Guidebook for Milwaukee
Food Scene
Starbucks
2551 N Downer AveIt's Starbucks!!
Pizza Man Milwaukee
2060 N Downer AveVoted best over and over and over!!
SHEPARD EXPRESS>>>>Voters clearly had a sense of humor when naming the Safe House “Bar to Be Seen In.” This espionage-themed establishment prides itself on its little-known location and password-required admission. (Don’t worry. If you’re not in the know, you’ll just do something embarrassing for other patrons to watch on live camera feed before they let you in.) Once inside, enjoy lots of fun decorations, secret passageways, delicious cocktails and upscale casual dining. A magician-bartender is on hand Sunday through Thursday.
58 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
SafeHouse
779 N Front StSHEPARD EXPRESS>>>>Voters clearly had a sense of humor when naming the Safe House “Bar to Be Seen In.” This espionage-themed establishment prides itself on its little-known location and password-required admission. (Don’t worry. If you’re not in the know, you’ll just do something embarrassing for other patrons to watch on live camera feed before they let you in.) Once inside, enjoy lots of fun decorations, secret passageways, delicious cocktails and upscale casual dining. A magician-bartender is on hand Sunday through Thursday.
Sicilian Italian..great little neighborhood place, only a couple blocks from home
11 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
SALA - Modern Sicilian Dining
2613 E Hampshire StSicilian Italian..great little neighborhood place, only a couple blocks from home
all-in-one bar, restaurant and coffee shop, Comet Café cooks its comfort food from scratch using mostly local ingredients. Entrées are hearty and satisfying, with options including meatloaf with beer gravy, a turkey dinner and a vegan Salisbury steak (one of many vegetarian or vegan options). Among the more inspired sandwiches are the Leghorn (pulled chicken with vegetables topped with cream cheese and apricot jam) and a vegan gyro made with grilled seitan. Breakfast options, including pancakes made with bacon (one of the menu’s favorite ingredients), are served until 3 p.m. daily.
58 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Comet Cafe
1947 N Farwell Aveall-in-one bar, restaurant and coffee shop, Comet Café cooks its comfort food from scratch using mostly local ingredients. Entrées are hearty and satisfying, with options including meatloaf with beer gravy, a turkey dinner and a vegan Salisbury steak (one of many vegetarian or vegan options). Among the more inspired sandwiches are the Leghorn (pulled chicken with vegetables topped with cream cheese and apricot jam) and a vegan gyro made with grilled seitan. Breakfast options, including pancakes made with bacon (one of the menu’s favorite ingredients), are served until 3 p.m. daily.
The front room has a sushi bar as well as one that serves drinks. But sushi is not the only attraction. The menu offers Asian fusion. Many entrees are listed by the sauce (Japanese eggplant garlic, Szechuan peppercorn, Malaysian curry, etc.) and you choose a meat or tofu for it. Vegetables are also added. You might be surprised with asparagus or jicama, Everything is fresh. The sushi selection is good and includes toro. For variety order the sunomono which includes six different sashimis for a modest price. The décor is in warm and serene.
7 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Nana Asian Fusion & Sushi Bar
4511 N Oakland AveThe front room has a sushi bar as well as one that serves drinks. But sushi is not the only attraction. The menu offers Asian fusion. Many entrees are listed by the sauce (Japanese eggplant garlic, Szechuan peppercorn, Malaysian curry, etc.) and you choose a meat or tofu for it. Vegetables are also added. You might be surprised with asparagus or jicama, Everything is fresh. The sushi selection is good and includes toro. For variety order the sunomono which includes six different sashimis for a modest price. The décor is in warm and serene.
Since 1994, Colectivo Coffee (formerly Alterra)has been busy offering notable coffee in Milwaukee—not to mention teas, smoothies and signature drinks, as well as an ever-expanding array of food. Collectivo's rustic-meets-industrial interiors make it a perfect place to curl up with a paper and a cup of joe. Expect efficient, friendly service.
