Ready to dive into Milwaukee’s best eats and one-of-a-kind shops? Whether you’re a foodie or shopaholic (or both, like me!), get ready to discover all the wonderful spots that have quickly become my favorites!
My Favorite Eateries
Bridgewater Modern Grill
It can be tough to find an upscale restaurant that doesn’t hurt your wallet, Bridgewater Modern Grill is a perfect marriage of high quality food and atmosphere with moderate pricing. Located in Milwaukee’s harbor district, their outdoor patio makes the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset and summer weather.
They have a wide variety of menu items, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and muscles, but my go-to will always be their lobster roll. This is my favorite spot to take out of town family or friends for a nice dinner.
Cranky Al’s
Cranky Al’s is the best place in the Milwaukee area for a killer breakfast, located in Wauwatosa, this stop is a well-known favorite. They’re known best for doughnuts but my boyfriend Tanner swears by their warm breakfast sandwiches. They also serve breakfast pizza and breakfast burritos. They’re typically open until 1 pm, but on weekends, you likely won’t catch them after 10 am since they sell out of everything so quickly.
If you head to Cranky’s and find out they’ve sold out for the day, Rocket Baby Bakery is another great option just across the street.
La Masa
Oh La Masa! The place that turned us into empanada addicts. It’s like our home away from home, but with more deliciously stuffed pastries. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a casual dinner that’s sure to satisfy everyone. Their prices are good for what you get and they are always very quick to seat their guests since they don’t take reservations. Since they’re located in the bustle of Brady street on the east side of Milwaukee, I’m always impressed on how short their wait times are. Also, be sure to save room for a dessert empanada! It’s the best thing they serve, don’t miss out!
Since we’ve been to this restaurant many times over, it’s also worth noting that their empanadas warm up perfectly as leftovers, just be sure to use an oven rather than a microwave.
Yo Mama’s
If you’re on the lookout for a quick dessert to wrap up your night, I recommend making a stop at Yo Mama’s. Even though it might seem like just another frozen yogurt spot, there’s something special about it that takes the flavor to a whole new level. One of my friends introduced me to this stop and I’ve been continuously going back ever since.
Milwaukee Public Market
The Milwaukee Public Market is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. It’s not just a place to grab lunch, you can also relax with a glass of wine, grab something from a bakery, pick up some flowers for yourself or a loved one, and shop for Milwaukee merchandise. It’s a one-stop shop in the best way. Whenever I’m in the Third Ward I typically end up spending some time here.
One thing I always make sure to pick up when I’m there is a flavored lemonade from Aladdin, one of the many wonderful restaurant vendors and a personal favorite of mine.
Favorite Shops
Broadway paper
Broadway Paper is a store, also in the Third Ward, filled with lots of fun knick-knacks and prints. They’ve got everything from cards, water bottles, books, stickers, mugs, I could go on and on. This is the place to go to get a gift for the friend who has everything since their selection is so unique. As someone who loves having cards on hand in case an occasion arises, this is a place where I always end up leaving with something.
Salamander
Moving over to the Village of Wauwatosa, one of my go-to shopping spots for clothes, and more recently, jewelry, is Salamander. This boutique has a lot of high-quality and durable pieces. It’s clear they have styles catered towards a wide age range. I’ve bought things for both my Mom and myself there that have fit both our styles. For context, I’m 24, and she is 59 (sorry, Mom!). They offer classic staple pieces for your closet as well as rotate out many unique seasonal styles. I am always greeted warmly when I shop here. The personalized service makes every visit a wonderful experience. It’s no surprise that it has become a beloved destination for fashion enthusiasts in the area.
ShopPrivy
Located only a block or two from Salamander, ShopPrivy has been a shopping staple for me since I moved to Tosa, and I’m very lucky to have found it so early on. I’ve scored many gorgeous finds at their store, and the prices are always very reasonable. Every time I go to ShopPrivy, I can’t help but gravitate towards their colorful pieces; they steal the show for me, every time.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my recommendations! I’m always on the lookout for new places to try, whether it be a local shop or the latest restaurant, feel free to drop a comment if you feel there’s a favorite spot of yours I have yet to explore!
Worth Every Mile 