Gail's Favs for MKE Lofts
Food Scene
Milwaukee has numerous restaurants so why eat/dine at a mediocre one when you can enjoy the best? Here are my top picks. Please note I am not a sports bar or bar & grill kind of gal so if that is your vibe, let me know. I can suggest those also.
Historic Third Ward Restaurant. Just go. And be pleasantly surprised and delighted. How many chances do you get to have creative, delicious food in a butcher shop? By a James Beard Best Chef finalist? Tell Karen (the Owner) that Gail & Kent sent you so I get an extra smile next time I stop in.
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Bavette La Boucherie
217 E Menomonee StHistoric Third Ward Restaurant. Just go. And be pleasantly surprised and delighted. How many chances do you get to have creative, delicious food in a butcher shop? By a James Beard Best Chef finalist? Tell Karen (the Owner) that Gail & Kent sent you so I get an extra smile next time I stop in.
Historic Third Ward Restaurant. Cozy [code for small and busy] spot serving slow-smoked barbecue meats & Southern-style sides in rustic environs. Great place to go during off-hours so you don't have to wait. You can order online for home delivery.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Smoke Shack
332 N Milwaukee StHistoric Third Ward Restaurant. Cozy [code for small and busy] spot serving slow-smoked barbecue meats & Southern-style sides in rustic environs. Great place to go during off-hours so you don't have to wait. You can order online for home delivery.
East Town Restaurant. What they say….Rustic pasta dishes are abundant and highlighted by an ever changing ravioli, hand made daily. Classic northern Italian entrees feature fresh seafood, veal, lamb and our signature Osso Bucco is an owner favorite and not to be missed.
What Gail’s says…. By far the best upscale Italian in town. Small so reservations are a definite during peak hours.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Zarletti
741 N Milwaukee StEast Town Restaurant. What they say….Rustic pasta dishes are abundant and highlighted by an ever changing ravioli, hand made daily. Classic northern Italian entrees feature fresh seafood, veal, lamb and our signature Osso Bucco is an owner favorite and not to be missed.
What Gail’s says…. By far the best upscale Italian in town. Small so reservations are a definite during peak hours.
East Town Restaurant. A good breakfast/lunch spot is Plaza Cafe. 7am-2pm. In a well-kept, historic Milwaukee hotel. I recommend sitting at the large counter where you can watch the cooks. But the “hallway turned restaurant” tables just seems to work. A bit overpriced and slow when busy but the Old World ambiance and close proximity to my 2 Bedroom propery make it worth it.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
The Plaza Hotel Milwaukee
1007 N Cass StEast Town Restaurant. A good breakfast/lunch spot is Plaza Cafe. 7am-2pm. In a well-kept, historic Milwaukee hotel. I recommend sitting at the large counter where you can watch the cooks. But the “hallway turned restaurant” tables just seems to work. A bit overpriced and slow when busy but the Old World ambiance and close proximity to my 2 Bedroom propery make it worth it.
A must during your visit if only for a cocktail. The food is fantastic and it is the one and only great view of the lake from a restaurant. Sip cocktails or dine on the large outdoor patio. Pricy, but worth it. And you can dress very casual and still fit in. Best oysters in Milwaukee.
40 abantu bendawo batusa
Harbor House
550 N Harbor DrA must during your visit if only for a cocktail. The food is fantastic and it is the one and only great view of the lake from a restaurant. Sip cocktails or dine on the large outdoor patio. Pricy, but worth it. And you can dress very casual and still fit in. Best oysters in Milwaukee.
15 minute drive to the South Side.
Although it is not walkable, it is worth the drive. Busy, hectic but oh so fun and delicious. Wish I lived close by; I would be there every week.
91 abantu bendawo batusa
Odd Duck
939 S Kinnickinnic Ave15 minute drive to the South Side.
Although it is not walkable, it is worth the drive. Busy, hectic but oh so fun and delicious. Wish I lived close by; I would be there every week.
Oh my gosh delicious bakery. Worth the drive. They do offer food service also so you can catch a bite to eat.
