For a city of its size, Milwaukee can more than hold its own when it comes to outstanding cuisine. From elegant five-star restaurants to little holes in the wall, you'd be hard-pressed to run out of dining options in Brew City. But for the most romantic dining escapes, check out these Milwaukee gems. And be sure to add your favorites using our Talkback feature below.
Andrew’s
The Delafield Hotel
415 Genessee St., Delafield
(262) 646-1600
thedelafieldhotel.com
Executive Chef Shawn Kolo has helped make this restaurant, which opened in March 2006, a western suburban fine dining destination and the dining room, with its themed booths, and the veranda offer romantic dining possibilities. Every Valentine’s Day there’s a special menu, too.
Bacchus
925 E. Wells St.
(414) 765-1166
bacchusmke.com
A Bartolotta restaurant, Bacchus is a sleek and stylish space inside the historic Cudahy Tower. Fine dining at its most exquisite with an emphasis on seafood, handmade pastas and meats.
Balzac
1716 N. Arlington Pl.
(414) 755-0099
balzacwinebar.com
This Brady Street restaurant specializes in tapas and an impressive selection of wine in a dimly lit, comfortable and intimate environment. The mood is here is mellow, and the staff is friendly and extremely helpful should you and your date have any questions about the five-page wine list.
Coast
931 E. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 727-5555
coastrestaurant.com
A curvaceous bar faces a light-hued dining area, with an elevated lounge area and a view out to the patio overlooking the Art Museum and Lake Michigan. The place has the feel of a old-time ,upscale hotel dining room and bar. But if the vibe is old-style, the food feels up to the minute. The menu celebrates the coasts of the United States, so expect seafood and dishes based on Hawaiian, California, cajun and other regional cuisines.
Coquette Café
316 N. Milwaukee St.
(414) 291-2655
coquettecafe.com
This warm and casual bistro located inside the Landmark Building in the Third Ward tempts the refined palate with items such as caramelized onion ravioli with butternut squash, walnut and fresh sage. It’s also a great place to indulge in a decadent dessert, such as crème brulee, warm chocolate cake or chocolate mousse.
County Clare
1234 N. Astor St.
(414) 272-5273
countyclare-inn.com
This cozy Irish eatery appeals to diners of all ages. The flavorful food and warm service complement County Clare's "Snug" area, where you and your sweetie can stay toasty by the fire while you dine.
Dream Dance
1721 W. Canal St.
(414) 847-7883
paysbig.com/dining/dreamdance.htm
Located inside Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Dream Dance delivers contemporary romantic dining with top quality steak, seafood, venison, lamb, salmon, lobster and more. Always rated one of the best in Milwaukee, Dream Dance is one of those special-occasion places. An entirely new Dream Dance, on the main level, will open with the launch of the expanded casino in 2008.
Eddie Martini's
8612 Watertown Plank Rd.
(414) 771-6680
eddiemartinis.com
A 1940s-style steakhouse with a modern flair has worked like a charm at one of the city's most popular restaurants. Great food, wine and the sounds of Sinatra are a winning combination.
Chez Jacques
1022 S. 1st St.
(414) 672-1040
Sometimes breakfast for two can be the most romantic meal of the day. This quaint and casual café offers simple but delicious French breakfast or lunch options from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every day (dinner starts at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday). It's authentic, extremely charming and somewhat off the beaten restaurant path.
Lake Park Bistro
3133 E. Newberry Blvd.
(414) 962-6300
lakeparkbistro.com
Transplant the Bartolotta family magic to the Lake Park Pavilion and you've got the recipe for a memorable evening. French cuisine and dramatic views of Lake Michigan don't hurt, either.
Martini Mike's
730 N. Old World 3rd St.
(414) 727-0808
martinimikesmilwaukee.com
A martini bar that serves up not only drinks but also contemporary yet simple food in an intimate atmosphere in the former Velvet Room location.
Milwaukee ChopHouse
633 N. 5th St.
(414) 226-CHOP
milwaukeechophouse.com
Known for its tender steaks, fresh seafood, attentive service and an extensive yet affordable wine list, Milwaukee ChopHouse is a contemporary steakhouse. It has earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence for four consecutive years.
Mo's -- A Place for Steaks
720 N. Plankinton Ave.
(414) 272-0720
mosaplaceforsteaks.com
The great steaks and classy dining experience make Mo's a romantic Valentine's Day stop. A drink at the bar, with the piano in the background, sets a good mood.
Osteria del Mondo
1028 E. Juneau Ave.
(414) 291-3770
osteria.com
More authentic than Osteria? It doesn't happen. Chef Marc Bianchini and his staff (including his wife Marta, who also owns Cubanitas) offer regional Italian cuisine, homemade pasta, fresh fish and more. A lovely wine bar complements the restaurant that formed housed Sally Papia's steak joint. Osteria always pleases.
