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For over 25 years, I lived a few blocks from César Chávez Drive in Clarke Square. It wasn’t until last year when I moved to Franklin that I realized how much this part of the city tied me back to my Mexican heritage – especially when it comes to food. Several eating and drinking experiences pull me back from the suburbs.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
There are many items to love at El Rey (916 S. César Chávez Dr.), but my standout is the bakery. Those bolillos make great tortas at home.
La Michoacana (1224 S. César Chávez Dr.) never disappoints with its range of traditional Mexican treats, from paletas to elotes. It’s difficult to pick a favorite here, but my most frequent order is a strawberry yogurt topped with granola.
My go-to when I’m craving comfort food is La Sierrita (2689 S. 13th St.) A bit south of Clarke Square, it’s worth the trip. My order is a gordita de nopales, a thick, hand-formed corn patty stuffed with cactus, lettuce, tomato and sour cream. As the weather cools, Pete’s Fruit Market (1400 S. Union St.) is the place to find freshly made atole de Nuez. Best served hot in the morning, this thick, sweet drink is made with milk, cinnamon, cornstarch and topped with chopped pecans.
These little pockets of established communities, each giving their members their own sense of belonging, can be found all across Milwaukee. For me, it still feels like home to walk the streets of Clarke Square, hear the community speak my first language, and taste my roots.
