Chilango Express started in a space adjacent to a gas station. It’s since moved to a much larger location. Chilango’s creations start with homemade tortillas, which make all the difference. The freshness of that base ingredient (which yields a fluffy, light tortilla) combined with big meaty chunks of pastor is taco ecstasy. Come early on weekends for the lamb, a dynamite taco filling. Mentioned in:
Sit at a table pushed up against the old wooden bar at Guadalajara. It’s old Milwaukee (the building dates to 1890) meets the modern wave of immigration. The steak is lean, on the juicy side, and with the spread of toppings, the tacos looks like little queso-capped mountain peaks. Don’t forget the house pico de gallo! This boffo fresh salsa of cabbage, radish and bell peppers offers that all-important crunch.
In a city with as many Mexican restaurants as Milwaukee, Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant (2301 S. Howell Ave.) stands out by blending in.
Away from the drunken, mechanical pepper riding bachelorette parties of Fifth and National, GTO (as it’s affectionately known) occupies a small, nondescript storefront at the mega-intersection of Lincoln, Howell and Kinnickinnic avenues in Bay View. Read more…
Not your average taco filling. But Gypsy Taco isn’t your average maker. The truck – I guess you could call it more of a trailer – lives on the Boone & Crockett patio and services that bar’s barrel-aged cocktail drinking crowd. The Gypsy himself, Mitchell Ciohon, uses his fine-dining background to infuse his offbeat tacos with some razzle-dazzle, so expect drizzly schmears and garnishes of things like whipped goat cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds and arugula salad. His juicy-decadent shredded pork (the soda braising liquid leaves a mildly sweet finish) topped with cabbage, jalapeño, sliced radish, homemade pickles and a jigger of aioli – holy flavor burst! Add the extra creaminess of queso for $1. That’s what the Gypsy calls “Stallis-style.”
Entertainment, Open For Lunch, Outdoor Dining,
Entertainment, Friday Fish Fry, Open For Lunch, Outdoor Dining, Gluten Free,
La Casa de Alberto avoids the “all signs point to dry beef” predicament that seems to plague griddled steak. This is tender, flavorful meat buried under your choice of toppings. And if you order the chunky guac (you should), pile it on thick!
Entertainment, Open For Lunch, Outdoor Dining, Reservations Taken,
Late Night Dining, Open for Breakfast, Open For Lunch, Reservations Taken,
“Family, superb food and quality ingredients” has been the motto for Barbiere’s since 1963. Before getting into it, the homemade garlic bread is an absolute must, which then can be followed by one of their scrumptious pizza pies, lasagna or sandwiches.
Vientiane holds up to its Southeast Asian name, showing skill with noodle soups and Thai specialties like pad see ew. And the sauce served with its spring rolls – light, piquant and speckled with crushed peanuts – is the best in town.
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The sizable Japanese menu is at once kind to lovers of raw fish and the theatrical hibachi. Spring for tempura (veggie and/or shrimp), sushi and sashimi, special maki rolls and any appetizer from the sushi bar. Wash them down with a cold Sapporo.
The storefront offers a great 3-5 p.m. happy hour menu and “Upper Midwest”-inspired evening meals like crispy cast-iron chicken and “quarry-style” steak.
A Tosa staple. you cannot go wrong with Balistreri’s. We recommend one of their tasty pizza pies with the thinnest and crispiest crust you’ve ever tasted. Other delicious Italian items also always available.
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Cozy storefront space where the sushi bar chefs perform magic with fish, vegetables and condiments. Exceptional sashimi and nori rolls. Offers some Thai selections as well.
Mentioned in: 3 New Local Sushi Restaurants and What to Order at Each; 21 Things to Eat (and Drink!) in Milwaukee Right Now