38 abantu bendawo batusa
Rocket Baby Bakery
6822 W North AveOh my gosh delicious bakery. Worth the drive. They do offer food service also so you can catch a bite to eat.
If you don't mind traveling west about 15 minutes to the lovely suburb of Wauwatosa, this is a sweet and casual French restaurant. The only restaurant worth going to in Wauwatosa except the upscale Restorante Bartollata's.
33 abantu bendawo batusa
Le Reve Pâtisserie & Café
7610 Harwood AveIf you don't mind traveling west about 15 minutes to the lovely suburb of Wauwatosa, this is a sweet and casual French restaurant. The only restaurant worth going to in Wauwatosa except the upscale Restorante Bartollata's.
Influenced by the flavors of Spain and Portugal, this is my new fav restaurant. As with most of my favs, it is small and intimate. Reservations recommended. Their website has a good parking suggestions if you don't care to walk but it is very close to MKE Lofts.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Amilinda
315 E Wisconsin AveInfluenced by the flavors of Spain and Portugal, this is my new fav restaurant. As with most of my favs, it is small and intimate. Reservations recommended. Their website has a good parking suggestions if you don't care to walk but it is very close to MKE Lofts.
Third Coast Provisions
724 N Milwaukee StBest seafood in town. And love the decor!
A family run place which has rightfully taken its place as one of the best in Milwaukee over the past 10 years. Lovely sidewalk seating in the summer is fairly quiet. Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday and one of my favorite spots to indulge.
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Buckley's Restaurant & Bar
801 N Cass StA family run place which has rightfully taken its place as one of the best in Milwaukee over the past 10 years. Lovely sidewalk seating in the summer is fairly quiet. Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday and one of my favorite spots to indulge.
Delicious Neapolitan pizza! Don't listen to anyone who doesn't tell you this is the BEST pizza in town. And believe it or not, they have the best roasted chicken I have ever had. A recipe from the old country that is to "die for".
9 abantu bendawo batusa
San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
838 N Old World 3rd StDelicious Neapolitan pizza! Don't listen to anyone who doesn't tell you this is the BEST pizza in town. And believe it or not, they have the best roasted chicken I have ever had. A recipe from the old country that is to "die for".
My favorite coffee shop. This is the coffee I typically offer at my properties because "they just care the most".
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Stone Creek Coffee - Factory Café
422 N 5th StMy favorite coffee shop. This is the coffee I typically offer at my properties because "they just care the most".
If you want a bit of bohemian fun with your coffee or tea, this is where to partake. On eclectic Brady Street!
34 abantu bendawo batusa
Rochambo Coffee & Tea House
1317 E Brady StIf you want a bit of bohemian fun with your coffee or tea, this is where to partake. On eclectic Brady Street!
While I love the lakefront site, I love the building even more. The cafe, which opened in 2002, is a great reuse of a beautiful old civic building, and a successful reuse at that. A great morning walk from the 2 bedroom location.
101 abantu bendawo batusa
Colectivo Coffee Lakefront
1701 N Lincoln Memorial DrWhile I love the lakefront site, I love the building even more. The cafe, which opened in 2002, is a great reuse of a beautiful old civic building, and a successful reuse at that. A great morning walk from the 2 bedroom location.
If you want to really experience Milwaukee, take the brewery tour, eat a fish fry and dance a few polkas, all in one place! It is a hoot!
224 abantu bendawo batusa
Lakefront Brewery
1872 N Commerce StIf you want to really experience Milwaukee, take the brewery tour, eat a fish fry and dance a few polkas, all in one place! It is a hoot!
A newer kid on the block, it has become my 2nd favorite breakfast spot! Only con is that it is noisy!
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Sweet Diner
239 E Chicago StA newer kid on the block, it has become my 2nd favorite breakfast spot! Only con is that it is noisy!
As the website notes... "dandan has a Chinese soul with a Midwestern sensibility". Best [creative] Chinese in town!
20 abantu bendawo batusa
DanDan
360 E Erie StAs the website notes... "dandan has a Chinese soul with a Midwestern sensibility". Best [creative] Chinese in town!
A buzzy spot for ramen & sides paired with sake, beer, wine & boozy slushies in an (very) intimate setting.
