She said/she said is a series of rapid reviews written by the intrepid duo, Lori Fredrich (the foodie) and Carolynn Buser (the socialite). Tune in regularly  for our latest meanderings on hot spots around town.

Destination: La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave.
Reason for visiting: Happy hour, which takes place on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m.
Specials: $7 cocktails and $6 pours on select wines; abbreviated small plates menu at the bar
Pro Tip: Visit on Mondays for half-off bottles of wine
Mood: Comfortable and casual with a friendly vibe and an eclectic interior

Go here when

Lori: If you need a mid-week pick-me-up, La Merenda is a great place to find it (the fact that La Merenda only hosts happy hour once a week only makes it more special).

I’ve not typically ordered cocktails when I dine at La Merenda, but the "Wait-y Katie" I ordered on our visit was delicious. Made with vodka, limoncello, grapefruit liqueur and lime juice, it was fresh, bright and full of citrus flavor ($7); my only regret was that it wasn’t warm enough to enjoy on the patio.

Carolynn: I was still trying to kick a cold the day of our visit -- like the rest of Milwaukee was -- so I opted for the "Hone-In."  The Maker’s Mark, simple syrup, lemon juice, lavender bitters ($7) was soothing and also calmed whatever cough I still had in me. The mushroom lumpia was also delicious. This Filipino-style "egg roll" was light and crisp and filled with flavorful mushrooms and cilantro ($6), perfect for snacking.

Go back for

Lori: La Merenda is one of my favorite casual spots in the city. There’s always something different on the menu, so you’ll never be bored.  

On our visit, my favorite was the seafood polenta, featuring grilled polenta covered in a stew of halibut and sablefish in an andouille sausage cream sauce. Rich, but delicious and perfectly portioned for two ($8).

I'd also recommend ordering the La Clare goat cheese curds with Tia Paquita chorizo cream sauce if they’re on the menu ($9.50); they’re absolutely fantastic. And when the weather is warm, don’t neglect to ask for a seat on the patio -- which I think is one of the best in the city. I also highly recommend La Merenda as a lunch option; they’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Carolynn: A menu that keeps rotating in new dishes always keep people coming back. But La Merenda just does it so exceedingly well that they are almost always at the top of my list. The tapas style allows you to explore so many dishes from all over the world and you never have to leave Milwaukee! The patio is stellar -- don't miss it -- and don't you dare leave without ordering their Irish Car Bomb dessert. It is da bomb. 

Overall Rating

Lori: I love sharing food with others, so La Merenda is always a win in my book. Once one of Milwaukee’s best hidden gems, the restaurant has grown to be an institution. Quality has remained high over the years, and I’m always happy to go and be surprised by new interesting items on the menu.

Carolynn: La Merenda is proof that location isn't everything -- they were doing this long before Walker's Point became the dining destination that it is today -- and they do everything so very well! Two huge thumbs all the way up.