101 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Colectivo Coffee Lakefront
1701 N Lincoln Memorial DrSince 1994, Colectivo Coffee (formerly Alterra)has been busy offering notable coffee in Milwaukee—not to mention teas, smoothies and signature drinks, as well as an ever-expanding array of food. Collectivo's rustic-meets-industrial interiors make it a perfect place to curl up with a paper and a cup of joe. Expect efficient, friendly service.
Sendiks is our closest small market. Great meats, deli, bakery, beer/ wine and all the simple foods that make eating fun!
15 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Sendik's on Downer
2643 N Downer AveSendiks is our closest small market. Great meats, deli, bakery, beer/ wine and all the simple foods that make eating fun!
I am literally obsessed with BelAir. I live two blocks away and end up here twice a month at a minimum. Everything is AMAZING. The carne asada burrito and the ninja pig tacos are my go to favorites but everything I've ever tried has been awesome.
Prices are reasonable and I always have leftovers. A burrito is usually enough food for my dinner and lunch and dinner the next day, and when I get three tacos I always bring at least one home.
3 or more MUST get the Fajitas!!!!
The downside is the small waiting area, but they're affiliated with the bar across the street so you can always have a cocktail or two while you wait for your table. Expect 1hr plus waits on Tuesdays or Thursday's, but don't expect a table immediately any night of the week. At least if you eat around 7:30 like we do.
19 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
BelAir Cantina Downer Ave
2625 N Downer AveI am literally obsessed with BelAir. I live two blocks away and end up here twice a month at a minimum. Everything is AMAZING. The carne asada burrito and the ninja pig tacos are my go to favorites but everything I've ever tried has been awesome.
Prices are reasonable and I always have leftovers. A burrito is usually enough food for my dinner and lunch and dinner the next day, and when I get three tacos I always bring at least one home.
3 or more MUST get the Fajitas!!!!
The downside is the small waiting area, but they're affiliated with the bar across the street so you can always have a cocktail or two while you wait for your table. Expect 1hr plus waits on Tuesdays or Thursday's, but don't expect a table immediately any night of the week. At least if you eat around 7:30 like we do.
Café Corazon is a cozy little spot on a quiet Riverwest street. The simple menu mainly offers Mexican fare. Meat fillings for tacos, burritos and enchiladas include chicken, chorizo, carne asada and mechada, a Venezuelan-style pulled beef. Vegetarians have options, too, including soy chorizo. The star of the menu has to be the blue mussels, an interesting version incorporating chorizo and jalapeños. Café Corazon serves a weekend brunch.
100 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Café Corazón
3129 N Bremen StCafé Corazon is a cozy little spot on a quiet Riverwest street. The simple menu mainly offers Mexican fare. Meat fillings for tacos, burritos and enchiladas include chicken, chorizo, carne asada and mechada, a Venezuelan-style pulled beef. Vegetarians have options, too, including soy chorizo. The star of the menu has to be the blue mussels, an interesting version incorporating chorizo and jalapeños. Café Corazon serves a weekend brunch.
In full swing this summer, the handsome Harry’s Bar and Grill (1234 E. Brady St.) was designed with great respect for the building’s historic architecture and includes witty nods to its recent past as the Brady Street True Value Hardware Store.
Has an appealing menu with an exciting range of dishes that stand high on the list for healthy eating—salmon, shrimp, eggs, plentiful veggies, fruits, nuts and good oils, as well as high-quality steaks and burgers. The Happy Hour (Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.) offers great deals on drinks, including featured craft beers and small dishes from wings or sliders to hummus and an edamame falafel platter with beautiful sauces.
Showcase windows across the front open completely while outdoor tables under a broad awning put you right in the middle of the sidewalk at the heart of Brady Street. It’s warmly nostalgic yet right up to date.
6 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Harry's on Brady
1234 E Brady StIn full swing this summer, the handsome Harry’s Bar and Grill (1234 E. Brady St.) was designed with great respect for the building’s historic architecture and includes witty nods to its recent past as the Brady Street True Value Hardware Store.
