Best of Milwaukee 2018
Still Milwaukee’s Best
N
o one else in town was compiling a roster of Milwaukee’s “bests” back in the 1980s when the Shepherd Express launched the idea. While many of the “best ofs” that followed were decided somewhat arbitrarily by the editors and sales managers of local media outlets, the Shepherd Express has remained committed to giving you, the people of Milwaukee, a voice. Our Best of Milwaukee is based entirely on the votes of our readers—and who better than the people that live and work in Milwaukee to decide upon the best the city has to offer in food, retail, health, culture and politics? The Shepherd Express congratulates the winners and nominees and thanks them for helping to make Milwaukee a great city in which to live, work and play. Louis G. Fortis Publisher and Editor-in-Chief David Luhrssen Managing Editor
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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Open Everyday! M-Sat 9-5, Sun 11-4 2015 W. St. Paul Ave. Milwaukee (414) 933-0808 BBClighting.com
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INTRODUCING SCOUT, THE NEWEST ADDITION TO OUR BBC LIGHTING FAMILY
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16 | J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
5835 W. Bluemound Rd. | www.Barkandscratch.com
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> CITY CONFIDENTIAL Art Kumbalek Drew Westphal John McGivern Roosevelt ‘Freeway’ McCarter
Local Entrepreneur BECKY COOPER
Bounce Milwaukee 2801 S. Fifth Court 414-312-4357 bouncemilwaukee.com
Becky Cooper-Clancy, along with her husband Ryan Clancy, opened Bounce Milwaukee in 2013 after noticing that it was nearly impossible to find activities for all four (they now have five) of their children to do together. What resulted is more than just a diverse activity center for children and adults with inflatables, laser tag and axethrowing. Bounce Milwaukee has also become a hub for Milwaukee’s progressive community, frequently hosting fundraisers for progressive candidates and organizations. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Joseph Skow Michael Crute Steph Davies
Milwaukee Alderperson BOB DONOVAN Rising Star in Politics: Mandela Barnes
Best Organization Supporting Veterans DRYHOOTCH
Multiple locations dryhootch.org
Dryhootch is a coffee shop run by and for veterans that provides a drug- and alcohol-free environment dedicated to “helping veterans who survived the war, survive the peace.” The locations offer a respite where veterans can relax with those who share their experiences. They are open to the public. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative Milwaukee VA Medical Center (Zablocki) WI Veterans Chamber of Commerce VFW - American Legion
Local Activist ALEX BROWER
Alex Brower, a Milwaukee Public Schools substitute teacher and president of The Milwaukee Substitute Teachers Association, made headlines earlier this year when he engaged in a three-week hunger strike to gain 18 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
better healthcare for his fellow MPS substitutes. When the school board approved the most recent budget on May 29, it gave around 63% of substitutes healthcare. “I think they took a step in the right direction,” Brower told the Shepherd at the time. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Camille Mays Joseph Skow Sachin Chheda
Local Character MILVERINE
The stuff of legend or just a guy who prefers to walk? Milwaukee has a rich history of local characters who moved beyond everyman status from Mary Nohl to Brother Ron to Dick Bacon. John Hamann (aka Milverine), whose resemblance to certain Marvel Comics character has since joined his hometown’s list for little more than walking, often shirtless, from Downtown to Bay View. In 2018, local brewer MobCraft used Hamann’s likeness on the label for the beer “Moo-Waukee.” While any social media presence is through no fault of his own, Hamann comes off as a good sport who puts up with all the attention. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Alice Wilson - Living Statue
Bob Donovan’s victory is a reminder that stereotypes do not necessarily apply to Shepherd Express readers. Despite being easily defeated in his mayoral run against Tom Barrett, his opposition to new-fangled ideas (street cars?) and a tendency to fulminate, Donovan has served four terms as Eighth District alderman and effectively represented the interests of his constituents. He is also good for a quick quote on issues that get under his collar. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Jose Perez Michael J. Murphy Nik Kovac
Milwaukee County Supervisor MARINA DIMITRIJEVIC
Marina Dimitrijevic has been a positive force on the county board for being unabashedly progressive as well as unafraid to challenge the powers that be in Milwaukee County government. Representing the Fourth District, centered on Bay View, since 2004, Dimitrijevic has balanced neighborhood issues with concerns affecting everyone. She has promoted progressive candidates such as Chris Larson and Khalif Rainey, campaigned to raise the minimum wage and called out the harmful impact of big money interests promoting schemes that harm the 99%. What’s not to like? (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Jason Haas Steven Shea Supreme Moore Omokunde SHEPHERD EXPRESS
The Newest Member of the House Committee on Ways & Means in the 116th Congress MILWAUKEE’S VOICE IN WASHINGTON
Thank you Shepherd Express Readers for Voting for me for Most Beloved Politician
www.gwenmooreforcongress.com gwen4congress
Gwen Moore for Congress
Paid for by GWEN PAC and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! Wedding Venue events@ivyhousemke.com | ivyhousemke.com SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> CITY CONFIDENTIAL challenger, Leah Vukmir. Baldwin is the first openly gay U.S. senator in American history but has worked on behalf of issues that affect us all, taking up veterans’ benefits, healthcare, civil rights and net neutrality while challenging the Trump administration and reminding her colleagues that the senate is not subordinate to the president. (David Luhrssen)
Something
Sexy
KELLEY ARLT
RUNNERS-UP —MOST BELOVED POLITICIAN:
FOR
Every Body
Gwen Moore Scott Walker Tom Barrett
RUNNERS-UP —MOST TRUSTED POLITICIAN:
Jonathan Brostoff Scott Walker Tom Barrett
Voted MKE’s best sex toy store from 2010–2017. Named the nation’s best in 2014.
THE TOOL SHED An Erotic Boutique
2427 N Murray Ave, Milwaukee
www.toolshedtoys.com Milwaukeean of the Year: Biju Zimmerman
Milwaukeean of the Year BIJU ZIMMERMAN
For years, Biju Zimmerman has been a backbone of the local music scene, as a drummer, a bartender, a DJ and a tour manager for acts like The Gufs and Eric Benet. He also throws a hell of a party. He’s one of the driving forces behind Burnhearts’ annual Pabst Street Party and Mitten Fest—one of the city’s precious few outdoor winter festivals—and he also organizes his own namesake festival, Biju’s Block Party, on South Second Street each summer. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Anita Zeidler Joseph Skow Kyle Denton Pamela Kieck
Most Beloved Politician/ Most Trusted Politician TAMMY BALDWIN
Place to Pick Up the Shepherd Express COLECTIVO COFFEE Multiple locations colectivocoffee.com
The coffee and newspaper combo hasn’t gone out of style according to Shepherd Express readers. Colectivo continues to be a hotspot for caffeine-craving Milwaukeeans. From its landmark Lakefront site—situated in the former Milwaukee River Flushing Station—to its Bay View location, which sports an open view into the adjacent Troubadour Bakery, the trendy café offers the perfect ambience for cozying up with a cup of joe and a copy of the Shepherd. (Elizabeth Janowski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Most Despised Politician
Beans & Barley Fuel Café Pick ’n Save
SCOTT WALKER
Rising Star in Politics
Aside from negotiating irresponsible corporate giveaways, the former governor undermined the University of Wisconsin system as well as public education, diminished worker rights, attacked the environment at every opportunity, gladly became the sock puppet of the Koch brothers and ran an utterly foolish presidential campaign. Yes, he was the guy who proposed building a wall—against Canada. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Chris Abele Tammy Baldwin Tom Barrett
Philanthropist HERB KOHL
Herb Kohl Philanthropies 825 N. Jefferson St. 414-271-6600 herbkohlphilanthropies.org
The Milwaukee Bucks recently honored former team owner and former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl by naming a portion of the entertainment plaza outside of the Fiser v Forum Herb Kohl Way. It was just the latest acknowledgment of what Herb Kohl has done for the city. As of late, Kohl’s most high-profile philanthropic efforts focus on Wisconsin teachers. In May, it was announced that Herb Kohl Philanthropies of Milwaukee would donate $425,000 to numerous teachers across the state. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Chris Abele Donald and Donna Baumgartner Marianne Lubar
MANDELA BARNES
Our new lieutenant governor brings legislative experience to the post as a former state representative from Milwaukee. Mandela Barnes also brings a deep knowledge of his community. He describes himself as born in the state’s poorest zip code but given opportunities he wants others to have as well. He was elected at age 25 to the State Assembly, where he championed issues such as health care, criminal justice reform, closing the gap of income inequality. (Louis G. Fortis)
RUNNERS-UP:
Earnell Lucas Jason Rae Jocasta Zamarripa Randy Bryce
State Legislator CHRIS LARSON
Chris Larson has served as State Senator for Wisconsin’s Seventh District since 2011. In that time Larson has become a champion of progressive causes such as public education, affordable healthcare and the environment. When Republicans called a lame-duck session to limit incoming Governor Tony Evers power, Larson took a stand against the power grab. “Never in Wisconsin’s history have we faced such an attack on our state Constitution and the democratic process,” he wrote in an op-ed. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
David Bowen JoCasta Zamarippa Jonathan Brostoff
As the friendly face of progressive politics, Tammy Baldwin easily defeated her snarling 20 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
SECONDS?
HOW ABOUT THIRDS.
Shepherd Express 2018 Best Buffet Finalist At The Buffet inside Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, it’s an all-you-can-eat extravaganza! From daily specials to sensational seasonal menus and crab legs every Wednesday and Friday night, you’re sure to find all your favorites at The Buffet.
1721 WEST CANAL STREET | MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 | 414-847-7883 | MUST BE AT LEAST 21 YEARS OLD TO DINE | PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY ©2019 FOREST COUNTY POTAWATOMI COMMUNITY, WISCONSIN
SHEPHERD EXPRESS ADV19157-ShepEx Full page BUFFET ad FINAL.indd 1
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Since 1946 • Formerly Coerper’s Five O’Clock Club
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Best of “One Of America’s Milwaukee
WE CAN HELP—specializing in small businesses
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
WINNER
Best Steaks”
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(Travel Channel, Thrillist, Rachael Ray)
414-342-3553 • www.fiveoclocksteakhouse.com
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www.chipconnection.com
Best of Milwaukee
2010 - 2017
WINNER
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 IN THE PAST AND IN THE FUTURE!
816 S. 5th Street Milwaukee, WI 53204 414-672-3755 botanasrestaurant.com 22 | J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT African Restaurant IRIE ZULU
7237 W. North Ave. 414-509-6014
The menu, which rotates almost daily to feature items from Africa and Jamaica, often provides a nice mix of dishes that a diner unfamiliar with African and Jamaican foods would still recognize—such as Johnny Cakes and various curries—alongside less-well-known dishes like gnama choma and sukuma wiki. Owner Yollande Deacon makes her way around the cozy restaurant from table to table, chatting with friends, greeting newcomers, and giving Irie Zulu the vibe of a casual dinner in her living room. (Franklin K.R. Cline)
RUNNERS-UP:
Alem Ethiopian Village Blue Star Cafe Ethiopian Cottage Restaurant
Bar Food / Kitchen Open After 10 p.m. COMET CAFÉ
1947 N. Farwell Ave. 414-273-7677 thecometcafe.com
Since it expanded from a cozy coffee and sandwich shop into a full kitchen specializing in scratch-made, locally sourced comfort food more than a decade ago, Comet Café has remained one of the East Side’s most bustling destinations. The kind of place where saving room for pie is easier said than done, Comet also offers a veganfriendly late-night menu with options including a turkey dinner, mac and cheese and a Salisbury steak alternative made with an herb-crusted hazelnut patty. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP—BAR FOOD:
Camino Mulligan’s Irish Pub & Grill Three Lion’s Pub
RUNNERS-UP —KITCHEN OPEN AFTER 10 P.M.:
Camino Goodkind Ma Fischer’s Snack Boys
Barbecue SMOKE SHACK
Multiple locations hospitalitydemocracy.com/smoke-shack
In a departure from Southern barbecue tradition, the meat isn’t pre-sauced at this Third Ward hot spot, which has expanded to new locations in Wauwatosa and at Miller Park. Instead, diners add their own, choosing from a selection of five house-made sauces that include a smoky take on Kansas City sauce and a sweet, mustardy concoction called Carolina Gold. For dinners without rigid notions of what BBQ is supposed to be, this is some of the finest in the city. (Evan Rytlewski) SHEPHERD EXPRESS
African Restaurant: Irie Zulu
RUNNERS-UP:
Brew Pub/Fish Fry/ Fried Cheese Curds
Breakfast/ Brunch
1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com
Double B’s BBQ Restaurant Firewise BBQ Iron Grate BBQ Co.
BLUE’S EGG
317 N. 76th St. 414-299-3180 bluesegg.com
Blue’s Egg opened a second location in May, occupying the first floor of a new apartment building on Oakland Ave., in Shorewood. The demand for more Blue’s Egg is not surprising, given people happily wait more than an hour sometimes for a taste of this diner’s modern American brunch offerings. The five varieties of “Very Stuffed Browns” are all fan favorites, and four takes on the classic eggs benedict shows a knack for making the old new again. (Rob Hullum)
LAKEFRONT BREWERY
No surprise here, ain’a? If there’s one thing us Brewtowners know from, it’s beer, fish frys and fried cheese curds. OK, three things. We also know that amidst robust competition, the historic Lakefront Brewery tops the field once again. Two other “personal” bests here: The world-famous brewery tours featuring Bernie Brewer’s Chalet, and the music at the Friday Fry provided by the mighty Brewhaus Polka Kings. As a commenter posted somewheres about Lakefront, “You have to be crazy not to come here; local or not.” Ein Prosit! (Art Kumbalek)
RUNNERS-UP—BREW PUB:
RUNNERS-UP—BREAKFAST:
Company Brewing Eagle Park Brewing The Explorium Brewpub
RUNNERS-UP—BRUNCH:
American Serb Hall Banquet Kam’s Thistle & Shamrock Kegel’s Inn
Bella Café Mad Rooster Café Simple Cafe Milwaukee Café Hollander Mimosa Simple Cafe Milwaukee Story Hill BKC
RUNNERS-UP—FISH FRY:
RUNNERS-UP —FRIED CHEESE CURDS:
Cousins Subs Drink Wisconsinbly Pub & Grub Fuel Café—Fifth St.
