It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Buckley's Restaurant & Bar
801 N. Cass St., (414) 277-1111
buckleysmilwaukee.com
New American
$$-$$$
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It’s been over a decade since the Buckley family established their restaurant on Milwaukee’s lower East Side; but you’d barely know it thanks to a menu that’s kept up with the times. Not only is it a beautiful, comfortable place to dine, but its menu always seems to hit the spot, especially when you are looking for something familiar and comforting. Even more, their consistent execution, delicious carrot cake and friendly service keeps customers coming back time and time again.
But don’t get me wrong. Familiar is far from boring. At Buckley’s you’ll find a fantastic cocktail program (and a bar with an impressive amaro collection) and a food menu that’s doppled with both solid American classics and globally inspired dishes.
The current menu offers up gems like seared scallops with smoked corn puree, huitlacoche sauce, salsify crisps and pea shoots; housemade roasted mushroom pasta with pappardelle, crimini, king trumpet, oyster mushrooms and porcini butter; and chicken piccata with green beans and smoked red potatoes.
Don't sleep on the dessert menu. Everything is made in house!
Recommended: House focaccia; mushroom ragu; pork chop; that gosh-darn-craveable carrot cake
Pro tip: Did you know you can score complimentary parking at 777 N. Van Buren St. when you enjoy a meal at Buckley's? You can. Validation is available at the host stand.
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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “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 recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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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