It’s as important as ever to support the amazing local restaurants we have in our beautiful city. And there’s no better way to do so than committing to patronize them throughout the year. I’ve composed a list of 52 amazing restaurants to guide you on your journey. Try just one of these every week and you’ll have visited them all by the end of 2025. View the full list OR download an abbreviated printable PDF file for your fridge or wallet.
Bacchus–A Bartolotta Restaurant
925 E. Wells St., (414) 765-1166
bartolottas.com/bacchus
New American
$$$$
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It’s been over two decades since Bacchus opened its doors, and its longevity is a testament to its ability to evolve and meet the needs of the ever-changing dining public. Upgrades, including its 2019 redux, have brought new life to the restaurant, which continues to offer a fine dining experience, but one that feels a bit less formal.
The white tablecloths are gone and both the dining room and convivial bar welcome guests with a more casual soundtrack. Staff are dressed less formally. But they still embody the warm hospitality for which the Bartolotta Restaurants are known. Even more, while Chef Nick Wirth has been at the helm of Bacchus for years, his dishes feel modern and never stale.
From bright fresh Yellowfin crudo to seared scallops or braised salmon, his fish dishes always shine. Hot honey glazed chicken boasts flawlessly crisp, flavorful skin; and grilled Wagyu skirt steak comes alive when paired with intense Asian flavors. Dessert at Bacchus is always a delight, whether it’s a fruit-based tarte or truffle-inspired composed dessert. And you can always count on the wine list to offer up something new and exciting.
Should you choose to wait to make your visit, beginning Feb. 20, Bacchus will debut reimagined three-course and seven-course chef’s tasting menus. The restaurant will also reinstate its a la carte menu with selections like Tuna Crudo; Pork Bolognese made with Heritage Berkshire pork and house tagliatelle; and Cervena Venison Rossini. View the full menu online.
Recommended: If you can, go for the ever-changing five-course chef’s tasting menu; both the standard and vegetarian menus are outstanding.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
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 every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, 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.
