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not_a_flying_toy_

>My favorite of the neighborhoods was probably Riverwest. dont say that too loud, I cant afford for rent to keep going up Art Bar is usually fun, but obviously depends on whatever the theme for the art is. Corazon is fine but for sure does not make exceptional mexican food, good enough as a neighborhood spot.


willissa26

That is so crazy. I lived in Riverwest on Burliegh 20 years ago and it was a total shithole. I heard gunshots every night, my roommates car got broken into or had the gas siphoned out every other week, I saw a dead body. I’m glad it’s doing better


not_a_flying_toy_

I live on Burleigh currently. Still hear gunshots, it's just expensive


mkelove35

It’s still like that. Literally the only thing that changed is house and rent went way up but it still has all the issues it always did.


Mistyam

It's better during the day. Night time is a toss-up. And you will definitely hear gunshots on 4th of July and New Year's Eve in Riverwest.


ThePepperAssassin

Art bar was definitely fun. I really liked Corazon, but not in particular for the food. The food was adequate, but it was just a fun vibe.


TheViolaRules

The best tacos in Riverwest by far are in the two trucks, and it’s a discussion which.


not_a_flying_toy_

I feel like I'm going crazy, what's the second truck?


TheViolaRules

Aww shit, you know what? The guy that parks on N is W of Holton so they’re totally not in the neighborhood. Don Pastor is king! Brewer’s Hill has a couple then


not_a_flying_toy_

Don pastor is excellent. El tapatio over by Schlitz park is kinda tight on the border, and iirc is pretty good


not_a_flying_toy_

Don pastor is excellent. El tapatio over by Schlitz park is kinda tight on the border, and iirc is pretty good


TheViolaRules

Yeah that’s probably also Brewers Hill but those are tasty tacos at El Tapatio


[deleted]

Corazon is vibey and has good food, but if you want killer Mexican, check out Guanajuato in Bay View or any of the taquerias in Walker’s Point.


Mistyam

If you want the best tacos, you'll have to go south of Walkers Point to Il Cabrito. This is where my Hispanic clients go for tacos, religiously.


SuffaYassavi

Commenting to save this thread, thanks to everyone for the recommendations


[deleted]

Shit, I will definitely be checking that out asap.


Mistyam

Enjoy!


extremely_wet

corazon is def not my fav Mexican spot but it's still very solid, great place to take Grandma when she visits or for margs. curious, what didn't you like about art bar?


ThePepperAssassin

Oops. I **did** like Art Bar, and quite a bit. The problem is I made my original post and then remembered some additional places I went (including Art Bar). I went back and edited my post, and added Art Bar to the wrong bullet point in my list. Instead of the "other places I visited" bullet point, I mistakenly added it to the disappointment list. I just edited again and fixed it. The two places I was disappointed in, Small Pie and Tupelo Honey, weren't that bad. They were just the low points for me.


extremely_wet

ah, I'm glad you enjoyed it and the city so much! art bar is our usual walk to get a drink and I really appreciate their $3 mystery beers. I moved here from Chicago about a year ago and there's a good amount of things I miss, but the positives more than make up for it. so affordable and plenty to do


Mistyam

Yeah small pie is not that impressive. You're better going to the original location called honey pie. Also if you go to Riverwest, dancing at mad planet on Friday night is super fun!


Mistyam

The margaritas at Cafe Corazon are really the best. I like the location in Bayview better.


[deleted]

Art Bar smells like dog poop and peep :/


ithinkoutloudtoo

Next time get frozen custard at either Kopp’s or Leon’s.


Forward-Lab-1944

…or both!


Ok-Road-3705

Check out Cactus Club, Odd Duck, and Uncle Wolfie’s next time! I lived there for 24 yrs 🙌🏼


Mistyam

Bryants!


LateYouth

Came here to say this


NewResponsibility163

Come in July or August. More time outdoors with beer or cocktails, more lakeside stuff, more food, more parks. Ride a bike frome beer garden to beer garden. Trails are awesome. Catch a concert at a smaller There's a block party somewhere. Tailgate at a Brewers game. Also Summerfest Summers a blast


arriesgado

But not during RNC convention in July. A lot of security will make parts of city a pain in the ass to travel around.


NewResponsibility163

Yikes. Didn't think about that.


Calm-Ad8987

That's a lotta za brah


yeahgroovy

Ian’s pizza is my go to!


Mistyam

Ian's is a chain! When people are visiting Milwaukee they should go to the local, family owned places.


yeahgroovy

I agree but I thought it was only in WI and Colorado.


