For this year’s Best of Milwaukee, we asked dozens of guest curators for their ideas on what really made Milwaukee shine in the previous 12 months or so. These Milwaukeeans – who are the best of Milwaukee in their own ways – came through with so many great things that we couldn’t publish them all. Here are some of their favorites that we just couldn’t leave on the cutting room floor.
Here is the rest of the Best of Milwaukee, according to our guest curators.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
Claire Osterman
OWNER, EBB & FLOW DESIGN CO.
Persika Design Co.: Christina Persika hosts a variety of workshops in her Milwaukee studio, including a The Artist’s Way series. I attended a painting workshop and was enchanted by the magical qualities of Christina’s studio, and walked away with a unique piece of art for my home.
Build Your Own Bouquet Bar at 414loral: I go every week to this banquet of locally sourced blooms! The shop is beautiful, and the flowers ($2-$9 per stem) are always a 10/10. They will help you curate your bouquet, and after it’s expertly wrapped, you’re on your way. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Ruby’s Bagels at Zócalo Food Park: The bacon, egg, and cheese on a rosemary bagel is my go to, they have achieved a perfect, gooey melt on the cheese. Pro-tip: Order ahead online to beat their weekend rush!
Deep Lake Future: It’s my must-do for any visitors to Milwaukee. The immersive art experience is so unexpected –a clear indicator of how supportive Milwaukee is of our creative communities!
Jonathan Newby
REALTOR and NEWCOMER INFLUENCER
Hen’s Deli: This spot took over the former home of a legendary Milwaukee restaurant (Soup Bros) and didn’t miss a beat. Three separate times this year, I’ve gone there and left saying “that’s the best sandwich I’ve ever had.” Each time it was a different sandwich. Get the torta!
Nyesha Stone
JOURNALIST AND MARKETER, CARVD N STONE
Beny Boys Food Truck: This is the best food truck in Milwaukee. Every time I order, it’s an amazing experience for me and my taste buds. The wait is never too long, and they always ensure I’m satisfied – the food is consistently great. Beny Boys truly stands out in the city’s food scene.
Xoe Fiss
ARTIST AND DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMS AT MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM
Local Artist Workshops: Milwaukee is a hub for local artists, and recently there has been a boom in new, accessible workshops to work alongside makers right in their studios or at artist-run spaces. Some workshops I have attended and are on my wish list include a charm necklace workshop with Yen and An of The Fruity Studio, quilt symbols painting with Christina of Persika Design Co, weaving with Rebecca Zastany Wilson, riso basics with Diana and Ben of BearBear and tassel making with Janelle of Tooth + Nail Studio and Gallery.
Daily Digs Vintage: If you love vintage clothing, you have probably met Dave and Emily of Daily Digs Vintage, a newer addition to the Milwaukee vintage scene. They are the folks to follow on social media to stay in the know about all of the regional vintage pop-ups as they rarely miss a chance to share their curated collection of cool vintage finds. It doesn’t hurt that they are some of the nicest people around. Say hello one time at their booth and there is a good chance they will remember you at every future market.
La Finca’s Cafe Horchata: Since moving from Sheboygan to South Milwaukee, I have been searching for my go-to coffee shop. As soon as I stopped at La Finca, I knew the search was over. I would share my excitement with friends and co-workers about this woman-owned community gem – and was surprised at how many locals are unaware of this gem in St. Francis. My go-to drink is an iced Cafe Horchata, a mix of their family-grown drip coffee, homemade horchata and plenty of cinnamon.
Rob Zellermayer
CO-OWNER, BUSBY’S
Favorite Food-Drink Pairing: Bavette la Boucherie’s Barrel-Aged Boulevardier with their Pimento Cheese and Toast. Foga and I have made sitting at the Bavette bar a way to mark special occasions celebrating with the complexity of this cocktail-snack pairing. The absolute classic of a cocktail is balanced perfectly by the tang of the pimento cheese. Bavette’s location on Broadway in the Third Ward still feels exciting and new, with added space and a great open concept providing a chance to watch chef-owner Karen Bell’s staff create wonderful experiences. Bavette is always on the short list of places to show off Milwaukee and bring out of town guests.
Favorite Bar Seats for Dinner: Goodkind. Not often are bar owners permitted the opportunity to sneak away to enjoy other establishments, so the warm, familiar welcome and excellent menu offerings from the cocktail program to the numerous dinner options always provides a dependable respite. Another favorite dining experience from this past year is Foga’s discovery that she loves oysters during a visit at Goodkind – encouraged by their creativity with components such as, during that particular visit, a Blueberry Mignonette.