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT
Buffet/ Mediterranean Restaurant/ Middle Eastern Restaurant CASABLANCA
Multiple locations casablancaonbrady.com
With a new location in Brookfield joining its East Side flagship, Casablanca’s outstanding lunch buffet has introduced many Milwaukeeans to Middle Eastern cuisine. The weekday buffet is vegetarian (you can order meat with an upcharge), but the Sunday version includes succulent lamb, chicken and more. On a typical day, the buffet will include spinach pies stuffed with sharp feta cheese, crunchy falafel balls, tabbouleh, humus, babaganouj and a selection of desserts. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP—BUFFET:
Bollywood Grill India Garden Maharaja Potawatomi
RUNNERS-UP—MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant IL MITO Trattoria e Enoteca Mistral
RUNNERS-UP—MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT
Falafel Guys Shahrazad Middle Eastern Shawarma House
Burrito/ Mexican Restaurant CAFÉ CORAZÓN
Multiple locations corazonmilwaukee.com
Wendy and George Mireles started from scratch in 2009, much like the food they serve. Ingredient are sourced from Wendy’s parents’ farm and over a dozen others local farmers and producers. They serve traditional burritos along with a “wet burrito” (smothered in red enchilada sauce) and a “naked wet burrito” (gluten free served with no tortilla). Food and drink specials are offered every day of the week. Word is a Mequon location will open soon. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP—BURRITO:
Beans & Barley BelAir Cantina Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant
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RUNNERS-UP —MEXICAN RESTAURANT:
BelAir Cantina Botanas Restaurant Cielito Lindo Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant
Caribbean Restaurant CUBANITAS
728 N. Milwaukee St. 414-225-1760
Milwaukee’s only Cuban restaurant has a cheery atmosphere and attentive servers. Look for multiple preparations of plantains and cassava, as well as excellent sandwiches and a respectable array of seafood and for beef-lovers, ropa vieja (Cuba’s national dish). Try the knock-your-socks-off cocktails starting with the mojito. (Selena Milewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Chef Paz Restaurant Irie Zulu Island Jam
Central/ South American Restaurant C-VICHE
2165 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-800-7329
Just south of the Kinnickinnic and Becher intersection lies a taste of Latin America. C-viche rests comfortably on the north end of the Bay View neighborhood, and seeks to bring authentic Peruvian, Argentinean, Mexican and Ecuadorian food to the burgeoning neighborhood. The space itself is well managed, with several tables and a good-sized bar alongside some compelling art along the walls. (Franklin K.R. Cline)
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Beans & Barley Oakland Gyros Oscar’s Pub and Grill
Chef GREGORY LEÓN (AMILINDA)
The Spanish-Portuguese-inspired menu at Amilinda (315 E. Wisconsin Ave.) is drawn from tradition and the travels of chef-co-owner Greg León. Leon combines the many roots of his existence—Oklahoma, Venezuela, San Francisco, a deep love of the food of Spain and Portugal—into a singular, precise, limited-menu vision in his first full restaurant. There’s really only a few things to eat on any given night, so it is with a certain amount of trust that a diner must embark upon the hip Wisconsin Ave eatery. Yet, just one meal can teach to believe in his artistic yet comforting flair. (Alisa Malavenda)
RUNNERS-UP:
Gregg Carini (of Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant) Kristin Hueneke (of Lakefront Brewery) Joe Schreiter (of Mistral)
Chicken Wings POINTS EAST PUB
1501 N. Jackson St. 414-277-0122 thepointseastpub.com
This one should come as no surprise. Points East Pub has been a Shepherd Express readers’ choice for best chicken wings in Milwaukee for years. Points East serves up one style of wing: smoky, grilled and lightly sauced. What they lack in variety they certainly more than make up for in quality. There are many great places for chicken wings in Milwaukee, but for now at least, one wing reigns supreme. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen & Catering Chef Paz Restaurant El Salvador Restaurant
Club Garibaldi Limanski’s Pub TomKen’s Bar & Grill
Cheap Eats
Chinese Restaurant
CONEJITO’S PLACE 539 W. Virginia St. 414-278-9106 conejitos-place.com
At this perennial Cheap Eats winner, the plates are paper, but the prices are unbelievable. Nothing on the menu at Conejito’s Place, Milwaukee’s best-loved dive Mexican restaurant, costs more than $5. Bean tostadas, chopped-meat tacos and cheese and onion enchiladas can’t be beat for the price, especially if you’re craving something greasy. The most expensive menu item, the chicken mole, easily rivals similar dishes at places that charge twice as much. At these prices, you can afford to treat yourself to one of Conejito’s strong margaritas. (Evan Rytlewski)
DANDAN
360 E. Erie St. 414-488-8036 dandanmke.com
Opened in 2016 by culinary power-duo Dan Van Rite and Dan Jacobs, DanDan’s whimsical, carefully crafted ode to the comfort foods of their childhoods quickly snagged the attention of foodies throughout the city. With offerings like schmaltz fried rice, an outrageously addictive rendition of salt and pepper squid, and a three-course serving of Peking duck, DanDan artfully fuses Chinese and American cuisine into dishes guaranteed to have you coming back again and again. (Elizabeth Janowski)
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
East Garden Chinese Restaurant Emperor of China Fortune Restaurant
Donut Squad Grebe’s Bakery Holey Moley Coffee+Doughnuts
Coffee Shop
Family Friendly Restaurant/ Ribs
COLECTIVO
Multiple locations colectivocoffee.com
With 13 Milwaukee locations, and additional shops in Madison and Chicago, Colectivo doesn’t seem like it could still be a neighborhood coffee shop. Yet, that is what it remains. For 25 years, Colectivo, originally known as Alterra, has been offering batches roasted by hand, scratch-made food and bakery and serving it all up in comfortable locations. Some shops feature seasonal live music. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. Bella Café Stone Creek Coffee
Delivery Menu IAN’S PIZZA RUNNERS-UP:
Pizza Shuttle Rice N Roll Bistro Zayna’s Pizza
What do mac and cheese, smoked brisket and cheesy potatoes have in common? Not only are they crowd-pleasing components of a cookout, but they’re all toppings that can be found on some of Ian’s Pizza’s most popular pies. Ian’s wildly imaginative menu prides itself in pushing boundaries, producing creations like cheeseburger pizza and the perennial Thanksgiving slice. No matter what you’re in the mood for, Ian’s is bound to offer a pizza that will satisfy your craving. (Elizabeth Janowski)
Donuts CRANKY AL’S
6901 W. North Ave. 414-258-5282 crankyals.com
The “cranky” refers to the hand-cranked donuts that are the coffee house’s signature. They have a deliciously lighter texture than the factory-produced competition, and they aren’t the only good thing on a menu that also boasts sandwiches, salads and other bakery items. The crullers are enormous, and the breakfast burritos have been described as delicious. Al also cranks out homemade pizza with an array of toppings. (David Luhrssen)
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
SAZ’S STATE HOUSE 5539 W. State St. 414-453-2410 sazs.com
Ribs have a unique spot on Saz’s State House’s menu. Besides the entrees featuring the “award-winning baby back ribs” (served with their signature sauce, as well as house-made slaw or mac and cheese), clients can order half- or full-rack ribs a la carte to complement other dishes. Moreover, Saz’s goes above and beyond to entertain as well as feed clients, as the restaurant offers a shuttle service to plays, concerts and to Bucks games. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
Milwaukee’s Best Wings SPECIALS M: $2 TACOS $1 OFF MEXICAN BEERS T: $2.50 PINTS OF MILLER LITE $3.25 PINTS Riverwest Stein or Blue Moon
$6 BLACK ANGUS BURGER 4-11 p.m. Dine-in only.
W: $2 PBR OR ROLLING ROCK TH: $2.25 RAIL HIGHBALLS $4.50 RAIL HIGHBALL DOUBLES $3.00 HIGHBALLS
est of B Milwaukee
2014- 2017 R
WINNE
BEST WINGS 4 YEARS IN A ROW!
1501 N. Jackson St. | (414) 277-0122 thepointseastpub.com
(all the Great Lakes Distillery liquors)
$6.00 HIGHBALL DOUBLES
(all the Great Lakes Distillery liquors)
NO TO-GO OR PHONE ORDERS. NO CHILDREN ALLOWED WITH OR WITHOUT PARENTS.
RUNNERS-UP—RIBS:
Double B’s BBQ Restaurant Maxie’s Sandra’s on the Park
RUNNERS-UP —FAMILY FRIENDLY:
Belli’s Bistro & Spirits Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant Fuel Cafe 5th St
Farm-to-Table Restaurant/ Gourmet Restaurant ODD DUCK
2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-763-5881 oddduckrestaurant.com
There really wasn’t anything like Odd Duck when it first opened in Bay View in 2012: a farm-to-table restaurant with a casual atmosphere and an elegant, ever-changing menu that not only rivals the finest, trendiest restaurants in cities like New York and Chicago, but somehow does so at a price point even budget-minded Milwaukeeans couldn’t fault. Nearly seven years later, the restaurant has lost none of its luster. This is still one of the city’s most unforgettable dining experiences. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP—FARM-TO-TABLE:
Braise Restaurant & Culinary School Goodkind Parkside 23
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT RUNNERS-UP —GOURMET RESTAURANT:
Bacchus - A Bartolotta Restaurant Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro Sanford Restaurant
French Restaurant LE RÊVE PATISSERIE & CAFÉ 7610 Harwood Ave. 414-778-3333 lerevecafe.com
French food is hard to come by in the U.S.—it’s always too sweet or missing a je ne sais quoi. The food at Le Rêve, however, feels authentic. Each dish is memorable, and the portions are sizable. Choices of wines and pastries are numerous; the latter is often cleverly included in the entrees, such as the œufs bénédicte, which are accompanied by croissants and brioches and generously doused in creamy Hollandaise sauce. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP:
Apollo Café Golden Gyros Gyro Palace
German Restaurant
Hot Dog
MADER’S RESTAURANT
THE VANGUARD
Though options for traditional German cuisine in Milwaukee have narrowed over the years, the city still boasts one or two legendary stalwarts. Indeed, Mader’s, founded in 1902, remains the go-to place for German dining. In addition to fine German fare for both lunch and dinner, Mader’s offers a Viennese Sunday Brunch, decorous artworks, the Knights Bar, the world’s largest Hummel store and, yes, even catering for your Germanthemed wedding or other occasion. (John Jahn)
The Vanguard is more famous for its many other sausages than it is for the traditional hot dog. Its simplest variation of the American favorite is an all-beef frank with smoked paprika and mustard. It’s the understated opposite of some of the more ostentatious (but still delicious) takes on the hot dog out there. For the more forward-thinking hot dog enthusiasts, try the kimchi dog, topped with kimchi, fried egg aioli, scallion and sesame. (Rob Hullum)
1041 N. Old World Third St. 414-271-3377 madersrestaurant.com
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
The Bavarian Bierhaus Jack Pandl’s Whitefish Bay Inn Kegel’s Inn Old Town Beer Hall
Frozen Yogurt Shop
Gluten-Free/ Friendly Restaurant
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro Fauntleroy Pastiche at Hotel Metro
YO MAMA!
Multiple locations yomamagoodness.com
With two charming locations in Brookfield and Tosa Village, Yo Mama! has become a go-to destination for after-school hangouts and family outings. The fro-yo spot sports a wide and sophisticated array of daily flavors—from dulce de leche to Dutch chocolate—and an even vaster selection of playful toppings. As a lowfat, low-sugar ice cream alternative, Yo Mama!’s frozen yogurt offers guilt-free satisfaction for even the most discerning sweet tooth. (Elizabeth Janowski)
RUNNERS-UP:
My Yo My Yo Factory YoFresh Yogurt Café
Gelato Shop GLORIOSO’S ITALIAN MARKET 1011 E. Brady St. 414-272-0540 gloriosos.com
So much is available in this neighborhood supermarket. Italian items, above all; imports from Mediterranean lands, the Glorioso family’s signature products and baked goods from Sciortino’s down the street. I know folks who come just to treat themselves to the luscious gelatos or the dreamy cheeses, a mix of imports and local artisanal delights. The expansive affordable deli offers well-made sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, calzones, paninis, flatbreads and plentiful salads. You could live on this menu. (John Schneider)
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RUNNERS-UP:
Cold Spoons Gelato Divino Gelato Cafe Ltd Golosi Gelato Cafe
CAFÉ MANNA
3815 N. Brookfield Road 262-790-2340 cafemanna.com
“Fresh, Yummy and Good for You!” is Café Manna’s motto. This Brookfield restaurant is an award-winning, 100% vegetarian eatery with many vegan and glutenfree options. Served in an all-natural atmosphere in soft beige tones, the food at Café Manna is often light and delicious. Vegetables, such as avocado and beans, are a staple of most items on the menu, but the team at Café Manna also serves vegan, gluten-free tortes, parfaits and cheesecakes. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP:
Blooming Lotus Bakery Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant MOR Bakery and Café
Greek Restaurant OAKLAND GYROS Multiple locations
The original Oakland Gyros benefited from its location near the UW-Milwaukee campus. It’s nothing fancy, but it offers generous portions of tasty Greek food at reasonable prices and served up quickly. The formula was so successful that Oakland Gyros has replicated itself on the South Side with name and menu intact. The counter-service restaurants offer gyros and shish-kabob sandwiches, spinach pie, Greek salads and even plain old cheeseburgers. The leg of lamb combo 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. (David Luhrssen)
2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-539-3593 vanguardbar.com
RUNNERS-UP:
The Dogg Haus Martino’s Italian Beef and Hot Dogs Sammy’s Taste of Chicago
Hotel Restaurant MASON STREET GRILL 425 E. Mason St. 414-298-3131 masonstreetgrill.com
A wood-fired grill, sounds of live, gastronomically friendly jazz music, an outdoor patio, gorgeous inner décor and attentive service all combine to make Mason Street Grill—ensconced in the Pfister Hotel—a great place for lunch and dinner. Open seven days a week, it’s also a great place for an evening snack or imbibition. Seating at the Chef’s Counter enables diners to view up-close and personal the hustle and bustle of the grill’s talented, dedicated staff. Here’s a place for oysters on the halfshell and dinners like Strauss veal striploin Oscar. (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
The Fitz Pastiche at Hotel Metro Tre Rivali
Ice Cream/ Frozen Custard/ Burgers KOPP’S FROZEN CUSTARD Multiple locations kopps.com
Few restaurant chains are as dear to the Milwaukee area as Kopp’s. Since 1950, the local landmark has delighted patrons with its signature, disc-like “jumbo” burgers and decadent frozen custard. Kopp’s burgers, adorned with a generous smack of butter, pack a flavorful punch even sans toppings. Meanwhile, their ever-rotating selection of custard boasts endlessly inventive flavors such as Tiramisu and German Apple Streusel. With its classic dinerSHEPHERD EXPRESS
ʾBOL :PV GPS WPUJOH VT UIF CFTU GPS ZFBST TUSBJHIU
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 18 YEARS OF SUPPORT! 6901 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 53213 Call 414 258-5282 to order Tuesday - Friday 6am to 1pm • Saturday & Sunday 6 am to 2pm
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 27
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT Jewish/ Kosher-Style Restaurant BENJI’S DELI COURTESY OF VIEW MKE
Multiple locations
Benji’s specializes in Jewish dishes that can be hard to find anywhere else in Milwaukee. Their corned beef, long hailed as the city’s finest, is their biggest claim to fame, but the menu also includes an impressive assortment of herring, borscht, brisket and matzo, as well as an assortment of plate-dwarfing sandwiches. Don’t forget about breakfast. For that meal, Benji’s offers unique items like corned beef or lox omelets and their signature dish, Hoppel Poppel, a blend of fried salami, potatoes and eggs. For an extra buck, you can upgrade to the Super Hoppel Poppel, which adds green peppers, mushrooms, onions and cheese to an already very filling meal. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Cafe Oasis Jake’s Deli Kosher meat club New Restaurant: View MKE
style fare, Kopp’s consistently proves that it deserves its status as a Milwaukee institution. (Elizabeth Janowski)
Italian Restaurant
RUNNERS-UP—BURGERS:
TENUTA’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Oscar’s Pub and Grill Sobelmans Solly’s Grille
2995 S. Clement Ave. 414-431-1014
Leon’s Frozen Custard On the Bus Purple Door Ice Cream
Tenuta’s serves Southern Italian food traditional in dedication to quality and presented with a contemporary flair. Quality starts with freshness, which brings not only the best flavors from the familiar ingredients, but also the richest colors as well. The emphasis is on pasta dishes and oven-baked pizza. An extensive wine list is available. (David Luhrssen)
Indian/ Pakistani Restaurant
Capri di Nuovo Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant SALA - Modern Sicilian Dining
RUNNERS-UP —ICE CREAM/FROZEN CUSTARD:
CAFE INDIA
Multiple locations
Tucked sideways into a strip mall, the original Cafe India serves carryout, but the counter-service storefront includes a handful of tables. The new location is much larger with seating for up to 90, plus a full bar with a focus on Indian beer and wine. The space has been remodeled, including a new kitchen, casual dining space, and an outdoor patio with space for hookah and dining. The major Indian food groups are represented. Along with chicken, fish and vegetarian entrees are selections of naan, biryani, appetizers and desserts. Cafe India also serves a popular and ample lunch buffet. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Bollywood Grill India Garden Maharaja
28 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
RUNNERS-UP:
Japanese Restaurant FUJIYAMA
Multiple locations
Fujiyama was West Allis’ first sushi and hibachi restaurant before opening a second venue in Brookfield. The sushi at Fujiyama rates high for consistency and quality. Diners aiming for a Benihana experience will find hibachi tables and the expected fare. Those wanting a sushi bar will find a large menu. The tempura is expertly prepared, the teriyaki is reliable and the beef negemaki is a treat. Aficionados of Japanese food know that the sushi, soup and seafood are authentic. (Jeff Beutner)
RUNNERS-UP:
Hungry Sumo Kyoto Rice N Roll Bistro
Korean Restaurant LUCKY GINGER
221 N. Water St. 414-269-8699 luckygingermilwaukee.com
Located in the heart of the Third Ward, Lucky Ginger’s clean, minimalist interior with a scenic view of the Milwaukee River makes it a favorite of Downtown office workers even before taking the food into account. The Asian fusion menu has the usual curries and noodle dishes, but the Korean short ribs truly stand out. The ribs are marinated in a house-made sauce, topped with a fried egg, with kimchi and rice on the side. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Char’d Seoul Restaurant Stone Bowl Grill
Louisiana/ Southern Restaurant/ Soul Food MAXIE’S
6732 W. Fairview Ave. 414-292-3969 maxies.com
In the years since 2007 when Maxie’s opened, Cajun restaurants have come and gone, but Maxie’s has kept chugging along. Over the years, their focus has changed slightly, but their consistency in quality and creative food has not wavered. Though billed as a Southern restaurant, Maxie’s has always been commonly known for its Cajun menu. In recent years, as Southern cooking has become more popular in Wisconsin, there’s been more of an emphasis on Carolina Lowcountry cuisine and barbecue on the menu. (Lacey Muszynski) SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 RUNNERS-UP— LOUISIANA/ SOUTHERN RESTAURANT:
Outdoor Dining
RUNNERS-UP—SOUL FOOD:
346 N. Broadway 414-501-2500 cafebenelux.com
National Chain Restaurant (Non-Fast Food) MAGGIANO’S LITTLE ITALY 2500 N. Mayfair Road 414-978-1000
RUNNERS-UP:
The Cheesecake Factory Chili’s Grill & Bar Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
New Restaurant (Opened in 2018) VIEW MKE
1818 N. Hubbard St. 414-763-0003 viewmke.com
View MKE has a love of locally sourced ingredients, a casual yet chic neighborhood vibe and an extraordinary view of the city. Everything about this restaurant seems to celebrate Milwaukee, and its location on top of Brewer’s Hill affords a view that reminds us of just how spectacular a city it is. With all the doors to the patio open, seated inside or out, you feel like you are dining al fresco. Modern global inspirations pair locally sourced ingredients with spices from all over the world. (Alisa Malavenda)
RUNNERS-UP:
Belli’s Bistro & Spirits Celesta Char’d
Overlooking the Public Market and a bustling Third Ward street corner, Café Benelux’s rooftop patio offers a breathtaking view of the downtown Milwaukee skyline. New this winter are six Lux Domes—heated, igloo-shaped seating options that allow for outdoor dining while staving off the Wisconsin cold. However, reservations for these trendy domes get snapped up quickly, so plan ahead if you’d like to add this unique experience to your winter bucket list. (Elizabeth Janowski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Harbor House Tess View MKE
Pizzeria—Deep Dish PIZZA MAN
Multiple locations pizzamanwi.com
Pizza Man only serves deep dish pizza on one day of the week. Every Monday, all three locations run a special where they serve the thick, cheesy, Chicago-style favorite (along with half-off bottles of wine for good measure). Despite its extremely limited availability, our readers decided to name Pizza Man the best deep dish you can find in the city. If that isn’t a testament to quality, then I don’t know what is. (Rob Hullum)
Thank you for voting for us! Best of Milwaukee 2018 Finalist • Lighting Showroom •
