Photo by Neville Desouza/Ruta's Fresh Indian Fare
Ruta's Fresh Indian Fare West Allis
Ruta's Fresh Indian Fare in West Allis, Wisconsin (2026).
Ruta’s Fresh Indian Fare has found a new home. The health conscious, Indian-inspired fast-casual restaurant has reopened at 7629 W. Greenfield Ave., West Allis, after operating first as a vendor at the former Crossroads Collective Food Hall, and most recently in a brick-and-mortar space in the Walker's Point neighborhood. The current menu features curry bowls, grilled NaanMelts, cold sandwiches, a new breakfast menu with egg sandwiches and omelets, and a chai bar with tea, matcha and lassi (probiotic Indian smoothie) drinks.
Speaking of the former Crossroads Collective (2238 N. Farwell Ave.), the astrology-themed Star Bar opened in a portion of that space after Nadi Plates chose to not move forward with plans to open in the shuttered food hall.
Star Bar’s press release states that, “Guests can expect an evolving calendar of programming, including curated DJ nights, immersive themed experiences, creative workshops, seasonal celebrations, neighborhood events for all ages, and collaborations with local artists and creatives. The drink menu will feature tap beer, canned beverages, mixed drinks, wine, and specialty cocktails.”
The Bartolotta Restaurants will open their much-anticipated High Stakes by Bartolotta steakhouse (1030 N. Water St.) September 17. The European-inspired steakhouse will feature 1930s Art Deco décor and the Peacock Lounge, a nightlife destination offering cocktails and small bites for before or after dinner socializing, or for a drink during a night out on the town.
Il Ponte, the latest venture from chef Adam Siegel and his wife/business partner Daria Aitken-Siegel, is expected to open September 15 at 814 E. Mason St. (on the first floor of the Northwestern Mutual North Building). A press release states that Il Ponte will feature “New York-style Italian cuisine” with “high-quality ingredients, house-made pasta and classic red sauces that all contribute to simple yet flavorful dishes.”
Il Ponte is located near the Siegels’ Mediterranean-influenced restaurant Lupi & Iris.
The 3rd Street Market Hall in Downtown Milwaukee will welcome new vendors Clutch Sandwich Co. and Green Thumb Salad Spot. Both vendors are expected to open in September. Clutch will feature meat-based sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Green Thumb will offer classic salads, house specialties and build-you-own salads.
Popular Walker’s Point restaurant Catrina's Café opened a second location at 2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., in the Bay View neighborhood. The restaurant features authentic Mexican breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées, along with sandwiches and burgers, and pancakes, waffles and crepes.
Chicago-based dual-brands Buona Beef and The Original Rainbow Cone opened their first Milwaukee area location at 8767 S. Howell Ave., Oak Creek. Buona Beef has gained a following for its Italian beef sandwiches, and Original Rainbow Cone is known for its five-flavor ice cream cones.
Oklahoma-based Graze Craze, a food-based franchise specializing in charcuterie boards, opened its first Wisconsin location at 18900 W. Bluemound Ave., Brookfield. Customers can choose various sized charcuterie boards or picnic baskets such as the Classic, with assorted cured meats, cheeses, crackers, veggies and fruit; the Vegetarian, with seasonal produce and house-made dips; and the desert-based Sweet tray. Vegan options are also available.
El Impostor, a new restaurant specializing in globally inspired tacos and tequila, will open at 7413 W. Greenfield Ave. in West Allis. El Impostor will be owned and operated by restauranteur Casey Rataczak, owner of the Rebelhead Restaurant Group that operates Camino restaurants in Walker’s Point and West Allis.
This and That
The inaugural Freshwater Food & Wine Festival takes place September 19 and 20 at Henry Maier Festival Park. The large-format culinary festival is touted as blending “the energy of a music festival with the creativity of food, wine and hospitality,” with “celebrity chefs, live culinary challenges, immersive wine destinations, restaurant experiences, live music, marketplaces and more throughout Milwaukee’s lakefront festival grounds.”
Highlights include Hell’s Kitchen chefs Mary Lou Davis & Nikki Hanna; the Hall of Fame & Flame, with NFL Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, and Carnevor Executive Chef Mario Giuliani; and Behind the Scenes with Wisconsin Foodie, with Chef/host Luke Zahm, and the show’s creator/producer Arthur Ircink. Other confirmed appearances include comedian Charlie Berens and music by B.D. Greer & The Gents, Listening Party, Joe Wray, Sazerac 5, the Extra Crispy Brass Band and DJ Shawna.
“Freshwater was built around the idea that chefs can command a stage the same way musicians do,” states Wes Shaver, Founder and CEO of Freshwater Food & Wine Festival, in a press release. “As we continue unveiling the weekend, guests are beginning to see how all these pieces connect: world-class culinary talent, incredible wine, local restaurateurs and chefs, live entertainment and one-of-a-kind experiences that invite people to participate rather than simply observe.” Tickets start at $35 for single-day admission. For more information, visit fwfoodandwine.com.