Favorite Spot to Groove: The Wiggle Room. Music in a bar is just as impactful as the draft list or choice of booze. We can’t imagine more intention being placed on creating atmosphere and a live soundtrack for it than the effort put out by the gang behind Wiggle Room. It has been a great spot to lounge with a drink, see friends and take in the musical experience.
Favorite Use of a Business’ Platform to Effect Change: Cactus+. Kelsey Kaufmann’s Cactus Club was already established as Milwaukee’s top live music club, but she has elevated the culture around it to be a positive focal point of the city with the creation of Cactus+. This multimedia arts educational program and community-building nonprofit is now hosting an amazing series of concerts to raise money to upgrade the 140-year-old building in Bay View to be fully accessible for all guests and truly an inclusive venue.
Isaac Rowlett
URBANIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER
Tricklebee Café: If you’re not won over by the cozy atmosphere and tempting aromas, then the delicious food will get you. Tucked between North 44th and 45th streets along North Avenue in Uptown, Tricklebee Café offers pay-as-you-can lunches every Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The locally grown, vegetarian prix fixe menu changes frequently and never disappoints. Bring a friend and check out this locally owned and operated gem of a restaurant.
McKinley Beach: After four years of reconstruction, this new and improved beach reopened to the delight of many Milwaukeeans. Bike down with a book and a beach towel and make an afternoon of this delightful semicircular slice of summer.
Cody Estle
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, NEXT ACT THEATRE
Heidi Armbruster: Heidi is a remarkable talent, excelling not only as an actor but also as a playwright. Originally from Wisconsin, she embarked on a highly successful career in New York before returning to Milwaukee. Recently, she has captivated audiences in two plays at Milwaukee Rep and made her Wisconsin playwrighting debut with Scarecrow at Next Act, a play in which she also starred. Heidi’s star power is undeniable, and I predict we’ll be seeing more of her and her plays gracing stages across Milwaukee in the near future.
UpTop Rooftop: Indeed Brewing in Walker’s Point has expanded its operations to include a rooftop bar located across the street from their main taproom. The UpTop rooftop, which began as a pop-up in 2023, now offers regular hours and boasts stunning views of Milwaukee. There’s nothing quite like enjoying one of their delicious Pistachio Cream Ales on a summer evening as the sun sets. It has become a must-visit for my partner and me whenever we have family or friends visiting from out of town. Everyone agrees that the beer is delicious and the atmosphere is fantastic.
Indigo Plant Collective: This vibrant new plant store, which opened in a storefront on Second Street in Walker’s Point in July, is a delightful haven brimming with unique plants, colorful pots and unique gifts. They host events, contribute a portion of their proceeds to local nonprofits, and provide repotting services along with expert advice for all your planting queries.
Claire Koenig
VISIT MILWAUKEE COMMS BOSS
Leinenkugel’s Barrel Yard: This restaurant and brewery tucked in American Family Field might be one of its best recent additions thanks to its menu of Wisconsin favorites that include a very respectable cheese curd offering, a flight of brats, plus freshly brewed Leinie’s suds with the standards like Canoe Paddle Kolsch and Summer Shandy, and a few experimental brews. All of these – plus the light wood interior design – make for an exceedingly pleasant ballpark meal, but what tops it all are the ticketed tables that offer spectacular al fresco views of the game.
Paul Bartolotta
CHEF, OWNER, CO-FOUNDER, THE BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANTS
Visit Milwaukee: As a board member for this incredible organization, I can tell you firsthand that Peggy Williams-Smith and the entire team at Visit Milwaukee deserve all the recognition for their hard work and dedication to promoting our wonderful city. They work tirelessly to position Milwaukee as a world-class destination and were instrumental in working with the “Top Chef” team, the RNC, the Baird Center expansion and other major initiatives benefiting our city.
The Commodore: We are thrilled to have opened our newest venue this year, bringing our “hospitality heart” to Lake Country. This beloved, historic property has been revitalized into a multi-use destination including a fine dining restaurant, event spaces both indoor and outdoor, and a private members-only club, located on the shore of Nagawicka Lake.
John Gurda
The evolving city: Millennials walking their dogs outside the factories-turned-apartments that have cropped up all over Walker’s Point.
Bradley Symphony Center: Rubbing elbows with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra musicians in their new home’s glassy new pavilion after a concert.
Lighting the Hoan: Looking up during an evening walk in the Third Ward to see the dancing lights of the Hoan Bridge