7222 W. North Ave. Wauwatosa, WI 414-257-1300 www.elektralights.com
16 BEERS ON TAP!
DAILY SPECIALS h
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Maggiano’s is a national chain with a sense of style, a restaurant in Mayfair Mall that Frank, Dino and the boys would have enjoyed. Their parents would have loved the big portions of authentic Italian food. Think we’re kidding? In the tradition of family-style cooking, Maggiano’s doesn’t skimp when it comes to sausage, spaghetti or spiedini. The dark interior is reminiscent of Italian-American restaurants of yesteryear. (David Luhrssen)
LET US HELP YOU FIND YOUR LIGHTING STYLE
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Belli’s Bistro & Spirits Daddy’s Soul Food & Grille Tandem
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Authentic Irish Specialties & Pub Favorites
Happy Hours : 2 Daily 2-6pm & 10pm-12am $3 Rail Cocktails $3.50 Micros $4.50 Imports
1/2 Off Appetizers
RUNNERS-UP:
Capri di Nuovo Fixture Pizza Pub Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant
Pizzeria—Thin Crust ZAFFIRO’S PIZZA & BAR Multiple locations zaffirospizza.com
The original Zaffiro’s on Milwaukee’s East Side is a remnant of the neighborhood’s Italian heritage and probably the longest running pizzeria in town. The setting is tavern-like and they have long earned a reputation for great thin-crust pizza in town with traditional toppings such as pepperoni, sausage and anchovies. Recent years have seen Zaffiro’s expand into a chain with venues in Mequon and New Berlin. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Balistreri’s Italian -American Ristorante Fixture Pizza Pub Pizza Man
Best of Milwaukee
2011
WINNER
Best of Milwaukee 2012 WINNER
Best of Milwaukee 2013 WINNER
Best of Milwaukee 2016 WINNER
WINNER OF: Best Happy Hour • Best Bar Food Best Service • Best Bar on a Budget
VOTED MILWAUKEE’S BEST IRISH PUB AND WINNER AT TASTE OF IRELAND FOR MILWAUKEE’S BEST IRISH STEW!
Fabulous Friday Fish Fry! 8933 S. 27th Street • Franklin • 414.304.0300
www.mulliganson27th.com DOWNLOAD THE NEW APP NOW FOR A FREE APPETIZER! Like us on made by Guido Rus www.de-rus.nl
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT Restaurant Open on Christmas Day THREE LIONS PUB 4515 N. Oakland Ave. 414-763-6992 threelionspub.com
It’s as close to a British pub as you can find in our neck of the woods. You’re welcome by flags and sports memorabilia from English soccer teams immediately upon entry, followed shortly thereafter by a welcome with, quite likely, an English accent. The menu keeps up the British charm, with everything and anything an Anglophile could ask for: shepherd’s pie, Scotch eggs, fish and chips, corned beef sandwiches and, a personal favorite, bangers and mash. (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
East Garden Chinese Restaurant Maharaja Rice N Roll Bistro
Restaurant Service/ Romantic Restaurant BARTOLOTTA’S LAKE PARK BISTRO Restaurant Open on Christmas Day: Three Lions Pub
Pizzeria —Wood-Fired Oven PIZZERIA PICCOLA 7606 W. State St. 414-443-0800 bartolottas.com
As a Bartolotta-owned restaurant, it is natural to find quality ingredients on traditional Mediterranean dishes at Pizzeria Piccola. Personal-sized pizzas are the restaurant’s specialty and namesake, but the menu also includes many appetizers and sizable entrees, like salads and pasta, all served in a rustic environment. Authenticity is key here; founded by Italian restaurateurs, using Italian ingredients and cooking the pizzas in a wood-burning oven, Pizzeria Piccola recreates the Italian restaurant experience on American soil. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP:
Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co. Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana
Place to Eat Alone MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET 400 N. Water St. 414-336-1111 milwaukeepublicmarket.org
It is possible to dine alone while amidst the crowd at the Milwaukee Public Market? Apparently so, given the 30 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
venue’s victory in this category. Visitors are certainly not at a loss for choices at the market! While several establishments have their own dining areas, the open area upstairs offers views to the south and west of Downtown. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Beans & Barley Belli’s Bistro & Spirits Fuel Cafe 5th St Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
Ramen RED LIGHT RAMEN 1749 N. Farwell Ave. 414-837-5107 redlightramen.com
Tucked away in a cozy, underground nook next door to owner Justin Carlisle’s other project, Ardent, this hiphop blaring, hole-in-the wall restaurant became known for attracting a devoted clientele willing to wait outside for upwards of an hour to snatch one of the shop’s few seats. Now open for more days and longer hours, Red Light Ramen continues to dish out its steaming, sumptuous noodle bowls—which, if you’re lucky, can be enjoyed without the wait. (Elizabeth Janowski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Easy Tyger Hungry Sumo Kawa Ramen and Sushi Tochi Ramen
3133 E. Newberry Blvd. 414-962-6300 lakeparkbistro.com
Putting an elegant and formerly underused park pavilion to good use, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro is perched on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan with incomparable views that no Milwaukee restaurant can match. The French-accented menu is exquisite. Dinners can get expensive, but lunches are more modestly priced and the Sunday, off-the-menu brunch with selection of starters, entrees and desserts is one of the city’s best. The wine list is long. (D.L.)
RUNNERS-UP—RESTAURANT SERVICE:
Belli’s Bistro & Spirits Rare Steakhouse Story Hill BKC
RUNNERS-UP—ROMANTIC RESTAURANT:
Balzac Harbor House Rare Steakhouse SALA—Modern Sicilian Dining
Restaurant with a View HARBOR HOUSE
550 N. Harbor Drive 414-395-4900 harborhousemke.com
Lake Michigan is one of Milwaukee’s great resources, and no restaurant takes advantage of it quite like Harbor House, the only lakefront restaurant in the city. That pristine backdrop of blue water, the tranquil shore and the Milwaukee Art Museum are all the excuses dinners at this white-linen seafood establishment need to linger for an extra drink or two. (Evan Rytlewski)
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro Bass Bay Brewhouse View MKE
Boo Boo’s Sandwich Shop Cousins Subs The Original Suburpia
Sandwich
Seafood Restaurant
WEST ALLIS CHEESE & SAUSAGE SHOPPE 6832 W. Becher St. 414-543-4230 wacheese-gifts.com
ST. PAUL FISH COMPANY RUNNERS-UP:
The shop sells those perennial Wisconsin favorites, cheese and sausage, and the counterservice cafe serves breakfast items and daily sandwich specials. The coffee is as strong in its own way as the Bloody Marys. There are baked good and a menu of stick-to-the-ribs Badger State comfort food, including a Reuben, a meatloaf sandwich and Nueske’s liver sausage. The café also serves that Canadian favorite, poutine, a hearty mix of French fries, cheese curds and gravy fit for any Packers party. They also have an outlet at the Milwaukee Public Market. (David Luhrssen)
Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant Devon Seafood & Steak Harbor House
Soups
SOUP BROS
209 W Florida St. 414-885-1532
Soup Brothers used to be a best-kept secret, but owner Richard Regner has since transformed the small restaurant into something of an institution, or at least a wonderful standby. The menu features homemade soups that rotate daily as well as sandwiches, served in an eclectic if sometimes cramped space often exhibiting works of local artists. The recently opened Boo Boo’s Sandwich Shop, a sister site just a
BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA
Is A Healthy Friday Fish Fry An Oxymoron?
Not at Kam’s
—THE 13 COMMANDMENTS OF KAM’S— 1. Fish can be baked, broiled, or fried! 2. Serving combos of 21 types of fish! 3. Serving only fish that are wild caught or sustainable and humanely harvested. 4. Using only the highest quality frying oils available!
THANK YOU FOR Best of VOTING FOR US FOR... Milwaukee
2018
BEST WOOD-FIRED PIZZA AND BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT
414.963.9623 atouchofsicily.com 3468 N. Oakland Ave. Milwaukee • 2 Blocks from UWM, Close to Downtown SHEPHERD EXPRESS
5. Using only butter and pink Himalayon salt; no YUCKY substitutes! 6. No high fructose corn syrup in any of our product. 7. Very light batter, or no batter, gluten FREE! 8. Premium quality potato sides! 9. Salad substitutes for potato sides! 10. Waitstaff that are smart and beautiful! 11. Chefs eager to please your piscine palates! 12. Most fish actually available Sat, Sun, Tues, Wed, and Thurs! 13. A Restaurants Like No Other!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR US! 84th and Lisbon 414-871-3977 www.thethistleandshamrock.com J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 31
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> DINING OUT
few doors away, offers a few of the Brothers’ signature soups as well. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Soup House Inc. Soup Market Soup Otzie’s
Steakhouse/ Supper Club
and is the only Wisconsin sushi restaurant to be a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch partner, insuring that their offerings are farmed and fished in environmentally friendly ways. For bridges, you get a prime view of both lift-style and bascule-style crossings, both of which can be seen in motion on summer afternoons. With a little luck (and a short walk to the end of the Riverwalk), diners can also catch the Menomonee River swing bridge allowing passage to the valley. (Matthew Prigge)
RUNNERS-UP:
FIVE O’CLOCK STEAKHOUSE
Fujiyama Kyoto Rice N Roll Bistro
The perennial Shepherd Express readers’ choice has picked up other awards and was named Wisconsin’s number one steakhouse by Tasting Table, a renowned culinary website. Open since 1946, the supper club serves midcentury steakhouse classics, like shrimp scampi, bacon-wrapped filets and slow-roasted prime rib. Décor includes an open fireplace and a bare where patrons sip Harvey Wallbangers, Sloe Gin Fizzes and boozy Sidecars. Live music is featured. (Rob Hullum)
Taco
2416 W. State St. 414-342-3553
RUNNERS-UP—STEAKHOUSE:
Carnevor Mr. B’s—A Bartolotta Steakhouse Rare Steakhouse
RUNNERS-UP—SUPPER CLUB:
Jackson Grill Joey Gerard’s—A Bartolotta Supper Club The Packing House
Street Food Vendor GOUDA GIRLS 1125 N. Ninth St. 414-585-9191 goudagirls.com
The Gouda Girls is so much more than a food truck. That’s how Tina and Katherine Tonn got their start, buying a food truck off eBay in 2011, but since then the Tonn’s have expanded into the catering business and opened a brick and mortar location in the Pabst Brewery district’s Eleven25 food court. While the business has grown, one thing has stayed consistent. That is the cheesy goodness in every single dish. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Mazorca Tacos Pedro’s South American Taco MOTO
Sushi SCREAMING TUNA 106 W. Seeboth St. 414-763-1637 screamingtuna.com
Screaming Tuna is an excellent option for those interested in either sushi or moving bridges. For sushi, Screaming Tuna has won several local dining awards 32 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
BELAIR CANTINA Multiple locations 414-226-2245 belaircantina.com
Yes, there are more traditional tacos in Milwaukee. But BelAir Cantina has always thrived on their chefs’ ability to think outside the box. While the old-school steak, onions and cilantro will always have a place on our taste buds, imaginative options like the ninja pig (crispy pork, hoisin glaze, cucumber and jicama slaw) and zihuatanejo shrimp (shrimp, pico de gallo, citrus slaw and chipotle ancho mayo) put BelAir Cantina in a class of its own. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Café Corazón Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant Taco MOTO
Tapas (Small Plates) LA MERENDA
125 E. National Ave. 414-389-0125 lamerenda125.com
One of the first small-plate restaurants in town, La Merenda remains packed at night. Their small plates span the globe. You might be able to mix and match Polish with Asian dishes. The largely local-sourced menu is divided into three sections: Field (veggies), Sea (seafood) and Pasture (meats). Vegetarians and non-gluten eaters will find many delights. Carnivores will be pleased with the Argentine grass-fed beef. Also featured: daily specials, a good wine list and custom-crafted tonic water for cocktail drinkers. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Balzac Movida Odd Duck
Thai Restaurant THAI-NAMITE
Multiple locations thai-namite.com
While its name arguably also deserves an award for its clever wordplay, Thai-namite’s dynamic blend of Japanese and Thai cuisine certainly deserves the distinction as Milwaukee’s best. Their traditional Thai curries and stir-fried noodles pack an explosive punch of flavor and beautifully plated sushi offerings (like their signature Dragon Roll) continue to blow customers away. Round out your meal with a sweetand-tangy Thai iced tea for a truly exceptional dining experience. (Elizabeth Janowski)
RUNNERS-UP:
EE-Sane Thai-Lao Cuisine Rice N Roll Bistro Singha Thai Restaurant
Vegan Restaurant BEERLINE CAFÉ
2076 N. Commerce St. 414-265-5644 beerlinecafe.com
Michael Allen opened his all-vegetarian, scrupulously sustainable café in 2015 and worked hard to bring mouthwatering, healthy innovative dishes to town. Almost every item can be ordered vegan or gluten-free. My vegan friends adore the food and atmosphere, and so do I. The savory and sweet crepes and cromelettes (egg instead of crepe batter) remain staples. Favorites include macaroni and cheese, mushroom barley burgers, chick’n salad (chickpeas), Buddha bowls, Belgian waffles and blueberry oatmeal smoothies. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Café Manna Celesta On The Bus Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurant BEANS & BARLEY 1901 E. North Ave. 414-278-7878 beansandbarley.com
Back in the day, when the average Milwaukeean was horrified by the thought of a meal without meat, Beans & Barley served alternatives in a tiny dining space amidst their deli and grocery store. The restaurant portion of the business has long since expanded with a spacious dining room plus a counter top ideal for lunch for dining alone. They are not strictly vegetarian (they have both chicken and fish on the menu) but emphasize healthy eating and good flavors. (David Luhrssen)
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
BOM 2018
FALAFEL GUYS
RUNNERS-UP:
Beerline Café Café Manna Urban Beets Cafe & Juicery
Vietnamese Restaurant HUẾ
Multiple locations huerestaurants.com
Huế Vietnamese Restaurant’s spots—2691 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. and 6519 W. North Ave.—offer delicious cuisine from Southeast Asia in a friendly, decidedly hip and inviting atmosphere. Novices to the food of this region need not worry; wait staff is well-informed and the menu quite explicative. Vietnamese items should not be missed. Wonder what chả giò is? Well, the menu says it’s “crisp rice paper filled with ground pork, cabbage, carrots, jicama, onions and vermicelli noodles—deep-fried and served with sweet chili sauce.” Yumyum! (John Jahn)
BEST OF MILWAUKEE 2018 FINALIST Nominated for Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
RUNNERS-UP:
Mekong Café Pho Cali Pho Ever
Wine List BALZAC
1716 N. Arlington Pl. 414-755-0099 balzacwinebar.com
Bring friends, a date or business partners. The room’s size, arrangement, lighting, acoustics, music choices, gracious service and affordable prices all let you focus on whatever matter is at hand. An outdoor patio and sidewalk seating just off Brady Street can add that big-city feel that helps inspire ideas while keeping things in good perspective. Plus, the small-plate menu is brilliant. As for wine, sommelier Steph is a genius. Trust her. Balzac also picked up wins for bar for quiet conversation and best wine selection at a bar. (John Schneider)
TWO LOCATIONS! 105 W. Freistadt Rd. Thiensville, WI
Ne 2238 N. Farwell Ave. w Milwaukee, WI And look for our Food Truck!