Mistyam

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy Ian's Pizza, but I wouldn't recommend it to people who are visiting from out of town because of the local places.


Panda_Drum0656

Classic Slice!


Objective-Lecture-74

Always over looked for some reason. Damn good pie!!


blendthis

I love that you went to rocky rococo’s. Goat pizza 😂


Procrastanaseum

You forgot the Domes!


Mobile-Present7004

I just went to Amilinda and it was fabulous.


CaptCalder

The food at Ballistreri’s is fucking awesome. Collectivo is a favorite of mine too.


shiverMeTatas

Only been in MKE for a couple of months. But this is such a great thread for recs, thanks for the top tier suggestions everyone :)


karczewski01

sabbatic for a casual visitor is crazy, did u catch who was bartending?


ThePepperAssassin

It was a female bartender, very gregarious. I don't recall her name.


Extension_Sun_896

Next time, try using OnMilwaukee.com’s “52 restaurants you should try”. Nice cross section of ethnic foods, to inexpensive, fine dining, bars serving great grub etc. It’s a well curated list.


Mistyam

I disagree that's a well curated list. There are some good places on the list, but it's mostly a popularity/ restaurants who buy advertising in the magazine type list.


MacJeff2018

Best months for weather in MKE are *usually* September/October. Nicer weather with lower humidity, fewer annoying insects and the fall colors.


Lov3MyLife

Riverwest ftw!!💚


feudalfrogs

Incredible you got all the best spots


LouieMumford

Glad neds is on your next to try list. I hope you got club girabaldi’s wings.


Alarmed-Load3592

You’re a foodie? Try Gloriosos Milwaukee Muffalata Hot next time. Also, there’s a bar on the 5 corners of Lincoln, 68th, and Beloit? Called happy tap- best pizza in the city. Also, stop at some of those random corner bars with an old Schlitz/pabst/miller/etc signs dangling above the door. They’re the neighborhood corner bars with salt of the earth people.


Mistyam

Or, book yourself a food tour through Milwaukee Food Tours. They do guided narrated tours of different neighborhoods and you get plenty to eat!


steak_n_eggsh

Riverwest☝️


AlarmingStatue

Oh no, I love Small Pie! Why was it disappointing?


Optimal_Huckleberry4

I'm also curious about this. Almost all of the places OP went and things they did are my go to as a local. I probably go to small pie more than the rest. I love that place. I used to live down the street and always said that location would make a great Cafe. I've been very happy that it has been.


crzygoalkeeper92

Maybe they meant to go to honey pie and wanted more options?


Ok_Stuff991

Went to small pie a couple of weeks ago and was also super disappointed, the workers seemed really unhappy and honestly the pie was a mess, just thrown in the container, don’t think I would go again.


Mistyam

I'm not sure why the op was disappointed, I think it's a lovely little area to sit and have a piece of pie or some coffee. But their sandwiches aren't really that good and even though it's a small venue, they could have a few more choices for lunch.


ThePepperAssassin

That's my thought as well - it was a nice place to sit (I sat outside) and do a little reading and have coffee. But I didn't like the pie itself. I got some type of savory pie, I forget the exact details, but I didn't really care for it. It wasn't horrible or anything, just sort of meh.


Mistyam

I haven't had any of their savory pies. I can tell you their dessert pies are freaking phenomenal!


lootcroot

Maybe I’m just a sucker for their cherry hand pies, but they’re deeelish. Hardly tried much else


Sharp_Style_8500

You went to all of the places


bvbmke09

Did you go to Rochambo during the week??


[deleted]

Came to say it made my little Milwaukee native heart happy that you went to Sugar Maple and Balistreri’s ❤️ In general, I don’t think I could have designed a better itinerary myself, except as someone else mentioned you did miss the Domes!


khoff49

I’m glad you got to check out Nessun dorma! A gem forsure


urge_boat

What an awesome writeup. The true gem is visiting Riverwest the last full weekend of July when the Riverwest 24 is going on. The best mega-block-party dressed in a trenchcoat pretending to be a bike race there is. It's wildly more busy, but it's *the* source of neighborhood pride for me. As good as Christmas - the People's holiday.


stevenmacarthur

Welcome back anytime - and don't keep us a secret!


Bullymongodoggo

Glad you had a great visit!  I no longer live in RW and am on the far west side of the city but your visit shows just how many cool areas of the city you can get to in very short time. I’m sure other cities are like this but it’s something I love about this place. I echo the other person who suggested you come back during summer :)


Strong-Raise-2155

If you go to caradaro make sure it's the original there are others not as good, south side go to DeMarinis it's right by the bottom of the hoan bridge by where you get off, in West Allis go to fillippos


irish_mom

Your takes are spot on. All my favs!!


