What to expect from Fratello's in the Third Ward

Tell us a little about what we'll expect at Fratello's?

Since opening our first Fratello's Waterfront Restaurant 12 years ago, our key to success has been to create an atmosphere that appeals to a wide mix of people. Our décor is cool casual, the kind of place that you feel comfortable taking your boss to or out on a date. With views of the water as our signature look, we wow the guests with the ambience, and then surprise them with the variety and pricing of our menu. We are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and our menu prices range from $8.99 to around $18.99. Our menu is very extensive, with sandwiches and pizzas, steaks, pasta and fresh seafood. We offer an award winning wine list and handcrafted beers along with a wide variety of mixed drinks. Our summer patio will also be what sets us apart. All of our locations have unique patios, and we maximize every summer moment that we can.

What other concepts do you own/operate?

The Milwaukee Fratello's will be our fifth Fratello's location, with one in Oshkosh, two in Appleton and one in Green Bay. We also have The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant in Appleton, two Golden Corral Buffet & Grills, Fox River Brewing Co., and Wave Bar & Ballroom. We are also very excited to be opening our newest concept, MBCo. MBCo, is short for Montreal Bread Co., and the Third Ward location will be the first one in the United States. Founded in Montreal, it is an upscale European café, which specializes in artisan sandwiches and breads. Very chic and trendy, it has a wide variety of breads, sandwiches and salads. The service is counter style with a large catering and to-go trade, which will be open breakfast, lunch and dinner.

What's the target opening day?

We are hoping to open MBCo before the end of the year and Fratello's Waterfront Restaurant in February.

General thoughts on the Milwaukee-area dining scene.

Milwaukee's dining scene is very hot, and we are excited to join a fantastic group of independent restaurateurs and some of the new national chains. Milwaukee diners appreciate the ambience of a location, but are still looking for that extra value that makes their dining choice a unique experience.

4 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review.

Recent Talkbacks ...

Posted by mkegormae on June 26, 2008 at 9:14 p.m. (report)

I'm always willing to try a new restaurant and did happen to read a few reviews; one good and one okay. My party of seven ate dinner at Fratello's Wednesday evening because of an 18th birthday celebration. The atmosphere was very nice and the bar appeared to be well stocked but that's where the good aspects of Fratello's stop. Our party preregistered and arrived on time. The hostess told us she would check to determine whether our table was ready and did not return on a timely basis. After five minutes, the second hostess was asked again if our table was ready and she took us to our table. The acoustics made it rather difficult to have normal table conversation. We ordered the Spinach/Artichoke dip (more like soup) and asked for extra chips as there were approximately 25 chips that accompanied the dip and we were charged an additional $2 for what should have been a normal chip appetizer serving size. Sweet potatoe fries were ordered and lacked any type of seasoning other than melted marshmallows; they could have been enhanced with a little bit of olive oil and pepper seasonings - no marshmallows required. The roasted vegetable fratbread proved to be disappointing as there was little imagination with the entree preparation. The location is great and a wonderful addition to the Third Ward, but overpriced and lacking in the Milwaukee quality to which I've become accustomed.

Posted by klnbme on June 17, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. (report)

The deck and the cupcakes are great. Service good. The rest not so much. The spinach/artichoke dip tasted like a can of cream of spinach soup that was nuked. We sent it back and they took it off the bill. The service is good not the food. The bruschetta had no flavor. It all tastes chain, out of a premade packets. The first time I went was downtown dining week and it was all excellent. We went this weekend, they had quite a drop off in taste and food. Pizza ok. If you go, sit on the deck have a drink, a pizza and a cupcake. the interior is modern and swank (should be non smoking) but the food way below. After this visit I completely agree with the Shepherd Express' review!

Posted by nan on Sept. 10, 2007 at 10:48 a.m. (report)

Fratello's will be a nice additional...however, let's please keep the Dog scene off their patio for us diners who really don't care for the smell of dog with our pasta., etc.

Posted by Squid on Sept. 7, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. (report)

Any chance the "Handcrafted Beers" will be brewed onsite? I'm assuming they will be trucked down from Oshkosh. Hinterland Brewing is opening across the street from Fratello's is trucking their beers down from their Green Bay locaiton. It would be nice if some of these beers were brewed on premise. But then again, the liquor laws may not allow this. They may even need a distributor to truck their own beers down.

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