FRANK JUAREZ GALLERY
On View: Misplaced Math of Homes and Families Exhibition featuring work by David Najib Kasir and Alison Ru!an www.frankjuarezgallery.com |
@frankjuarezgallery
Serb Hall does a great Fish Fry and an even better Wedding Reception!
Have your Wedding Reception Here! BOOK BY FEBRUARY 28 AND GET 10% OFF YOUR HALL RENTAL —BRING IN THIS AD—
FALAFELGUYSMKE.COM
RUNNERS-UP:
Corvina Wine Company Pizza Man MKE Vintage 38 5101 W. Oklahoma Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53219 414-545-6030 THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR VOTES IN THE BEST F ISH FRY CONTEST!
The Go-to Site for Everything Cannabis SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Bring this ad in and get $5 off your dining room order of $20 or more. J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 33
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> OUT & ABOUT Bar to Be Seen In BOONE & CROCKETT 818 S. Water St. 414-212-8115 boonemilwaukee.com
There was much protest when Boone & Crockett announced they were closing their popular Bay View location. But B&C, home of interesting craft cocktails and the renowned taco truck sporting the new name “Taco Moto,” has a new location in the harbor district on Water Street. John Revord (Boone & Crockett) and Mitch Ciohon (Taco Moto, also Burger Moto and Snack Boys) purchased the beautiful and historic Cooperage building in a collaborative venture with owners of the peddle and paddle tavern, making it the Milwaukee River’s new hot spot. (Alisa Malavenda)
RUNNERS-UP:
Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts Elsa’s On the Park Lost Whale Moran’s Pub Snack Boys
Bar to Watch Soccer Bar to Be Seen In: Boone & Crockett
Attraction for Out-of-Town Guests MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM 700 N. Art Museum Drive mam.org
Ask a cultured person anywhere in the world about Milwaukee and they might reply: the Calatrava! The Milwaukee Art Museum’s Santiago Calatrava addition has become the city’s symbol, but—trophy building or not—it’s also the contents that count. To that end, the museum houses tens of thousands of diverse treasures representing numerous cultures and periods spread across thousands of years of artmaking and is the site of important traveling exhibitions. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
AXE MKE Lakefront Brewery SafeHouse
Bar for Quiet Conversation/ Wine Selection at a Bar BALZAC
Bring friends, a date or business partners. The room’s size and arrangement, the lighting, acoustics and music choices and Balzac’s gracious service and affordable prices let you focus on whatever matter is at hand. An outdoor patio and sidewalk seating just off Brady St. add that big-city feel that helps inspire ideas while keeping things in perspective. Plus, the small-plate menu is brilliant. As for wine, the selection is amazing, and som34 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
melier Steph is a genius, so trust her. It’s a great place for quiet conversation. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP—BAR FOR QUIET CONVERSATION:
Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts Corvina Wine Company Vintage 38
RUNNERS-UP —WINE SELECTION AT A BAR
Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts Corvina Wine Company Vintage 38
Bar on a Budget LANDMARK LANES 2220 N. Farwell Ave. 414-278-8770 landmarklanes.com
The East Side’s transformation or renaissance or whatever else you want to call it seems to be all but complete. There’s a bar where you can throw axes and a bar where you can mini golf, but sometimes, you just want a $3 pint or mixed drink. You can do that most days at Landmark Lanes, which has been around for 91 years and is one of the last vestiges of old Milwaukee left in an everchanging neighborhood. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts The Drunk Uncle Gee Willickers High Dive Moran’s Pub Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
NOMAD WORLD PUB 1401 E. Brady St. 414-224-8111 nomadworldpub.com
Nomad World Pub has long been known as a soccer destination, especially when the World Cup comes around. This year, Nomad owner Mike Eitel took things up a notch by leasing the former La Fuente space for a months-long pop-up called Nomad Nacional. The popup quickly became the biggest World Cup party in town, drawing thousands of people. Nacional is now closed, but the original Nomad on Brady is still a go-to spot for Milwaukee soccer fans. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
The Highbury Pub Moran’s Pub Three Lions Pub
Bar with a Patio/ Import Beer Selection CAFÉ HOLLANDER 2608 N. Downer Ave. 414-963-6366 cafehollander.com
Wisconsin has the largest Belgian settlement in America, and the immigrants brought their culture with them. Café Hollander’s five locations (Downer Avenue is their flagship spot) all celebrate it by importing the bar styles of the Benelux region to our state. They are grand cafés with vast, well-lit areas, and an equally extensive list of imported European beers. Besides regular restaurant food, Café Hollander’s menu includes a long list of rare brews, many of which cannot be found anywhere else. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP—BAR WITH A PATIO:
Corvina Wine Company The Explorium Brewpub
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018
RUNNERS-UP—IMPORT BEER SELECTION AT A BAR
Palm Tavern Points East Pub Sugar Maple
Bartender/ Sports Bar JAMES MORAN, MORAN’S PUB 912 Milwaukee Ave. 414-902-0148
Family owned and friendly, Moran’s Pub is just the place to watch a soccer or rugby match. Things will get intense if Eire is playing England. James Moran presides over it all with the affable good grace of an Irish pub owner. Expect bagpipers and an early opening come St. Patrick’s Day. Meanwhile, there’s Irish beer aplenty and a happy hour 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP—BARTENDER:
PJ Carini, Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant Nick Chartier, The Swinging Door Exchange Andrea Wimmer, Wërd Bar
RUNNERS-UP—SPORTS BAR:
The Highbury Pub SportClub Three Lions Pub
Beer Garden ESTABROOK BEER GARDEN 4600 Estabrook Drive 414-226-2728 estabrookbeergarden.com
Estabrook Beer Garden represents a return to an era that disappeared from our landscape with the start of Prohibition—long before most of us walked the Earth. It’s the first truly public beer garden in the U.S. to open in nearly a century, amazingly enough. Inspirations came from Milwaukee’s great brewing legacy, and the operation is modeled after beer gar-
2131 N. Main St. Racine, WI 53402
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
262.636.9189 www.racinezoo.org
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dens found in modern day Munich, Germany. The lovely Estabrook Beer Garden looks like it was transported from Bavaria right into our neck of the woods. (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
Hubbard Park Beer Garden Humboldt Park Beer Garden The Landing at Hoyt Park South Shore Terrace Kitchen & Beer Garden Whitnall Park Beer Garden
Bloody Mary
•
SOBELMAN’S
GET
Multiple locations sobelmanspubandgrill.com
Sobelmans has pioneered the art of turning Bloody Marys into a spectacle, first with its Masterpiece, a Bloody served with, among too many ingredients to list, including a cheeseburger, then with The Baconado, a similarly indulgent mug of food crowned with a proud tower of bacon. In terms of sheer scale, though, nothing competes with The Beast, a pitcher-sized mug of tomato juice and vodka topped with enough food to feed a small family, including two sliders, four shrimp, olives, asparagus, cherry tomatoes, beef sticks, pickles, bacon-wrapped tater tots and a battalion of cheese and beef sticks. Come hungry. (Evan Rytlewski)
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A jewel among Milwaukee’s historic structures, 1451 Renaissance Place is a stunning setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions and showers.
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A jewel among Milwaukee’s historic structures, 1451 Renaissance Place is a stunning setting for wedding ceremonies, receptions and showers.
RUNNERS-UP:
Café Hollander West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe The Wicked Hop
Open House 4-7pm First Wednesday Monthly (call to confirm) 1451 NORTH PROSPECT MILWAUKEE 414.272.1451 RENAISSANCEPLACE.COM
Brewery Tour LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com
Craft beer has trended in some pretty silly directions over the last decade, so it’s refreshing to see a brewery thrive without resorting to goofy flavor combinations and other gimmicks. Lakefront’s flagship offerings—including Riverwest Stein, Fixed Gear and East Side Dark—are all pillars of their form, beers that
• SH OP LOCAL
Celebrating 30 years of Grace reslerphotography.com
The Garage on Brady Lost Whale Red Lion Pub
1451 RENAISSANCE PLACE
wedding ceremonies | receptions | showers wedding ceremonies | receptions | showers fundraisers | meetings | holiday parties J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 35
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> OUT & ABOUT stand out for their quality, not their novelty. And after all these years, Lakefront’s brewery tour remains the gold standard in a city that now offers tons of them. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Black Husky Brewing Milwaukee Brewing Company Sprecher Brewing Company
Cocktail Lounge/ Romantic Bar BRYANT’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE 1579 S. Ninth St. 414-383-2620 bryantscocktaillounge.com
Bryant’s Cocktail Lounge celebrated its 80th birthday this year. Over these eight decades, Bryant’s has solidified its reputation as the place to go in the city if you are a true cocktail aficionado. The bar has become famous for using no menus and having the bartenders make drinks based solely on back-and-forth conversations with patrons. The dimly lit setting and throwback music selection also makes it one of the most romantic bars in Milwaukee. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP—COCKTAIL LOUNGE:
At Random Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts Twisted Path Distillery
RUNNERS-UP—ROMANTIC BAR:
Balzac Black Husky Brewing Corvina Wine Company
Comedy Club COMEDYSPORTZ MILWAUKEE 420 S. First St. 414-272-8888 cszmke.com
It’s easy to forget that the internationally practiced form of entertainment that is Comedy Sports—high-energy, audience-cued and audience-juried improvisational comedy team matches—was born in Milwaukee. Many of our current local sketch comedy, long-form groups and solo performers were, in turn, given life through the training and experience the organization continues to provide. Now they, too, inspire newcomers by performing their material at the club, birthing (or hatching?) the next generation. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
441 E. Lincoln Ave. 414-509-6035 mysugarmaple.com
It’s a marvelous time to be a beer lover in Milwaukee, as bars all over the city have greatly expanded their beer selections throughout the last decade. When you’re craving a beer you’ve never had before (or perhaps never even heard of before), there’s no better option than Bay View’s proudest beer bar, the Sugar Maple. They not only have the neighborhood’s biggest, most regularly updated selection of brews, including 60 on draft, they also staff opinionated beer enthusiasts eager to pair you with the perfect one. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
The Brass Tap Burnhearts Draft and Vessel Romans’ Pub
Dance Club MAD PLANET
533 E. Center St. 414-263-4555 mad-planet.net
For years Mad Planet was known for two long-running events: the trend-setting soul/funk spin The Get Down and an ’80s-centric retro dance party every Friday. More recently, though, the venue has devoted more of its calendar to themed nights which have pitted Beyoncé against Rihanna, Depeche Mode against New Order, and Prince against Michael Jackson. Unlike some Downtown dance clubs, there’s nothing pretentious about the place: It’s just people of all stripes, dancing to music everybody loves. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Apartment 720 D.I.X. Milwaukee Victor’s
Happy Hour ART*BAR
722 E. Burleigh St. 414-372-7880
Live music, exhibitions by local artist and the eclectic DJs are just a few bright spots at this Riverwest mainstay. It’s got a pool table, pinball machines, board games to play and, yes, lots of booze, especially beer. Look for drink specials, spot your friends in the crowded rooms and make some new ones! (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Lakefront Brewery Keg Stand Up Mojo Dojo Comedy The Underground Collaborative
Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant Lost Whale Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
Craft Beer Selection at a Bar
Hotel Lounge
SUGAR MAPLE
424 E. Wisconsin Ave. 414-273-8222 blumilwaukee.com
BLU MILWAUKEE—PFISTER HOTEL
with a variety of bars, restaurants and places to unwind. Perched at the top, Blu lounge draws locals and visitors alike for its spectacular view of the city and its surroundings. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Branded at The Iron Horse Hotel Pastiche at Hotel Metro Tre Rivali at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel
Irish Pub COUNTY CLARE IRISH INN & PUB 1234 N. Astor St. 414-272-5273 countyclare-inn.com
One of the first things you’ll notice when you walk into County Clare is the personable staff. This should come as no surprise, as this is technically a hotel bar. But hospitality is not the only thing this Irish pub specializes in. Its traditional Irish dishes are second to none, making it just as much of a destination for a pint of Guinness and a shot of Jameson as it is for a bowl of root soup. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Campbell’s Irish Pub Mo’s Irish Pub Moran’s Pub Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill
Jazz Club THE JAZZ ESTATE
2423 N. Murray Ave. 414-964-9923 jazzestate.com
Milwaukee has a thriving, vibrant jazz scene. You only need to seek it out. The Jazz Estate is exactly what you would imagine an intimate jazz club to be. For more than four decades, The Jazz Estate has offered all manner of jazz, from bop to Latin to Gypsy, with the occasional musical tangents. Weekends often feature a second late-night performance that begins at 11:30 p.m. A bonus is the jazz-centric cocktail menu. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Caroline’s The Jazz Gallery
Karaoke Bar UP & UNDER PUB
1216 E. Brady St. 414-276-2677 theupandunderpub.com
The Up & Under Pub has always been known primarily for live music, including a popular open mic night attracting a healthy variety of music from veterans and newcomers. However, amateur singers take note: Up & Under’s Wednesday karaoke night has gained traction and edged out the competition in this year’s Best of Milwaukee run. (Morton Shlabotnik)
The Pfister Hotel is Milwaukee’s grandest landmark, 36 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
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J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 37
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> OUT & ABOUT
RUNNERS-UP:
Erv’s Mug The High Note Milwaukee Ale House Wërd Bar
Live Music Venue/ Rock Club CACTUS CLUB
2496 S. Wentworth Ave. 414-897-0663 cactusclub.dostuff.info
For more than two decades, Cactus Club was one of Milwaukee’s premier destinations for indie rock, punk and metal shows. And it still is, but during the last couple years, the venue has expanded its purview, hosting a wider variety of hip-hop, electronic and even Latin bills. It’s now one of the most inclusive venues in the city, and the club’s safe, tolerant atmosphere ensures that music lovers of all backgrounds feel welcome. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP—LIVE MUSIC:
The Cooperage Iron Mike’s Linneman’s Riverwest Inn
RUNNERS-UP—ROCK CLUB:
ceiling with track lighting points toward a back room in the deep recesses of the building. Elsa’s has been a contender in many categories through the decades, including Best Place to Be Seen In and Best Hamburger, but this year, the strength of its martinis prevailed. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Carini’s Southern Italian Restaurant Eddie Martini’s Harbor House JoJo’s Martini Lounge
Micro-Brewery THIRD SPACE BREWING 1505 W. St. Paul Ave. 414-909-2337 thirdspacebrewing.com