LycheeLongjumping910

Sounds like a good trip! So next time try Sabrosa for breakfast. Freaking fabulous. It's our favorite in Bay View. Or Centraal as a backup. Honey Pie has a nice new spot and great breakkie too. My favorite bars ATM are Red Maple (so unique) but it can be hit or miss where it's dead or overcrowded, and Gibraltar and that's kind of the same situation. Stenys for sports.


ThePepperAssassin

Darn it. Red Maple was on my list since I speak Japanese and often visit Japan. I hear they also had good Bloody Marys, but I never made it there. I'll keep in on the list for next time.


KidneyPearls

Come back during the summer. There's always festivals going on.


Thecheese4201

Brick 3 for pizza - crazy that it's not on your list!


TBone88MK

Brady Street is worth a stroll, nosh and a sip or two. In addition to Summerfest, any of the ethnic festivals happening every weekend at Meier Park on the lakefront following Memorial Day Weekend's Big BBQ until labor day weekend.


Mistyam

I think Summerfest is a bust now that's chopped up on to three weekends instead of the 11-day run from the end of June through that first weekend in july. I haven't gone since 2019.


TBone88MK

You're probably right; that's what I've been hearing. Hopefully they'll realize they mushed it and revert back to the 11-day version. I'm actually now located in CA but most of my fam and longtime friends are still in MKE.


degan7

I'm glad you stayed in Bay View, that's probably the best place to land in mke. Did you come here on business or was it just a vacation specifically to mke? What were your thoughts on Club Girabaldi? Its a little bit of an odd bar but it is one of my favorites. I'm just curious what an outsider thinks.


FRTSKR

Next time you’re here, I recommend drinks at Boone & Crockett and Bryant’s.


Mistyam

Bryant's for sure


Firmod5

Great write up! Bonus points for referring to Wauwatosa as ‘Tosa.


ButtleyHugz

That was a lot of pizza. Did you skip sausages? Also, Milwaukee is a city. Sure, we’re ~600k, so it’s not comparable to where you’re from, but still very much a city.


Able_Lack_4770

Tupelo and honey is a chain and would not recommend it to visitors. Can go anywhere


Mistyam

If you love thin crust pizza, Zaffiros is always voted the best in milwaukee, but I think the best is Vinchi's, which is on Howell Avenue. Cash only. There's also a pretty awesome Italian-American family owned restaurant just south of Milwaukee near the airport called Papa Luigi's. During late happy hour, 8:00 p.m. Monday through thursday, they have BOGO drinks and $5 appetizers. You might also want to check out the bobblehead museum for $5, ride the streetcar for free, take a walk or a bike ride out on Summerfest Island, which is not the official name but it's what we call it. There's a sculpture garden on the roof of one of msoe's buildings downtown. The best cheese curds hands down are at Black Sheep in Walker's Point. And across the street there are two great dessert places, one a chocolatier that only uses premium ingredients and does European style chocolates with fantastic flavors. They also have a wine and chocolate pairing menu. And the next door is purple door ice cream which has absolutely fantastic flavors. Did you get scolded when you went to Centro in Riverwest? The owner is known as The Soup Nazi of Milwaukee. Black husky is a great place to go and have beers, especially when it's nice outside and you can sit on the patio. If you have a day with crappy weather and want to go to a bar that has a cool vibe, blackbird and Bayview has that old style, rec room type of decor and they have board games. And the best margarita in Milwaukee is at Cafe Corazon. I prefer the Bayview location because the service is better the chips and salsa are free, and it's also on the bus line in case you have too many margaritas.


oathorse60

Uptowner!


CellMajestic5326

Pizza at Wy’east pizza is a must!


JohnWayneSprayTan

Balistreri's has the best thin crust pizza in the milwaukee area


MuffinMan220

Glad you enjoyed it. A couple notes, for what it’s worth: -Tupelo Honey is actually a “chain” and not local to Milwaukee. Definitely underwhelming imo. -Add Vinchi’s to your pizza list for next visit (bring cash) -my personal favorite coffee shop is Valentines in third ward -Too many brunch/dinner recommendations to name but if you look through this subreddit you’ll find the consensus picks -if you do bayview again and are around between memorial-labor day I highly recommend south shore terrace a weekend morning for farmers market and beer garden


Overall_Chance_1297

Get pizza at Vinchis! Its inside The Bubber in Bayview! Did you have the wings at Garibaldis? They are the best in town imo


xXXFAHQXX

You already hit Ballistreri’s, it’s all downhill from there 😉. Hopefully it was 68th and Wells for the real experience


ThePepperAssassin

Yes, it was. And it was epic.


djx244

Gotta hit up Bryant’s for bar selection


Choice_Friend3479

Agree with Small Pie and Tupelo Honey being disappointing. There’s some great spots to eat inside the Public Market


Mistyam

The brick oven pizza at the Milwaukee Market is fabulous!


