By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Nov 13, 2020 at 12:01 PM Photography: Bass Bay Brewhouse

My annual article, 52 Restaurants for your Bucket List, was originally created to provide readers with an easy way to explore the wealth of restaurants in the Milwaukee scene over the course of one year (52 weeks). Today, as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it provides a fun and equally compelling guide for folks who’d like to bring variety to their weekly meals while providing vital support to some of our finest local restaurants.

Here's the featured restaurant of the day, plus five dishes to try!

Bass Bay Brewhouse
S79 W15851 Aud Mar Dr., Muskego, (414) 377-9449
bassbaybrewhouse.com

If you love the comfortable vibe of a classic Wisconsin supper club, you might just find your happy place at Bass Bay Brewhouse, a casual spot that comes complete with a picturesque lakeside view. It’s a great spot for brunch or dinner, particularly in the summer months when you can take a seat on the patio. Their fish fry is also worth your while, but get there early or expect a wait. Carry-out  is also available.

Five dishes to try:

  1. The mushroom Swiss burger: one-third pound beef patty, roasted mushrooms, roasted garlic aioli and bacon jam  ($13.95)
  2. The French dip with shaved prime rib, provolone, garlic mayo and au jus ($14.95)
  3. Pot roast with roasted root vegetables, beef jus, mashed potatoes and fresh herbs ($18.95)
  4. Friday fish fry: Try the rye bread crusted,  pan-fried walleye with French fries, coleslaw, marble rye and tartar sauce ($19.95).  Add potato pancakes for +$1; it’s worth it. (You can also get a classic cod fry with all the fixin’s any night of the week)
  5. Brunch: Get the Shenanigans with pulled ham, crumbled bacon, sliced Usinger’s bratwurst, sausage gravy, fried cheese curds, two eggs, toast and cheesy hashbrown casserole ($14.95)
Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.