By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Feb 02, 2024 at 10:04 AM Photography: Lori Fredrich

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 committing 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 2024.  View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.

Zócalo Food Park
636 S. 6th St., (414) 433-9747
zocalomke.com
Food Trucks
$-$$

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Want choices? You’ll find them in spaces along with a  liberal dose of community at Zócalo Food Park, an ever-evolving food truck park located in the swiftly developing 6th Street corridor of Walker’s Point. 

Relax with a drink from the newly remodeled tavern while enjoying an ever-changing assortment of dishes (from tacos and arepas to soulful Puerto Rican or Filipino fare, pizza or even sushi) from the food park’s collection of food trucks. Or make a reservation for one of their beautifully decorated heated outdoor huts (they’re very affordable, especially for groups). It’s the perfect spot to host a winter get-together!

It’s a casual dining experience unlike any other in the city. But even more than that, it’s a place that raises up food entrepreneurs, encourages community and works to make our city a better, more inclusive place.

Don't miss the Tavern's new happy hour which takes place every Thursday and Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. It features $4 tap beers; $5 Topo Chico; $5 Nosotros shots; and $7 Margaritas and Palomas.

Recommended: Hotbox smoked wings; Los Virellas pernil mofongo bowl; Modern Maki ramen (or sushi burritos); Anytime Arepas pork arepa; a torta from Mazorca; Ruby’s bagels (weekends only); 

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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.