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.
Hacienda Taproom & Kitchen
2018 E. North Ave., (414) 296-7200
haciendabeerco.com/hacienda-north-ave
Texacana
$$-$$$
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If you’ve not been to Hacienda since they shook things up with a new chef and full concept rebrand, integrating smoked meats into their menu is just one of the reasons to try it. Chef Ashley Turner, a native Texan who knows her barbeque, has merged the taproom’s inaugural Southwestern theme with distinctive Texas influence, creating what she calls “Texacana,” a menu that seamlessly blends elements of classic southern fare with Tex-Mex and Texas BBQ. And her food happens to go great with the creative brews – and other beverages – served.
Highlights include Turners’ Texas brisket chili, which also appears atop Hacienda’s BBQ Nacho Bites with cheddar, red onions, radishes, cilantro crema and cilantro. Guests can also indulge in build-their-own BBQ tacos, thanks to plates filled with proteins like smoked salmon and Texas-style brisket along with warm tortillas and varied accompaniments.
Don't miss Hacienda's weekend brunch, served Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Recommended: Texas brisket chili, BBQ tacos, specials
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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