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Photo credit: Lowlands Group
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Photo credit: First Watch
First Watch's Chicken Avocado Chop Salad
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2019 has been pretty exciting year in the Milwaukee dining scene. Along with many new openings, there have been a lot of big remodels, renovations and reopenings for established restaurants. Here's a look at the 50+ restaurant openings we've covered in the last year.
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facebook.com/Damascus-Gate-Restaurant
Damascus Gate Restaurant
A Syrian restaurant opened on the South Side on Friday, Jan. 4. Damascus Gate is operated by Abdul Abadeh and Riham Silan, a husband-and-wife team who immigrated to the U.S. as refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war. Silan previously worked at her family's restaurant in Damascus. According to its website, the restaurant's goal is to empower refugees, and it employs other refugees from Syria and Somalia. The Middle Eastern menu includes well-known appetizer favorites like hummus ($5.99), falafel ($3.99-$6.49), tabbouleh ($5.99) and fried beef kibbeh ($7.99). Yalanji, or Syrian stuffed grape leaves ($4.99) have a vegetarian filling, as do fatayer ($1), a type of savory pie with spinach or cheese filling. Entrees include platters ($11.99) with marinated grilled chicken, ground lamb and beef kefta kebabs, or a combination of the two along with spiced rice with grilled onion and tomato. Pizza is also offered thanks to the pizza oven already in the space. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Buenavista Banquets & Restaurant
A Mexican restaurant opened Jan. 18 in the former Norway House on the South Side. Buenavista Restaurant is part of the Taqueria Buenavista group, which includes the original restaurant on Burnham Street as well as a number of food trucks. The building houses a banquet hall for 250 people, as well as a full-service restaurant that is open at regular hours. Food served at the restaurant is the same traditional Mexican fare as the other establishments, including tacos, sopes, tamales and quesadillas, along with some new additions. The parrillada ($35 for two) platter includes steak, chicken, pork and vegetables. Steak also appears in the new tampiquena ($13), a classic combo with grilled steak and a cheese enchilada, and mar y tierra, a steak and shrimp combo. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Photo credit: Lowlands Group
Centraal Grand Café & Tappery
After closing for renovations on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 11-year-old restaurant Café Centraal is now reopened. The extensive work done in Centraal Grand Café & Tappery includes an expanded kitchen and complete remodel of the bar and dining areas. The main entrance is now at the corner of Lincoln and KK, which feels like an intuitive location. The color scheme is deep blue, brown and gold, with elevated banquettes running the length of the windows (minus their old heavy curtains) in the bar area. All furniture has been replaced, including the wicker-like woven chairs that were getting quite shabby. (Lacey Muszynski)
Read the full review here.
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Gus' Deli
Gus Hosseini is a name familiar to music fans as owner of the ’80s-’90s punk-rock bar The Unicorn, but he also left an impression in those years with his adjacent restaurant, Gus’ Mexican Cantina. After running another Mexican place in Hales Corners followed by a sojourn in North Carolina, Hosseini is back with Gus’ Deli (813 S. 60th St.), which opened in early 2019. Tucked into the far corner of the Renaissance Place business park, Gus’ Deli is a cavernous space with counter service and an open grill. The lunch menu spans America (hamburger, veggie burger) through the Near East (lamb and chicken kabobs, gyros) and Mexico. There are daily specials: A recent visit found huge platters of Gus’ enchiladas (chicken and beef), brimming with unique flavor. Gus’ Deli opens for breakfast Monday through Saturday at 7 a.m., offering eggs, quiche and biscuits. It’s also a good place to pick up a sandwich. Gus’ closes at 5 p.m. (David Luhrssen)
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El Chivolin
El Chivolin opened in the former Jerusalem Pastries space in Greenfield in January. Owner Francisco Alvarez previously operated a restaurant of the same name on Mitchell Street, which is now closed. The location on S. 76th St. has also closed and Don Cangrejo Restaurant & Cantina opened in its place in November.
