Monday is traditionally restaurants’ hardest day of the week to fill tables, which is why many are closed. Sometimes we need a little incentive to go out. These spots know how to sweeten the deal with their can’t-lose, Monday-only food specials.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
1. Camino
434 S. SECOND ST. | 7211 W. GREENFIELD AVE., WEST ALLIS
The $5 burger at Camino is the OG of great values: a half-pound beef patty with two slices of American cheese and fried onions on a brioche bun. You can add more toppings for an upcharge, but this thing is so good, you don’t need to. Dine-in only, 11 a.m.-late.
2. Explorium Brewpub
143 W. ST. PAUL AVE. | 5300 S. 76TH ST., GREENDALE | 11200 W. BURLEIGH ST., WAUWATOSA
The Explorium Brewpub’s build-your-own mac and cheese is a steal that gets better the more you load it up. For $15, you can add one protein and two veggies. Served 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
3. Zaffiro’s
1724 N. FARWELL AVE.
A large two-topping pizza for $15 is hard to beat. Especially when it’s at local legend Zaffiro’s. Dine-in only, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
4. Paloma Taco and Tequila
5419 W. NORTH AVE. | 2156 S. KINNICKKINNIC AVE.
Paloma Taco and Tequila’s taco pocket – a burrito stuffed with a tostada shell, cheese, spicy chicken or soy chorizo – runs just $5 if you order a drink. Dee-lish. Served 4-9 p.m.
5. St. Paul Fish Co.
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET | 400 N. WATER ST.
Hang out under the giant inflatable crustacean at St. Paul Fish Co., where a pound of PEI mussels (in white wine, butter and garlic) will set you back only $7. Dine-in only, 4-8 p.m.
6. Vanguard
2659 S. KINNICKKINNIC AVE.
The Vanguard’s fried Smitty Wings are doused in a spicy, buttery sauce served nowhere else in town. Two sizes are available: 10 or 20 wings, with celery and house-made blue cheese dressing, for $14 and $25. Served 11 a.m.-midnight.
7. The Knick
1030 E. JUNEAU AVE.
Ahi tuna tartare, sweet and spicy shrimp, white pizza and a chicken quesadilla are a few of the tasty appetizers that run half-price at The Knick from 6-10 p.m.
8. Lucky Joe’s
1427 UNDERWOOD AVE., WAUWATOSA
Lucky Joe’s, in the Tosa Village, only does flatbread pizzas on Mondays and boy, they’re good. Choose a specialty or build your own for $14-$16. Dine-in only, 4-9 p.m.
9. Eagle Park Brewing
823 E. HAMILTON ST.
It hasn’t yet reached Camino-level notoriety, but Eagle Park’s Monday burger promo is pretty great, too – 8 bucks, and it comes with fries. 3-10 p.m.
10. The Valley Inn
4000 W. CLYBOURN ST.
A gem of a bar located in the old Pigsville neighborhood near Miller Brewing, the Valley Inn gives mom-cooking vibes with its pot roast sandwich with caramelized onions, mushrooms and mozzarella served with fries or chips, $13. 11 a.m.-close – or until they sell out.