Has an appealing menu with an exciting range of dishes that stand high on the list for healthy eating—salmon, shrimp, eggs, plentiful veggies, fruits, nuts and good oils, as well as high-quality steaks and burgers. The Happy Hour (Monday-Friday from 3-6 p.m.) offers great deals on drinks, including featured craft beers and small dishes from wings or sliders to hummus and an edamame falafel platter with beautiful sauces.
Showcase windows across the front open completely while outdoor tables under a broad awning put you right in the middle of the sidewalk at the heart of Brady Street. It’s warmly nostalgic yet right up to date.
This small restaurant has an extensive menu of Thai standards. Skip the curries, which are merely average, and instead opt for tod mun, an exquisite appetizer of fish cakes. Tom yum goong is a fine version of this spicy and sour shrimp soup and the som tum (spicy papaya salad) is a textbook example. The moderate prices are also a draw
7 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Thai Kitchen
2851 N Oakland AveThis small restaurant has an extensive menu of Thai standards. Skip the curries, which are merely average, and instead opt for tod mun, an exquisite appetizer of fish cakes. Tom yum goong is a fine version of this spicy and sour shrimp soup and the som tum (spicy papaya salad) is a textbook example. The moderate prices are also a draw
The menu includes crab cakes served over a bed of leaf lettuce with a horseradish vinaigrette and spinach-and-fontina pizza with an abundance of roasted garlic. The flat iron steak offers a good cut of meat at an even better price, while the fine lamb is served in a red wine
13 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
North Star American Bistro
4518 N Oakland AveThe menu includes crab cakes served over a bed of leaf lettuce with a horseradish vinaigrette and spinach-and-fontina pizza with an abundance of roasted garlic. The flat iron steak offers a good cut of meat at an even better price, while the fine lamb is served in a red wine
One of Milwaukee's favorite counter-service restaurants offers gyros and shish-kebob sandwiches, spinach pie, Greek salads and even plain old cheeseburgers. The leg of lamb combo (at $6.95 the priciest menu item) features a large piece of tender, flavorful meat in a brown sauce, served with warm pita, black olives, feta and choice of fries or salad.
14 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Oakland Gyros
2867 N Oakland AveOne of Milwaukee's favorite counter-service restaurants offers gyros and shish-kebob sandwiches, spinach pie, Greek salads and even plain old cheeseburgers. The leg of lamb combo (at $6.95 the priciest menu item) features a large piece of tender, flavorful meat in a brown sauce, served with warm pita, black olives, feta and choice of fries or salad.
Stepping into the cozy dining room at Lisa’s Pizzeria (2961 N. Oakland Ave.) is a mildly transformative experience. Lisa’s is one of the oldest businesses in the neighborhood. Its low-key and tranquil atmosphere is a welcome departure from some of Oakland Avenue’s other eateries, whose mostly student clientele can range from boisterous (in the evening) to downright obnoxious (late night). Situated in a former residence with a picture window overlooking the street, Lisa’s dining room features a décor that has aged from dated to charming. The lack of music is a bit off putting at first, but leaves open chances for a quiet conversation, making it an ideal spot for a date night (or to eavesdrop). An internet jukebox on the wall is the only overt concession to modernity in the place, but during my recent visit it remained silent, which was a surprisingly satisfying soundtrack.
26 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Ian's Pizza MKE North Ave
2035 East North AvenueStepping into the cozy dining room at Lisa’s Pizzeria (2961 N. Oakland Ave.) is a mildly transformative experience. Lisa’s is one of the oldest businesses in the neighborhood. Its low-key and tranquil atmosphere is a welcome departure from some of Oakland Avenue’s other eateries, whose mostly student clientele can range from boisterous (in the evening) to downright obnoxious (late night). Situated in a former residence with a picture window overlooking the street, Lisa’s dining room features a décor that has aged from dated to charming. The lack of music is a bit off putting at first, but leaves open chances for a quiet conversation, making it an ideal spot for a date night (or to eavesdrop). An internet jukebox on the wall is the only overt concession to modernity in the place, but during my recent visit it remained silent, which was a surprisingly satisfying soundtrack.