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Burgerim
The chain restaurant specializing in mini burgers opened in the former Cousins Subs location on Old World Third Street in February. They announced in October that they, too, would be closing.
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Chilango Express
7030 W Lincoln Ave, West Allis, Wisconsin 53219This Mexican restaurant moved down the street from its old gas station location in the middle of March. The building, formerly Sofia’s, is larger and offers full service as well as a bar. The space has been renovated, including an upgraded kitchen, new booths, removed carpeting in the dining area and a new, bright exterior paint job. All the old favorites are still on the menu, including tacos ($2), quesadillas ($6.50) and huaraches ($6.50) made with homemade tortillas and daily specials like menudo. New to the menu are nachos and fajitas, along with margaritas and micheladas. (Lacey Muszynski)
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La Costeña Cafe
A Mexican restaurant has opened in March in West Allis in the former home of Antigua, which recently moved. La Costeña Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a full bar. Breakfast items include Mexican specialties like chilaquiles ($8.99) and huevos con chorizo ($9.99), as well as American dishes like fresh berry waffles ($9.99). At lunch and dinner, diners can enjoy everything from a turkey melt ($8.49) on rye to a taco dinner ($10.99) made with cabesa or barbacoa. Parrillada for one or two ($17.99-$32.99), burgers ($7.99+) and seafood ($13.99) are also available. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social opened on Fiserv Forum’s entertainment block in early March. The new restaurant and bar chain location in Milwaukee is a multistory “adult playground” featuring numerous bowling alleys, arcade areas, board games, bars and a full menu to keep you energized while you play. Shareable appetizers and snacks make up the bulk of the menu, including green chorizo and cheese-topped fries ($12), potted pork belly ($11) and shrimp ceviche ($11). Tacos ($12-$14), burgers and sandwiches ($11-$14) and a few mains like chicken and waffles ($16) round it out. Brunch includes favorites like fried chicken ($14) and monkey bread French toast ($14). (Lacey Muszynski)
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Spicy Tuna
4823 W National Ave, West Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53214A Japanese restaurant opened in March in the former 4823 Grill & Pub building in West Milwaukee. Spicy Tuna offers ramen, sushi, teriyaki and noodle dishes in a sushi-bar-meets-tavern atmosphere. Nigiri and sashimi ($5-$7 for 2 pieces), vegetable maki ($4.50-$10), sushi entrees ($15-$28) and signature maki with elaborate decorations like the Miller Park ($14) with soft-shell crab, avocado, seared tuna and fried shallots are available. Six types of ramen are offered, including a beef version ($14) with barbecue beef. Other Japanese classics include tempura shrimp and vegetables ($6.50), seaweed salad ($4) and salmon teriyaki ($16). (Lacey Muszynski)
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Wild Roots
A new American restaurant opened in March in the former Ka-Bob’s Bistro space in West Allis. Wild Roots is a partnership between chef Thi Cao (formerly of Buckley’s) and Bryan DeStefanis (owner of Big City Greens). The restaurant’s menu will change frequently and features seasonal ingredients from DeStefanis’ farm as well as foraged items. Inspiration for some dishes comes from Cao’s Vietnamese heritage through dishes like a bitter melon soup ($5), while others feature wild game and offal. For brunch and lunch, dishes include a salmon sandwich and green beans with crispy onions, fried egg and anchovy. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Bento Xpert (Inside Eleven25 at Pabst)
A Taiwanese restaurant joined the other stalls in the Eleven25 apartments on the western edge of Downtown Milwaukee. Bento Xpert is operated by Samuel Yin and Lydia Tai—owners of the Marco Pollo food truck and neighboring stall in the same food court. Taiwanese and Chinese dishes ($8-$9) are offered and come in meals with fried rice, stir-fried vegetables and a braised, hard-boiled egg. A crispy, fried Taiwanese pork chop, gua bao (steamed buns with pork belly) and three-cup chicken are all specialties. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Photo credit: First Watch
