This story is part of our Best of the Burbs feature from the April Issue of Milwaukee Magazine. To read our full guide to the finest that Milwaukee’s suburbs have to offer, order your copy today!

BY ALLI WATTERS, ANN CHRISTENSON, CHRIS DRSONER, ARCHER PARQUETTE, LAURA BENGS, KRISTINE HANSEN AND RICH ROVITO

Where to Eat

1. Taqwa’s Bakery & Restaurant

4651 S. 27TH ST., GREENFIELD

The flavors of sumac, sesame and fenugreek pop at this Middle Eastern outpost. Dive into the humdinger of a house specialty, mosakhan – fluffy seasoned flatbread draped in caramelized onions and a grilled half-chicken, all moistened with a tart yogurt-cucumber sauce. Finish with an Arabic coffee and a traditional dessert like hareesih, a semolina cake sweetened with rosewater syrup.

Taqwa’s Bakery & Restaurant; Photo by Tom Grimm

2. Island Jam

2703 S. CHICAGO AVE., SOUTH MILWAUKEE

The jam is this menu of Caribbean charmers, from tender jerk chicken to succulent, slow-cooked oxtail with rice and peas or soft, starchy plantains. And with its deep, intricate flavors, the brownstew chicken will win over your heart. It’s juicy, peppery, paprika-y good.

Curry goat and oxtails with double cabbage; Photo by Chris Kessler

3. Lagniappe Brasserie

17001 W. GREENFIELD AVE., NEW BERLIN

Inspired by the Cajun-French word roughly translating to something extra, this fine dining haven changes its menu frequently, which means ever-fresh choices like grilled swordfish puttanesca, Caribbean braised rabbit and pan-roasted veal chop in marsala cream sauce. The setting? Elegant but not stuffy.

4. Mimosa

9405 S. 27TH ST., FRANKLIN

A buzzing breakfast spot with a second location in Brookfield, Mimosa gets the details right – homemade granola and fruit jams, fresh-squeezed orange juice, Wisconsin maple syrup, from-scratch buttermilk pancakes. The menu is pretty traditional (corned beef hash, steak and eggs, classic French toast) but not devoid of chutzpah (morning jambalaya, pulled chicken-chorizo quinoa bowl).

Mimosa’s morning jambalaya with pulled chicken, breakfast sausage and shrimp. Photo by Adam Ryan Morris

5. Día y Noche

6601 NORTHWAY, GREENDALE

This spirited hub is two restaurants in one, as its name – Spanish for Day and Night – implies. In the morning, the cafe serves coffee drinks, baked goods and a few brunchy items such as a rice-plantain-fried egg bowl. At night, it transitions to a full menu of tapas and large plates, the culinary emphasis placed on countries in Latin America. Add to that a lively vibe and you’re instantly transported far from our Midwestern landscape.

Suburb Surprise

6. Twisted Plants

4905 S. PACKARD AVE., CUDAHY

The city of Cudahy – named after a famous maker of pork products – bucks its meat-loving heritage by being the home to a popular and really yummy vegan restaurant, Twisted Plants. Try the Up in Smoke plant-based patty with BBQ sauce, “bacon” (definitely not Patrick Cudahy!), vegan American cheese and grilled onions for maximum deliciousness.

Crispy “chicken” salad from Twisted Plants; Photo by Chris Kessler

Where to Shop

7. The Jewelers Guild

2408 E. ST. FRANCIS AVE., ST. FRANCIS

Still picking up bling at the mall? Swing by this jewelry store and workshop instead and commission a custom piece no one else owns. Or get on the bench yourself with DIY Wedding Ring classes or other classes in wax carving, stamping and soldering.

8. Barbeque Supply Co.

5668 BROAD ST., GREENDALE

Smack in the middle of historic Broad Street, locally owned Barbeque Supply Co. ups the ante for pitmasters. They’ve got the essentials covered with top-notch smokers, grills, gear and accessories. Looking to dial up the heat? Ask for recommendations from their curated mix of specialty spices, rubs and sauces.

9. Bluemel’s Garden and Landscape Center

4930 W. LOOMIS RD., GREENFIELD

Hordes of gardeners flock here each spring to take advantage of the robust plant selection. Bluemel’s striking, century-old dome was brought over from its original home on the former South Division High School before it was demolished in the 1980s. Inside, Blüm Coffee Garden serves up local roasts alongside live music. Plus, there’s a playground for the kiddos.

Bluemel’s Garden and Landscape Center; Photo courtesy of Bluemel’s

10. Serendipity Boutique Marketplace

5602 BROAD ST., GREENDALE

This shop brings the work of local artists, crafters, makers and designers together for an explosion of creativity. Peruse when you need to find a gift for that person who’s impossible to shop for (or just for yourself). You’ll discover unique clothes, accessories, artwork, furniture, antiques, kitchen tools and much more.