Jow Nai Fouquet breaks the mold for local Thai restaurants. You won't find mass-produced curry pastes or ordinary tom yum soup. Owner Aomjai Nueakaew, a native of southern Thailand, opened Jow Nai Fouquet at the end of November. The restaurant, located in the former Abu's, features a completely new interior. Simple décor with pastel tones suits the restaurant, which has a handful of tables and a bar that seats five.
The menu features all of the Thai standards, including fresh spring rolls and volcano chicken. Other items dabble with fusion.
Thai mussels ($8.50) are made two ways, including with tomato sauce. The more standard method is steamed with fresh scallion, cilantro and bits of jalapeno for some heat. The scent of chopped lemongrass permeates these green-lipped mussels with pearly inner shells. This is an excellent preparation.
Lemongrass soup ($4.50) is served with chicken or in a vegetarian version. You can add shrimp for an extra $3. The chicken version comes with tomato, onion, straw mushroom and baby corn, as well as fresh cilantro and chopped lemongrass. This is how a soup like this should be, relying on fresh ingredients instead of a bottled seasoning paste.
The Thai salads are very good here. The spiciest salads tend to come from northeast Thailand and Laos, so these are a little milder than usual. The chicken larb ($6.95) is a good version made with sweet red onions, chopped scallion, cilantro and roasted rice powder. One visit found waterfall beef ($7.95). Though it is no longer listed on the menu, it should still be possible to order it (the restaurant staff is very helpful). Waterfall beef salad is similar to the larb, incorporating cilantro, scallion, onion and lime juice. You will also find the proper quantity of lemongrass, mint and basil.
A specialty entrée is the Jow Nai hot and spicy curry pan ($9.50). Made with chicken, pork or beef, the dish includes green pepper strips, straw mushrooms and basil. The curry paste is soothing, not too spicy.
Be sure to try one of the green curries. Along with meat versions ($9.50) is one of seafood ($13.50). The latter has shrimp and squid with eggplant, straw mushrooms, green pepper, carrot and basil. This curry is truly exceptional. In fact, there is not a better Thai curry in the Milwaukee area. Ask for it "medium hot."
Diners will also find a Thai version of the Friday fish fry, with items like ginger fish, volcano fish, salt and pepper fish and hot and spicy fish.
As you would expect, it is easier to get a table earlier in the week. The bar offers a nice selection. This is a good place to sit back and enjoy. Do not expect lightning-quick speed, as this type of food takes time and care to prepare. The results show it.
Jow Nai Fouquet
1978 N. Farwell Ave.
Jow Nai Fouquet
1978 North Farwell AvenueJow Nai Fouquet breaks the mold for local Thai restaurants. You won't find mass-produced curry pastes or ordinary tom yum soup. Owner Aomjai Nueakaew, a native of southern Thailand, opened Jow Nai Fouquet at the end of November. The restaurant, located in the former Abu's, features a completely new interior. Simple décor with pastel tones suits the restaurant, which has a handful of tables and a bar that seats five.
The menu features all of the Thai standards, including fresh spring rolls and volcano chicken. Other items dabble with fusion.
Thai mussels ($8.50) are made two ways, including with tomato sauce. The more standard method is steamed with fresh scallion, cilantro and bits of jalapeno for some heat. The scent of chopped lemongrass permeates these green-lipped mussels with pearly inner shells. This is an excellent preparation.
Lemongrass soup ($4.50) is served with chicken or in a vegetarian version. You can add shrimp for an extra $3. The chicken version comes with tomato, onion, straw mushroom and baby corn, as well as fresh cilantro and chopped lemongrass. This is how a soup like this should be, relying on fresh ingredients instead of a bottled seasoning paste.