First Watch Café (Oak Creek)
A new location of a breakfast-and-lunch chain opened in late March in Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek. First Watch is the third location in the area and the closest one to Milwaukee, with the other two in Brookfield and Mequon. The menu is made up of breakfast classics, light sandwiches and salads. Eggs benedict ($11.59) is available four ways, while pancakes ($5.49-$10.59) can be made with bananas and granola or berries and lemon curd. Many items have Mexican or Italian influences, like the chile chorizo omelet ($10.29). A kale, roasted carrot and chicken salad ($9.69) and a Monterey turkey club ($9.99) round out the lunch options. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Maru Sushi
The owners of Kanpai 2 rebranded that space in March into an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant. Maru Sushi does not have a buffet; instead, diners order all they want from a menu of appetizers, rolls and nigiri from the kitchen for $14.99 (lunch) or $25.99 (dinner). Edamame and gyoza are classic starters or try red wine pork bulgogi. Maki, like spicy crab and shrimp tempura can be ordered two at a time, while nigiri is limited to seven pieces per person. Signature maki include two rolls that are served flaming, the Fuji volcano with spicy crab and salmon and the flaming shrimp with avocado. In an effort to reduce food waste, diners will be charged $1 per piece of sushi not consumed at the end of their meal. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Pho Saigon
A Vietnamese restaurant opened in late March in the former Sammy’s Taste of Chicago building in West Allis which has been vacant for years. Pho Saigon renovated the space into a modern, minimal, full-service dining room. Traditional Vietnamese soups are served, including a pho special ($12.95) with beef tenderloin, meatballs, brisket and tendon and shrimp pho ($12.95). Banh mi sandwiches ($4.95-$7.95) are offered with a variety of meats, as is bun ($8.95-$12.95), a rice vermicelli salad. Specials include popular shaken beef tenderloin ($14.95) and lobster or crab in a ginger onion sauce. Bubble tea, smoothies and slushies are also available. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Pita Palace Express
2713 N Bremen St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53212An offshoot of Pita Palace in Milwaukee opened in March in the former Kabob Hub space in Riverwest. However, it has since closed. The South Side location remains open.
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Raw Bar (Inside Crossroads Collective)
A seafood spot opened in early April in the Crossroads Collective food hall. Raw Bar is operated by chef Jonathan Manyo of Morel, his brother David Manyo and business partner Joe Elmergreen and features an all-seafood menu inspired by his time cooking on the West Coast. The menu and prices will all change frequently based on the market and availability. Items include oysters on the half shell with mignonette, king crab legs with drawn butter, stone crab claws, crab cakes with remoulade and sherry vinaigrette, hamachi tuna niçoise salad with olives and capers, two types of lobster rolls and a ceviche special that will change daily. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Little Cancun
A Mexican restaurant in Franklin opened a second location in the former Hector’s in Bay View in late April. Little Cancun, known for its chips and salsa, sports a renovated interior in a purple color scheme and abundant daily food and drink specials. Combination plates ($6.95-$14.50) with anything from chile relleno to chicken flautas are popular here, along with classics like bistec ranchero ($13.50), fried milanesa ($10.95) and camarones a la diabla ($14.50). Guacamole ($7.95), pico de gallo ($3.95) and loco beans ($8.95) topped with steak all make good chip dips. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Orenda Cafe
A breakfast and lunch restaurant opened May 1, 2019, in the Silver City neighborhood. Orenda is in a newly renovated building that feels like a diner, with counter seating at the bar and a row of comfortable booths. Breakfast items make up the majority of the menu and include many Mexican-inspired dishes, like carnita hash ($12) and chilaquiles ($9) with eggs and pork belly. On the sweet side are s’mores French toast ($11) and chia seed pancakes ($10.5) with buttermilk caramel syrup. Lunch items include cucumber salmon ceviche ($9), an apple and goat cheese salad ($10) and a burger topped with roasted poblanos, Swiss and mushrooms ($11). (Lacey Muszynski)
