In an article posted on Eater this morning, staff at the food and dining website offered up a laundry list of reasons why Milwaukee took home over one-third of the total vote in their recent poll, asking readers for the "next hot dining spot in the nation."
And yes, that really says that Milwaukee won over 30% of the votes. Are you surprised? You shouldn't be.
Milwaukee truly has become a world-class city for dining, and that's among the major reasons why shows like Bravo's "Top Chef" have taken notice.
As one respondent who was quoted in the article states: “Milwaukee f*cking rules! And is low-key a sleeper city.”
What they said
For those who live here, the list of eateries that put Milwaukee on the "hot list" aren't surprising. Much like the voters in the Eater poll, we also love our James Beard Foundation honorees including Lupi & Iris, The Diplomat, Amilinda, Sanford, and Bavette La Boucherie.
Voters also mentioned local favorites including Birch, Odd Duck, Goodkind, Morel, Uncle Wolfie's [Breakfast Tavern], Three Brothers, La Dama, Saffron, La Merenda and Lebnani House (and more) -- ultimately, a great collection of hot spots that are deserving of praise.
And, while there are admittedly a few holes to be filled in Milwaukee's dining landscape, Eater notes that "The diversity of global cuisines was an especially strong selling point" for voters.
Indeed. A city that once sat in the shadow of Chicago is now attracting diners from The Windy City, along with food cities like Nashville, New York and beyond.
Truly, if you haven't already seen it, you should give the article a read. It's a multi-faceted testament to a variety of elements that really do make Milwaukee an amazing place to live and (especially) eat.
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.
