Best of Milwaukee 2021
Dining Out
African Restaurant
Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant 1824 N. Farwell Ave. ethiopiancottagerest.com
The restaurant's name refers to the traditional dwellings of Ethiopia, where the delicious stews redolent of Africa and the Near East were prepared over open fires and arrayed on a crepe-like sourdough called injera. The hearty tradition is kept alive at Ethiopian Cottage, which features an assortment of meat and vegetarian options plus Ethiopian beer, coffee, tea and honey wine. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Alem Ethiopian Village Blue Star Cafe Immy's African Cuisine
Bar Food
Camino 434 S. 2nd St. 7211 W Greenfield Ave. CaminoMKE.com
Located in Walker’s Point, Camino combines the charm of a dive bar with the food of a top-notch eatery. A craft beer pairs well with plenty of deep-fried options, as well as an array of pierogis, wings and sandwiches. A quick bite to go with your drink or a full meal are available here, and all of their specialties are done very well. (Allen Halas)
Finalists: Pete's Pub Steny's Tavern & Grill The Stillery
Barbecue / Ribs
Double B's BBQ Restaurant & Timbers MKE Style BBQ Food Truck 7420 W. Greenfield Ave. doublebs.com
Double B’s believes barbecue is an art. Their hickory-smoked ribs, brisket and chicken are cooked low and slow. They’ve got burgers, too, and along with mac and cheese, coleslaw and cornbread that compliment a true barbecue meal. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Barbecue Heaven's Table BBQ Iron Grate BBQ Co. Smoke Shack
Finalists: Ribs Pitch's Lounge & Restaurant Sandras On The Park Smoke Shack
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Breakfast / Brunch
Blue's Egg 317 N. 76th St. bluesegg.com
If it’s breakfast or brunch (or both), then Blue’s Egg is the place to go for unique approaches to traditional dishes. Hash browns get special treatment: pulled ham, aged Provolone, chicken Chorizo roasted mushroom. And for those watching their calories, there’s even skinny browns. And that’s just the beginning. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Breakfast Honey Butter Cafe Mad Rooster Cafe Sweet Diner
Finalists: Brunch Sweet Diner The Noble Sabrosa Cafe
Brew Pub / Fish Fry / Cheese Curds
Lakefront Brewery 1872 N. Commerce St. lakefrontbrewery.com
More of a beer hall than a pub, Lakefront’s hospitality is legendary, and so are their beers. Their spacious bar and dining area, overlooking the river, feature their array of beers and an extensive restaurant menu with everything from Friday fish fry and cheese curds to mac & cheese, brats and kielbasa. Don’t miss their famous brewery tour! (Barry Houlehen)
Finalists: Brew Pub Eagle Park Brewing Company Faklandia Brewing The Explorium Brewpub Third Ward
Finalists: Fish Fry Kegel's Inn The Packing House Sandras on the Park The Stillery
Finalists: Fried Cheese Curds AJ Bombers Camino Faklandia Brewing
Buffet
Maharaja 1550 N. Farwell Ave. maharajahrestaurants.com
After the pandemic, Maharaja cut back its famously popular lunch buffet to Saturday and Sunday only. On weekdays, they offer instead a $13 lunch special with many options to satisfy longtime fans of the restaurant (unless you were one of those people who filled your plate four times at the buffet line). (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Casablanca Golden Corral Buffet & Grill India Garden New China Buffet Singha Thai Restaurant
Burgers / Ice Cream-Frozen Custard Stand
Kopp’s Multiple locations kopps.com
Kopp’s opened its first location in 1950 and is considered one of the “Big Three” of Milwaukee’s frozen custard legacy. Although they offer standard vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavored frozen custard, they’re known for more exotic concoctions like blueberry cheesecake, tiramisu or peanut butter, along with a “flavor of the day.” Their generously sized “jumbo” burgers are available with a range of toppings. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Burgers AJ Bombers Crafty Cow Oscar's Pub & Grill
Finalists: Ice Cream-Frozen Custard Stand: Gilles Frozen Custard Kilwins Milwaukee Bayshore Leon's Frozen Custard
