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.
La Dama
839 S. 2nd St., (414) 645-2606
ladamamke.com
Regional Mexican
$$-$$$
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Regional Mexican food is celebrated at La Dama, a restaurant that offers both a cozy, eclectic vibe (think tin ceilings, artful Mexico-themed murals), an open kitchen that allows you to see the impressive bustle of the chefs at work and – most importantly –beautifully presented modern fare. It’s a particularly wonderful place to visit during the summer months, thanks to their lovely back patio.
On the menu, you’ll find staples like fresh, citrusy aguachiles, outstanding tacos and truly lovely entrees like citrus-crusted salmon and shank birria that will challenge what you think you know about Mexican cuisine.
There's also plenty to enjoy at the bar, from well-balanced Margaritas and Palomas to Mexican beers and tequila and mezcal flights.
Recommended: Aguachile rojo, charro beans, lamb shank birria
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.
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.
