1. Ruta’s Fresh Indian Fare
KATIE WILLIAMS, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Ruta’s in Walker’s Point is peak fast food – super fresh and healthy Indian food in a build-your-own menu style. It’s simple, but very flavorful. I would eat there every day if I could. 207 W. Freshwater Way
2. The Vanguard
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I’m no stranger to the fancier restaurants in Milwaukee – but also, OK, I am a little bit of a stranger to them because I don’t have much money. I’m always on the lookout for spots where you can get great food without sacrificing the electric bill, and The Vanguard is one such place. The Vanguard is a sausage sanctum, a link leader, a meat museum – it is a restaurant that takes the humble and beloved sausage and presents it in a dozen delicious options. I am a fan of the humble, simple, original brat – but if you want to get saucy with it, the Duck BLT is worth a few extra bucks. 2659 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Troublemakers’ Cocina
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
It’s Troublemakers’ Cocina in the Central Waters MKE taproom for me. There’s so many decadent, delicious meals on that menu, literally top to bottom. 1037 W. Juneau Ave.
4. Beans & Barley
MELISA MACKEVICIUS, MEDIA EXECUTIVE
I’m a fan of grabbing a quick bite at Bean’s & Barley for lunch. I love getting their quiche with a side salad – with their garlic parmesan dressing that I drool over. I usually grab a pint of it from the deli before I head home, along with some other kitschy gifts and such! 1901 E. North Ave.
5. Birch
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
Birch is an unerringly amazing experience. So much deliciousness in one meal. 459 E. Pleasant St.
6. Noble Brothers Burgers
JENN HINTZ, ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
We’ve been eating at Noble Brothers Burgers and Creamery in Waterford (about 30 minutes south of Milwaukee) a lot lately. It’s a truly gluten-friendly place with staff that understands and takes safety seriously for those with allergies, packaged in a retro, Leon’s-esque walk-up burger stand with a creamery right next door in a historic tile-roofed service station building. A rare treat for someone with a gluten allergy, featuring a dedicated fryer so even the homemade fries are safe. Their ingredients are largely locally-sourced, and, they make their own gluten-free waffle cones, too. The website mentions they’ll be expanding to add a cheese factory on-site, as well. 309 W. Main St., Waterford
7. Travieso
LISA BAKER, MEDIA EXECUTIVE
I’m prompted by Chris’s rec here. I’m loving Travieso in Waukesha, opened by the Trouble Makers’ Restaurant Group. Their Latin fusion menu offers a wide range of amazing, interesting options! Brussels Bravas with chorizo, feta and cotija, beef birria egg rolls, mole crusted pork tenderloin …Time to visit again! 314 W. Main St., Waukesha
8. Benji’s Deli
ABBY YEMM, MEDIA EXECUTIVE
I’m a big fan of Benji’s Deli. Their matzo ball soup is pure comfort and there’s nothing wrong with their reubens either! 4156 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood
