It’s as important as ever to support the amazing collection of local restaurants that we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than making a commitment to patronize them throughout the year. To guide you on your journey, I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2023. View the full list here OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file.
Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
320 E. Clybourn St., (414) 455-8870
thecentralstandard.com
Modern American fare
$$-$$$
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When Central Standard moved into a formerly vacant building on the edge of Downtown, it was difficult to know what to expect. But the growing distillery made good on their promise to create a bar and eatery with a sociable atmosphere and a menu to match. From simple, yet delicious, salads to housemade soups, sandwiches and well-prepared steak, there is a dish for everyone.
Highlights include their namesake salad, which is simple-but-delicious thanks to fresh, local produce and amazing green goddess dressing; housemade pasta (currently pappardelle with braised beef and brown butter bread crumbs); and the Crafthouse Cheeseburger, which boasts tender, richly flavored beef and a cadre of simple-but-classic accompaniments; it’s available for lunch, dinner and brunch (with slight modifications).
Also, if it’s a beautiful evening, be sure to take the opportunity to enjoy a drink on their rooftop patio.
Recommended: Charred broccolini; CS salad; burger; steak
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
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