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52 Restaurants is sponsored by Educators Credit Union. April marks 21 years of Financial Literacy Month in the U.S.! Check out their exciting new initiative that will grow your financial empowerment.
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.
La Dama
839 S. 2nd St., (414) 645-2606
ladamamke.com
Regional Mexican
$$$
[Read more]
Milwaukee is blessed with a cadre of great Mexican eateries. But few compare to La Dama, which offers a modern perspective on regional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant offers a cozy, eclectic vibe (think tin ceilings, artful Mexico-themed murals), an open kitchen that allows you to see the impressive bustle of the chefs at work, and a “secret garden-esque” patio that serves as the perfect respite during the dog days of summer.
On the menu, you’ll find staples like aguachiles and a selection of outstanding tacos (with fillings that go well beyond the usual with ingredients like huitlacoche).
But you’ll want to delve in further with lovely entrees like citrus-crusted salmon with roasted beet puree, toasted corn and hibiscus reduction; and lamb shank birria that will challenge what you think you know about Mexican cuisine. Pair any of the above with one of La Dama’s equally compelling cocktails (or even a flight of tequila or mezcal).
Recommended: Aguachile rojo, charro beans, lamb shank birria
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.
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