Pandl's in Bayside
8825 N. Lake Dr.
(414) 352-7300
pandls.com
There's something very Milwaukee and very family about Pandl's in Bayside. Great food and a simply beautiful lake setting make the Pandl tradition even richer.
Pizza Man
1800 E. North Ave.
(414) 272-1747
pizzaman.org
There is something about the warm, rustic feel of this East Side staple that makes it a great place for a couple to cozy up together and enjoy some classic Italian fare. The extensive wine list boats over 400 varieties and they serve food until midnight (and even later on the weekends), making it a good choice for a late-night rendezvous.
The Pleasant Valley Inn
9801 W. Dakota St.
(414) 321-4321
You'll find casual elegance with a touch of country charm at another of the city's best restaurants, situated in a residential neighborhood in West Allis. The cozy Pleasant Valley Inn has been a Milwaukee hotspot since the late Norbie Baker brought it to life more than 20 years ago. The "up north" bar and intimate dining room offer a warm fireplace and a park-like view through the windows.
Polaris
333 W. Kilbourn Ave.
(414) 276-1234
milwaukee.hyatt.com
Book a table at Polaris -- atop the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee -- to get a 360-degree view of the Milwaukee skyline in the state's only revolving restaurant. A few favorites on the Polaris menu are crab-stuffed sole, rack of lamb, slow-roasted prime rib and Mile-High Mud Pie.
Red Circle Inn
N44 W33013 Watertown Plank Rd.
Nashotah
(262) 367-4883
The state's oldest restaurant has sat in sleepy little Nashotah since 1865. The charming inn has a fine bar and a fire-lit dining room that complement the Continental menu.
Roots
1818 N. Hubbard St.
(414) 374-8480
rootsmilwaukee.com
The organic Roots has a two-tiered concept. On the upper level you will find Roots, an organic fine-dining restaurant with one of the best views in the city. The Roots Cellar, on the lower level, offers organic fare in a more casual environment.
Sanford
1547 N. Jackson St.
(414) 276-9608
sanfordrestaurant.com
What happens when you put one of the nation's best chefs in a building that was once his family's grocery store? The result is what many say is simply the best restaurant in the state of Wisconsin, and the numerous awards on the wall prove that a visit here is mandatory if you are serious about food and wine. Your significant other will love you even more for it.
Tess
2499 N. Bartlett Ave.
(414) 964-8377
Although by no means devoid of restaurants, the East Side's "left bank" (just east of the Milwaukee River) has a shy but formidable little gal called Tess, in an old Victorian just across the street from Red Dot and two blocks south of Scotty's Crab House. The cozy dining room seats 30, and the flicker of dozens of candles, pomegranate walls and a large backyard patio will be a terrific place to dine come summer. Until then, Tess is a warm and relaxing getaway that's close to all the East Side action.
The Elm Grove Inn
13275 Watertown Plank Rd., Elm Grove
(262) 782-7090
elmgroveinn.com
A former stagecoach station on Wisconsin's Watertown Plank Road has offered food and comfort to its guests for more than 100 years. This is early Americana at its best. The old hand-carved bar, wooden booths and roaring fire bring a touch of warmth while you enjoy remarkable food with a French flair.
The Pasta Tree
1503 N. Farwell Ave.
(414) 276-8867
This is the romantic restaurant where it's pretty darn hard not to get close. Close tables and settings make The Pasta Tree a pure pleasure. Homemade pasta and more than 30 sauces. Oh, so good.
Third Ward Caffe
225 E. St. Paul Ave.
(414) 224-0895
A journey to the Historic Third Ward plants you and yours inside the classically inspired atmosphere of the Third Ward Caffe. Intimate Italian in the heart of what used to be Milwaukee's most Italian district. Savor the flavor and gaze across at the Milwaukee Public Market (which is under construction at press time). A mural of the lovely town of Orvieto (which sits atop a butte in stunning Umbria) transports diners back to sunny Italy even during the most blustery February.
Three Brothers
2414 S. St. Clair St.
(414) 481-7530
Turn back the hands of time at one of Milwaukee's best restaurants for an old world evening of great food and a little history. The charming little restaurant in Bay View is located in a Cream City brick Schlitz tavern. No pretensions here. Formica tables, wooden chairs and mismatched china and silver have been used for more than 50 years to deliver some great slow-cooked Serbian specialties. Toss in some inexpensive wine and a little music from the old country and you have a little taste of Europe. Note: Three Brothers does not accept credit cards.
Yaffa
106 W. Wells St.
(414) 223-0101
yaffalounge.com
It's a beautiful and funky Mediterranean experience at Yaffa on the Riverwalk downtown. Soft ligthing and great views make Yaffa both romantic and fun. Try the vodka infused teas after dinner.
Looking for even more? Don't forget about Mimma's, Crazy Water, Ristorante Bartolotta and the wonderful and so cozy Sala da Pranzo for sumptuous Italian. Use the Talkback feature to give us some more suggestions for sizzling Valentine's dining.
