By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Nov 06, 2024 at 10:40 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

There’s always something new to enjoy at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, 139 E. Kilbourn Ave., whether it’s a brain-jogging new art exhibition, a live musical performance at the bar, or a new culinary experience at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Among the latest new experiences is the introduction of breakfast at ARIA, the beautifully appointed restaurant on the hotel’s second floor. While Bubbles & Brunch has been a staple on weekends, guests now have the option to enjoy breakfast offerings Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Start off with a cup of Valentine Coffee, or a full complement of coffee drinks including lattes, macchiatos, mochas and cappuccinos. Or indulge in a cup of locally blended Rishi Tea black, green or herbal tea. Brunch-worthy drinks like a classic mimosa and house bloody mary are also on offer.

As for breakfast dishes, the menu ranges from light, healthful options like Overnight Oats flavored with strawberry compote, almond butter, chia seeds, fresh fruit and maple syrup ($9); or a Greek Yogurt Bowl featuring organic granola, chia seeds, almonds, bananas, berries and honey ($13).

Greek Yogurt BowlX

Prefer something a bit more indulgent? Chocolate Chip Pancakes are served with nut butter and maple syrup ($15); and ARIA’s signature PB&J French Toast features thick slices of brioche filled with creamy peanut butter and strawberry compote, topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream and served with maple syrup ($16). 

PB&J French ToastX

Thanks to its nostalgic appeal, the PB&J French Toast – which eats a bit like “breakfast cake” – is also perfect for sharing.

Additional options include seasonal Brussels Sprout Hash showcasing autumnal sweet potatoes, apples, scallions and cherry-smoked bacon topped with two cage-free eggs and a drizzle of honey ($17).

Brussels Sprout HashX

There’s also a generous portion of Avocado Toast featuring sourdough bread spread with mashed avocado, pickled red onions, arugula and chili oil and topped with cage-free eggs ($15). Add-ons include Nova Lox (+$4) and ancho-rubbed grilled hanger steak (+$8). 

Avocado ToastX

Or, free to add a side of truly thick-cut cherry wood-smoked bacon ($6).

Thick Cut Cherry Wood Smoked BaconX

Additional savory options include options like corned beef hash as well as standards like eggs and toast, omelets or benedicts, including a Crab Benedict featuring a lump crab cake, asparagus, poached cage-free eggs, brown butter hollandaise and a side of breakfast potatoes ($25).

ARIA is open for breakfast Monday through Friday from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and dinner daily from 5 to 9 p.m.  Bubbles & Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

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.