Burrito / Mexican Restaurant / Taco
Café Corazón Multiple Locations corazonmilwaukee.com
Clearly there is a lot to like about Café Corazon. When you have Milwaukee’s best burrito, taco, and margarita, you’ve got to be the best Mexican restaurant! The fun and colorful decor, pleasant waitstaff, locally sourced ingredients, and excellent vegan and gluten free options only add to Corazon’s popularity. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Burrito Botanas Restaurant Electric Lime Taqueria Jalisco Restaurant Mr. Señor's Finalists: Mexican Restaurant Botanas Restaurant Electric Lime Taqueria Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant Finalists: Taco Blue Bat Kitchen & Tequilaria Electric Lime Taqueria Paloma Taco and Tequila
Carribean Restaurant
Sabor Tropical sabortropicalmke.com
Sabor means flavor. Ready to venture beyond Milwaukee’s many fine Mexican restaurants? Sabor’s menu offers a great stepping off point for culinary explorations. Try the Mofongo Rellenos, fried green plantains stuffed chicken, shrimp, fish, or lobster cooked in Caribbean creole sauce topped with pork skins and cilantro. (Blaine Schultz)
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Finalists: Island Jam Mobay Cafe Uppa Yard
Central / South American Restaurant
Chef Paz Restaurant 9039 W. National Ave. chefpaz.com
Chef Paz is all about bringing in the freshest ingredients and turning those ingredients into lovely Peruvian foods. Phenomenal empanadas, beautifully prepared seafood, beef, or chicken, all brightened with special seasoning, fresh lime and cilantro. Chef Paz truly brings the delicious flavors of South America to West Allis. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: C-viche El Salvador Restaurant MKE Noche Restaurant & Bar Triciclo Peru
Cheap Eats
Conjejitos Place 539 W. Virginia St. conejitos-place.com
Opened in 1972 by Jose “Conejito” Garza, this fan favorite still serves many of the original offerings debuted nearly 50 years ago—and at extremely affordable prices. And then there’s those classic paper plates that make it all the more special. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Louie's Char Dogs & Butter Burgers Real Chili Taco Mike’s
Chef
Adam Pawlak greateffingpasta.com
Nationwide, Adam Pawlak might be known for his stint on the popular chef’s competition Hell’s Kitchen. But the founder of Egg & Flour Pasta Bar, which debuted at Crossroads Collective on the East Side, launched this talented chef to local stardom. Look for his creations at his three Egg & Flour locations or at E&F Pizzeria, also at Crossroads Collective. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: John Chandler Chris Ghobrial Gregory Leon
Chicken Wings
Points East Pub 1501 N. Jackson St. ThePointsEastPub.com
While some wing establishments pride themselves on having a variety of sauces and styles to their offerings, Point’s East has long been the gold standard for chicken wings in Milwaukee. With a dry rub that is second to none, the bar is tucked away on the East Side, and has gained popularity largely on word of mouth. (Allen Halas)
Finalists: Limanski's Pub Steny's Tavern & Grill TomKen's Bar & Grill
Chinese Restaurant
DanDan 360 E. Erie St. dandanmke.com
Co-Founders Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite take Asian fusion cuisine and serve it up in a stylish yet relaxed setting right in the heart of Milwaukee’s Third Ward. From dim sum and dumplings to the ever popular DanDan Noodles (ground pork with chili oil), it’s all there—and a whole lot more. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Emperor of China Jing's Momo Mee Asian Cuisine Sze Chuan Restaurant
Coffee Shop
Colectivo Coffee Lakefront 1701 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive colectivocoffee.com
Colectivo Coffee, which began with humble beginnings in 1993 as Alterra, has grown to 12 locations throughout the Milwaukee Area, along with cafés in Madison and Chicago. Their picturesque lakefront location is housed in an 1888 historic Milwaukee River Flushing Station. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. Dream Lab Valentine Coffee Co.
