One of Milwaukee’s buzziest neighborhoods, Bay View, nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan less than five miles from downtown, is known for its high concentration of shops, bars, parks, beer gardens and some of the city’s best restaurants.
Most are located along Kinnickinnic Avenue (or “KK,” as locals call it), Bay View’s main thoroughfare. But you’ll find quaint corner eateries and watering holes tucked into sleepy, tree-lined residential neighborhoods, too.
From family-friendly cafes to laid-back pubs to fine dining destinations, there’s a restaurant for every kind of craving — and new restaurants are popping up in the neighborhood all the time. Here’s a guide on where to eat in Bay View right now.
For something casual
In a state that takes its sausages seriously, Bay View’s Vanguard , 2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., doesn’t mess around. The low-key bar with a devoted following serves artisan-style links like pork infused with lemongrass and ginger (the Thai Breaker), bison loaded with bacon and roasted green chiles (the Buffalo Stampede) and chicken with bacon, buttermilk and ranch (The CBR). Classics like the Italian, cheddarwurst, bratwurst and hot dog can all be dressed up “city-style,” too, like Chicago, Seattle, Tijuana and Seattle.
An ideal spot for lunch or a laid-back dinner, LuLu Cafe & Bar , 2265 S. Howell Ave., has an expansive menu of sandwiches, salads and flatbreads, plus a rotating soup of the day. The homemade potato chips are a standout side for any sandwich, or get the crunchy Asian slaw for something special. (Can’t decide? You can get a little of both as sandwich sidekick.) Scoring a spot on Lulu’s sidewalk patio makes for prime people watching in the most heavily foot-trafficked area of the neighborhood.
Crafty Cow , 2675 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., is known for its massive burgers starring creative toppings like peanut butter with bacon jam and kettle chips; cheese curds with waffle fries and caramelized onions; and roasted corn and poblano peppers with avocado pepper jack and salsa roja. But don’t sleep on its stellar fried chicken sandwich, made with juicy breast meat with a crisp and craggily batter. The Nashville hot version carries some serious kick.
For date night
The small dining room at Goodkind , 2457 S. Wentworth Ave., fills quickly with celebratory vibes, from folks toasting at its center-set circular bar to couples sharing fresh-shucked oysters, champagne-battered mushrooms, Wisconsin cheese plates and more dishes with ingredients sourced from local farmers. The spicy crab bucatini pasta is a perennial favorite; the dry-brined roast chicken is crispy, juicy and wildly flavorful; and the unparalleled cocktail menu is as impressive as the food.
Helmed by multi-year James Beard-nominated chefs Dan Van Rite and Dan Jacobs (who was also a “Top Chef” finalist ) EsterEv , 2165 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., recently opened its new Bay View location, a homey host to one of Milwaukee’s best fine-dining restaurants. Choose favorites from the tasting menu that focuses on seasonal ingredients with artful presentation. Exceptional service, a masterful wine program and care from every angle make EsterEv a standout in the city.
One of Bay View’s newest and buzziest restaurants, Room Service , 2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., Unit A2, is a stunner of a space that was made for special celebrations and social-media reels. The Asian fusion restaurant blends Thai and Japanese cuisine with gorgeous presentation. Temaki hand rolls, specialty sushi rolls and fresh sashimi are there to share, and classic Thai dishes like pad kee mao, pad thai and lanna khao soi kai coconut curry soup bridge comfort food with haute cuisine in an ultra-stylish setting.
Three Brothers , 2414 S. St. Clair St., may not be the fanciest restaurant in Bay View, but it’s big on charm, coziness and authenticity. The family-owned Serbian restaurant has been a cornerstone of the neighborhood dining scene since 1956, known for its homey, Old World dishes like beef and rice-stuffed peppers, chevapchichi, chicken paprikash, roast goose and, of course, its famous beef and spinach burek, which diners are encouraged to order ahead, as it takes 45 minutes to bake. Mismatched plates and quaint decor make this cozy gem feel like dining in your grandma’s kitchen. Bring cash! Three Brothers does not accept credit cards.
For pub grub
If you have a hankering for chicken wings, Club Garibaldi , 2501 S. Superior St., has some of the best in town, grilled to char-kissed perfection with a mild heat that showcases the wings’ smoky flavor. The teeny “kitchen” behind the bar churns out other easygoing pub fare like pulled pork sliders, burgers, Cajun french fries and more in a classic Wisconsin dive bar setting.
Across the street from Club Garibaldi, Palomino , 2491 S. Superior St., has a short-and-sweet menu with heavy hitters like the brisket burger — one of the neighborhood’s best — slathered with secret sauce and served on a pillowy brioche bun. The restaurant and bar has a stellar hot chicken sandwich, too, made with juicy thigh meat and fried till super crispy. And if you’re looking for a top-notch fish fry, Palomino’s your spot. It serves its beer-battered haddock with fries, slaw and cornbread.