Third Space Brewing has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Milwaukee’s recent craft brewery boom. The brewery has been relentless in its community outreach efforts, hosting a weekly euchre league, semi-regular yoga events and a list of other happenings to live up to its name and become a third space for Milwaukeeans to congregate outside of work and home. It also doesn’t hurt that it serves some of the most consistently enjoyable beers in town. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Frank’s Power Plant Sabbatic Shank Hall
Black Husky Brewing Eagle Park Brewing Good City Brewing
Margarita
Milwaukee Tour
CAFÉ CORAZÓN
Multiple locations corazonmilwaukee.com
At Café Corazón, margaritas are recognized as a house specialty. Blended or on the rocks and served in pint glasses with nearly 60 tequilas and mezcals to choose from, they are the perfect for happy hour or a complement to dinner. As for those dinners, ingredients are sourced from local farmers and producers. Food and drink specials are offered every day of the week. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
BelAir Cantina Botanas Restaurant Jose’s Blue Sombrero Poco Loco
Martini ELSA’S ON THE PARK 833 N. Jefferson St. 414-765-0615 elsas.com
After more than 30 years in the same Downtown spot, Elsa’s classic, never-out-of-fashion look has endured. Patrons are met with a warm ambiance despite the cold, hard surfaces of terrazzo floors and marble-topped tables. A trio of mirrors hangs above the bar and the chairs and booths are black and comfortable; the high 38 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
MILWAUKEE BOAT LINE RUNNERS-UP:
Gothic Milwaukee Historic Milwaukee, Inc. Milwaukee Food and City Tours
New Bar (Opened in 2018) UP-DOWN MKE RUNNERS-UP:
AXE MKE Lost Whale Wërd Bar
Open Mic Night BREMEN CAFÉ
901 E. Clarke St. 414-431-1931 bremencafe.com
Though most regulars probably don’t think of it as a comedy hotspot, for years, Bremen Café has held one of the city’s most inviting comedy open mics on Monday nights at 8 p.m., where established comedians and upstarts alike test new material in front of a receptive crowd. Then, around 10 p.m., the bar turns it stage over to musicians for its music open night, where songwriters are greeted by a crowd that’s similarly friendly and simi-
larly generous with their applause. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Iron Mike’s The Miramar Theatre Up & Under Pub
Paint and Wine Bar PAINTING WITH A TWIST 155 E. Silver Spring Drive 414-988-5050 paintingwithatwist.com
Ah, that inner artist, longing to express him or herself! Maybe a glass or two of wine will free the creative spirit? That’s one of the thoughts behind the paint-and-wine bar trend—definitely a step up from that Y2K-era fad for leaving crayons on restaurant tables for patrons to play with. Whitefish Bay’s Painting with a Twist has the added attraction of offering classes. Want to learn how to paint, but you don’t like wine? No problem; beer is also served. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Arte Wine and Painting Studio Charmbiance Wine Bar & Arts The Farmhouse Paint and Sip Bar & Café Splash Studio
Strip Club SILK EXOTIC
Multiple locations silkmke.com
With two Milwaukee locations, Silk Exotic offers adult entertainment seven days a week. Lunch specials, happy hour specials, bottle service, hookahs (insert your own joke here), couples’ nights and amateur nights. The Silver Spring Drive location offers rock and country music on weekends, should you need an earful to go along with an eyeful. (Benjamin Dover)
RUNNERS-UP:
Encore Heart Breakers On the Border Texas Jay’s Gentleman’s Club
Trivia Night BLACKBIRD BAR
3007 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. 414-486-1344 blackbirdbayview.com
Nine years and going strong, Bay View’s Blackbird Bar offers team trivia on Thursdays at 7 p.m. sponsored by Third Space Brewing, Twisted Path Distillery and State Line Distillery. Try your skill at pinball on one of the six machines in preparation for the monthly pinball tournament. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Black Husky Brewing Moran’s Pub Mulligans Irish Pub & Grill SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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The Go-to Site for Everything Cannabis We will keep you informed each week about the growing availability of legal cannabis products in Milwaukee, the move toward legalization of marijuana in Wisconsin and cannabis news from around the world. SHEPHERD EXPRESS
SHARABLE PLATES SUNDAY BRUNCH: $20 BOTTOMLESS BLOODYS/MIMOSAS OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11AM + DAILY HAPPY HOUR 5835 W. National Ave. public-table.com J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 39
MICHAEL BROSILOW
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Local Radio Personality DORI ZORI (88.9FM, WYMS)
One of the few local DJs to have connections with both left of the dial locations, Dori Zori was at WMSE before moving to WYMS. Her genuine upbeat personality and appreciation for all things Milwaukee make her a natural ambassador for the city and its vibrant music scene. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
DJ Charlie Jayx (91.7FM, WMSE) Mark Belling (1130AM, WISN) Promise at V100.7
Local TV Personality/ Stage Actor JOHN MCGIVERN Theater Company: Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Art Gallery (Non-Museum) REDLINE MILWAUKEE 1422 Vel R. Phillips Ave. 414-502-7641 redlinemilwaukee.com
RedLine celebrates its 10th anniversary in July 2019. Sadly, the board of directors recently announced that it has chosen that landmark occasion to close RedLine. The organization has devoted itself to helping Milwaukee artists advance their careers, develop their visions and stay in town. The beautiful exhibition space, resident artist, educational programs and the community print shop will be missed. The recent show by the great Milwaukee photographer Francis Ford is a perfect example of RedLine’s accomplishments. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Frank Juarez Gallery Tory Folliard Gallery Var Gallery & Studios
Art Museum MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM 700 N. Art Museum Drive mam.org
The soaring spikes of the museum’s Santiago Calatrava addition have become Milwaukee’s architectural symbol but—trophy building or not—it’s also the contents that count. To that end, the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) houses tens of thousands of diverse treasures representing numerous cultures and periods spread across thousands of years of artmaking. MAM is the site of important traveling exhibitions and—yes—the Calatrava is a great place to show out-of-town visitors. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Grohmann Museum Haggerty Museum of Art Museum of Wisconsin Art 40 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Church Festival
ANNUNCIATION GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
Back in the 1960s and ’70s, years before the Summerfest grounds became the site for Polish Fest, Festa Italiana and the rest, the first thought in Milwaukee for ethnic festivals was usually the sprawling church picnic now known as Greek Fest. Back then the mouthwatering chicken and lamb (roasting on spits) and the flaming saganaki were prepared on the grounds of the church’s Frank Lloyd Wright’s circular landmark. In recent years, the big event has moved to State Fair Park (where it’s much easier to find parking). (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church St. Gregory the Great School St. Roman Parish School
Dance Company
MILWAUKEE BALLET COMPANY milwaukeeballet.org
Was it last fall’s thrill-a-minute Dracula? Or the brilliant Beauty and the Beast premiere last spring, followed by a truly inspired Swan Lake? Milwaukee Ballet could win a best ballet competition on the world stage. Michael Pink’s family of dancers, designers, musicians and technicians meet the highest standards. Technical mastery is used to address human experience, tell stories that move us and make profound connections through movement and music. Programming choices are compassionate, courageous and wise. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Catey Ott Dance Collective Danceworks, Inc. Panadanza
More than 25 years ago, this charismatic, hardworking performance artist returned to his hometown, rented Theatre X’s theater in what would become the Broadway Theatre Center and presented his original one-man comedy about growing up the third of six kids in an Irish Catholic family in Milwaukee. The show was a hit, and McGivern stayed to build a huge audience for his many shows. At times, he seems omnipresent, appearing in every major art center in the region. His valuable PBS series, “Around the Corner,” is now in its sixth season. He is inseparable from his characters and, indeed, they are local folk. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP—TV PERSONALITY:
Katie Crowther Mark Baden Ted Perry
RUNNERS-UP—STAGE ACTOR:
James Pickering Norman Moses Robby McGhee
Milwaukee Author JOHN GURDA
John Gurda is a hard man to beat—especially when Milwaukeeans stop to ask themselves about favorite local authors! After all, what other writer has done more to open our city’s unique history to the widest possible audience? His book, The Making of Milwaukee, was transformed into a PBS special airing coastto-coast and won an Emmy. A new edition just rolled off the presses. His most recent books, Milwaukee: A City Built on Water and Milwaukee: City of Neighborhoods, are lavishly illustrated tours of the city’s waterfronts and neighborhoods. It’s easy to be a gracious loser when Gurda gets the prize. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Chris Chan David Luhrssen Nick Petrie Tom Mollica
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 Movie Theater THE ORIENTAL THEATRE
2230 N. Farwell Ave. • 414-276-5140
The Oriental has always been a landmark, but it’s no longer a Landmark Theater. Last summer, Milwaukee Film took the lease and announced ambitious plans for upgrading the sound system and other improvements while maintaining the theater’s unique Orientalist architecture. Along with the Avalon, the Oriental is one of two 1920s movie palaces still operating in Milwaukee. It has been long been a mainstay for alternatives in moviegoing and the new management is reviving the old tradition of mixing foreign films, indie films and classics. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Avalon Atmospheric Theater Marcus Majestic Cinema Rosebud Cinema Drafthouse
Museum
(Non-Art) MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM 800 W. Wells St. mpm.edu
The Milwaukee Public Museum is contemplating a move from its Downtown site, which has been a mecca for local families and tourists for several generations. The museum has always been an innovator, starting with its many dioramas and the walk-through recreation of the city’s past, the Streets of Old Milwaukee and on through its IMAX theater. Yes, there are dinosaurs, including a mighty T-Rex with a hungry look about it. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Discovery World North Point Lighthouse
Outdoor Festival
FINE A R T S Q U A RT E T A bsolute Beethoven
FREE
-
N O R E S E R V E D S E AT I N G
Sponsored by the Friends of the Fine Arts Quartet and 140 generous community donors In collaboration with Arts Wisconsin and UW-Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts
42 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
-
NO TICKETING
SUNDAY, JANUARY 27 | 3PM
Pre-concert talk begins at 2:00PM Helene Zelazo Center for the Performing Arts 2419 E Kenwood Blvd, Milwaukee, WI Summer Festival returns July 14–18, 2019 More information at: FOFAQ.org
SUMMERFEST
Summerfest has been scaling up in recent years, trying to go toe-to-toe with the tide of buzzier, more prestigious music festivals that have sprung up over the last decade. As part of that effort, in 2018 the festival offered one of its freshest lineups in years, bringing in first-timers like Janelle Monáe, The Weeknd, Arcade Fire, Lil Uzi Vert and Kesha. Even as the festival has expanded and upgraded, though, it’s kept prices affordable, holding general admission to a reasonable $21, and still offers some form of free admission almost every day. It remains a festival for the masses. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Bastille Days Milwaukee Irish Fest Wisconsin State Fair
Radio Station
88NINE RADIO MILWAUKEE WYMS-FM
88Nine’s support of Milwaukee now goes well beyond just airing local music every hour. In 2013, the station built a new studio that doubles as a community space and all-ages venue, and this year, 88Nine threw its support behind Backline, an ambitious new initiative designed to mentor musicians and establish a working music industry in Milwaukee. At every turn, the station has lived up to its mission of giving back to the community. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Milwaukee Public Radio 89.7 WUWM-FM WKLH-FM Milwaukee WMSE 91.7 FM
Stage Actress DEBORAH STAPLES
She’s an impeccable actress devoted to every aspect of the art. Her range is remarkable. She makes all her characters worthy of our interest. Best known for her longtime membership in the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s resident company and now as a valued associate artist, she’s also part of the Next Act Theatre family. She works with many Wisconsin professional companies and others around the country and teaches acting when she can to lucky students at Marquette. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Angela Iannone Karen Estrada Kira Renkas
Theater Company MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER
108 E. Wells St. • 414-224-9490 milwaukeerep.com
Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s first responsibility is to create excellent theater, and by most standards, it does that. The company also names “inclusion” and “citizenship” among its core values. What’s remarkable is that these ideals are evident in the work. Racial and cultural diversity in casting and directing are largely taken for granted—a rare thing in our nation’s theaters. Citizenship means that the work, both onstage and in related programs, inspires useful thinking on local and national matters to help us make wise and responsible decisions. This season offers fine examples with In the Heights and Junk. (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Renaissance Theaterworks Skylight Music Theatre Sunset Playhouse Village Playhouse SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> MILWAUKEE-MADE FOOD & BEVERAGES Artisanal Cheese/ Cheese Curds CLOCK SHADOW CREAMERY 138 W. Bruce St. 414-273-9711 clockshadowcreamery.com
As one of the few urban creameries throughout the nation, Clock Shadow Creamery has, during its five-year existence, emerged as an award-winning cheese maker. Started by Cedar Grove Cheese owner Bob Wills, Clock Shadow Creamery’s signature products include cheddar cheese curds, plain and flavored quark, chèvre and more. Clock Shadow Creamery is named for the Allen-Bradley Clock Tower, located just a few blocks from their retail store and production space. (Sheila Julson)
RUNNERS-UP—ARTISANAL CHEESE:
Sartori Cheese Weyauwega Star Dairy Inc Widmer’s Cheese Cellars
RUNNERS-UP—CHEESE CURDS:
Decatur Dairy West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe Widmer’s Cheese Cellars
Bacon
NUESKE’S APPLEWOOD SMOKED MEAT nueskes.com
There’s a reason so many restaurants that serve Nueske’s make a point of mentioning the brand name on their menu. It’s not just bacon. It’s Nueske’s bacon. The company offers some of the smokiest, most flavorful bacon on the market, and the mere name provokes a Pavlovian response from its fans. Sure, you could order your Kopp’s burger without it, but c’mon, it’s Nueske’s! (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Bunzel’s Meat Market Kettle Range Meat Company Patrick Cudahy, LLC
Bratwurst/Sausage USINGER’S FAMOUS SAUSAGE 1030 N. Old World Third St. 414-276-9105 usinger.com
Think Milwaukee, think sausage, especially bratwurst. Think those delectable cylindrical meats, think none other than Usinger’s. But the Usinger’s products we see in the grocery store is just the tip of the meat iceberg. Usinger wurstmachers—still practicing their culinary art at the site of the original store— continue to adhere to original family recipes dating to 1880. The deli boasts sliced meats, hams, bacon and snack sticks; the gift store offers applewood-smoked pit ham, Angus beef, cheese, crackers and more. Usinger’s is tough to beat when it comes to the wurst of Milwaukee! (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP—BRATWURST:
Bunzel’s Meat Market Klements Sausage Co., Inc. Johnsonville
RUNNERS-UP—SAUSAGE:
Bunzel’s Meat Market Glorioso’s Italian Market 44 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Milwaukee Sausage Company Scardina Specialties
