Photo Credit: Danielle Dahl
A big red barn on Greenfield Avenue houses one of the best breakfast spots in Milwaukee. One word to describe Mad Rooster’s food and service would be consistent. Across the board, both were consistently good and made it an enjoyable and tasty experience. After a few visits, I felt like Norm walking into Cheers and it was clear that this restaurant puts a lot of emphasis on customer service. Its unique décor, interesting menu and many options make it an outstanding place for people of all ages.
Mad Rooster serves both breakfast and lunch all day and has a long list of choices in the sweet and savory category and even some interesting dishes that combine both for the ultimate taste sensation. Whether it’s savory or sweet you desire, you can be sure it’s packed full of flavor and served in their unique style.
The “Madrooster Originals”—like Mad Morning Tacos ($9.50), three tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, chicken chorizo, poblanos and slices of avocado served with house-made salsa ranchero—reflect the breakfast side of their sister restaurants El Fuego and El Beso. They are one of my favorite offerings. Another hit in the Originals category is the crispy-crunchy cinnamon French toast ($9), dipped in corn flakes and grilled perfectly. For a unique take on a Monte Cristo ($10), that same French toast houses ham, bacon, eggs and cheese for an ultimate breakfast sandwich.
The buttermilk pancakes ($6.50) are light and fluffy and can be substituted for toast with a breakfast entrée. Try one of several specialty pancakes like the wildberry crunch ($9.50) that use only fresh fruit. The Belgian waffles ($7-$12) are golden brown and crisp on the outside, but tender inside. They have sweet and savory options for the waffles, including a new addition to the menu, the fried chicken with chorizo gravy. The corned beef hash and eggs ($11) were outstanding—a big portion of tender corned beef chunks, seasoned well and mixed with their signature red potatoes served with eggs any style. My medium poached eggs were cooked perfectly with a runny yolk. You will never leave hungry at Mad Rooster. The portions are generous and a great value for the price.
If all this sounds like it’s not on your diet plan, Mad Rooster offers a long list of “Healthy Habits,” including a dynamite veggie white omelet ($10.50) and house-made Greek yogurt that’s tangy and creamy, served in a pineapple with fresh fruit and freshly baked granola ($10.50). It’s as delicious as it is gorgeous in presentation and it’s served with a muffin.
Lunch has many options, including a “chop-chop” salad, homemade soup and “secret recipe” chili. The long list of burgers and sandwiches also has vegetarian options and some interesting combinations making it difficult to choose; but breakfast or lunch, sweet or savory, you can always count on big, bold flavors.
Mad Rooster serves bloody marys (“Mad Marys”) and mimosas and has a short list of craft beers. Even the orange juice is freshly squeezed for the mimosa and the mix homemade for the bloody mary, which includes a deviled egg garnish.
On the weekend, you may have to wake up when the rooster crows if you want to get seated immediately. The good service and food make this a popular place. However, with its size and efficiency, it’s worth the short wait and you can sip on a cup of their signature blend Anodyne coffee and take in all the “Mad” quirky artwork. Open daily 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Mad Rooster Café
4401 W. Greenfield Ave.
414-231-9120
$$
Handicap access: Yes
