Milwaukee is changing rapidly, as Wisconsin meets success with the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines. It’s a moment restaurants have been waiting for. Not only does the vaccine promise to provide protection for employees; when used along with protocols like mask-wearing and social distancing, it has the potential to vastly impact the spread of the virus and speed the city’s overall economic recovery.
As a result, restaurants across the city – many of which have held back on offering indoor dining – are preparing to reopen their dining rooms at a limited capacity. And we’re here to keep you up to date on those openings as they occur.
Remember: Even as restaurants open, it’s our responsibility as a community to support their efforts by following safety protocols and respecting the rules individual restaurants have put into place. Our efforts will assist in boosting the city’s pandemic recovery and ensure that restaurants can rebuild in the aftermath of a very rough year.
Note: Although we are including current operating hours with every entry, pease consult restaurant websites and social media for current operational hours (which are likely to change) before you head out.
As always, be safe. Be kind and respectful. And tip generously.
For a more comprehensive list of restaurants offering carry-out, curbside pick-up and indoor dining, check out our Dining Guide.
Are you a restaurant that's reopening your dining room? Send an email with pertinent details to lori@onmilwaukee.com
April 14
Company Brewing
735 E. Center St., (414) 930-0909
companybrewing.com
Company Brewing will reopen on April 14, offering a 15% discount on food for Milwaukee Art Museum members as part of the museum's neighborhood discount program.
Fuel Cafe 5th Street
630 S. 5th St., (414) 847-9580
fuelcafe.com
Fuel Cafe returns to the scene on April 14 after a long pandemic hiatus. The restaurant is open for dine-in, delivery and pick-up. As for weekend brunch, they are currently accepting 90-minute reservations for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.); you can make yours online. If you don't make the cut and would like to get on a waiting list, you can do that online as well. You can read their re-opening COVID-19 protocols here.
April 8
Moxie
501 E. Silver Spring Dr., (414) 204-8980
eatatmoxie.com
Moxie will reopen on Thursday, April 8 for dine-in service. Reservations are required. Carry-out will remain available.
April 7
Lulu Cafe & Bar
2265 S. Howell Ave., (414) 294-5858
lulubayview.com
Lulu will reopen for dine-in service on Wednesday, April 7. Carry-out will remain available.
April 1, 2020
The National Cafe
839 W. National Ave., (414) 431-6551
nationaleats.com
The National Cafe will reopen on April 1 with a limited menu for dine-in service.
For the safety of both employees and guests, The National will be following all current health department guidelines. Curbside pick-up will remain available. The patio at The National will also be available starting this weekend.
Hours (for now): Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Morel
430 S 2nd St., (414) 897-0747
morelmke.com
Morel will reopen on April 1 for dinner service at a 50% indoor capacity. Reservations are highly recommended due to limited capacity. Morel’s patio will also re-open in the coming weeks as weather conditions warrant.
Hours (for now): Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 9 and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
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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