The Thai salads are very good here. The spiciest salads tend to come from northeast Thailand and Laos, so these are a little milder than usual. The chicken larb ($6.95) is a good version made with sweet red onions, chopped scallion, cilantro and roasted rice powder. One visit found waterfall beef ($7.95). Though it is no longer listed on the menu, it should still be possible to order it (the restaurant staff is very helpful). Waterfall beef salad is similar to the larb, incorporating cilantro, scallion, onion and lime juice. You will also find the proper quantity of lemongrass, mint and basil.
A specialty entrée is the Jow Nai hot and spicy curry pan ($9.50). Made with chicken, pork or beef, the dish includes green pepper strips, straw mushrooms and basil. The curry paste is soothing, not too spicy.
Be sure to try one of the green curries. Along with meat versions ($9.50) is one of seafood ($13.50). The latter has shrimp and squid with eggplant, straw mushrooms, green pepper, carrot and basil. This curry is truly exceptional. In fact, there is not a better Thai curry in the Milwaukee area. Ask for it "medium hot."
Diners will also find a Thai version of the Friday fish fry, with items like ginger fish, volcano fish, salt and pepper fish and hot and spicy fish.
As you would expect, it is easier to get a table earlier in the week. The bar offers a nice selection. This is a good place to sit back and enjoy. Do not expect lightning-quick speed, as this type of food takes time and care to prepare. The results show it.
Jow Nai Fouquet
1978 N. Farwell Ave.
Simple Cafe Milwaukee
2124 N Farwell AveBEST BREAKFAST...HANDS DOWN!!
A 2020 Vision
If you want to get anywhere in this world you’ve got to have a vision of the place you see yourself at a certain point in time. At Ian’s, we firmly believe in having a vision but we take it one step further: by writing down your vision, you help forge the path to success.
THEY SERVE PIZZA AND PIZZA AND PIZZA....and it's really good and fast!!
26 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Ian's Pizza MKE North Ave
2035 East North AvenueA 2020 Vision
If you want to get anywhere in this world you’ve got to have a vision of the place you see yourself at a certain point in time. At Ian’s, we firmly believe in having a vision but we take it one step further: by writing down your vision, you help forge the path to success.
THEY SERVE PIZZA AND PIZZA AND PIZZA....and it's really good and fast!!
The specialty at this sheik Dutch/Belgian restaurant is patates frites, better known as french fries. They're served in various sizes and bear a striking resemblance to those you find in Belgium and the bistros of Paris. The fries have a soft, almost buttery texture, not the dry and mealy texture of Idaho potatoes. There are 18 sauces and condiments to dip them in. The menu offers plenty of importer beers and considerable diversity, especially among the entrees and sandwiches. There are burgers, a curry chicken sandwich and even a prosciutto baguette.
46 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Café Hollander - Downer
2608 N Downer AveThe specialty at this sheik Dutch/Belgian restaurant is patates frites, better known as french fries. They're served in various sizes and bear a striking resemblance to those you find in Belgium and the bistros of Paris. The fries have a soft, almost buttery texture, not the dry and mealy texture of Idaho potatoes. There are 18 sauces and condiments to dip them in. The menu offers plenty of importer beers and considerable diversity, especially among the entrees and sandwiches. There are burgers, a curry chicken sandwich and even a prosciutto baguette.
Milwaukee’s vegans and vegetarians—with their low cholesterol, radiant complexions and sustained energy—love the Riverwest Co-op Café for its creative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that boast a wealth of reasonably priced made-to-order meals. The café serves local and organic foods produced by small businesses, but because the co-op isn’t motivated by profit, customers aren’t forced to spend their whole paycheck for some healthy sans-animal food. Located in a refurbished Schlitz tied house tucked away in the Riverwest neighborhood, the Riverwest Co-op Café isn’t just a place to get your veg on, but also a place to connect with others of like mind.