Open Wed-Sat till late...like 1am!
20 abantu bendawo batusa
Red Light Ramen
1749 N Farwell AveA buzzy spot for ramen & sides paired with sake, beer, wine & boozy slushies in an (very) intimate setting.
Open Wed-Sat till late...like 1am!
All the really good Mexican restaurants are located in Milwaukee's South side where most folks might feel a bit out of place. Better located is Bel Air Cantina (4 locations) but although popular, I am not a fan. I prefer Cafe Corazon (2 locations) and Botanas.
But for authentic Mexican, this taco truck in the Fifth Ward is to die for. They're parked on the corner of 1st and Pittsburgh every day, and it's always a good choice. This is because these are some of the best tacos you can find, and they hand craft the tortillas themselves. Make sure to bring some cash, as they don't take cards. This stationary taco 'truck' gets five stars from others like me who prefer authentic!
Mazorca Tacos
636 S 6th StAll the really good Mexican restaurants are located in Milwaukee's South side where most folks might feel a bit out of place. Better located is Bel Air Cantina (4 locations) but although popular, I am not a fan. I prefer Cafe Corazon (2 locations) and Botanas.
But for authentic Mexican, this taco truck in the Fifth Ward is to die for. They're parked on the corner of 1st and Pittsburgh every day, and it's always a good choice. This is because these are some of the best tacos you can find, and they hand craft the tortillas themselves. Make sure to bring some cash, as they don't take cards. This stationary taco 'truck' gets five stars from others like me who prefer authentic!
Great place for small plates and a LARGE selection of wines by the glass. Walkable from Cass St!
56 abantu bendawo batusa
Balzac
1716 N Arlington PlGreat place for small plates and a LARGE selection of wines by the glass. Walkable from Cass St!
This is simply the best upscale Mexican food I have ever enjoyed! Since I love Mexican and am always seeking the authentic tastes wherever I travel, this is high praise. Located in the "5th Ward", the place is cozy so reservations are needed. Hint: Try the mole!
8 abantu bendawo batusa
La Dama Milwaukee
839 South 2nd StreetThis is simply the best upscale Mexican food I have ever enjoyed! Since I love Mexican and am always seeking the authentic tastes wherever I travel, this is high praise. Located in the "5th Ward", the place is cozy so reservations are needed. Hint: Try the mole!
Right across the street from the loft in the Grand Avenue is an electric mix of Milwaukee food vendors. Sitting areas are varied throughout the mix of activites (shuffleboard, bags, etc) or a quiet area. Of course, I like having a glass of wine at the very large central bar while enjoying my selection for the evening. And I always go home with an artisanal sourdough bread from Amano Pan.....delicious!
6 abantu bendawo batusa
3rd St. Market Hall
275 West Wisconsin AvenueRight across the street from the loft in the Grand Avenue is an electric mix of Milwaukee food vendors. Sitting areas are varied throughout the mix of activites (shuffleboard, bags, etc) or a quiet area. Of course, I like having a glass of wine at the very large central bar while enjoying my selection for the evening. And I always go home with an artisanal sourdough bread from Amano Pan.....delicious!
Arts & Culture
Iconic! A must stop. Especially since I have provided free passes.
398 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum DrIconic! A must stop. Especially since I have provided free passes.
Within walking distance.
Lots happening here. Hosts traveling theater and music. Home to the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Children's Theater and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Uihlein Hall
929 N Water StWithin walking distance.
Lots happening here. Hosts traveling theater and music. Home to the Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Children's Theater and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Within walking distance.
A well preserved historic theater. Hosts many venues, mainly music.
66 abantu bendawo batusa
The Pabst Theater
144 E Wells StWithin walking distance.
A well preserved historic theater. Hosts many venues, mainly music.
Three theaters presenting various venues that compete with New York (which I visit a few times each year). I am very proud of the quality of Milwaukee theater.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
108 E Wells StThree theaters presenting various venues that compete with New York (which I visit a few times each year). I am very proud of the quality of Milwaukee theater.
