Milwaukee Film Fest 2025 is upon us and grabbing a meal before or after a screening is part of the fun. With a short walk separating the Oriental and Downer, you can park once and catch a show at either or both, and get a bite to eat. Here are some ideas for doing just that:
1. Crossroads Collective Food Hall
2238 N. FARWELL AVE.
Located on the corner of Prospect and Ivanhoe next to the Oriental Theatre, the micro food hall is hard to beat for convenience. It also would be one of your last chances to patronize Crossroads before it closes, permanently, on May 8. The vendor lineup includes Awi Sushi, Temple Goddess + Adonis Burger (vegan, gluten-free), Capybara Colombian Cafe, Scratch Ice Cream and the Pharmacy Bar. Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
It’s time to pick your Milwaukee favorites for the year!
2. Beans & Barley
1901 E. NORTH AVE.
This institution known for, but not limited to, vegetarian fare serves good casual comfort – burritos, stir fries, lasagna, assorted sandwiches. I usually go for something Mexican-ish like the sweet potato burrito or chicken quesadilla, and even if I’m not up for dessert, I always want to know what they have in the bakery case. Hours: daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
3. Hooligan’s
2017 E. NORTH AVE.
An East Side landmark serving American bar food. Selections include wings, salads, deli sandwiches, burgers, fried chicken tender sandwiches and fish sandwiches. Also serves brunch and a Friday fish fry. Kitchen hours: Sun-Thurs 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
4. Freshfin Poke
1806 E. NORTH AVE.
I have a soft spot for Freshfin. I used to go to the (now-closed) Third Ward location quite a bit when we had an office in that area. They helped usher in the bowl concept here and still put out a consistent product. Their bowls also go well beyond poke (marinated raw tuna). They’re also built around shrimp, pork and chicken. Their more recent additions are seared dishes like teriyaki salmon and mango miso pork. Hours: daily 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
5. Maru Korean Bistro
2150 N. PROSPECT AVE.
There are many more ways to experience Korean food in this town. Maru offers a traditional interpretation of this cuisine, featuring trademark dishes like beef bulgogi, bibimbap, army base stew with Spam, and japchae (a cellophane noodle made from sweet potatoes). They also make several varieties of dumplings! Hours: Mon-Sun 4:30-9 p.m.
6. Canela Café
2621 N. DOWNER AVE.
A solid choice if you’re hitting a matinee, this breakfast-lunch spot a block north of the Downer Theatre does all sorts of traditional egg creations and carb-heavy pancakes and waffles. Before you jump into the sandwiches and salads, they’ve got some more modern brunchy dishes to consider like shakshuka, chilaquiles and breakfast bowls. Hours: daily 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
7. Café Hollander
2608 N. DOWNER AVE.
There are things that Hollander does pretty well – their salads, some of their sandwiches and, sometimes, just a straight-up burger and fries hits home. You can also get in and out relatively quickly, which may be the fit you want before a film screening. Hours: Mon-Thurs 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
