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.
The Diplomat
815 E. Brady St., (414) 800-5816
thediplomatmke.com
New American
$$-$$$
[Read more]
A meal from The Diplomat is always a pleasure. The vibe is mellow and comfortable enough for a weeknight, but the craveable menu – filled with dishes that are simultaneously new, yet comfortingly familiar – is entirely worthy of a special occasion. I also love the balance between smaller shareable plates and entrees, which leaves room for a new experience every time.
In fact, if you’re looking for a spot to take your Valentine, consider this a worthy pick. They are offering a special Valentine's Week three-course menu for $75 per person featuring a choice of starters, entrees and dessert. View the menu and make a reservation for Feb. 14, 15 or 16 here.
Prefer to just play things by ear? The Diplomat's menu changes seasonally, so there's always something new to try. Current offerings include snacks like pickled deviled eggs and salt cod hashbrowns (everything you love about a fish fry in a bite-sized package). More substantial plates include trout with grapefruit, kohlrabi-radish salad and tonnato; short ribs with grilled cabbage; and knife and fork chicken with bacon 'nDuja' brussels sprouts, carrot salad, roasted potatoes and a house biscuit.
Need a solid excuse to stop in for the first time? Their burger (The Diplomac), which comes complete with housemade everything is positively stellar. Also, be sure to leave room for dessert!
Recommendations: Chicken liver mousse; roast chicken; The Diplomac; dessert
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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