and even tacos, you can’t go wrong here.
Oh, and fellow Chicagoans, you don’t have to drive over the Wisconsin border to eat here, because another SafeHouse just opened up in Chicago!
SafeHouse
Address: 779 North Front Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: SafeHouse
2. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Wisconsin is known for its custard, and Kopp’s is reputed for being the best custard in Milwaukee (just above Leon’s Frozen Custard). Known for being especially creamy, Kopp’s offers thirteen flavors, including your classic chocolate and vanilla, and flavors like blueberry, marshmallow, butterscotch, or even pineapple. Their menu also features specialty sundaes, and a “grill section” with burgers, grilled cheese, chicken sandwiches, and fish sandwiches.
Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Address: 5373 N Port Washington Road, Glendale, Wisconsin
Website: Kopp’s Frozen Custard
3. Mader’s
Established in 1902 by Charles Mader and his wife Celia, Mader’s offers an authentic German food, bar, and atmosphere experience. Among some of the menu options are potato pancake starters, wiener schnitzel, leberkaese, Rheinischer Sauerbraten served with spätzle, and a century-long favorite, the roast pork shank. This authentic German restaurant and bar has lasted through Prohibition, the Great Depression, WWII, and gone through numerous changes; as another claim to fame, many celebrities have eaten here, including Cary Grant, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Presidents Kennedy, Reagan, and Ford, ZZ Top, Eric Clapton, Katie Perry, Will Ferrell, Iron Maiden, and so many more!
Mader’s
Address: 1041 N Old World 3rd Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: Mader’s
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4. Blue’s Egg
Blue’s Egg is all about modern American food. They serve brunch every day from 7:00am to 2:00pm, serving classic and specialty pancakes, French toast, different types of eggs Benedict, specialty omelettes, specialty hash browns, things like oatmeal, granola, even monkey bread for dessert. After 11:00am, additional items include specialty sandwiches, soups, burgers, and salads. Plus, Blue’s Egg prides themselves on their cage-free eggs, which are sourced from small, local, family-owned farms.
Blue’s Egg
Address: 317 N 76th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: Blue’s Egg
5. Harbor House
If you’re looking for seafood or a classier night out, Harbor House is your place. On the lakefront with a stunning view, Harbor House focuses on seafood specialties of all kinds. Fish, shellfish, soups like clam chowder, combination options, seafood sandwiches, a raw bar with oysters, you name it. They do have a few non-seafood options, like a burger, and an amazing dessert menu that includes crème brûlée, chocolate trifle, a fudge mint brownie, and more. Their drink menu also includes a substantial wine and beer list, and a selection of signature cocktails. Be sure to check their website for any events.
Harbor House
Address: 550 N Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: Harbor House
6. St. Paul Fish Company
Another seafood option, and one that’s more budget friendly, the menu here is vast and mouthwatering. Seafood soups, seafood salads, seafood sandwiches, an oyster bar, a fish fry—pretty much any seafood option you can think of is here. Plus, there’s different specials Monday through Friday: Mussel Monday, Taco Tuesday, King Crab Wednesday, Blue Point Thursday, and Perch Fryday. Now, how to choose which day to visit?
St. Paul Fish Company
Address: 400 N Water Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: St. Paul Fish Company
7. Miss Katie’s Diner
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Bliss on a plate.? . Check out all of our delicious options: https://www.misskatiesdiner.com/order . Call: 414-344-0044 . . #KatiesDiner #Milwaukee #WIEats #Breakfast #Lunch #Dinner
Posted by Miss Katie's Diner on Wednesday, March 10, 2021
Another spot that’s been visited by several celebrities and political figures, Miss Katie’s is more than a diner. It’s 50s themed, and they serve everything from a meatloaf special, to fish and chips, to a rib sandwich, to corned beef hash, soups, Italian food, milkshakes, and more. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even have a cocktail lounge with shuffleboard. Whether you’re there with family or friends, it’s definitely a good option.
Miss Katie’s Diner
Address: W Clybourn Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: Miss Katie’s Diner
8. Pizza Man
No “Places to Eat” list is complete without a pizza place. I chose Pizza Man for its upscale yet casual atmosphere, and seventeen delicious-sounding specialty pizzas including a White Pizza, a Carnivoro Pizza, a Meatball Pizza, a Margherita Pizza, and other unique options. They also have several sandwich, entrée, and pasta options that sound just as appetizing, and if you’re looking for a little tour of Tuscany, that have a very substantial wine list. Enjoy Milwaukee’s best pizza in an amazing and open atmosphere—maybe even on their rooftop patio.
Pizza Man
Address: 2597 N Downer Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website: Pizza Man
Don’t worry, you can still eat cheese curds
There you have it—these are the best places to eat, drink, and be merry in Milwaukee. For burgers, custard, seafood, pizza, German food, and everything in between, you can bet Milwaukee knows how to do it right. But don’t worry; if you really just came for the cheese curds, there’s no shame.
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