It’s as important as ever to support the amazing local restaurants we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants to guide you on your journey. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2025. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
NOTE: My top restaurant for Week 1 of 2025 happens to be on a winter break through Jan. 15, so I'm shaking things up a bit. As it turns out, this pick is just as perfect a way to start out the year!
Uncle Wolfie’s Downtown & The Wolf
600 N. Broadway, (414) 935-2076
unclewolfies.com
broadwaywolf.com
Dual concept: New American, Indonesian, brunch
$$
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What's better than a great restaurant to start off your new year? How about TWO restaurants? That's what you get at Uncle Wolfie's Downtown!
There’s a bit of magic in this dual concept that offers breakfast and brunch during the day and a Southeast Asian-inspired dinner concept during the evening hours.
Daily brunch dishes run the gamut from Uncle Wolfie’s classics like the BELTCH (bacon, egg, lettuce, tomato and cheese) and the Big Wolf Breakfast (eggs, tavern potatoes and choice of meat and toast) to delightfully innovative options like Pistachio Shakshuka (tomatoes, peppers, pistachio cream, feta, eggs, laffa bread and herbs) and the Chili Crisp Fish Sandwich, which was recognized in December of 2024 by “Food & Wine” magazine.
The Wolf
Meanwhile, Thursday through Saturday guests can make reservations for an ever-changing Indonesian and Southeast Asian-inflected pre fixe menu showcasing dishes like innovative dumplings; flavorful salads and noodle dishes and entrees like “Rendang” (a play on the notable Indonesian curry using beef shortribs). At $65 per person (with optional pairings for +$40 more), it’s a must-try situation. Of course, if you forget to make a reservation, there’s always an a la carte menu available for walk-ins.
Interested in learning to make dumplings at home? Sign up for one of The Wolf’s monthly dumpling-making classes with Executive Chef & Phat Dumpling alum Kristen Schwab.
Recommended: Chili crisp fish sandwich, seasonal omelettes, pre fixe menu
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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