Donuts
Grebe's Bakery grebesbakery.com
A cruller from Grebe’s. End of story. OK, they also offer donuts, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, lunches and hot ham and rolls on Sunday. But it’s the crullers. (Benjamin Dover)
Finalists: Cranky Al's Donut Monster Sugar Cube Donuts
Family Friendly Restaurant
SafeHouse 777 N. Front St. safe-house.com
Part restaurant, part “spy bar,” this is the place for more than just good food and drink. Once you figure out the location (SE has conveniently provided the address), “spy recruits” have to pass a test to enter. And then the fun really begins. That is, if you can get in. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Meyer's Restaurant Bar & Banquet Hall Papa Luigi's Pizza The Stillery
Farm-To-Table Restaurant
Odd Duck 2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. oddduckrestaurant.com
When Odd Duck opened a decade ago, the buzz about “farm-to-table” was just beginning. This cozy eatery in Bay View has since become a forerunner in sourcing fresh, seasonal produce and ingredients from local farms and producers. In early 2022, Odd Duck owners Melissa Buchholz and Ross Bachhuber will move the restaurant to a new location in Walker’s Point. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Braise Restaurant & Culinary School Morel Parkside 23
French Restaurant
Le Reve Pâtisserie & Café 7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa lerevecafe.com
French food at its finest and a menu guaranteed to have you speaking French in no time. The menu is extensive and easy to follow. And If your motto in life is, “eat dessert first,” then look no further. The dazzling, colorful display of macarons (baked almond meringue cookies with flavored French buttercream filling), will be a great start, or finish, or both. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro Pastiche Bistro Sanford Restaurant
Frozen Yogurt Shop
Yo Mama! Multiple Locations yomamagoodness.com
The best way to approach Yo Mama’s self-serve fro-yo dispensers is to tell yourself that it’s a “healthy” choice. There are always several flavors of yogurt and a full bar of toppings. Cost is determined by the weight of your creation, a fact that may be hard to remember in the face of such delicious options. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: My Yo My Smart Cow Yogurt Shop Yo Factory
Gelato Shop
Cold Spoons Gelato 5924 W. Vliet St. coldspoonsgelato.com
Cold Spoons Gelato produces 24 rotating classic and custom flavors of gelati and sorbetti on site in small batches. Got a favorite flavor you can’t get enough of? Stop in each Tuesday for Upgrade Day; get a medium serving for the price of a small, or a large serving for the price of a medium. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Divino Gelato Cafe Ltd Golosi Gelato Cafe
German Restaurant
Mader's Restaurant 1041 N. Old World Third St. madersrestaurant.com
Founded in 1902, the majority of Milwaukee’s population then were German immigrants and they drank, what else? Beer. It’s still as popular as ever today, serving traditional German dishes in Bavarian decor with plenty of unique German brews. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Bavarian Bierhaus Kegel's Inn Von Trier
Gluten-Free/Friendly Restaurant
Lazy Susan MKE 2378 S. Howell Ave. lazysusanmke@gmail.com
Lazy Susan’s culinary team are aces when it comes to creativity in the kitchen. They focus on what’s fresh and available, choosing local ingredients whenever possible to create their menu, which changes monthly. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian dishes are clearly marked on the menu. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Cafe Manna Electric Lime Taqueria Wauwatiki Bar & Grill
Gourmet Restaurant / Romantic Restaurant
Lake Park Bistro 3133 E. Newberry Blvd. bartolottas.com/lake-park-bistro
It’s not hard to understand why so many date nights, engagements, and anniversary dinners happen at Lake Park Bistro. Soft lighting, intimate dining spaces, and pretty views of the lake set the stage for a special evening. The outstanding food, prepared and presented with utmost care will turn it into a spectacularly special evening. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Gourmet Restaurant Ardent Coco's Seafood and Steakhouse Sanford Restaurant Finalists: Romantic Restaurant Onesto SALA - Modern Sicilian Dining The Pasta Tree Restaurant & Wine Bar
Greek Restaurant
Oakland Gyros Multiple locations oaklandgyros.com
The original Oakland Gyros benefited from its location near the UW-Milwaukee campus and on the same block as a popular student bar, Axel's. It’s nothing fancy, but it offers generous portions of tasty Greek food at reasonable prices and served up quickly. The formula was so successful that Oakland Gyros has replicated itself on the South Side with name and menu intact. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Apollo Cafe Cosmos Cafe Ouzo Cafe
Hot Dog / Kitchen Open After 10 p.m.