Art for the working man! Under-appreciated museum stop in Milwaukee. Make sure you visit the roof top to admire the working man sculptures which perch atop the edges and intrigue those whose pass by.
12 abantu bendawo batusa
Grohmann Museum
1000 N BroadwayArt for the working man! Under-appreciated museum stop in Milwaukee. Make sure you visit the roof top to admire the working man sculptures which perch atop the edges and intrigue those whose pass by.
The Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures sited across 40 acres of park, lake and woodland. My relatives from Seattle think it is the best thing to do in Milwaukee. It is outdoors so nice weather is in order. About a 20 minute drive north of Milwaukee.
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Lynden Sculpture Garden
2145 W Brown Deer RdThe Lynden Sculpture Garden offers a unique experience of art in nature through its collection of more than 50 monumental sculptures sited across 40 acres of park, lake and woodland. My relatives from Seattle think it is the best thing to do in Milwaukee. It is outdoors so nice weather is in order. About a 20 minute drive north of Milwaukee.
Sculpture Milwaukee, a free outdoor urban sculpture experience returns June 1-Oct 21 to Wisconsin Avenue in with 20+ works by internationally, nationally and locally renowned artists. Sculpture Milwaukee is an annual gift to the community, bringing world-renowned works to an accessible and approachable environment for all to enjoy. Museum docents lead weekly trolley tours of the outdoor sculpture gallery along Wisconsin Avenue every Wednesday at 1:30pm. Reservations are required. Call 414-224-3842.
Sculpture Milwaukee
Sculpture Milwaukee, a free outdoor urban sculpture experience returns June 1-Oct 21 to Wisconsin Avenue in with 20+ works by internationally, nationally and locally renowned artists. Sculpture Milwaukee is an annual gift to the community, bringing world-renowned works to an accessible and approachable environment for all to enjoy. Museum docents lead weekly trolley tours of the outdoor sculpture gallery along Wisconsin Avenue every Wednesday at 1:30pm. Reservations are required. Call 414-224-3842.
The new but historic home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is the most beautiful theater in Wisconsin! Recently renovated, it now the star of downtown Milwaukee!
Bradley Symphony Center
212 West Wisconsin AvenueThe new but historic home of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra is the most beautiful theater in Wisconsin! Recently renovated, it now the star of downtown Milwaukee!
Essentials
Metro Market
1123 N Van Buren StLarge market with a large liquor selection.
Milwaukee Public Market
- Bursting with unique, high quality selections of artisan ethnic products, and freshly-made prepared foods, you’re sure to enjoy shopping the independent merchants of the Milwaukee Public Market.
69 abantu bendawo batusa
Whole Foods Market
2305 N Prospect AveMilwaukee Public Market
- Bursting with unique, high quality selections of artisan ethnic products, and freshly-made prepared foods, you’re sure to enjoy shopping the independent merchants of the Milwaukee Public Market.
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market
470 E Pleasant StParks & Nature
Yep! A park in the heart of downtown. Rent a Bublr bike or just walk it.
Friends of Lakeshore State Park
500 N Harbor DrYep! A park in the heart of downtown. Rent a Bublr bike or just walk it.
Shopping
Boutique shopping. A bit pricey but always fun.
In the Historic Third Ward, you'll find locally owned restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The neighborhood is home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk and the nationally acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee.
137 abantu bendawo batusa
Historic Third Ward
Boutique shopping. A bit pricey but always fun.
In the Historic Third Ward, you'll find locally owned restaurants, spas, theaters, galleries, and boutiques all in a historic warehouse setting. The neighborhood is home to the award-winning Third Ward Riverwalk and the nationally acclaimed Milwaukee Public Market. Located just south of downtown Milwaukee.
This is where I do most of my shopping. A very nice mall with great hours. A 15 minute drive.
70 abantu bendawo batusa
Mayfair
2500 N Mayfair RdThis is where I do most of my shopping. A very nice mall with great hours. A 15 minute drive.
Italian market on eclectic Brady Street. Great cheese selection and yummy pizza's to bake at home. See more of Brady Street while your there! Just a bit north of downtown, this is a great morning walk.