27 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Riverwest Co-Op
733 E Clarke StMilwaukee’s vegans and vegetarians—with their low cholesterol, radiant complexions and sustained energy—love the Riverwest Co-op Café for its creative breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that boast a wealth of reasonably priced made-to-order meals. The café serves local and organic foods produced by small businesses, but because the co-op isn’t motivated by profit, customers aren’t forced to spend their whole paycheck for some healthy sans-animal food. Located in a refurbished Schlitz tied house tucked away in the Riverwest neighborhood, the Riverwest Co-op Café isn’t just a place to get your veg on, but also a place to connect with others of like mind.
Riverwest Pizza
930 E Wright Sthad it once and would certainly go back.
Since 1994, Colectivo Coffee (formerly Alterra)has been busy offering notable coffee in Milwaukee—not to mention teas, smoothies and signature drinks, as well as an ever-expanding array of food. Collectivo's rustic-meets-industrial interiors make it a perfect place to curl up with a paper and a cup of joe. Expect efficient, friendly service.
47 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Colectivo Coffee - Humboldt
2999 N Humboldt BlvdSince 1994, Colectivo Coffee (formerly Alterra)has been busy offering notable coffee in Milwaukee—not to mention teas, smoothies and signature drinks, as well as an ever-expanding array of food. Collectivo's rustic-meets-industrial interiors make it a perfect place to curl up with a paper and a cup of joe. Expect efficient, friendly service.
New York City street food staple is in Milwaukee. The Halal Guys
The fast casual restaurant offers Middle Eastern dishes including gyro sandwiches and chicken-and-rice platters.
The Halal Guys (Gyro | Chicken | Falafel)
3133 N Oakland Ave New York City street food staple is in Milwaukee. The Halal Guys
The fast casual restaurant offers Middle Eastern dishes including gyro sandwiches and chicken-and-rice platters.
Sal's Pizza East Side
2974 North Oakland AvenueHaven't been but rumor has it they are worth the stop!
This is Downer Ave's newest tasty gathering place. We go on Sunday morning for coffee and a bite to eat. Only two blocks from the house!!
19 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Stone Creek Coffee - Downer Cafe & Kitchen
2650 N Downer AveThis is Downer Ave's newest tasty gathering place. We go on Sunday morning for coffee and a bite to eat. Only two blocks from the house!!
Drinks & Nightlife
Easy jazz-pop by the great performers of the mid 20th century plays softly on the fine sound system. Otherwise, there’s nothing swanky here; it’s old-style, working-class elegance, cozy and dark. Like romance, bright light might kill the magic. “Do you mind if I choose something that you might like?” my kind waitress Jessica sweetly asked when I said I had no idea what to order. You need help with cocktails, I think—especially with more than 450 possibilities available, many of them native to the premises, and coming in all sorts of glasses, sometimes with umbrellas. Upstairs on weekends, the Velvet Lounge opens at 8 p.m., all bay windows, dim light and quiet—uniquely nostalgic. I love this place.
49 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Bryant's Cocktail Lounge
1579 S 9th StEasy jazz-pop by the great performers of the mid 20th century plays softly on the fine sound system. Otherwise, there’s nothing swanky here; it’s old-style, working-class elegance, cozy and dark. Like romance, bright light might kill the magic. “Do you mind if I choose something that you might like?” my kind waitress Jessica sweetly asked when I said I had no idea what to order. You need help with cocktails, I think—especially with more than 450 possibilities available, many of them native to the premises, and coming in all sorts of glasses, sometimes with umbrellas. Upstairs on weekends, the Velvet Lounge opens at 8 p.m., all bay windows, dim light and quiet—uniquely nostalgic. I love this place.
Camp Bar owners Paul and Natalia Hackbarth say they modeled the bar after their cabin in northern Wisconsin. To judge by the looks of the establishment, it must be quite a cabin. For all its taxidermied animal heads, antler-antenna chandeliers and log woodwork, the bar is as chic as it is rustic, channeling a northern lodge through the lens of an urban cocktail lounge. Though the Hackbarths just opened Camp in November, it’s proven popular beyond what they could have expected, drawing near-capacity weekend crowds and praise from Details magazine, which this January crowned it one of the best new bars in the country. Business has been so brisk, in fact, that the owners are already planning on expanding the bar, extending it into the space next door and completing the cabin theme by adding a fireplace.