The Vanguard 2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. VanguardBar.com
While they offer a full menu of scrumptious sausages, The Vanguard in Bay View knows exactly what they’re doing with their all-beef hot dogs. Smoked with paprika and served with mustard, you can also up the ante on your dog by styling it after cities around North America. (Allen Halas)
Finalists: Hot Dog Dr. Dawg | Glendale Martino's Italian Beef and Hot Dogs Real Chili Riley's Good Dogs
Finalists: Kitchen Open After 10 P.M. Blackwood Brothers Restaurant & Social Club Electric Lime Taqueria Pete's Pub Real Chili
Hotel Restaurant
Mason Street Grill 425 E. Mason St. masonstreetgrill.com
Located in the Pfister Hotel on the main floor, Mason Street Grill is the classic place for steaks and other chophouse fare cooked on wood-fire grills, featuring live jazz music. But there’s plenty of other choices including fish, chicken and barley risotto. Something for every palate. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: ARIA – The Restaurant at Saint Kate Eldr+Rime Kimpton Journeyman Hotel The Iron Horse Hotel Tre Rivali
Indian / Pakistani Restaurant
Cafe India Bay View 2201 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. cafeindiamke.us
Cafe India began as a counter service location in Walker's Point that drew business for its lunch buffet. A few years later, a second location was added down the street in Bay View. It’s larger with seating for up to 90, plus a full bar with a focus on Indian beer and wine. The space was remodeled and includes an outdoor patio. (Morton Shlabotnik)
Finalists: Cafe India Walker’s Point India Garden Maharaja
Irish Restaurant
County Clare Irish Inn & Pub 1234 N. Astor St. countyclare-inn.com
Yes, they have corned beef and cabbage, and plenty of potato dishes, but County Clare also offers a creative menu of Irish American fare for dinner and Sunday brunch, served in their charming dining room. Shepherd's pie, smoked salmon, Irish pudding, bangers (sausages), and a full Irish breakfast are just a few of the offerings. And hey, where else can you buy the entire kitchen staff a round of pints? (Barry Houlehen)
Finalists: McBob's Pub & Grill Mo's Irish Pub Wauwatosa Moran’s Pub Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
Italian Restaurant
Tenuta's Italian Restaurant 2995 S. Clement Ave. tenutasitalian.com
Although tucked onto a quiet Bay View street, Tenuta’s is a destination for diners across the metro area for its authentic, well-served Italian dishes. The pizza is so good that some of us seldom venture into the other half of the menu. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Papa Luigi's Pizza SALA - Modern Sicilian Dining Tavolino | Wine + Pasta + Pizza
Japanese Restaurant
Hungry Sumo 2663 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. hungrysumosushibar.com
When the pandemic hit, Hungry Sumo took precautions, continued as takeout only and continued offering tasty food in stride. With classic maki, teriyaki, nigiri/sashimi, ramen and more the menu offers plenty of navigation. If you’ve never tried black rice, you should. (Blaine Schultz)
Finalists: Fujiyama (West Allis) Kawa Ramen and Sushi Kyoto
Jewish / Kosher-Style Restaurant / Sandwich
Benji's Deli Multiple Locations benjisdeliandrestaurant.com
If you’re craving an authentic Reuben or a piping hot bowl of matzo ball soup, but have no plans for a trip to NYC, head on over to Benji’s Deli. All-day breakfasts, including fan favorite hoppel popple, are also quite popular. Try the exceptional potato pancakes, which are always served with applesauce and sour cream. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Jewish-Kosher Stye Restaurant Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette Jake's Deli North Finalists: Sandwich Bavette La Boucherie Boo Boo's Sandwich Shop Cousins Subs Riley's Sandwich Co.
