Over the winter, Taylor's, 795 N. Jefferson St., opened a second Downtown location. But this time, it's downtown Waukesha.
People's Park, 337 W. Main St., is located in the heart of Historic Waukesha, could quickly become a city staple. Mimicking the large open windows and light airy feel of Taylor's downtown, People's Park redefines the Taylor's concept with a full lunch and dinner menu, quaint booths and local art.
Whereas Taylor's conjures thoughts of a laid-back lounge, People's Park is much less club and much more restaurant. It's the kind of place able to carefully cater to 20-somethings out for drinks, 50-year-old ladies having lunch or families out for a low-key dinner. The welcoming feel accommodates a wide range of customers with a menu both varied but specialized.
The cozy corner location is divided into an upper and lower seating area. A long bar lines the lower level wall with high seat tables and chairs along both window-filled walls. Separated by just a few steps, a few quaint booths provide more dining seating as well as a larger curved booth, ideal for a small, private gathering or large family dinner.
The focal point of the establishment looms over the bar. Created by the owner himself, a large art installation displaying dozens of miniature dolls and relics runs the entire length of the inner bar. Striking to the eye, the piece acts as an element of vintage nostalgia ensuring constant conversation.
The menu puts a refreshing spin on pub and diner classics. Bruschetta is topped with prosciutto, pommes frites are drizzled with truffle oil and parmesan and artichoke dip is enriched with roasted red peppers, spinach and gruyere cheese.
Offering a combination of salads and sandwiches, the menu is an ode to the classic bar menu. Several burgers, chicken and steak sandwiches plus a tilapia sandwich give diners standard favorites with fresh ingredients and slightly inventive sauces.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
