1. Elsa’s On the Park
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
I take a table in the back, grabbing a stack of magazines from their well-stocked rack, and settle in. Great hamburgers, great cocktails and a mountain of media to consume.
2. Taco Bell
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Carole took the real answer here, so I’ll go the entirely opposite direction. With the number of options for “real” late-night food dwindling since the pandemic, a Crunchwrap Supreme can kind of hit the spot when you’re in the wilds of Wauwatosa after a night out. Yeah, I’ll say it: Taco Bell. I’m sorry, everyone.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
3. Steny’s Tavern and Grill
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
In the late-night hours, my soul wearies. I walk dark streets and stare at my reflection in rain puddles – a distorted demon looks back at me, wrinkled and broken by the pitiless punchline of the joke that is my life. Alcohol fizzles the synapses. Just another Tuesday in the life of Archie Ding Dong. But then I look up – I see the sign ahead: Steny’s Tavern and Grill, lit like a beacon on a barren hillside. Walker’s Point, you beautiful neighborhood you, thank you for giving me this place. I stumble inside and order nineteen wings, a pepperoni pizza and some chickens, cooked however the chef sees fit. I sit and I eat and I drink and soon the pain fades, and in the midst of winter, I feel within me an invincible summer. Or maybe it’s just heartburn. I don’t know. Point is, I like Steny’s.
4. Gyro Palace
CHELSEA MAMEROW, ART DIRECTOR
There was a year in the not too distant past where many nights out ended in a drive through order at Gyro Palace. Tangy tzatziki over a satisfying pile of shaved roasted meat and crumbly feta tucked in a chewy pita – always with a side of fries.
5. Culver’s
SOPHIE YUFA, JUNIOR DESIGNER
This one doesn’t REALLY qualify as late-night grub (though with the sun setting earlier now, maybe it does) but Culver’s is my go-to … I always get an order of cheese curds, a six-piece shrimp basket and a mushroom and swiss ButterBurger. And maybe once every 500 years, I’ll get a pumpkin shake.
6. Classic Slice
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, ASSOCIATE DIGITAL EDITOR
If it’s late, I’m almost certainly craving pizza. And back in college (UWM, woo woo!) I used to frequent Ian’s on my late night ventures. But now, I am a real adult, so I have elevated my late night pizza experience to another local by-the-slice joint, Classic Slice in Bay View. I love the Shipee Ahoy, with its pesto, Italian sausage and fresh mozzarella. Delish.
7. Shawarma King
HALEY WICHMAN, EDITORIAL INTERN
Mixed Shawarma sandwich. The garlicky sauce inside of this burrito-style pita-wrapped sandwich hits every time.