Korean Restaurant
Momo Mee Asian Cuisine 10 E. Greenfield Ave. momomeerestaurant.com
The dumpling and noodle-centric restaurant receives rave reviews, which might easily be traced to executive chef and owner Tony Ho’s philosophy “I want people to experience delicious and flavorful food … people should walk out knowing they just experienced something great.” (Blaine Schultz)
Finalists: Char'd Lucky Ginger Merge | Korean Fried Chicken + Soju Bar Seoul Korean Restaurant Stone Bowl Grill
Louisiana - Southern Restaurant / Soul Food
Maxie’s 6732 W. Fairview Ave. maxiesmke.com
A winner in two categories, it’s easy to understand why, when it comes to Maxie’s choice of cuisines—Cajun, Creole, BBQ. And then there’s all that seafood: Blue Point oysters, shrimp & grits. and of course, there must be fried green tomatoes! (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Louisiana-Southern Crawdaddy's on Greenfield On the Bayou Tupelo Honey Finalists: Soul Food Daddy's Soul Food & Grille Nino's Southern Sides Perkins Boyz On Tha Grill
Meditterranean Restaurant / Middle Eastern Restaurant
Casablanca Multiple locations casablanceonbrady.com
Middle Eastern food wasn’t well known in Milwaukee when the original Casablanca opened on Mitchell Street. Now located on Brady Street and Bluemound Road, Casablanca serves beef, lamb, chicken, seafood and many vegetarian dishes in traditional style. Look for everything from falafel to baklava. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Mediterranean Restaurant Aladdin Middle East Side Pita Palace Mediterranean Cuisine Taqwas Bakery and Restaurant Finalists: Middle Eastern Restaurant Damascus Gate Restaurant Middle East Side Taqwas Bakery and Restaurant
New Restaurant (Opened in 2021)
Tupelo Honey 911 N. Broadway tupelohoneycafe.com
Tupelo Honey has quickly made its mark in Milwaukee with its homemade Southern-style dishes and innovative cocktails. There’s the classics like bone-in fried chicken. But how about meatloaf with a bourbon peppercorn glaze? Wash it down with a turmeric ginger tonic and settle in. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Blackwood Brothers Restaurant & Social Club Electric Lime Taqueria Fool's Errand MKE Middle East Side
Outdoor Dining
Zócalo Food Park 363 S. Sixth St. zocalomke.com
Milwaukee’s first food truck park opened in 2019 with a diverse array of vendors, a tavern and outdoor and indoor seating. It has grown to become not just a premier launchpad for food entrepreneurs but a solid community hub. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Café Benelux Electric Lime Taqueria Lakefront Brewery Sandras On The Park
Pizzeria - Deep Dish
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria Multiple Locations LouMalnatis.com
With a history of deep dish excellence, few know pizza like Lou Malnati’s. With the classic Chicago-style recipe and a crisp, golden crust, the restaurant’s pizza is instant comfort food. Their pies come from a lineage of pizza perfection, and are sure to make your mouth water upon first sight. (Allen Halas)
Finalists: Falbo Bros Pizzeria Fixture Pizza Pub Rosati's Pizza Tenuta's Italian Restaurant
Pizzeria - Thin Crust
Zaffiro's Pizza & Bar 1724 N Farwell Ave zaffirospizza.com
Beloved by generations for their Milwaukee-style, thin crust pizza, Zaffiro’s has maintained their high standards and continued to generate new legions of fans. Satellite locations in select Marcus theaters now allow you to enjoy the same great pizza while watching the latest films—minus the classic red and white checked tablecloths, of course. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante Ned's Pizza Papa Luigi's Pizza
Pizzeria - Wood-Fired Oven
Santino's Little Italy 352 E. Stewart St. Santinoslittleitaly.com
That wood-fired oven and the unique pizza crust are only two reasons for dining at Santino’s. Sophia Loren is usually behind the bar—not filling wine glasses but on the big screen in colorful scenes from Italy via vintage movies. The long bar-dining rooms are dark and comfortable and suggests something theatrical—the perfect setting for a restaurant that refines Italian classics to a high level. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Flour Girl and Flame San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana Wy'east Pizza
Place To Eat Alone
Beerline Cafe 2076 N. Commerce St. beerlinecafe.com
