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In Dining
Romantic restaurant guide
Lake Park Bistro definitely sets the mood.
By OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writers
Photography by Eron Laber of Front Room

Last updated Feb. 12, 2008 at 5:29 a.m.
Tags: romantic, valentine , bartolotta, pasta tree, roots, pizza man, balzac, eddie martini's, mo's, lake park bistro, county clare, bacchus, andrew's, delafield hotel


Note: The contents of this guide were checked for accuracy when this article was updated on Feb. 12, 2008. We continually update the thousands of articles on OnMilwaukee.com, but it's possible some details, specials and offers may have changed. As always, we recommend you call first if you have specific questions for the businesses mentioned in the guide.

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.

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45 comments about this article.
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Recent Talkbacks ...
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Taking the Wife Out This section has not helped me at all in my attempt to find a romantic location ...
Idle1 I second OlderWiser's comment. Could OMC please cull out the two and three year ...
upofan Pasta Tree is far from romantic. Crammed in seats (sometimes right next to the ...
digsisle What is the definition of Romantic??? I thought ambiance and exclusivity were ...
OlderWiser Why are these talkback comments dated 2005 and 2006? Is this an old article ...


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