Throwback

11. Ray & Dot’s Tap

6351 W. GRANGE AVE., GREENDALE

Known for affordable suds (a Spotted Cow is just $2.25) and a friendly atmosphere, this local bar has earned its reputation as the neighborhood watering hole since it opened in 1957. There’s nothing fancy about the dive – though the pool tables and neon lighting are nice. What makes it special is the people; it’s one of those rare places where you see retirees mingling comfortably with early 20-somethings.

More Reasons to Go

12. Umbrella Bar

7900 CRYSTAL RIDGE RD., FRANKLIN

This tent looks like it could be out of a circus, but thanks to its spacious patio and 360-degree views of The Rock Sports Complex, it’s actually one of the most entertaining spots around to grab a drink outside. It’s a place to sit by the fire, play bags, watch baseball and listen to live music – there’s an amazing summer concert series. Food truck Thursdays bring good grub options, too. Don’t leave before sunset, or you’ll miss one of the best views west of the city.

13. The Gingerbread House

S63 W16147 COLLEGE AVE., MUSKEGO

Soak in the floor-to-ceiling farmhouse feel at this adorable coffee shop and bakery, down to the hens running around the patio as you sip your drink. The spot is perfect for catching up with friends over lattes (we recommend the Gingerbread Cookie option) or bloodies – and save time to shop around in the boutique afterward. Or if you just want a quick pick-me-up, take a pass through the drive-thru.

14. Root River Parkway

ROOT RIVER PARKWAY, GREENFIELD

Along the route snaking through much of Greendale you’ll see picnickers, disc golf, a fantastic seasonal beer garden and more. Hop out of the car – or, even better, off your bike – to join in on the fun.

15. Field Workshop

5686 BROAD ST., GREENDALE

This well-stocked, warmly staffed craft studio nurtures artists of all ages. Kids bring imagination to life as they freely explore floor-to-ceiling shelves of paint, electronics, fabric, beads, pom poms and many more craft supplies. Adults can enjoy self-guided DIY projects or guided classes in painting glassware, boards, canvases and more.

16. Eagle Park Brewing

S64 W15640 COMMERCE CENTER PKWY., MUSKEGO

Beer buffs flock to Eagle Park Brewing for one the most diverse selections of craft beer in the area. Wash down classic grub – curds, pretzels, burgers, fish fries – with a friendly pale ale like Push Play or excellent seasonals like bock or pilsner, or dive right in with a milkshake IPA or hard seltzer smoothie. Can’t stay? Food, beer, house-made spirits – it’s all available to go.

Eagle Park Brewing in Muskego; Photo by Mitch Borgardt

17. Hawthorne Hill Farm

16370 W. SMALL RD., NEW BERLIN

Artists plus vintage and antique dealers descend upon this historic farmstead owned by artist Bonnie Loduha for Weekend Shopping Markets (May, September, October and November) with set themes: Vintage, Barn Market, Harvest and a holiday market.

18. Classic Lanes

5404 W. LAYTON AVE., GREENFIELD

This 16-lane alley offers keglers a traditional atmosphere with open bowling, league action and a bar and grill. But the real cachet is the significant place it holds in bowling history – two times over. Classic has been the venue for two of the 38 perfect 900 series recognized by the U.S. Bowling Congress, including the second ever, rolled by Tony Roventini in 1998.

19. Village Days

AUG. 11-13, DOWNTOWN GREENDALE

Beer tents from local breweries, food from neighborhood vendors and two competing concert stages make for the village’s largest summer bash. Cap it off with some spectacular fireworks, and you have a packed weekend that’s not only fun for Greendale’s residents, but anyone looking to party during the dog days of summer.

20. Conservancy for Healing and Heritage

7410 W. RAWSON AVE., FRANKLIN

Tucked away behind a health clinic is a hidden garden oasis that connects to 2 miles of nature trails that end at Koepmier Lake. But before you adventure out, stop at the tiny European-inspired wooden chapel peeking out of the treetops with floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s a perfect place for a moment of peace.

Photo via the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage Facebook page

21. Franklin Public Library

9151 W. LOOMIS RD., FRANKLIN

Located in front of peaceful, scenic Lions Legend Park, you’ll often see visitors biking or jogging over to get their books. The wide selection and helpful staff are a given, but what sets this library apart are the work areas with both private and public spaces. The children’s section features a reading nook nestled inside a tree.

Burb Bites

To avoid annexation by Milwaukee in 1955, Oak Creek held an emergency vote to make the town a city. Oak Creek town leaders hid from Milwaukee officials attempting to deliver legal papers to halt the vote. It passed before the officials could find them.

Greenfield, originally known as Kinnickinnic, took its current, easier-to-spell name from the local post office in 1841.