Want to get away without getting away? The Beerline Café offers a sunny hideaway tucked in Commerce Street aka the Beerline. The informal restaurant is an inexpensive to moderately priced low-environmental-impact vegetarian “fresh-casual” café specializing in unique, sweet and savory crepe creations, panini-style sandwiches, soups, salads, healthy smoothies and fresh juices. (Blaine Schultz)
Finalists: Electric Lime Taqueria Pete's Pub Real Chili Taco Mike’s
Ramen
Red Light Ramen 1749 N. Farwell Ave. redlightramen.com
This time of year, what is better than ramen? Returning BOM champ, the subterranean Red Light Ramen grew from a pop-up by the good folks at Ardent into a destination. The traditional ramen offerings are complemented by sake, slushie cocktails, fusion appetizers and desserts. (Blaine Schultz)
Finalists: Hungry Sumo Kawa Ramen and Sushi Tanpopo Ramen & Sushi Restaurant
Restaurant Open on Christmas Day
The Packing House 900 E. Layton Ave. packinghousemke.com
The Packing House is an always comfortable reminder of the golden age of supper-club dining with its generous portions and array of appetizers, soups, steaks, poultry, veal, seafood—and great fish frys. (David Luhrssen)
Finalists: Andreas Family Restaurant Pallas Restaurant
Restaurant Service
Steny's Tavern & Grill 800 S. Second St. StenysTavern.com
Walker’s Point sports bar Steny’s Tavern & Grill knows how to do game day right. A large staff behind the bar and throughout the sprawling restaurant area keeps thousands of patrons satisfied every year. When you add in shuttle service to major events and the general atmosphere of the establishment, Steny’s will get you to the game as only they know how. (Allen Halas)
Finalists: Coco's Seafood and Steakhouse Electric Lime Taqueria Sandras on the Park The Stillery
Restaurant With A View
Harbor House 550 N. Harbor Drive bartolottas.com/harbor-house
The stunning views of Lake Michigan offered by the windows inside the restaurant are pretty tough to top. Depending on the season, weather, and time of day you can marvel at the many moods of the lake and sky while dining on delicious, fresh seafood prepared with the care you’d expect from a Bartolotta restaurant. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro Lake Park Bistro Lakefront Brewery
Seafood Restaurant
St. Paul Fish Company stpaulfish.com
If it’s fish you’re wanting, this is the place with every choice imaginable. The New England style boils are the newest addition to the menu, with your choice of lobster, crab or seafood. But the lobster roll is as good as its East Coast. versions. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Coco's Seafood and Steakhouse Harbor House Third Coast Provisions
Soups
Soup Market Multiple locations thesoupmarket.com
The Soup Market’s scratch-made soups start with a foundation of stocks simmered from fresh beef, poultry, vegetables and herbs. Daily standards include chicken noodle and a weekly featured chili, along with three to six featured soups including vegetarian options. They’ve also got salads, sandwiches and desserts. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Benji's Deli LOUP - Soup with a Local Twist Pete's Pub Soup Bros.
Steakhouse / Supper Club
Five O'Clock Steakhouse 2416 W. State St. fiveoclocksteakhouse.com
Few things in life are better than enjoying a perfectly prepared steak from a proper supper club. Five O’Clock has mastered how to deliver that experience. Top-notch service, comfortable yet elegant surroundings, tasty classic cocktails, and high-quality meats cooked to your specifications. Bon Appétit! (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Steakhouse Carnevor Coco's Seafood and Steakhouse Mason Street Grill Finalists: Supper Club Joey Gerard's - A Bartolotta Supper Club The Packing House Sandra’s on the Park
Street Food Vendor
Pedro's South American Food facebook.com/empanadasmke
Milwaukeeans love empanadas. While there are many great choices in the area to indulge in this delicacy that originated in Spain and Portugal, Pedro’s South American Food adds Latin American influences to take this tasty street food to new heights. Their empanada varieties like pulled pork, chicken mole or a vegetarian offering of spinach feta were a hit around town at the Shorewood Farmers Market, Pridetoberfest, the Deer District and Black Husky Brewing. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Shorty's Grilled Cheese That Taco Guy Vocado MKE
Sub Sandwich
Cheba Hut Toasted Subs 2907 N. Oakland Ave. chebahut.com
