Behind the Plate
Our editorial team is expert in navigating the necessary time between current events and when our magazine arrives in your home. We don’t try to conceal it; rather, we look for an angle on a story that will still be fresh and interesting a month or two after something makes the news.
We were working on this issue when Bob Uecker passed away in January. The event saturated the media, local and national. In our group discussions, we acknowledged that there was nothing to say that hadn’t been said – but we all agreed that we needed to say it anyway. Uecker was such a unique voice, so beloved, and one of our own.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Back in 2016, I was having dinner with Ann Christenson at The Jackson Grill when Uecker walked in. I was new to town and, having lived my life up until that point as a sports agnostic, had no idea who he was. But Uecker’s charisma ignited the room and turned me into a convert even before Ann had a chance to fill me in. You’ll find our tribute on page 13.
And by the way, that was the last time Ann and I had dinner together. No, it’s not due to any strain in our relationship. Nothing of the sort. It’s because hanging out with me might blow her cover.
Ann, in her decades-long tenure at the magazine, has worked to maintain her anonymity as a reviewer. What used to be a common practice is becoming rare among dining critics these days. But anonymity allows Ann to experience the same sort of service at a dining establishment as the average patron. And we believe that’s extremely important when writing a restaurant review.
Which brings us to our cover story this month, Best Restaurants. If you’re a regular reader of this annual feature, you’ll notice that the list remains fairly consistent, which is, in and of itself, remarkable. Achieving a high level of quality is no easy feat for a chef, but maintaining it might be even more challenging. This year’s list spotlights several new establishments, but it is mostly devoted to places that have endured the test of time.
What are your favorite dining spots? Did they make our list? Let us know! Like many things, this magazine works best when in dialogue with its community.
— Carole Nicksin, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher
carole@milwaukeemag.com, @CaroleNicksin
Features
- Best Restaurants 2025: Your guide to crafting a great night out is here. Find Ann’s picks of the crème de la crème of our city’s dining scene – and more that you need to know about eating out in Milwaukee.
- The Clutch Kids: Crack-of-dawn piano practice was a key to unlocking remarkable careers for two Milwaukee siblings: WNBA superstar Arike and NFL journeyman Dare Ogunbowale.
- Red, White and Roses: A reflection on the 1994 Rose Bowl and more from UW icon Mike Leckrone, who directed the Badger bands for half a century.
The Big Story
- Not in My Backyard: A look inside the controversial community-building proposal that turned neighbor against neighbor in Riverwest.
Your 414
- RIP: A tribute to Mr. Baseball, Bob Uecker
- People Places Things: A self-taught woodworker nails down her new venture, plus savvy spring-cleaning tips, a one-man comedy at Renaissance Theaterworks, and more.
- Books: Need a new read? Try these books from Wisconsin authors.
- Music: Riverwest’s Jazz Gallery Center for the Arts is a haven for outside-the-box artistry.
- Fragrance: A Marquette freshman rides the wave of luxury scents for young men.
The Dish
- Hang: At this new Walker’s Point bar, history is on the menu.
- Tidbits: Hidden gem A Thai, a gluten-free bakery, Reuben rolls and more
- Q&A: Talking the intricacies of taste with Ryan Castelaz of Agency and Discourse Coffee.
- Old Favorite: After a whopping 100 years in business, Kegel’s Inn has still got it.
Insider
- Tech: A local company is eyeing a greener future with hydrogen power.
- Trains: The name game around Amtrak’s Borealis route
- Athletics: What could change if NIL deals are allowed for high schoolers
- The Boat: Some deep thoughts about the beached boat Milwaukee just can’t get enough of
Explore
- Tour: The Tosa Greek Orthodox church that was one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s last major works.
- Weird Wisconsin: Our state is home to some of the “world’s largest” wonders.
- Neighborhood Guide: Seven things to do, see and eat in charming Greendale