Craft Beer LAKEFRONT BREWERY 1872 N. Commerce St. 414-372-8800 lakefrontbrewery.com
Craft beer has trended in some pretty silly directions over the last decade, so it’s refreshing to see a brewery thrive without resorting to goofy flavor combinations and other gimmicks. Lakefront’s flagship offerings—including Riverwest Stein, Fixed Gear and East Side Dark—are all pillars of their form, beers that stand out for their quality, not their novelty. And after all these years, Lakefront’s brewery tour remains the gold standard in a city that now offers tons of them. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Black Husky Brewing The Explorium Brewpub Third Space Brewing
Cupcakes CLASSY GIRL CUPCAKES Multiple locations classygirlcupcakes.com
Owner Eric Elia wanted cupcakes for her wedding and decided to bake them herself. The idea grew into a retail bakery Downtown and expanded to Brookfield Square. Wedding cupcakes are still having their moment, but of course, the scrumptious little frosted things are good for any occasion or no occasion at all. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Blooming Lotus Bakery Jen’s Sweet Treats The Village Cakery
Distilled Spirits GREAT LAKES DISTILLERY 616 W. Virginia St. 414-431-8683 greatlakesdistillery.com
When the craft distillery began producing its award-winning Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Vodka in 2006, it was the first Wisconsin distillery to open its doors since Prohibition. Visitors to its site can tour the facility and learn how Great Lakes produces citrus and honey-flavored vodka, gin, absinthe, pumpkin seasonal spirit, and grappa. Great Lakes products can be enjoyed in a comfortable tasting room. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Central Standard Craft Distillery SoulBoxer Cocktail Co. Twisted Path Distillery
Frozen Pizza PALERMO’S
palermospizza.com
Founded in Milwaukee more than five decades ago as a pizzeria, Palermo’s joined the ever-growing frozen food industry
some 40 years ago by selling a line of pizzas in area grocery stores. Now, that line encompasses numerous versions of frozen pizza, and Palermo’s pizza can be found in stores across the country. All crust styles and virtually all topping options can be had. The Menomonee Valley production plant offers tours that include pizza samples and beverages. (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
Brew Pub Pizza (Lotzza Motzza) Cedar Teeth Jack’s Frozen Pizza
Hard Cider LOST VALLEY CIDER CO. 408 W. Florida St. lostvalley.com
Lost Valley is a combination tasting room and bottle shop, where you can choose from about 80 cans and bottles that can be enjoyed on site or to go. The company brews its own cider with a cidermaker in Madison following their recipes for both whiskey barrel and rum barrel aged ciders, as well as their bestselling cider, called Currant Affair, made with Midwest apples, a touch of hops and Wisconsin black currants. The menu also includes cider-based cocktails, and if your companions aren’t that into cider, they have a good selection of craft beer, wine, mead, kombucha and a full-service liquor bar. (Tea Krulos)
RUNNERS-UP:
CiderBoys Cider Restoration Cider Sprecher Brewery
Soda SPRECHER BREWING COMPANY 701 W. Glendale Ave. • 414-964-7837 sprecherbrewery.com
Soda really doesn’t get any better than Sprecher root beer. Unlike its syrupy, mass-produced counterparts, Sprecher’s take on the old staple is rich and nuanced, its sweetness taking a backseat to flavors of real vanilla and real honey. That same quality standard carries through the brewery’s ever-expanding line of sodas, which has grown to include not only cream soda, orange dream and ginger ale, but also unusual colas and seasonal offerings like raspberry and blueberry sodas. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Lakefront Brewery Top Note Tonic Wisco Pop
Tea RISHI TEA
rishi-tea.com
Rishi Tea has come a long way in the 20-plus years since it launched in a tiny Third Ward warehouse. The teas can now be found in major grocery store chains like Whole Foods as well as in cafés across Milwaukee. With reports coming out this summer that Rishi Tea was looking to purchase $1.67 million in new equipment, it looks like even more growth may be in the company’s future. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP:
Fava Tea Company Tippecanoe Herbs and Apothecary SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Thank you Milwaukee for voting for us for best selection of wine, beer, and spirits once again! VOTED BEST SELECTION OF WINE, BEER AND SPIRITS 16 YEARS IN A ROW
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1960
Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm Sunday 10am-2pm www.discountliquorinc.com DISCOUNT LIQUOR
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Discount Liquor Milwaukee 5031 W. Oklahoma Ave. (414) 545-2175 SHEPHERD EXPRESS
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Discount Liquor Waukesha 919 N. Barstow Ave. (262) 547-7525 J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 45
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> RETAIL FOOD & DRINK Cheese Selection WEST ALLIS CHEESE & SAUSAGE SHOPPE 6832 W. Becher St. 414-543-4230 wacheese-gifts.com
West Allis Cheese & Sausage specializes in its namesakes. The popular café on the building’s east end serves a long list of breakfast items all day long and daily sandwich specials on weekdays. In the “shoppe” part on the west end, you can find a wide array of cheese from outside of Wisconsin as well as curds, spreads and wax-covered cheddar shaped like a cow, beer mug or a Green Bay Packers player. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Larry’s Market Sendik’s Fine Foods Wisconsin Cheese Mart
Chocolatier INDULGENCE CHOCOLATIERS Multiple locations indulgencechocolatiers.com
Cheese Selection: West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
Despite being ubiquitous, chocolate is difficult to craft and can lend itself to the creativity of culinary artists. As such, you may watch the cooks at Indulgence Chocolatiers work in the kitchen of their elegant shop in Walker’s Point. There, homemade chocolate, truffles and pralines are paired with wine, beer and cheese to offer unique combinations of flavors. Indulgence’s other two locations, in Shorewood and Wauwatosa, also double as ice cream shops. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP:
Beer Selection/ Liquor Store DISCOUNT LIQUOR Multiple locations discountliquorinc.com
When Frank Greguska Sr. and his wife, Irene, first opened Discount Liquor in 1960, beer and soda was sold in returnable bottles, and beer choices were limited to about a half-dozen domestics like Blatz or Hamm’s. As the liquor industry grew, so did Discount Liquor. The Greguskas added a second location in Waukesha and moved the Milwaukee store to its current location on Oklahoma Avenue. Today, their five children—Marie, Frank Jr., Michael, Tom and Barb—run the business and continue to stay on top of trends while offering variety and—true to its name—good prices. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
RUNNERS-UP—BEER SELECTION:
Otto’s Wine & Spirits Ray’s Wine & Spirits Total Wine & More
RUNNERS-UP—LIQUOR STORE
Otto’s Wine & Spirits Ray’s Wine & Spirits Total Wine & More 46 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Butcher Shop/ Meat Selection BUNZEL’S MEAT MARKET 9015 W. Burleigh St. 414-873-7960 bunzels.com
Bunzel’s is truly a one-stop shop for anything meatrelated and more. The market has a traditional butcher, deli and seafood, with produce and a bakery to boot. Bunzel’s also provides wild game processing services and its own catering business. The operation is still family owned and operated, though it expanded two years ago to meet increasing demand. Even in a bigger space, you still get the same feeling as walking into an old-school family butcher shop. (Rob Hullum)
RUNNERS-UP—BUTCHER SHOP:
Bavette La Boucherie G. Groppi Food Market Kettle Range Meat Company Roberts’ Specialty Meats
RUNNERS-UP—MEAT SELECTION:
Good Harvest Market Kettle Range Meat Company Ray’s Butcher Shoppe
Allo! Chocolat Kilwins Milwaukee Northern Chocolate Co Red Elephant Chocolate Tabal Chocolate
Farmers Market WEST ALLIS FARMERS MARKET 6501 W. National Ave. 414-302-8600 westallisfarmersmarket.com
For the past century, the West Allis Farmers Market has been a source of fresh produce for generations of families. A wide range of produce arrives at the market throughout the year. The early season brings bedding plants, radishes, asparagus, and rhubarb. Strawberries and raspberries arrive in June as well as peas and snap beans. Corn comes about a week after the Fourth of July, along with many other squashes, zucchini and herb plants. The late season brings fresh apples and cider. Chickens and fresh eggs are always available. (Morton Shlabotnik)
RUNNERS-UP:
Riverwest Gardener’s Market South Shore Farmers Market Tosa Farmers Market SHEPHERD EXPRESS
NEED TO GET YOUR SPIRITS UP?
Locally Employee Owned Serving Metro Milwaukee Since 1945
OUR EXPERTS WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE PERFECT LIQUOR, WINE OR BEER FOR ANY OCCASION
Children’s Book Drive During the month of January, Shepherd Express will be accepting gently used children’s books for ages 1-5. BOOK DROP OFF: 207 E. Buffalo St., Suite 410, Milwaukee, WI 53202 Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5pm
THANK YOU MILWAUKEE FOR YOUR VOTES! BEER SELECTION, WINE SELECTION, LIQUOR STORE W63 N154 Washington Ave., Cedarburg 262-377-4360 3476 Oakland Ave. 414-961-1383 76th & Appleton Ave. 414-536-0100
Your contribution doesn’t just build literacy and life skills for Milwaukee’s children—it builds a brighter future for us all. SHEPHERD EXPRESS
15380 Watertown Plan Rd. 262-784-3545 4600 W. Brown Deer Rd. 414-354-5831 8850 N. Port Washington Rd. 414-540-1190
W15413 Main St., Menomonee Falls 262-255-0057 J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 47
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> RETAIL FOOD & DRINK RUNNERS-UP—GROCERY—ETHNIC:
Cermak Fresh Market El Rey Pacific Produce Parthenon Foods - European Market
RUNNERS-UP—GROCERY—GOURMET:
G. Groppi Food Market Larry’s Market Metcalfe’s Market Sendik’s Food Market
RUNNERS-UP—TAKE-OUT DELI:
Beans & Barley Benji’s Deli Bunzel’s Meat Market G. Groppi Food Market Larry’s Market Ono Kine Grindz
Grocery—Natural Foods/ Organic Produce Selection OUTPOST NATURAL FOODS Multiple locations outpost.coop
Urban Farm: Will’s Roadside Farms & Markets
Fish Market ST. PAUL FISH COMPANY 400 N. Water St. 414-220-8383 stpaulfish.com
Look up as you walk east through the Milwaukee Public Market to see the huge St. Paul Fish Co. sign high above. At the long oyster bar to your left, a poster reminds you that the “Live Maine Lobster Dinner” is just $16.95. Pause to admire the ample display of fresh, beautiful take-home seafood, then grab a table in the cozy restaurant. The menu is huge and the food mouthwatering. Remember that seafood provides unique health benefits. Enjoy! (John Schneider)
RUNNERS-UP:
Center Street Fish Market Empire Fish Company Outpost Natural Foods
Grocery—All Purpose WOODMAN’S FOOD MARKET Multiple locations woodmans-food.com
Employee-owned and headquartered in Janesville, with locations in Oak Creek, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha and Kenosha, Woodman’s offers a large selection at 48 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
competitive prices. Best advice? Map out a game plan or detailed shopping list. As big as this place is, shopping during non-peak hours is a breeze. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Outpost Natural Foods Sendik’s Food Market
Grocery—Ethnic/ Grocery—Gourmet/ Take-Out Deli GLORIOSO’S ITALIAN MARKET 1011 E. Brady St. 414-272-0540 gloriosos.com
So much is available in this neighborhood supermarket. Italian items, above all; imports from Mediterranean lands, the Glorioso family’s signature products and baked goods from Sciortino’s (winner for Best Neighborhood Bakery!) right down the street. I know folks who come just to treat themselves to the luscious gelatos or the dreamy cheeses, a mix of imports and local artisanal delights. The expansive affordable deli offers well-made sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, calzones, paninis, flatbreads and plentiful salads. You could live on this menu. (John Schneider)
Outpost has always been a bastion of healthy, green living long before it was trendy. Once staffed by volunteers and lofty dreams, the Outpost has grown a lot since its humble ’70s origin as a simple food co-op. Today, the Outpost brand has evolved into two cafés and a thriving chain of four stores on all ends of town, including one in Mequon. Outpost’s popularity has been fueled by its ability to remain true to its ideals of “wholesome living” and sustainability. (Susan Harpt Grimes)
RUNNERS-UP—GROCERY —NATURAL FOODS:
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Good Harvest Market Whole Foods Market
RUNNERS-UP—ORGANIC PRODUCE SELECTION:
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Good Harvest Market Whole Foods Market
Neighborhood Bakery PETER SCIORTINO’S BAKERY 1101 E. Brady St. 414-272-4623 petersciortinosbakery.com
Normally closed on Mondays after the busy weekend, Sciortino’s was opened especially for Christmas Eve Monday this year. I went to buy boxes of beautiful colorful Italian cookies for presents, as always, and ran into a neighbor pleased to have gotten a loaf of his favorite bread. As always, the busy staff in the small shop was friendly and gracious. Forever the winner, nothing important ever changes here, but now they also offer homemade pretzels. (John Schneider) SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 RUNNERS-UP:
Blooming Lotus Bakery Jen’s Sweet Treats MOR Bakery and Cafe Rocket Baby Bakery
Produce Selection CERMAK FRESH MARKET Multiple locations cermakfreshmarket.com
Looking for something unusual? Chicagobased Cermak sells fresh tejocote, persimmon, dragon fruit, quince, star fruit, mango—and all the usual navel oranges and plastic cartons of blueberries. The fruit and vegetable department at the busy Walker’s Point location is big enough to house a supermarket and the wider store is stocked with all the staples along with an ample Hispanic aisle. And, yes, the produce section has big avocados ripe for making guacamole. (David Luhrssen)
RUNNERS-UP:
Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Outpost Natural Foods Sendik’s Food Market Whole Foods Market
Sausage Shop USINGER’S FAMOUS SAUSAGE 1030 N. Old World Third St. 414-276-9105 usinger.com
Think Milwaukee, think sausage, think none other than Usinger’s. But the Usinger’s products we see in the grocery store are just the tip of the meat iceberg. Usinger wurstmachers—still practicing their culinary art at the site of the original store—continue to adhere to original family recipes dating to 1880. The deli boasts sliced meats, hams, bacon and snack sticks; the gift store offers applewood-smoked pit ham, Angus beef, cheese, crackers and more. Usinger’s is tough to beat when it comes to the wurst of Milwaukee! (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
Bunzel’s Meat Market Milwaukee Sausage Company West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe
Urban Farm
WILL’S ROADSIDE FARMS & MARKETS
5500 W Silver Spring Drive 414-484-3063 willsroadsidefarmsandmarkets.com
Will Allen is widely recognized a visionary for his philosophy in getting fresh food to people in urban food deserts. In 2008, he received SHEPHERD EXPRESS
the MacArthur Foundation’s “Genius Grant,” and he has received a number of prestigious citations. Yet, what matters to Allen is doing the work and educating people. After more than two decades, Allen’s Growing Power was reborn in 2018 as Will Allen’s Roadside Farms & Markets. Now more than ever, his vision for urban agriculture makes sense. (Blaine Schultz)
RUNNERS-UP:
Alice’s Garden Victory Garden Initiative Walnut Way Conservation Corp.
Wedding Cake Designer SIMMA’S BAKERY 817 N. 68th St. 414-257-0998 simmasbakery.com
Simma’s Bakery has served Wauwatosa and the greater Milwaukee area for 36 years. They proudly claim to have “the best wedding cakes in town,” and the business received 2017’s “bakery operation of the year” award from the Wisconsin Bakers Association. Their wedding cakes are often spectacularly ornamented centerpieces, unique and tailored personally for each client. Starting at $3.75 per serving, they can feed more than 100 guests each for those really ambitious weddings. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
4(!.+ 9/5 -),7!5+%% &/2 9/52 6/4%3
From our family to yours thank you for voting us!