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Egg & Flour Pasta Bar (Inside Crossroads Collective)
The final previously announced vendor opened May 14, 2019, in the Crossroads Collective food hall. Egg & Flour Pasta Bar is run by chef Adam Pawlak and features handmade pastas made fresh every day. The menu will change seasonally, and there is a featured pasta special every day. Bucatini ($12) is served with a creamy Grana Padano and black pepper sauce, shell pasta ($12) is served with cheese sauce and bacon and pappardelle can be topped with seven-hour Bolognese ($14) or tomato sauce ($11). Daily specials have included pacherri pasta with foie gras and duck salami cream sauce and various types of ravioli. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Ca'Lucchenzo Pastificio & Enoteca
An Italian restaurant opened on May 15, 2019, in the former Juniper 61 spot in Wauwatosa. Ca’Lucchenzo is owned by Zak and Sarah Baker, who between them have worked at Ristorante Bartolotta, c. 1880 and Pizza Man. The menu features snacks, antipasti, freshly made pastas and risotto and will change seasonally, inspired by northern Italy in winter and southern Italy in summer. Focaccia ($5), giant braised meatballs ($10) and polipo alla piastra ($14), octopus with ‘nduja vinaigrette, are some of the starters. Pastas include garganelli di nero ($20) with calamari and crab, gnocchi with lamb ragu ($18) and ravioli ($18) filled with ricotta and chard in brown butter and pesto. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Kin by Rice n Roll
A restaurant by the folks at Rice n Roll Bistro opened in May in Wauwatosa. Kin serves sushi and other Japanese and Thai dishes in a bright, modern space with a small sushi bar. A long list of appetizers includes steamed buns with chashu pork ($8), salmon tartar ($15) and miso soup ($3). Crab fried rice ($18), khao soy chicken ($14) and panang curry ($12) are some of the Thai items on the menu. Nigiri and sashimi can be ordered by the piece or as a set, with 12 pieces selected by the chef ($22.95). Some of the maki rolls from Rice n Roll make an appearance here, like the Milwaukee ($14) with shrimp tempura, while many others are new, such as the Tosa fab ($16) with yellowtail, avocado and curry mayo. (Lacey Muszynski)
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The MECCA Sports Bar and Grill
A massive new sports bar and grill opened in the Deer District in early May. The MECCA can hold up to 750 people with the focal point being a 42-foot-wide TV screen that spans two floors above the main bar. The menu is brief but full of sports bar favorites, like garlic fries ($6) with herbs, shallots and garlic aioli, nachos ($14) with smoked barbecue chicken and chicken wings ($12) with garlic and rosemary seasoning, buffalo or Asian barbecue sauce. Burgers ($12-$14), a salmon sandwich ($14), tacos ($4.50) and entrées like fried chicken ($16) with biscuits and slaw round out the offerings. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Hacienda Beer Co. (North Avenue Taproom)
A taproom and restaurant opened in early June in the former G. Daddy’s BBC on North Avenue. Hacienda Beer Co. is a Door County-based brewery founded in 2017 that focuses on modern, experimental beers. This is their first dedicated taproom, and they will have up to a dozen beers on tap. The food menu includes appetizers, salads and sandwiches. Candied bacon ($6), saffron pickled vegetables ($6) and duck confit empanadas ($11) make good snacks. A peach spinach salad ($13), a black garlic BBQ fried chicken sandwich ($12) and a seared salmon sandwich ($17) with roasted red peppers are more substantial options. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Proof Pizza (Inside Saint Kate Arts Hotel)
A fast-casual pizza restaurant opened downtown in June 2019. Proof Pizza is the first restaurant to fully open associated with Saint Kate, the new arts hotel by Marcus Hotels & Resorts. Since the June opening, several other dining options have opened inside the hotel. It serves Neapolitan-style pizza along with salads, antipasti and desserts in a space next to the hotel. All pizzas are $10 and come in signature styles like the Proof Special with red peppers, sausage, sautéed cipollini onions and roasted garlic. Or they can be customized with any toppings you like, including meatballs, scamorza cheese and arugula. Antipasti, like burrata and prosciutto ($9) or roasted brussels sprouts ($8), are served after 4 p.m. Tiramisu and panna cotta ($6) available for dessert. (Lacey Muszynski)