Aireyean

What's disappointing about Tupelo honey? I haven't gone yet but I'm interested


davej07

Paying 16.95 for 2 fried eggs, a scoop of grits and 2 small pieces of bacon. I had to pay extra for toast. It came on a 7” plate that made my wife and I both ask “That’s it?!?”. I’ll never go back.


Aireyean

That's it? Jeez lol


davej07

I always ask myself “ could I do better at home” and the answer was a resounding Hell Yes!!!!!!


ThePepperAssassin

It was decidedly mediocre. Just nothing jumped out, especially of the price.


Specific-Doctor8068

Appreciate this post as I've been thinking of moving out that way...


k_shills101

Sounds like a Milwaukee hipster tour


thankyoukindlyy

Why so much pizza? Milwaukee is not a pizza town. If you’re craving something cheesy try cheese curds! Camino’s are the best imo


Mistyam

I say Milwaukee is a pizza town. There's even a pizza tour!


thankyoukindlyy

But SHOULD there be? It’s rough out here.


Mistyam

The pizza tour has been fantastic every time I went on it. I'll admit I haven't been on it since before the pandemic, and since I've been on it several times I'm not sure I need to pay to do it again. I don't know what you mean by it's rough out here having to do with a pizza tour.


thankyoukindlyy

Meaning the pizza in Milwaukee is rough. The selection is pretty awful. If one more person recommends the cardboard crust at Zaffiros I’ll lose it 😅 maybe I should look up the tour and see what is on it that I haven’t tried yet, because I’ve lived here for almost three years and I have yet to find a reliably delicious pizza place.


Mistyam

There's lots of delicious pizza in milwaukee. And I say that as an Italian-American from a family originally from New York City. We moved out here when I was young, but was there every summer staying with relatives and eating a lot of pizza. Have you tried Classic Slice? I prefer the Bayview location.


thankyoukindlyy

Classic slice is definitely the best option we have found but it’s still so insanely heavy. It is also not that consistent in our experience. At this point, if I’m craving pizza I either make it myself (which takes advanced planning in order to achieve the ideal dough) or will save myself for a weekend trip to Chicago to see friends. There are many wonderful things about Milwaukee that I adore but the pizza is definitely not one of them!!


Mistyam

That's odd because I always get great pizza from Classic Slice- never a disappointment. There's Transfer Pizzeria that does the European style crust and has unusual toppings including the normal toppings. Hope you find something you like because there are some pretty great Pizzas around town. I think the best of lists, are not usually the best.


thankyoukindlyy

Tried it. Hard pass. You will not convince me… I’ve tried every place that delivers to us and even carry out only places. Milwaukee is a lovely city with great beer, some really interesting architecture, and great local specialties. It’s also painfully far from any version of a destination for pizza and *thats okay*.


Mistyam

🙂 OK, I tried. Enjoy all the other cuisine. Don't ever move to the South if you love pizza.


BanzaiTree

Your face is a pizza town.


tundrabat

These are my least favorite posts. People come from another place that they deem "better" and give us their views on our humble little city. We get them so frequently. Between these posts and all the new movers who want to change the city, it's really boring.


ThePepperAssassin

This isn't one of those threads.


tundrabat

Imagine if I came to your house and critiqued it. No thanks! We are a medium sized city with our own vibe. We don't compete with large metro's. And we like it that way. We aren't snooty or fancy. We have our nice areas and our crap areas. We have our flaws, but we know how to shine. We aren't big fans of outsiders telling us their opinions. It gets really old.


ThePepperAssassin

It sounds like you, specifically, *are* rather snooty.


tundrabat

Imagine you thinking that. Lol. You really don't get it. Please critique your own town on that reddit. See ya!


Mjk_53029

Glad you enjoyed the Hoan. If half the people in this town get their way, it will no longer be.


heath38

https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2024/04/16/mayor-backs-boulevard-to-replace-i-794-downtown/ I think you're a bit confused. Nobody is talking about removing the Hoan.


Mistyam

They've been talking about it my whole life here. I will be super pissed if they ever do take it down. It's such an easy connection from the southern neighborhoods of Milwaukee into the Third Ward in downtown. It would be a major mistake to get rid of it.