Going, Going
Restaurant news travels fast. But if you haven’t been scanning every local news outlet’s website, this might not have reached you. First, Historic Turner Restaurant (1034 N. Fourth St., 414-276-4844). I have an image of a wedding rehearsal dinner in the mid-’90s. It was a Friday night fish fry, and the place was jammed. The buffet table piled high with food. Kids everywhere. You’ve got a little over a week to get in your Turner fry fix. The restaurant, whose lease has for some time been held by restaurateur R.C. Schmidt, is packing it in. The last day of operations for this place is Saturday, Sept. 4. According to marketing director Tina Lukowitz, Schmidt was unable to work out a lease agreement. Hmm… And last week, Eric Ellsworth, owner of Carleton Grange Pub (3807 S. Packard Ave., 414-747-9669), announced that the bar would serve its last pub “toastie” and fish and chips on Sept. 6. This is related to the construction scheduled to tie up Packard Avenue beginning in September. The pub’s hours, till then, are Tues-Sat from 11:30 a.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
A Star Is Born
The Cornerstone building in Shorewood is nearing completion, and in September, you’ll start seeing the openings of various commercial businesses. The due date now for North Star American Bistro to reopen in its new digs is September 23. The restaurant will stay open until Sept. 13 at its current space – 4515 N. Oakland Ave. That’ll give them about 10 days to settle into the new spot across the street (corner of Oakland and Kensington). In the new North Star, partners Mike Stoner and Duffy O’Neil will have room for a larger bar and a courtyard with outdoor seating. They also plan to be open for lunch and Sunday brunch. North Star will have other consumption-related neighbors, including Alterra Coffee Roaster and Thief Wine Shop & Bar.
Labor’s Lost
Labor Day will soon be upon us (which means farewell, white pants). This summer, Jake’s in Pewaukee opened a garden patio (21445 W. Gumina Rd., 262-781-7995). There’s still time to enjoy that for several more warm weeks, hopefully. On Sat., Sept. 4, the restaurant will offer its “J’s” 8-ounce cheeseburger for half-price ($7) – that’s on the patio or in the lounge. The burger is a mix of brisket, Prime sirloin and short rib. On the same day, owners Jake and Karen Replogle are running another special at their other restaurant, the Mexican hacienda Haute Taco (Sendik’s Towne Center, 18905 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield). The deal is half-price appetizers with the purchase of a taco supper. I might as well get a word in about Haute’s happy hour. Margaritas are $3 Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.
A Little Birdie
The other day, I introduced a coworker/friend to Birdie’s Cafe (the one-time Highland Park Pies, 4110 W. Martin Dr., 414-933-9303). We took an indirect route to get there from Downtown, passing through and south of the Pabst Brewery, home to a charming bar called Best Place (reviewed in the August issue of Milwaukee Magazine). “Oh, it’s a house,” my friend exclaimed when we pulled up to Birdie’s. Sandwiches are made with Boar’s Head meats, the bakery comes from Simma’s, and the server can fix you an Almond Joy latte. They also have a couple of cozy, clothy dining rooms where you can hole up with your laptop or a juicy fiction novel. And forget where you are. Birdie’s is about a five-minute walk from Miller Brewing. Convenient, if you start craving a brewery tour.
Dining All the Time
If you’re not subscribing to Milwaukee Magazine (and why not, I ask?) – but you’re looking for our dining reviews on milwaukeemagazine.com – we’ve just uploaded a few new ones. Click here to find reviews of the French Pastiche (in Bay View) and Ryan Braun’s Waterfront (Third Ward). And to search for the restaurant you want to go now, tomorrow or next Tuesday, keep this link handy:
http://www.milwaukeemagazine.com/dining/
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And don’t miss this week’s Shopaholic to learn about new stores and events in the world of local retail.
If you spot any restaurant openings or closings, don’t hesitate to post them on my column, or e-mail me directly: ann.christenson@milwaukeemagazine.com.