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MooSa's (Seasonal)
A new hamburger stand moved into the Northpoint Custard spot near Bradford Beach in June 2019. MooSa’s is owned by the same family as Casablanca, its name a play on the family’s last name, Musa. The menu is similar to that of Northpoint’s: burgers, soft serve custard and sides. The signature MooSa Burger ($6.95) comes with onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments, two cheeses and a special sauce. A vegetarian Impossible Burger ($8.95), brats ($4.95), corn dogs ($4.95) and chicken wings ($7.95) are also available. Hummus and pita chips ($3.95), cheese curds ($5.95) and walking tacos ($5.95) are some snacks offered. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Bar Centro
The owners of Centro opened a separate bar space next to their restaurant in Riverwest in late May. Bar Centro underwent exhaustive renovations including refinishing the hardwood floors, adding a bar with marble top, salvaged tin ceiling panels and a cozy corner booth. Signature cocktails ($10-$11) are influenced by Italian culture and feature amaro and homemade syrups. Some snacks are offered, including cheese and charcuterie plates ($14-$19), spiced nuts ($6), marinated olives ($6) and soup served with bread ($8). Guests waiting for a table at Centro can use Bar Centro as a much-needed waiting area. (Lacey Muszynski)
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Charles E. Fromage
A small wine bar opened in Washington Heights. Charles E. Fromage is owned by Tony and Honore Schiro, a couple who felt the need for place to stop for a nightcap in this neighborhood. The name is a French play on Chuck E. Cheese’s with the tagline “where an adult can be an adult.” The tiny space has four local tap beers and eight wines to choose from that will change seasonally. Snacks available include a five-cheese spread ($7) with baguette slices, an olive salad ($5), rosemary Marcona almonds ($5) and individual chocolates from Ultimate Confections ($1.50-$2). (Lacey Muszynski)
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Mequon Public Market
6300 W Mequon Rd, Mequon, Wisconsin 53092A public market, modeled after the Milwaukee Public Market and other food halls around town, opened in Mequon in June. Part of the Spur 16 mixed-use development, the Mequon Public Market is primarily a place for customers to eat and drink, along with shopping at a retail florist and butcher shop. Seafood restaurant and fishmonger St. Paul Fish Company is also part of the development and market, though it is housed in a separate building. Restaurants inside the market (and what they primarily offer) include:
Anodyne Coffee (coffee, tea, bakery and snacks); Bavette la Boucherie (sandwiches, charcuterie, salads, smoked meats, retail meats); Beans & Barley (sandwiches, sweet potato black bean burritos and other favorites from their North Avenue location); Bowls (smoothies, grain and salad bowls); Cafe Corazon (breakfast tacos, huevos rancheros, burritos, ceviche and enchiladas); Happy Dough Lucky (mini-donuts with various toppings); Purple Door Ice Cream (ice cream, sundaes and ice cream sandwiches); Screaming Tuna (Asian appetizers and sushi); and Santorini Grill (gyros, souvlaki, grilled octopus and other Greek items). (Lacey Muszynski)
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Pho L'Amour Cafe
A new full-service Vietnamese restaurant opened in a strip mall in Brookfield on June 1, 2019. Pho L’Amour Cafe occupies a large, relaxing space decorated in shades of gray and maroon. Phở comes with a number of meat ingredients, including tenderloin, brisket, meatballs and short ribs ($14.95), chicken ($9.95) and shrimp ($12.95). Lemongrass pork chops ($10.95), spicy chicken curry ($12.95) and chicken coq au vin ($12.95) are listed as entrées. Bún—a salad made with rice vermicelli ($8.95-$10.95)—fried rice and clay pot rice dishes are also available. Bánh mì ($8.95) are 12 inches long and come in three styles, along with sub sandwich options like ham and cheese. (Lacey Muszynski)
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