Sanford
1547 N. Jackson St., (414) 276-9608
sanfordrestaurant.com
New American
$$$-$$$$
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In an age where new and shiny is king, there are still reliable classics that deserve attention. Among them is Sanford, a staple fine dining spot that (quite literally) helped to put Milwaukee on the national dining map.
Even 30 years after opening its menu of globally inspired seasonal New American fare is still relevant and (more importantly) delicious. Even more – despite the humility with which James Beard Award winning Chef and co-owner Justin Aprahamian approaches his work – a meal eaten under his watch is nearly guaranteed to be memorable. In fact, if anything is a rarity at Sanford, it's an off-night.
Currently, Sanford offers a choice of a four course menu or seven course surprise tasting menu. Menus change daily, but you can peek at the sample menu on their website to get a gist of what you might find. Ultimately, it’s a selection of nicely balanced dishes which reflect both refinement in technique and a great deal of playfulness in their flavor combinations.
Wanna impress your date for Valentine’s Day? Now is a very good time to make a reservation.
Pro tip: Guests tend to dress up at Sanford, insinuating there’s a dress code; but like most modern spots, there isn’t. Go as you feel comfortable; they won’t turn you away.
Recommended: The surprise tasting menu; it’s unparalleled
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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