Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A place home to and known for a number of breweries, where there's never a lack of festivals and cheese curds fall from the sky (if only). If you ever find yourself in the good land, know there's no shortage of good eats in the area. Make sure to check out these 15 must-try restaurants. Prepare for a satisfied stomach and a good time!
1. Highland House
It comes as no surprise (to anyone who knows me) that this restaurant is at the top of the list. Venture about 15 minutes from Milwaukee to Mequon, or “the quon” as the kids like to call it, to get a taste of the deliciousness that is this Mexican restaurant. The free (and technically bottomless) chips and dip/salsa you receive before your meal are actually to die for. For these chips alone, you should book a vacation to Mequon.
2. Out & Out
Saying this mac and cheese is the best in the entire world is an understatement. Wondering where you can find this mouth-watering goodness? There is only one place you can get it: Cedarburg, Wisconsin. Have some custard while you're at it.
3. Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery
On the right side of the Milwaukee river is Rock Bottom. And on "the right side of rock bottom" shouldn't be you because you should be inside the restaurant devouring the upscale pub food and house beers it has to offer.
4. Sprecher's Restaurant & Pub
Apparently, there are people in this world who have never heard of Sprecher? How? Why? Sprecher makes the best root beer of all root beers. Spread the word. Make the world a better place one Sprecher drink at a time.
5. Cafe Benelux (and Cafe Hollander)
These are only two of the four (some have multiple locations) European-style Grand Cafes owned by the Lowlands Group. In these cafes, you can enjoy good food, good company, and a good bier.
6. Water Street Brewery
This brew pub, Milwaukee's first, has been a downtown landmark since 1987. Go for the beer, stay for the food.
7. Ian's Pizza
This Wisconsin-born chain is known for its creative pizzas including its signature mac 'n' cheese pie. Stop in for pizza-by-the-slice, and you won't be disappointed.
8. AJ Bombers
A joint for burgers, beer and shelled peanuts where customers write on the wall with markers--what more could you want? Their website describes it as "Rube Goldberg meets Willy Wonka and the Chocolate factory. Except Rube is into P-nuts and Willy Wonka is into crazy Cheeseburgers. And both are very happy about it."
9. Milwaukee Ale House
Located on the Milwaukee river, this microbrewery and restaurant offers house beers, live music and patio seating--a great place to dine and socialize.
10. Cafe 1505
Another reason to head on over to Mequon! This premiere American bistro was named “Best Breakfast” in Milwaukee Magazine. Don't believe it? Go find out for yourself.
11. Safe House
Safe House is a spy-themed hideaway featuring creative cocktails and casual fare in a dimly lit interior. It's a local landmark that's been feeding hungry spies and special agents since 1966.
12. Maxfield's
Get your pancakes while they're hot! And all of the other delicious breakfast and brunch goodies Maxfield's has to offer.
13. Saz's State House
If you're looking for absolutely amazing sour cream and chive fries, then this laid-back BBQ restaurant and sports bar is the place for you. They even offer signature ribs and a shuttle to area sports games.
14. Water Buffalo
With unique outdoor dining and two dynamic, highly designed indoor spaces, Water Buffalo serves American fare and has one of the best views in the city.
15. Culver's
If you didn't go to Culver's, were you even in Wisconsin?
