March 29, 2022

Milwaukee Restaurant Guide

Milwaukee is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene and we couldn't be more excited to be right in the middle of the action here at 2A. From fine dining, to trendy eateries, and hole in the wall joints, there really is something for everyone. We are spoiled here in Milwaukee with the amazing culinary talent in our city, evidenced by the 9 James Beard award nominations given earlier this month to Milwaukee Chefs and Restaurateurs. 

With a booming culinary landscape and so many truly incredible restaurants in town, it was hard to narrow them down. However, we have selected what we believe are the must-try restaurants in Milwaukee. Without further ado, here is our list of best restaurants in Milwaukee.  

Birch

459 E Pleasant St, Milwaukee   birchonpleasant.com

Along the Milwaukee river, the newly debuted Birch might be our all-time favorite Milwaukee restaurant over here at 2A.  Birch pays homage to Wisconsin farmers and food producers through their contemporary menu of hyper-seasonal ingredients which truly makes for a stunningly simple and delicious menu. With an open-fire hearth, sensational cocktail program, and perfectly cozy outdoor patio, you can't go wrong at this Lower East Side spot.

MilwaukeeMag.com

Ardent

751 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee   ardentmke.com

From Chef Justin Carlisle, three-time James Beard Awards nominee for Best Chef Midwest, comes this Lower East Side stunner. Ardent is intimate, elegant, and innovative serving an upscale rotating menu.  The comfortable yet refined vibe perfectly compliments the menu, composed of seasonal and simple ingredients that leave nothing to be desired. Named one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee, Ardent is truly second to none. 

Goodkind

2457 S Wentworth Ave, Milwaukee  goodkindbayview.com

Cozy and casual, this Bayview neighborhood hot spot is a favorite here at 2A. Specializing in rotisserie, local produce, and house-made cocktails, Goodkind is approachable, vibrant, and elegant. The perfect spot to grab drinks, dinner, and brunch. Definitely don't sleep on the brunch! 

La Merenda

25 E National Ave, Milwaukee   lamerenda125.com

Globally inspired cuisine with bold, upscale flavors in a casual environment. The menu at La Merenda is constantly evolving and features locally sourced ingredients. From the colorful atmosphere, newly added patio, outdoor fireplace and bar, and vegatable garden, La Marenda really does have it all. Don't miss this energetic Walker's Point spot.

lamerenda.com

Merriment Social

240 E Pittsburgh Ave, Milwaukee   merrimentsocial.com

Just across the Milwaukee River from us at 2A, is Merriment Social. This urban-chic hot spot offers new American comfort food with a twist. Brining in globally inspired flavors, the menu at Merriment Social truly has something for everyone. A hugely popular spot to hang out in Walker's Point, this funky joint is energetic and lively - perfect for a night out or to cure your hangover the morning after (burger and bloody, anyone?!). 

Sorella

2535 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee   sorellamke.com

Our pick for Italian in Milwaukee, Sorella is simply delicious. The relaxed and comfortable vibe makes this Bayview restaurant the perfect spot for Southern Italian homestyle cuisine. Our personal faves? The pizza and pasta with a juicy bottle of red. Cravable any day of the week.

Sanford

1547 N Jackson St, Milwaukee      sanfordrestaurant.com

Another can't miss spot in the Lower East Side offering a Chef's tasting menu of creative, innovative local ingredients - enter Sanford. The modern-ethnic cuisine paired with the elegant ambiance and impeccable service leaves little to be desired. At Sanford, every ingredient is individually chosen from local farms and artisans and treated with the utmost respect, elevating the flavors in every dish. The results are simply stunning.

Flour Girl & Flame

8121 W National Ave, West Allis  flourgirlandflame.com

Wood fired and rustic, Flour Girl & Flame is some of the best pie in town. Perfectly chewy and charred, this pizza is a crowd-favorite.  From creative ingredients to timeless favorites, this West Allis pizza joint doesn't disappoint. Oh.... and don't miss the wood-fired cannoli dessert calzone.

onmilwaukee.com

Red Light Ramen

1749 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee  www.redlightramen.com

As big Justin Carlisle fans over here, it's no surprise that we are also loving Red Light Ramen. So much so, that we're now offering Red Light Ramen kits in the shop! Perfect to grab to-go or enjoy with your favorite bottle. In any case, in what started as a pop-up shop out of Ardent, Red Light grew in popularity and is now it's own spot on the Lower East Side. Don't miss the boozy slushy.

Bavette La Boucherie

330 E Menomonee St, Milwaukee   bavettelaboucherie.com

We are blessed to have Bavette so close to us here at 2A in the Third Ward (trust us, many lunches are had while we plan our next event and wine tastings!)  This contemporary butcher shop and café offers a daily changing menu of sandwiches, cheese & charcuterie, and small plates. Rob's favorite? The smoked trout deviled eggs. 

Story Hill BKC

5100 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee   storyhillbkc.com

Bottle. Kitchen. Cocktail. Story Hill BKC is a  restaurant and wine shop serving seasonal Midwest-style cuisine in a casual, urban environment. Owner and chef, Joe Muench, and team source ingredients for the expansive menu based on quality and flavor and the results speak for themselves. Just minutes from Downtown Milwaukee, this contemporary space is great for a sharable dinner, happy hour, or weekend brunch.

Momo Mee

110 E Greenfield Ave, Milwaukee      momomeerestaurant.com

Voted a top restaurant in Milwaukee, Momo Mee kills with a menu of Pan-Asian goodness. Dumplings, noodles, Cantonese clay pots, and more, Chef Tony Ho's authentic dishes are flavorful, delicious, and insanely craveable. If you haven't been to this relaxed Walker's Point hot spot... run... and bring us back some Cheese Momo.

momomeerestaurant.com

Rice & Roll Bistro

952 N Farwell Ave, Milwaukee   ricenrollbistro.com

It's no secret that we are major sushi lovers over here at 2A... and Rice & Roll is one of our favorites in Milwaukee! This contemporary and stylish spot on the East side offers creative sushi rolls and signature Thai dishes. Our suggestion? Grab it to-go and bring it over to 2A for dinner. We'll find you the perfect bottle to pair and you'll get 10% off. Sounds like a win-win to us! 

Thai Namite

932 E Brady St, Milwaukee   thai-namite.com

Thai Namite on the Lower East Side isn't just a clever name. With home-made sauces, a sushi bar, and authentic Japanese and Thai cuisines, this Brady Street eatery is to die for. The dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious. Truly a can't miss.

Morel

430 S 2nd St, Milwaukee   morelmke.com

Another winner out of Walker's Point, Morel is a rustic-chic space offering a farm-to-table modern American menu that rotates daily. Chef Jonathan Manyo's Wisconsin roots are on display with the exploration of natural flavors and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, purveyors, foragers and artisans. With a stunning dining room and picturesque patio, Morel is a sure standout.

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