One of Bay View’s best pizzas is found inside The Bubbler , 3158 S. Howell Ave., a dive bar on the neighborhood's south side. That’s where Vinchi’s Pizza operates, making classic Milwaukee-style 'za (thin crust with crispy edges, cut into squares). The pie’s the main attraction, but pork chop, pepperoni and chicken Parmesan sandwiches go just as great with a cheap domestic beer served on tap.
For something quick
Quality fast food is hard to find, but it’s there at Patty Shack , 2121 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., the burgers-and-fries joint at the north end of the neighborhood with a sparkling clean space and super-friendly service. Burgers are well seasoned and flattop fried, with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato and additional premium toppings that make it easy to customize your burger just the way you like it (jalapenos, caramelized onions and mushrooms, for me). All burgers come with fries, and Patty Shack’s hand-cut variety is delicious — especially dunked in its crave-worthy fry sauce.
There’s so much fun to be had when ordering from Todd I Believe I Can Fry , 2159 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., the vibrant takeout spot that specializes in ultra crunchy Korean fried chicken. Pick your chicken style (wings, tenders or karaage), then load it up with flavor via one of more than a dozen sauces and seasonings. Add an order of crispy potato korokke, ika geso or takoyaki from the “munchies” menu for some Asian street food flair.
Its name may be Classic Slice , but the pizzas at this counter-service Bay View favorite are plenty adventurous. The giant, New York-style slices are topped with ingredients like bacon, jalapenos and cheese curds (the Forbidden Zone); pepperoni, sausage, bacon and meatballs (the Meatallica); and spinach, black olives, artichokes and feta (I’m Feta Up!). Vegan pies are available, too, as are calzones, salads, ciabatta sandwiches and more.
For breakfast and brunch
Sunny Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery , 3216 S. Howell Ave., is tucked away from Bay View’s busy South Kinnickinnic Avenue thoroughfare, and serves as a serene spot to indulge in Southern specialties like shrimp and grits and cheddar biscuits and gravy, Mexican breakfasts like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, and American favorites like fluffy omelets and buttermilk pancakes. The “gallery” portion of Sabrosa features rotating artwork from local artists, and if you’re lucky, you might be treated to live piano music serenading as you brunch in style.
Comforting classics like biscuits and gravy, Denver omelets, croissant sandwiches and pot roast hash make up the breakfast menu available till 3 p.m. on weekdays at longtime Bay View stalwart Honeypie , 2569 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Even more rib-sticking fare finds its way onto the weekend brunch menu, like chilaquiles, a breakfast burrito and classic eggs Benedict. Mighty good bloody marys, mimosas, Wisconsin-brewed beer and hot and cold brew coffee help wash everything down. And, no, we won’t judge if you polish off breakfast with a morning slice of pie, either.
For Italian food
It doesn’t get much dreamier than twirling a plate of pasta on the pretty patio at Sorella , 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. In cooler months, the cozy dining room is pretty impressive, too, and such a warm space to enjoy southern Italian specialties like mussels with buttery seasoned breadcrumbs, crispy-creamy arancini alla Nerano, cavatelli with sausage and pork ragu “Monday sauce,” veal chops with mushroom cream sauce and delicious wood-fired pizzas. Save space for the homemade tiramisu, too.
Tenuta’s Italian Restaurant , 2995 S. Clement Ave., has been a neighborhood favorite for more than 20 years, serving Italian classics like Bolognese with house-made pappardelle, breaded eggplant with marinara, crispy calamari with Calabrian chili and fresh burrata served with garlic bread. Don't leave without ordering a pizza to share or take home, with varieties including thin crust, deep-dish, stuffed-crust and gluten-free. The quaint dining room fills up fast, so make reservations in advance.
Red sauce joint Santino’s Little Italy , 352 E. Stewart St., feels like a throwback, with crooners serenading over the stereo and candles flickering on every table. Its wood-fired pizzas are spectacular, and the Caesar salad is crisp and delicious with a house-made dressing. If you’re choosing from the antipasti, you can’t pass up the “Bocce Ball,” an unbelievably tender and absolutely massive meatball smothered in marinara with a hefty dollop of fresh ricotta.
For dessert
Classic scoop shop Babe’s Ice Cream , 2264 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., serves up bowls and cones featuring Madison-made Chocolate Shoppe ice cream in 32 flavors, including dairy-free, nut-free and no-sugar-added varieties. Build your own sundae or try Babe’s custom creations like the banana and peanut butter Fat Elvis, or the Cookie Monster, featuring cookie dough ice cream, extra cookie dough pieces, crushed and whole Oreos, and a chocolate chip cookie.