“We’re expanding because we don’t have enough room for all the people who want to be there; we watch a lot of people walk into the bar and walk out right away because it’s so busy,” Paul Hackbarth said. “I think the reason why the bar has clicked is that it’s down to earth, it’s comfy and it’s cozy. Who doesn’t like going up north and relaxing? The reason you go up north is to sit back, relax, crack a beer and sit by the fire. So the bar really has a unique feel. It’s something people haven’t seen before.”
Perhaps what’s most surprising about Camp is its location. It’s the type of high-concept bar that would fit right in on the trendiest strips of the East Side or Bay View, yet it’s housed at 4044 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood, a historically quiet suburb better known for its family mindset and high-ranking school system than any sort of organized nightlife. Over the last five or six years, though, that’s been changing, as new bars and restaurants have sprouted along Oakland Avenue, attracting patrons from both inside and outside the village.
A block to the south of Camp, the Oakcrest Tavern has done steady business since opening in 2007, but most of the growth has been several blocks to the north, where the corner of Oakland and Kensington Boulevard hosts a constellation of new hotspots. Recent additions to that intersection have included the Thief Wine bar, North Star American Bistro, Nana Asian Fusion Sushi Bar, an Alterra café, a tasting room for the Big Bay Brewing Co. and Three Lions Pub, an English pub that draws some of the neighborhood’s youngest crowds.
All that growth is welcome news for Dennis Cox, who owns Shorewood’s oldest bar, the Village Pub, fortuitously positioned near all that new development at 4488 N. Oakland Ave. For decades, the Village Pub was one of Shorewood’s only drinking options—a low-key place where neighbors could grab a beer and a decent burger in a lodge-like environment of a decidedly less self-aware variety than Camp's. Neighbors put the pub to good use, but it was hardly a magnet for outside traffic.
“Seven years ago, I was the only game in town, but the change is OK with me,” Cox said. “I’ve always been the guy saying bring more bars and more people into the area and everyone will do well. Now we have more people coming here during the day and night to check the area out. My business is growing. It’s new and exciting for people. People are talking now about Shorewood being the destination of the North Shore. Every patio is full around here now.”
Shorewood’s rapid growth didn’t happen by happenstance. It was the result of an aggressive, coordinated campaign to encourage business, one that village officials say was necessary to address the suburb's shifting demographics. Shorewood's population had been steadily aging, as parents who had moved to the suburb to take advantage of the schools opted to stay in their houses after their children graduated. With few houses on the market, young families were no longer moving to Shorewood at the rates they previously had, and enrollment in Shorewood’s school system started to decline. Since state aid for public schools is tied to enrollment, the system risked major budget cuts down the road.
While bringing bars and restaurants to an area may seem like a counterintuitive way to buoy a school system, Shorewood village manager Chris Swartz says that commercial growth was essential for attracting young families.
“The more vibrant the community you have, the more folks you bring to it, and one measure of vibrancy is retail and the number of restaurants you offer,” Swartz said. “In order to bring new people in, you really have to have something to sell them, and so along with our upgraded parks and recreation areas, having an active downtown with great restaurants is part of our whole branding.”
And so in 2006 the village board passed a sweeping strategic community vision plan that, among other things, singled out redevelopment opportunities, re-landscaped Oakland Avenue, marketed the village and sought to lure new business with incentives like generous grants and loans and a façade-improvement program for old buildings.