58 abantu bendawo batusa
Glorioso's Italian Market
1011 E Brady StItalian market on eclectic Brady Street. Great cheese selection and yummy pizza's to bake at home. See more of Brady Street while your there! Just a bit north of downtown, this is a great morning walk.
Step back into time in this Old World sausage shop. There is a wonderful spice shop across the street and a great cheese market a few doors down. Just west of the river, this is a great morning walk!
7 abantu bendawo batusa
Usinger's™ Famous Sausage
1030 N Old World 3rd StStep back into time in this Old World sausage shop. There is a wonderful spice shop across the street and a great cheese market a few doors down. Just west of the river, this is a great morning walk!
Drinks & Nightlife
Rooftop bar at the Journeyman Hotel. If the weather is warm and you can sit outside, it is a lovely place to be. Better bar/lounges if the weather is cool.
27 abantu bendawo batusa
The Outsider
310 E Chicago StRooftop bar at the Journeyman Hotel. If the weather is warm and you can sit outside, it is a lovely place to be. Better bar/lounges if the weather is cool.
Stylish venue on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel with sweeping views, unique cocktails & live jazz music.
28 abantu bendawo batusa
Blu
424 E Wisconsin AveStylish venue on the 23rd floor of the Pfister Hotel with sweeping views, unique cocktails & live jazz music.
OK... officially it is a restaurant. But during warm weather go for the rooftop seating. Have a cocktail - perhaps an appetizer - and then go elsewhere for good food. Great beer selection and the views are nice.
50 abantu bendawo batusa
Café Benelux
346 N BroadwayOK... officially it is a restaurant. But during warm weather go for the rooftop seating. Have a cocktail - perhaps an appetizer - and then go elsewhere for good food. Great beer selection and the views are nice.
Best time to cocktail is during the day or early evening.
Half the fun is just finding the place. Once you do, what a hoot! The bar is far from fancy – it's good for greasy bar food, Coronas and margaritas. In terms of vibe, it's filled with people who've docked their boats, as well as landlubbers who just came to adjust their latitude.
33 abantu bendawo batusa
Barnacle Bud's
1955 S Hilbert StBest time to cocktail is during the day or early evening.
Half the fun is just finding the place. Once you do, what a hoot! The bar is far from fancy – it's good for greasy bar food, Coronas and margaritas. In terms of vibe, it's filled with people who've docked their boats, as well as landlubbers who just came to adjust their latitude.
Classic restaurant/lounge in the historic Pfister Hotel offering steakhouse fare & live jazz each night.
Mon-Wed: 5:30-9pm
Thur: 5:30-11pm
Fri-Sat: 6-11pm
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Mason Street Grill
425 E Mason StClassic restaurant/lounge in the historic Pfister Hotel offering steakhouse fare & live jazz each night.
Mon-Wed: 5:30-9pm
Thur: 5:30-11pm
Fri-Sat: 6-11pm
Entertainment & Activities
I have not personally used this company but they are an urban outfitter who offers kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for use on the Milwaukee River.
20 abantu bendawo batusa
Milwaukee Kayak Company
318 S Water StI have not personally used this company but they are an urban outfitter who offers kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards for use on the Milwaukee River.
http://www.seadogsailingmilwaukee.com
Call or text 414-687-3203 for reservations or more information.
Captain Bob will happily host you on his gleaming-white 38-foot yacht, the Quinn Marie. Sign on as a guest or as a sailor to enjoy the sun, the wind and the water beyond Milwaukee's shoreline.
He will even help you create your own experience. Plan a day jaunt with a stop at a pub for lunch. Host a special party. Take a moonlight cruise.
Sea Dog Sailing
http://www.seadogsailingmilwaukee.com
Call or text 414-687-3203 for reservations or more information.
Captain Bob will happily host you on his gleaming-white 38-foot yacht, the Quinn Marie. Sign on as a guest or as a sailor to enjoy the sun, the wind and the water beyond Milwaukee's shoreline.
He will even help you create your own experience. Plan a day jaunt with a stop at a pub for lunch. Host a special party. Take a moonlight cruise.