An offshoot of sister restaurant (and another Bay View favorite) Honeypie, SmallPie , 2504 E. Oklahoma Ave., is a cute, counter-service cafe specializing in both sweet and savory fresh-baked pies with flavors rotating daily (how do strawberry shortbread, Door County cherry and banana-hazelnut sound?). Cookies, brownies and other sweet goodies are in stock, too, and SmallPie’s lovely patio makes an extra special spot for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ultra-indulgent Gordo’s Bubble Waffles , 2301 S. Howell Ave., serves its puffy dessert waffles topped with ice cream, whipped cream, drizzles of chocolate and fun candy pieces. Orders of mini pancakes get the same souped-up sweets treatment, and milkshakes in fun flavors like Fruity Pebbles, Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Biscoff round out the playful menu.
For a friend hang
At perky Heirloom MKE , 2378 S. Howell Ave., the easygoing farm-to-table restaurant has a menu that could please pretty much anyone’s palate. At dinner, fried chicken sandwiches and fabulous cheese curds share space with steamed mussels and bavette steak. Shareable options like the hand-stretched burrata and royal eggs are perfect to pass to your pals, and the cocktail menu is full of clever concoctions. Add an upbeat, eclectic playlist and adorable decor, and you’ve got pure fun for a group of friends.
Sushi is made for sharing, and Hungry Sumo Sushi Bar , 2663 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., does it well. Classic maki, nigiri and sashimi are fresh and beautifully presented, and starters like gyoza, creamy crab wontons and tuna tartare kick things off on a delicious note. But it's not just sushi here — go for the steamed pork buns, braised pork belly rice bowls and spicy miso and tonkotsu ramen, too. The space is a little small, so if you’re going with friends, keep it to four or fewer.
The chic, spacious dining room at The Bridgewater Modern Grill (2011 S. First St.) makes a prime spot for a ladies lunch, dudes dinner, or anything in between, and in nice weather, its expansive patio along the Kinnickinnic River is a serene space to eat al fresco (there are lawn games in the back, too!). Go for the lobster roll, wagyu burger, oak-fired pork chop or fresh Goddess salad, and share the bruleed Brie and crispy Brussels sprouts.
For Mexican food
First thing’s first: Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant , 2317 S. Howell Ave., has the best salsa in the city (proceed with caution — it’s on the spicy side). Enjoy it with chips while poring over the menu of Mexican classics like enchiladas, tortas, burritos and of course tacos (the steak and al pastor are standouts). Fast, friendly service and a recently expanded indoor dining room and patio make GTO (as the regulars call it) a must-stop spot for Mexican food in Bay View.
Newcomer Paloma Taco & Tequila , 2156 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., has become a quick neighborhood darling, with its bright and funky interior; breezy, pup-friendly patio overlooking Zillman Park; and menu full of fun Mexican-American dishes. Here, Brussels sprout and tofu tacos mingle with spicy chicken and chorizo, the Usual Suspect burrito is big enough for lunch and dinner, and the Taco Pocket is a house-made invention that’s like a Cheesy Gordita Crunch gone glam. Magnificent margaritas, mules, mojitos and, yes, the paloma, are super sippers.
Ventura’s Taco Restaurant , 2899 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., which started (and continues) as a taco truck, now has a brick-and-mortar location near the south side of Bay View. The tacos are some of the best in town (go on Fridays for fab fish tacos), including the cheesy birria tacos served with rich consomme. Sandwiches like pambazo and tortas are as giant as they are delicious, and the chips and salsa (the orange-y arbol salsa should go on everything ) are standouts, too.
The margaritas at Cafe Corazon , 2394 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., are worth a visit to this Bay View go-to alone, but favorites like the Taco Truck Dinner (choose three of your favorite fillings, served with rice and beans), Best Burrito (a monster, served with red and green enchilada sauce) and nachos smothered in a velvety queso sauce keep regulars coming back. It’s one of the most vegan-friendly restaurants in the neighborhood, too, with plenty of options for non-meat eaters at lunch, dinner and daily brunch.
Rachel Bernhard joined the Journal Sentinel as dining critic in June 2023. She’s been busy exploring the Milwaukee area food scene to share her favorite finds with readers along the way. Like all Journal Sentinel reporters, she buys all meals, accepts no gifts and is independent of all establishments she covers.
What should she cover next? Contact her at rseis@gannett.com . Follow her on Twitter at @rachelbernhard or on Instagram at @rach.eats.mke .
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Some of Bay View's best restaurants for everything from brunch to Italian
Most Popular
Comments / 0