Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
320 E. Clybourn St., (414) 455-8870
thecentralstandard.com
Modern American fare
$$-$$$
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When Central Standard moved into a formerly vacant building on the edge of Downtown, it was difficult to know what to expect. But the growing distillery made good on their promise to create a bar and eatery with a sociable atmosphere and a menu to match. From simple, yet delicious, salads to housemade soups, sandwiches and well-prepared steak, there is a dish for everyone.
Highlights include their namesake salad, which is simple-but-delicious thanks to fresh, local produce and amazing green goddess dressing; housemade pasta (currently pappardelle with braised beef and brown butter bread crumbs); and the Crafthouse Cheeseburger, which boasts tender, richly flavored beef and a cadre of simple-but-classic accompaniments; it’s available for lunch, dinner and brunch (with slight modifications).
Also, if it’s a beautiful evening, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy a drink on their rooftop patio.
Recommended: Charred broccolini; CS salad; burger; steak
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.
