In recent weeks, my family's managed to hit many of our favorite Milwaukee restaurants: Calderone Club, Cloud Red, Beans and Barley and even a burger over Christmas break at Kopp’s. That's not even mentioning our regular visits to the Public Market. Heck, we even have reservations at Bacchus set for this week too. (Happy anniversary, wife!)
But, as I thought about my recent restaurant visits, I couldn’t help but think that I was ignoring my own advice: make a restaurant list and hit places you haven’t been.
This week alone, several people have asked for me for recommendations. And while I can rattle off great places, I'm no Lori Fredrich and I didn't have a list of places that I wanted to go for 2018. So, that needed to change.
And so, it did.
The below is my list of Milwaukee restaurants that I need to go this year. I highly suggest you make one for yourself. We’re all creatures of comfort and habit, but having a list helps force us out of our convenience zones and into more of the great places that seem to be opening each and every week in Milwaukee.
Dine on, Milwaukee. And, make that list now and put it in your phone.
Santino’s Little Italy
352 E. Stewart St.
(414) 897-7367
santinoslittleitaly.com
Everyone seems to love this place, from the vibe to, of course, the food. Sorry, JoAnne and Nick, that we haven’t been in yet. This will change in 2018.
The Laughing Taco
1033 S. 1st St.
(414) 210-3086
laughingtaco.com
No excuse here. I love tacos. See you soon, Justin.
Iron Grate BBQ Co.
4125 S. Howell Ave.
(414) 455-1776
irongratebbq.com
Just drove by last Sunday on my way to the airport – and sadly failed to stop. Our 10-year-old loves ribs, so obviously the Milwaukee ribs will be a must-try.
Asian International Market
3401 W. National Ave.
(414) 383-4188
asianinternationalmarket.com
I’ve had food from Asian International Market – thanks to Nick Barth, Matt Mueller and their Burning Through Brew City visit, I sampled its extremely spicy but extremely tasty papaya salad – but I've never been inside. Will do.
El Senorial
1901 S. 31st St.
(414) 385-9506
El Senorial Mexican Restaurant has a passionate fan base. It’s a shame that I’ve been there yet.
Blue Star Cafe
1619 N. Farwell Ave.
(414) 273-9744
Many rave about the Somali dishes, appetizers and sandwiches at Blue Star. I probably drive by it daily – but one of these days, I actually need to stop in.
La Casa De Alberto
624 W. National Ave.
(414) 643-5715
I sense a Mexican food theme in this list. La Casa de Alberto opened in the former Lopez Bakery space at 624 W. National Ave. The owners, Alberto and Laura Gonzalez, worked at Conejito's for 18 years. Done and done.
Mazo's
3146 S. 27th St.
(414) 671-2118
mazoshamburgers.com
Finally, I’m a bad Milwaukeean for never haven’t stepped foot in Mazo’s. Burger me in 2018.
That’s it. For now. What’s on your Milwaukee restaurant resolutions list for 2018?
A life-long and passionate community leader and Milwaukeean, Jeff Sherman is a co-founder of OnMilwaukee.
He grew up in Wauwatosa and graduated from Marquette University, as a Warrior. He holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University, and is the founding president of Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM)/Fuel Milwaukee.
Early in his career, Sherman was one of youngest members of the Greater Milwaukee Committee, and currently is involved in numerous civic and community groups - including board positions at The Wisconsin Center District, Wisconsin Club and Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. He's honored to have been named to The Business Journal's "30 under 30" and Milwaukee Magazine's "35 under 35" lists.
He owns a condo in Downtown and lives in greater Milwaukee with his wife Stephanie, his son, Jake, and daughter Pierce. He's a political, music, sports and news junkie and thinks, for what it's worth, that all new movies should be released in theaters, on demand, online and on DVD simultaneously.
He also thinks you should read OnMilwaukee each and every day.
