Dining alone is one of life's greatest pleasures, but some restaurants feel more comfortable when you're flying solo than others. Here are our favorites for an anxiety-free experience.
Each week on Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Magazine’s dining critic, Ann Christenson, and 88Nine’s foodie, Tarik Moody, discuss Milwaukee’s culinary and restaurant culture on This Bites. This Bites is supported by Society Insurance.
Read more and listen to the podcast episode below to hear more on dining solo, where to get the best fish fry in Milwaukee, a lager beer fest, Amilinda's limited-time brunch and a vegan expo coming to town.
Where to dine solo in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee Magazine's Ask Ann column, Ann was recently asked, "Can you name some places where you feel comfortable dining solo?"
Here's what she said:
"For bars, I like Beans & Barley, where I often see solo diners eating and reading; recently expanded Buckley’s, where there’s a new, small bar but it’s cozy and inviting; Elsa’s on the Park, which offers the bonus of great people-watching; and Bavette la Boucherie, which has an active solo-dining crowd, particularly at lunchtime – and no need to bring reading materials. With meal prep and butchery happening behind the counter, this place is a feast for the eyes.
"If you’d rather solo it at a table, try warm, bright Tre Rivali at the Kimpton Journeyman Hotel, Celesta (plant-based eats in a tiny, friendly space), Cafe at the Plaza (for a diner-y breakfast or lunch), Le Rêve Patisserie & Café (on the open, breezy first floor) or Harbor House, because the days are getting a little longer and there is no better restaurant view of Lake Michigan."
Other Milwaukee food news and culinary events
Fish Fry season
Speaking of things that Ann has written in Milwaukee Mag, we're revisiting this article on the best fish fries in Milwaukee in honor of Lent. Check out her guide to the anatomy of the perfect fish fry and a list of the best restaurants with a fish fry here.
Amilinda's new brunch
Just as winter appears to be ending, Amilinda is doing a limited-time winter brunch series of warm comfort foods to get you through the last of these chilly days. It started in early March and runs through April 28. Take advantage of the seasonal specialties like torrijas (Spanish-style French toast), carcamusa (braised pork shoulder), the fried piri piri chicken and waffles, smoked salmon coca and more before they're gone. See the full menu and get reservations here.
Vegan Expo
If you’re curious about how to be vegan in Milwaukee, the fourth annual MKE Vegan Expo is your one-stop shop. It will take place March 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The expo will be held in the UWM Student Union. Get more info on the events, speakers and more here.
Lager & Friends Festival
A good lager is underrated. They're often overshadowed by IPAs, even though lagers are harder and show better beer craftsmanship. So we were excited to hear there's a whole festival dedicated to this brew coming to Brew City. The Lager & Friends Festival features some of the best lager brewers in the country and celebrates the men and women whose passion, skill and technique go into creating these well-crafted brews. Experience it at Turner Hall Ballroom on March 30.