RUNNERS-UP:
Aggie’s Bakery & Cake Shop The Cake Lady Eat Cake Jen’s Sweet Treats Miss Molly’s Cafe & Pastry Shop
Best of Milwaukee 2015 WINNER
Best of Milwaukee 2016 WINNER
Wine Selection RAY’S WINE & SPIRITS 8930 W. North Ave. 414-258-9821 rayswine.com
With more than 8,000 choices of wine, 2,000 spirits and 1,000 craft beers, Ray’s Wine & Spirits is a family owned liquor store filled from floor to ceiling with bottles of all shapes and sizes. Besides the store, Ray’s includes the Growler Gallery—a small bar to taste and enjoy the products, as well as participate in alcohol-related events. To top it off, the team at Ray’s has a goofy, enthusiastic attitude and genuine passion for liquor. (Jean-Gabriel Fernandez)
RUNNERS-UP:
Corvina Wine Company Discount Liquor Inc Otto’s Wine & Spirits Vintage 38
VISIT OUR STORE AT
9015 W. Burleigh St. or shop online at bunzels.com
Hungry? Takeout lunch or dinner. We also cater. J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 49
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> MILWAUKEE MUSIC RUNNERS-UP:
Chant Claire Chamber Choir Master Singers of Milwaukee Wisconsin Lutheran College Choir
Classical Music Ensemble MILWAUKEE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA COURTESY OF NiceFM
mso.org
Although southeastern Wisconsin boasts many talented Classical instrumental and vocal ensembles, the “big kid on the block” once again goes home with all the marbles in the Shepherd Express’ “Best Classical Ensemble” category. Quite understandably so. The MSO is one of the nation’s finest orchestras, and its reputation has only grown throughout the decades (2019 is its 60th year). Its legacy of world-class music director/conductors and fulltime professional musicians performing more than 135 classical, pops, family education and community concerts every season around Wisconsin means the MSO is definitely our go-to big ensemble. (John Jahn)
RUNNERS-UP:
Early Music Now Master Singers of Milwaukee Present Music Electronic Artist: Dashcam
Acoustic Musician MYLES WANGERIN
Drawing from artists like Keith Urban, Tom Petty, Vince Gill and James Taylor, Wisconsin singer/songwriter Myles Wangerin specializes in a hybrid of classic rock and modern country, a combination that showcases his smooth but hearty voice. A staple at sports bars, wineries and brew pubs around southeastern Wisconsin, he released his down-to-earth debut album Wasting Time And Wasting It Well in 2017. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Keith Pulvermacher Derek Sallmann Ben Wagner Jake Williams
Alt Country
DJ SHAWNA
Blues Band
REVEREND RAVEN & THE CHAIN SMOKIN’ ALTAR BOYS reverendraven.com
Milwaukee’s blues scene is tight-knit and competitive, but over the years, Reverend Raven and his band, the Chain Smokin’ Altar Boys, have gradually worked their way to the top of the pecking order thanks to memorable shows at just about every major blues festival in the region. Theirs is a distinctly Midwestern style of the blues: all boogie riffs, searing electric guitars and roaring harmonica. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Altered 5 Blues Band The Blues Disciples Robert Allen Jr.
WHISKEYBELLES
Choral Group
The Milwaukee trio WhiskeyBelles celebrate the spirit of old-fashioned, acoustic country and Americana. And, just as they draw from traditional sounds, they take inspiration from country’s classic muses, singing songs about stiff drinks and hard living. That throwback spirit has earned this charming ensemble gigs opening for country icons like Charlie Daniels and Montgomery Gentry, as well as a WAMI award for Americana/Bluegrass Artist of the Year. (Evan Rytlewski)
BEL CANTO CHORUS
whiskeybelles.com
RUNNERS-UP:
Bella Cain Buffalo Gospel Road Crew 50 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Club DJ
belcanto.org
On Easter Sunday, 1931, a small group of singers appeared at the chapel of St. Mary’s Hospital and performed Hans Gruber’s Festival Mass. Within a decade, this “small group” had grown to include some 70 voices. It’s been nothing but a success story ever since for Milwaukee’s Bel Canto Chorus, which not only produces their own choral concert season year after year, but regularly sings with local orchestras as well. The Bel Canto’s amazingly wide repertory and professional polish mean that it’s a major part of Milwaukee’s cultural tapestry. (John Jahn)
djshawna.com
DJ Shawna cut her teeth with gigs at Walker’s Pint in the mid-’00s, where she often performed with Milwaukee’s late DJ Rock Dee. These days, her reach extends far beyond Walker’s Point—she performs her house mixes at clubs all over the city. She has become a favorite of local sports teams, spinning for the Brewers, the Bucks and the Marquette Women’s basketball team. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
DJ Bizzon DJ Breezy DJ Delicioso
Cover/ Tribute Band FM RODEO
fmrodeo.net
The Dairy State may not be a country music hotbed, but the genre still has a huge following here. FM Rodeo help meet that demand, performing rustic, fiddle-accented covers of old favorites from singers like George Strait, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. Last year, they were dubbed the Wisconsin State Country Band Champion at the Hodag Country Festival. FM Radio’s Tony Piontek also chalked up a win for Best Guitarist. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Cherry Pie Failure to Launch The Now Band
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> MILWAUKEE MUSIC
DASHCAM
Under the moniker Dashcam, Milwaukee dream-wave producer Donny Jankowski crafts uncommonly lush, immersive synth-pop, updating the sounds of the ’80s with cinematic flair. His contributions to the local electronic scene don’t end with his own music, though. He’s also one of the driving forces behind NiceFM, a collective that’s helping building a following for electronic artists and producers on the brighter, more accessible side of the electronic spectrum. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Black Lines, Din Sky LUXI The Quilz
Guitarist TONY PIONTEK, FM RODEO
Though they specialize in country, FM Rodeo (our winner for Best Cover/Tribute Band) don’t shy away from rock, either. They throw a few classic-rock tunes into their sets from time to time, which along with some of their rowdier country covers give lead guitarist Tony Piontek’s blistering lead guitar a chance to shine. He’s quite a showman, to judge from live videos from the band’s recent performances at Summerfest and Harley-Davidson’s 115th anniversary. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Jon Aulgur, Monorail Central Tony Inzeo, The Prince Experience Aaron Jellish, The Cheap Shots
Jazz Musician NEIL DAVIS
Jazz guitarist Neil Davis’s trio and quartet have performed at jazz venues and festivals around the city, though his footprint on the local jazz scene is even greater than those headlining sets would indicate. In addition to mentoring dozens of players as a teacher, Davis also cofounded the West End Conservatory music school and the non-profit Milwaukee Jazz Vision, which over the last few years has helped Milwaukee’s once-neglected jazz scene reclaim its former prominence. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
shades of Underoath’s blistering metalcore and Deafhaven’s skygazing post-metal. Within a year, they’d opened for national acts like Of Mice & Men and Veil of Maya. It’s easy to see why they’ve been on such a fast rise. They cast a wide net, drawing heavily from alt-rock while making every breakdown count. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Arctic Sleep Conniption H1Z1
Rap/Hip-Hop Artist SHLE BERRY
Rap could always use more unabashed romantics, and Milwaukee’s Shle Berry has never been shy about wearing her heart on her sleeve. She’s a unique presence—part battle rapper, part R&B lothario, part comedian—and that individualism carries her latest EP Parallels, which complements her fierce flow and frizzy hooks with gleaming, top-shelf production from beatmakers like Mike Regal, Canis Major and Renz Young. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Denny Lanez Joe Quinto Vincent VanGREAT
Rap/Hip-Hop Producer KLASSIK
iamklassik.com
More than nearly any other musician in the Milwaukee scene, Klassik wears many hats: rapper, soul man, producer, collaborator, mentor, keeper of the American songbook. His modernist, jazz-saturated compositions are unlike anything else coming out of the city, but he has a gift for more traditional styles as well, as he demonstrated on American Klassiks, his recently recorded live album with SistaStrings and Nickel&Rose. Regardless of which side of the booth he’s on, he’s a force. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Gary Lawrence Kevin Christensen Vincent VanGREAT
Carlos Adames Jay Anderson Ellen Winters
Rock Band
Metal Band
cherrypie.org
MONORAIL CENTRAL
Milwaukee’s Monorail Central played their first show the day they released their self-titled 2017 debut, a brisk but intense record with SHEPHERD EXPRESS
VINCENT PERINI
Electronic Artist
CHERRY PIE
Recent years have deflated the popular narrative that Nirvana and the early ’90s alt-rock boom put a permanent end to hair metal. Nearly three decades after the genre’s commercial peak, reunited hair bands continue to draw reliable crowds, as do tribute bands like
Vocalist-Female: Abby Jeanne
Milwaukee’s Cherry Pie, who cover hits from acts like Van Halen, Journey, Def Leppard and Skid Row. They commit to the gig, dressing like they stepped out of an old MTV video. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Monorail Central The Now Band Well Known Strangers
Vocalist—Female ABBY JEANNE
abbyjeanne.com
Abby Jeanne possesses one of the city’s most undeniable voices, a massive wail that instantly calls to mind the likes of Janis Joplin, Ella Fitzgerald and Amy Winehouse. But a voice is only as good as the music it’s put in service of, and Jeanne has the knockout material to back up her pipes. Released on the heels of her titanic psych-rock single “Cosmic
Beings,” Jeanne’s new album, Music Box Dancer, is a spirited celebration of rock ‘n’ roll in all its shapes and forms. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Betsy Ade Jackie Brown Aly Wangerin
Vocalist—Male ADAM FETTIG
The hard-gigging southeastern Wisconsin country cover band FM Rodeo had a big year in this poll, claiming three prizes, including this one for singer. He’s an apt stand-in for the country singers he covers, and he’s got a capable voice, a powerful bellow that carries over the band’s twangy guitars. (Evan Rytlewski)
RUNNERS-UP:
Josh Quinn Armon Salamati Jake Williams J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 51
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> BOUGHT & SOLD Adult Retail Store
Auto Detailer
TOOL SHED
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
After Hours Lingerie & Gifts Temptations
Antique Store ANTIQUES ON PIERCE RUNNERS-UP:
DAVID HOBBS HONDA Fm Auto Sales Services, LLC Rosen Nissan Milwaukee Sir Waxer
Auto Repair RIVERSIDE RUNNERS-UP:
Alt’s Farm Girl Art and Antiques Riverview Antique Market
David Hobbs Honda Fm Auto Sales Services, LLC Manyo Motors Picasso Automotive
Art Supply Store
Bike Shop
BLICK ART MATERIALS
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Michaels Midwest Beads Tradewinds
WHEEL & SPROCKET Bigfoot Bike and Skate, LLC South Shore Cyclery Truly Spoken Cycles
Bookstore Auto Dealership BOSWELL —Domestic BOOK COMPANY BRAEGER CHEVROLET RUNNERS-UP:
Hiller Ford Heiser Chevrolet Holz Motors
RUNNERS-UP:
Half Price Books Voyageur Book Shop Woodland Pattern
Carpet/ Fine Rugs
SHABAHANG & SONS GALLERY OF FINE RUGS RUNNERS-UP:
Best Carpet Inc Carpetland USA Pewaukee Kerns Carpet One Floor & Home Luce Lighting & Design, LLC The Loom House Oriental Rug Gallery
Clothing —Children’s LITTLE MONSTERS RUNNERS-UP:
Sparrow Collective They Grow Like Weeds The Waxwing
Clothing—Men’s MODA3 RUNNERS-UP:
Harley’s Milworks Men’s Goods SayWerd
Clothing —Women’s
Boutique Auto Dealership Clothing NORDSTROM MAYFAIR —Import SPARROW COLLECTIVE RUNNERS-UP: DAVID HOBBS HONDA RUNNERS-UP:
Andrew Toyota Don Jacobs Toyota INFINITI Milwaukee International Autos Group Schlossmann Honda City Schlossmann Subaru City
RUNNERS-UP:
Hyde & Chic MKE JazzyRae’ Jewels and Accessories URSA The Waxwing
Camping Equipment
Auto Dealership REI —Preowned DAVID HOBBS HONDA RUNNERS-UP:
Autosource Motors, Inc. Holz Motors Manyo Motors
52 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
RUNNERS-UP:
Cabela’s Sherper’s Yellow Wood
SHOP Sparrow Collective URSA
Comic Book Store
COLLECTOR’S EDGE COMICS RUNNERS-UP:
Lost World of Wonders The Turning Page Vortex Comics
Eyewear METRO EYE RUNNERS-UP:
Bronze Optical Milwaukee Eye Care Specs Appeal
Fair Trade Store BEANS & BARLEY RUNNERS-UP:
Four Corners Fair Trade Just Goods Outpost Natural Foods —Milwaukee Plowshare Fair Trade Marketplace
Fashion Accessories THE WAXWING
Furniture —Restored
MILWAUKEE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY RESTORE RUNNERS-UP:
Brew City Salvage Cream City Restoration Nostalgia Home Decor
Garden Center
BLUEMEL’S GARDEN & LANDSCAPE CENTER RUNNERS-UP:
Bayside Garden Center Plant Land Stein’s Garden & Home
Gift Shop
RUNNERS-UP:
THE WAXWING
Fine Jewelry Store
Head Shop
Kitschecoo Sparrow Collective URSA
A TRIO JEWELRY DESIGN STUDIO RUNNERS-UP:
Runners-Up: KitscheCoo Unique Gifts & Classes LOCALmke Sparrow Collective
KNUCKLEHEADS TOBACCO & GIFTS RUNNERS-UP:
C 3 Designs The Jewelry Center Kesslers Diamonds
Cents Closet Classics Pipe Dreams, LLC
Flower Shop
Lighting Showroom
BELLE FIORI, LTD. RUNNERS-UP:
Alfa Flower Shop Alt’s Twins Flowers & Home Decor
Furniture—New BILTRITE FURNITURE RUNNERS-UP:
Bob’s Discount Furniture Luce Lighting & Design, LLC Steinhafels Furniture West Elm
BBC LIGHTING RUNNERS-UP:
Brass Light Gallery Elektra Lights & Fans LUCE Lighting & Design, LLC
Mattress Store BILTRITE FURNITURE RUNNERS-UP:
Verlo Mattress Brady Street Futons Steinhafels SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> BOUGHT & SOLD Motorcycle Dealership
HOUSE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON
New Retail Store
TIPPECANOE HERBS AND APOTHECARY
Record Store THE EXCLUSIVE COMPANY RUNNERS-UP:
Royal Enfield of Milwaukee Suburban Motors Wisconsin Harley-Davidson
LOCALmke URSA Welltopia Pharmacy
Acme Records Bull’s Eye Records Rush-Mor Ltd Music & Video
Musical Instrument Store
Pet Store
Shoe Store
CASCIO MUSIC
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Cream City Music Dave’s Guitar Shop Milwaukee Wade’s Guitar Shop
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
RUNNERS-UP:
BARK ’N’ SCRATCH OUTPOST Bentley’s Pet Stuff Mac’s PET DEPOT Barkery Pet Supplies Plus
STAN’S FIT FOR YOUR FEET RUNNERS-UP:
MODA3 Rogan’s Shoes Shoo
Sportswear SHERPER’S RUNNERS-UP:
Lululemon MODA3 Sky High Skateboard Shop
Tobacco Shop UHLE TOBACCO COMPANY RUNNERS-UP:
Famous Smoke Shop Knuckleheads Tobacco & Gifts Metro Cigars Brookfield, LLC
Vape Shop
KNUCKLEHEADS TOBACCO & GIFTS RUNNERS-UP:
Blue on Greenfield Cents Pipe Dreams
Vintage/ Thrift Store RETIQUE STORE RUNNERS-UP:
Alive and Fine Goodwill Store & Donation Center Value Village
J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 53
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> SERVICES RENDERED Accountant/ Tax Adviser
JCW TAX & ACCOUNTING, LLC RUNNERS-UP:
Acc-U-Rite Tax & Financial Services Hammernik & Associates Nelson Tax Accounting, Ltd. Universal Tax & Bookkeeping, LLC
Animal Welfare Organization
WISCONSIN HUMANE SOCIETY —MILWAUKEE CAMPUS RUNNERS-UP:
Lucky Mutts Rescue Adoption Center Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission (MADACC) Rescue Gang
Bank ASSOCIATED BANK RUNNERS-UP:
BMO Harris Bank North Shore Bank U.S. Bank
Bed and Breakfast BRUMDER MANSION BED & BREAKFAST RUNNERS-UP:
Manderley Bed & Breakfast Inn The Muse Gallery Guesthouse Schuster Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Body Piercing Studio AVANT-GARDE RUNNERS-UP:
Golden Crystal Body Piercing Old Milwaukee Tattoo Company
Boutique Hotel THE IRON HORSE HOTEL RUNNERS-UP:
Ambassador Hotel Kimpton Journeyman Hotel Kinn Guesthouse MKE County Clare Irish Inn & Pub 54 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Hotel Rooms
RUNNERS-UP:
Financial Institution for Opening a Checking Account EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION
College/University
Landmark Credit Union Summit Credit Union UW Credit Union
Ambassador Hotel Kimpton Journeyman Hotel The Pfister Hotel
RUNNERS-UP:
Financial Planner/ Stock Broker
Caterer SAZ’S CATERING Bunzel’s Meat Market Carrot Bomb Catering Tall Guy and a Grill Catering
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE Alverno College Marquette University Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design
Credit Union EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION RUNNERS-UP:
Guardian Credit Union Landmark Credit Union Summit Credit Union UW Credit Union
Doggy Day Care BAY VIEW BARK RUNNERS-UP:
Camp Bow Wow Central Bark Doggy Day Care Happy Paws Grooming & Daycare Playtime Doggy Daycare
Financial Institution for Getting a Business Loan EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION RUNNERS-UP:
Associated Bank Landmark Credit Union Summit Credit Union
Financial Institution for Getting a Home Mortgage EDUCATORS CREDIT UNION RUNNERS-UP:
Landmark Credit Union Summit Credit Union Wisconsin Mortgage Corporation
RUNNERS-UP:
DANIEL GARCIA (NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL) RUNNERS-UP:
Donna Drosner (Robert W. Baird) Brett Heaton Juarez (Northwestern Mutual) Dante J. LaPorte (Wells Fargo)
Floor Covering/ Carpets MALKIN’S FLOORING RUNNERS-UP:
Adair Floors ‘N’ Mor, Inc. Best Carpet, Inc. Bloedow’s Carpets & More, Inc.
