It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2024. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Braise*
1101 S. 2nd St., (414) 212-8843
braiselocalfood.com
New American, small plates
$$-$$$
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*If you're referencing my 52 restaurants list, you might note that this restaurant is out of order. That's due to an adjustment to accommodate Ca'Lucchenzo's summer break, which takes place Aug. 3-7.
Much has changed since Braise opened its doors in 2011, showcasing a rustic, inviting space and a menu of fresh seasonal fare. But what has remained is the restaurant’s commitment to both local sourcing and bold, flavorful fare that changes with whatever is fresh and in season.
At this time of the year, you'll find shareable plates like grilled peach salad; yellow squash arancini; seared polenta cakes with zucchini and tomato ragu; and fresh watermelon gazpacho with brunoise cucumber, basil oil and mint.
Meanwhile, entrees shine with seasonality. A half-chicken served with charred kale and grilled kohlrabi salad, marinated heirloom tomatoes, shaved onions and lime shallot vinaigrette. Seared trout shines alongside carrot harissa, chili and herb roasted zucchini and green tomato chutney. And a five-spice seasoned pork chop nestles comfortably into a bowl of onion soubise, creamed corn congee, tare and Thai basil.
I'd also recommend taking a look at the upcoming events, including a farmer-focused dinner with Baby Mama Botanicals on Aug. 28, a fall farm dinner at Brightonwoods Orchards on Sept. 7 and a four-course dinner supporting the Milwaukee Center for Independence on Sept. 25. Get more details and purchase tickets online.
Recommended: Seasonal soups; bao buns; pasta and risotto dishes
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.
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