It’s been a
16 warga lokal merekomendasikannya
Camp Bar Shorewood
4044 N Oakland AveCamp Bar owners Paul and Natalia Hackbarth say they modeled the bar after their cabin in northern Wisconsin. To judge by the looks of the establishment, it must be quite a cabin. For all its taxidermied animal heads, antler-antenna chandeliers and log woodwork, the bar is as chic as it is rustic, channeling a northern lodge through the lens of an urban cocktail lounge. Though the Hackbarths just opened Camp in November, it’s proven popular beyond what they could have expected, drawing near-capacity weekend crowds and praise from Details magazine, which this January crowned it one of the best new bars in the country. Business has been so brisk, in fact, that the owners are already planning on expanding the bar, extending it into the space next door and completing the cabin theme by adding a fireplace.
“We’re expanding because we don’t have enough room for all the people who want to be there; we watch a lot of people walk into the bar and walk out right away because it’s so busy,” Paul Hackbarth said. “I think the reason why the bar has clicked is that it’s down to earth, it’s comfy and it’s cozy. Who doesn’t like going up north and relaxing? The reason you go up north is to sit back, relax, crack a beer and sit by the fire. So the bar really has a unique feel. It’s something people haven’t seen before.”
Perhaps what’s most surprising about Camp is its location. It’s the type of high-concept bar that would fit right in on the trendiest strips of the East Side or Bay View, yet it’s housed at 4044 N. Oakland Ave. in Shorewood, a historically quiet suburb better known for its family mindset and high-ranking school system than any sort of organized nightlife. Over the last five or six years, though, that’s been changing, as new bars and restaurants have sprouted along Oakland Avenue, attracting patrons from both inside and outside the village.
A block to the south of Camp, the Oakcrest Tavern has done steady business since opening in 2007, but most of the growth has been several blocks to the north, where the corner of Oakland and Kensington Boulevard hosts a constellation of new hotspots. Recent additions to that intersection have included the Thief Wine bar, North Star American Bistro, Nana Asian Fusion Sushi Bar, an Alterra café, a tasting room for the Big Bay Brewing Co. and Three Lions Pub, an English pub that draws some of the neighborhood’s youngest crowds.
All that growth is welcome news for Dennis Cox, who owns Shorewood’s oldest bar, the Village Pub, fortuitously positioned near all that new development at 4488 N. Oakland Ave. For decades, the Village Pub was one of Shorewood’s only drinking options—a low-key place where neighbors could grab a beer and a decent burger in a lodge-like environment of a decidedly less self-aware variety than Camp's. Neighbors put the pub to good use, but it was hardly a magnet for outside traffic.
“Seven years ago, I was the only game in town, but the change is OK with me,” Cox said. “I’ve always been the guy saying bring more bars and more people into the area and everyone will do well. Now we have more people coming here during the day and night to check the area out. My business is growing. It’s new and exciting for people. People are talking now about Shorewood being the destination of the North Shore. Every patio is full around here now.”
Shorewood’s rapid growth didn’t happen by happenstance. It was the result of an aggressive, coordinated campaign to encourage business, one that village officials say was necessary to address the suburb's shifting demographics. Shorewood's population had been steadily aging, as parents who had moved to the suburb to take advantage of the schools opted to stay in their houses after their children graduated. With few houses on the market, young families were no longer moving to Shorewood at the rates they previously had, and enrollment in Shorewood’s school system started to decline. Since state aid for public schools is tied to enrollment, the system risked major budget cuts down the road.
While bringing bars and restaurants to an area may seem like a counterintuitive way to buoy a school system, Shorewood village manager Chris Swartz says that commercial growth was essential for attracting young families.
“The more vibrant the community you have, the more folks you bring to it, and one measure of vibrancy is retail and the number of restaurants you offer,” Swartz said. “In order to bring new people in, you really have to have something to sell them, and so along with our upgraded parks and recreation areas, having an active downtown with great restaurants is part of our whole branding.”
And so in 2006 the village board passed a sweeping strategic community vision plan that, among other things, singled out redevelopment opportunities, re-landscaped Oakland Avenue, marketed the village and sought to lure new business with incentives like generous grants and loans and a façade-improvement program for old buildings.
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