Green Business BUBLR BIKES RUNNERS-UP:
Bounce Milwaukee Café Manna Compost Crusader
Hair Stylist—Men’s STAG BARBERSHOP RUNNERS-UP:
The Establishment Salon Groom For Men The Nobleman
Hair Stylist —Women’s THE ESTABLISHMENT SALON RUNNERS-UP:
Amity Loft Mirabella Hair Design Neroli Salon & Spa RAW Beautie
THE IRON HORSE HOTEL RUNNERS-UP:
Insurance Company NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL RUNNERS-UP:
American Family Insurance State Farm West Bend Mutual Insurance
Lawyer—Bankruptcy DEBT ADVISORS LAW OFFICES RUNNERS-UP:
Lombardo Law Office Miller & Miller Law, LLC Peter Francis Geraci Law, LLC
Lawyer—Business GIMBEL REILLY GUERIN & BROWN, LLP RUNNERS-UP:
Fox O’Neill & Shannon Karl Foster, Riverwest Law Firm Levy & Levy Law, SC
Lawyer —Criminal Defense KIM & LAVOY, SC RUNNERS-UP:
Attorney Joel Rosenthal Gimbel Reilly Guerin & Brown, LLP Habush Cleghorn LLC
Lawyer—Divorce GIMBEL REILLY GUERIN & BROWN, LLP RUNNERS-UP:
Diane S. Diel, SC Loeb & Herman, SC Zimmermann Law
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 Lawyer —Estate Planning MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP RUNNERS-UP:
Fox O’Neill & Shannon Gimbel Reilly Guerin & Brown, LLP Law Offices of Isabell M. Mueller
Lawyer —Personal Injury HUPY AND ABRAHAM, SC RUNNERS-UP:
Gimbel Reilly Guerin & Brown, LLP Groth Law Firm, SC Gruber Law Offices, LLC Jacobs Injury Law
Pet Grooming/ Services COMMUNITY BARK DOG WASH & GROOM RUNNERS-UP:
Dog Paddle Embark Pet Spa SideKick Dog Training
Place for Family Fun MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MUSEUM RUNNERS-UP:
Bounce Milwaukee Discovery World Mitchell Park Domes Little Sprouts Play Café
Nail Technician ORIGINAILS SALON AND SPA RUNNERS-UP:
Spa NEROLI SALON & SPA RUNNERS-UP:
AESTHETICS 360° Face & Body Center High Brow Boutique The Spa at Plastic Surgery Associates
Tattoo Artist
MARIO ZAPATA, MOVING SHADOW INK RUNNERS-UP:
Ben Murnane, Good Land Tattoo Brian Kiesner, Brew City Tattoo Jon Reiter, Solid State Tattoo Josh Krstic, Great Northern Tattoo
See you in Spring.
AVAILABLE AT Drink Proudly
Paddle On... Milwaukee!
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RUNNERS-UP:
Brew City Tattoo Good Land Tattoo Horseshoe Tattoo
Veterinarian
SPIRIT OF 76TH VETERINARY CLINIC RUNNERS-UP:
Bayshore Veterinary Clinic Shorewood Animal Hospital Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center
Wedding Photographer ARI ROSENTHAL PHOTOGRAPHY RUNNERS-UP:
Ride Service
Wedding Venue
Andrus Limousine Service, Inc. BidRide Lyft WayAround
for kayaking with us and for spending time on our rivers!
MOVING SHADOW INK
BritHiggins Photography Ellis Photo and Video Front Room Photography
RUNNERS-UP:
THANK YOU
A splash of Zwitchel can enhance your average beverages with a natural sweetness from Midwest Maple Syrup, a subtle tartness from Cider Vinegar, and a pleasant tickle from Ginger & other spices.
Tattoo Parlor
Nail Bar Milwaukee Neroli Salon & Spa Studio Nails
UBER
Beverage Enhancer • History Never Tasted So Good •
SOUTH SECOND RUNNERS-UP:
1451 Renaissance Place The Cooperage Milwaukee The Ivy House
DAY CARE OVERNIGHT CARE GROOMING TRAINING CLASSES 1820 S. 1st St. Mke, WI 53204 | 414-763-1304 | bayviewbark.com
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 55
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> REAL ESTATE / HOME IMPROVEMENT Architect
Landscaper
RINKA
THE GREEN TEAM
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Eppstein Uhen Architects Hammel Green & Abrahamson, Inc. Racinowski Design Studio
Breckenridge Landscape Bret Achtenhagen’s Seasonal Services Emerald Gardens
Electrician
Real Estate Agent
CURRENT ELECTRIC
CHRIS MUELLENBACH (FIRST WEBER)
RUNNERS-UP:
Diamond Electric Kilowatt Electrical Services Seider Heating
Home Remodeling DESIGN GROUP THREE RUNNERS-UP:
AB&K Bath & Kitchen, Inc. LaBonte Construction, LLC Refined Renovations
Interior Designer
JERRICA ZARIC INTERIOR DESIGN RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
Beth Jaworski (Shorewest Realtors) Wendy Kaprelian (Shorewest Realtors) Kevin Rigg (Shorewest Realtors)
Rental Property Management Group FOUNDERS 3 REAL ESTATE SERVICES RUNNERS-UP:
Mandel Group McG Properties My Dwelling
>> LGBTQ Drag Show/ LGBTQ-Friendly Business/ LGBTQ-Friendly Workplace HAMBURGER MARY’S RUNNERS-UP—DRAG SHOW:
D.I.X. Milwaukee LVL Dance (formerly La Cage) This Is It!
RUNNERS-UP—LGBTQ -FRIENDLY BUSINESS:
D.I.X. Milwaukee Stephanie Murphy DDS The Waxwing
RUNNERS-UP— LGBTQ -FRIENDLY WORKPLACE:
Amilinda D.I.X. Milwaukee The Waxwing
LGBTQ Advocate BRAD SCHLAIKOWSKI RUNNERS-UP:
Aga Artka Interior Design Amy Carman Design Infinite Creations, LLC
Adam Bernal Steven Binko Jason Rae
>> BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Crossfit-Style Gym BREWCITY CROSSFIT RUNNERS-UP:
AddeoFit Badger CrossFit Cream City CrossFit Cooperative Grid CrossFit Wild Workouts and Wellness
Gym WISCONSIN ATHLETIC CLUB RUNNERS-UP:
AddeoFit iLoveKickboxing Shred415 East Side 56 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Massage Therapist
Pilates Studio
THINKING TREE MASSAGE
FLYING SQUIRREL PILATES
RUNNERS-UP:
Elements Massage INVIVO Milwaukee Urban Acupuncture Originails Nail Salon and Spa
Personal Trainer SHANNON VICK RUNNERS-UP:
Garrett Van Auken Lisa Martin, Solful Fitness Michael LeDoux
RUNNERS-UP:
Barre District Club Pilates East Side Pilates Kinetic MKE Solful Fitness
Yoga Studio TOSA YOGA CENTER RUNNERS-UP:
Healium Hot Yoga Milwaukee Yoga Center Saffron Yoga Center Yama Yoga SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> MEDICAL Acupuncturist
MILWAUKEE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE RUNNERS-UP:
Acupuncture & Holistic Health Associates Milwaukee Urban Acupuncture MKE MindBody Wellness
Aesthetician
Cosmetic Dentist DR. DANIEL DOMAGALA, DDS, MS RUNNERS-UP:
Katherine J. Kircher, DDS Scott J. Catarozoli, DDS Stephanie Murphy, DDS
Cosmetic Surgeon
BONNESS MD COSMETIC ORIGINAILS SALON AND SPA SURGERY RUNNERS-UP:
AESTHETICS 360° Face & Body Center L’image Skin Spa Paulina Esthetics Boutique
Alcohol & Drug Rehab Center ROGERS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RUNNERS-UP:
Aurora Health Care Ravenswood Clinic Roots Counseling Services
Alternative Medical Clinic LAKESIDE NATURAL MEDICINE RUNNERS-UP:
MKE MindBody Wellness Natural Health Services Zuza’s Way Integrative Care
Chiropractor MCCANN CHIROPRACTIC RUNNERS-UP:
Chiropractic Company Landgraf Chiropractic, LLC Life Chiropractic Studio
RUNNERS-UP:
Dr. Dembny Cosmetic Surgery Mark F. Blake, MD Plastic Surgery Associates
Dentist
DR. DANIEL DOMAGALA, DDS, MS RUNNERS-UP:
Dr. Laura Railand Estella Irelan Stephanie Murphy, DDS
Dermatologist AFFILIATED DERMATOLOGISTS RUNNERS-UP:
Anthony Bonfiglio, MD Debra R. Scarlett, MD Evonne Winston
Elder Care
CANDICE LOVELL, FROEDTERT HOSPITAL RUNNERS-UP:
Orthodontist
BELL ORTHODONTIC SOLUTIONS RUNNERS-UP:
Jennifer Moralez, Columbia St. Mary’s Julie Webb, Columbia St. Mary’s Kathleen M. Trebian, Lakeside OB/GYN
Bubon Orthodontics Dr. Jeffrey R. Olson, DDS Moles & Ferri Orthodontic Specialists
Hospital
WISCONSIN ORTHOPEDIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
FROEDTERT HOSPITAL RUNNERS-UP:
Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin Rogers Memorial Hospital
Lasik Surgeon
MILWAUKEE EYE CARE ASSOCIATES RUNNERS-UP:
Dr. Nicholas Tosi, Aurora Healthcare Hale Vision Laser LasikPlus
Naturopathic Doctor
SARAH AXTELL, LAKESIDE NATURAL MEDICINE RUNNERS-UP:
Physical Therapist RUNNERS-UP:
Body Mechanics-Kerk Physical Therapy Specialists Freedom Physical Therapy Services Gayle J. Caya Physical Therapy
Place to Give Birth COLUMBIA ST. MARY’S RUNNERS-UP:
Authentic Birth Center Froedtert Hospital Well-Rounded Maternity Center & Boutique
Psychiatrist/ Psychologist ROGERS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
RUNNERS-UP:
Envision ADHD New Insights, LLC Trinergy Center for Integrative Psychiatry
Howard Village Kindred Hospice
Joanne Aponte, Lakeside Natural Medicine Mary Simon, Natural Health Services Michele Nickels, Integrative Family Wellness
Eye Doctor
Nutritionist
FROEDTERT HOSPITAL
COMFORT KEEPERS HOME CARE RUNNERS-UP:
BE SPECTACLED RUNNERS-UP:
Dr. Amy Jankowski, Metro Eye Milwaukee Eye Care Associates Wisconsin Vision
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
Gynecologist
MARIA VIALL, HOLISTIC HEALTH CONSULTING RUNNERS-UP:
Walk-In Clinic RUNNERS-UP:
Aurora Health Care Center Froedtert Mequon Clinic Popcareplus Urgent Care Center
Debbie Kasprzak, Aurora Healthcare Janice O. Davie, Aurora Healthcare Karen Tait, Weight Loss Solution
J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 57
Best of Milwaukee 2018 >> SPORTS & REC Favorite Brewcity Bruiser BECKY THE BUTCHER RUNNERS-UP:
Grace Killy Latina Heat Milwaukee’s Breast
Favorite Milwaukee Brewers Player CHRISTIAN YELICH RUNNERS-UP:
Ryan Braun Lorenzo Cain Josh Hader
Favorite Milwaukee Bucks Player GIÁNNIS ANTETOKOÚNMPO
RUNNERS-UP:
Donte DiVincenzo John Henson Khris Middleton
Favorite Green Bay Packers Player AARON RODGERS RUNNERS-UP:
Davante Adams Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Randall Cobb Mason Crosby Clay Matthews
Golf Course ERIN HILLS GOLF COURSE RUNNERS-UP:
Brown Deer Park Golf Course Dretzka Park Golf Course Grant Park Golf Course Whitnall Park Golf Course
Mini Golf Course MOORLAND ROAD GOLF CENTER RUNNERS-UP:
Milwaukee Public Park LAKE PARK RUNNERS-UP:
Loggers Park Sports Complex Mulligan’s Mini Golf & Driving Range Nine Below Swing Time Germantown
Estabrook Park Grant Park Humboldt Park
Paddlesports —Rent or Buy
620AM, WTMJ
MILWAUKEE KAYAK COMPANY RUNNERS-UP:
Sports Talk Radio RUNNERS-UP:
105.7FM, WSSP 540AM, WAUK 920AM, WOKY
Clear Water Outdoor Lakeshore Paddle Sport Rentals Nomad Boardsports Sherper’s
Wisconsin Ski Hill LITTLE SWITZERLAND RUNNERS-UP:
Devil’s Head Resort Granite Peak Sunburst Winter Sports Park
>> NEIGHBORHOODS Milwaukee Neighborhood to Drink In
Milwaukee Neighborhood to Live In
Milwaukee Suburb to Drink In
Milwaukee Suburb to Live In
BAY VIEW
BAY VIEW
WAUWATOSA
WAUWATOSA
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
East Side Riverwest Walker’s Point
East Side Riverwest Washington Heights
Cudahy Shorewood West Allis
Cedarburg Shorewood West Allis
Milwaukee Neighborhood to Eat In
Milwaukee Neighborhood to Shop In
Milwaukee Suburb to Eat In
Milwaukee Suburb to Shop In
BAY VIEW
HISTORIC THIRD WARD
WAUWATOSA
BROOKFIELD
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
RUNNERS-UP:
East Side Historic Third Ward Walker’s Point
58 | J A N U A R Y 2 4 , 2 0 1 9
Bay View East Side Walker’s Point
Cudahy Shorewood West Allis
RUNNERS-UP:
Greendale Shorewood Wauwatosa
SHEPHERD EXPRESS
ink r D
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35
Illustration by Scott Radke
718 E. Burleigh St. Next to ART BAR open @ 7pm Wed-Sat
Quick turn around for refrets & setups
To advertise on this page, contact BRIDGETTE at 414-292-3811 or email her at bridgette@shepex.com.
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J A N UA RY 2 4 , 2 0 1 9 | 59