You won’t find cannabis-infused foods at Cheba Hut, but this shop has fun with a ganja theme and sandwich names that play on cannabis strains. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and “toasted subs,” this Arizona-based chain opened its first store in Milwaukee this past year. While the gourmet subs are tasty, the shop’s popularity might also be further testament that Wisconsinites are ready to embrace all things cannabis (ahem, Wisconsin State Legislature). (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Cousins Subs Riley's Sandwich Co. Suburpia
Sushi
Kyoto 7453 W. Layton Ave. kyotomke.com
As sushi has become more and more popular, so has Kyoto which serves up a wide variety of this classic Japanese dish. “Sushi” refers to fish and other seafood and sometimes made with egg or vegetables like cucumber and avocado. You’ll find even more exotic dishes like Peruvian mango roll along with its Bubble Tea beverages. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Hungry Sumo Rice N Roll Bistro Screaming Tuna Milwaukee
Takeout / Curbside Pickup
Twisted Plants 4905 S. Packard Ave., Cudahy twistedplants.com
Twisted Plants took the leap from a food truck to opening a brick-and-mortar location just as the pandemic shutdown hit, but customers readily took advantage of the restaurant’s curbside pickup model to get their vegan comfort food. The initmate dining room has since opened, but the curbside option remains popular. Bonus: the environmentally friendly carryout containers are biodegradable. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Electric Lime Taqueria Sandras on the Park The Stillery
Tapas (Small Plates)
La Merenda 125 E. National Ave. lamerenda125.com
For nearly 15 years, La Merenda has been a Walker’s Point go-to for excellent world cuisine. Everything is creatively prepared from locally sourced food and presented in a bite-sized way that has charmed diners from the beginning. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
Finalists: Balzac Movida at Hotel Madrid Odd Duck
Thai Restaurant
Thai-namite Multiple locations thai-namite.com
This is as close to classic Thai food you can get short of visiting the country. It’s all here from curries and stir-fried rice and noodles to sushi and sashimi. There’s traditional and flavored sakes and, perfect for our town, “Sake Bomb” (sake with beer). (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Bangkok House Restaurant EE-Sane Thai-Lao Cuisine Kim's Thai Restaurant Siam Express Singha Thai Restaurant Thai A Kitchen
Vegan-Friendly Restaurant
Twisted Plants 4905 S. Packard Ave., Cudahy twistedplants.com
Twisted Plants’ vegan burgers and sides have wooed vegetarians and vegans as well as omnivores. The 100 % plant-based burgers and sandwiches, each named after a cannabis-themed movie, has unique house-made sauces and seasonings and come with crispy seasoned waffle fries. Sides like cauliflower bites and vegan shakes round out the menu. In addition to the brick-and-mortar restaurant, Twisted Plants’ food truck makes the rounds to area events and businesses. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Beerline Cafe Cafe Manna Electric Lime Taqueria
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant
Beans & Barley 1901 E. North Ave. beansandbarley.com
Beans & Barley began as a small health food store in 1973 and has since grown to a café-deli-market known for consistently healthy foods. They’ve got a fine selection of vegetarian and vegan appetizers, salads, soups, hot and cold sandwiches and entrées. Vegetarians that like to cook can find just about any meat-free ingredient on the market shelves to craft a home-cooked meal. (Sheila Julson)
Finalists: Cafe Manna Electric Lime Taqueria Twisted Plants
Vietnamese Restaurant
Huế Vietnamese Restaurant 2691 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. huerestaurants.com
Everything changes. Huế is slated to move a few doors east, to the corner spot that formerly housed Sven’s Café. Sure, Milwaukee is home to the weekly fish fry, but Hue’s Vietnamese fish Ffy is a delightful twist on a classic. Turmeric marinated, beer battered swai is served with garlic fried rice, Asian slaw and Thai basil aioli. Their food truck is ubiquitous at summer events around town as well. (Blaine Schultz)
Finalists: PHO 4 U Vietnamese Cuisine Pho Cali Pho Viet
Wine List
Balzac 1716 N. Arlington Place balzawinebar.com
Balzac has an extensive list featuring prices ranges for all types of sipping and dining in a cozy setting. Try a Skin Contact wine, which are white wines made like red wines (fermented with grape skins). And if you try a wine you really like, you can take home a bottle for half off the menu price. (Harry Cherkinian)
Finalists: Coco's Seafood and Steakhouse Milwaukee ChopHouse Onesto
