Dining in Milwaukee is always an adventure in itself, there are so many places to choose from! Are you looking for something cool and different to refresh your weekend dinner plans? From espionage to pasta flights, these spots are unlike anywhere you’ve been, and although some are a bit unusual, they’re all an experience to be had. You haven’t tasted Milwaukee until you’ve tried these eleven interesting and unique restaurants!
1. Strange Town
This new spot on Milwaukee's east side is unlike anywhere you've ever been. With a hip atmosphere, dishes you've never heard of, and the best music choices in town, you're sure to become a fan of Strange Town. They're a plant-based restaurant, but carnivores and vegetarians alike are loving this new unique spot.
Strange Town is located at 2101 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee.
2. Birch + Butcher
If you want to feel like a true Midwesterner while still being modern and cool, Birch + Butcher is for you. Not only are they the only Milwaukee restaurant with a open-fire hearth, but they have a butcher on site! This contemporary comfort food is sure to be a new experience every time.
Birch + Butcher is located at 459 E. Pleasant St., Milwaukee.
3. SafeHouse
Have you ever wanted to start a career in espionage? Well, we don't have advice for that, but you're sure to get in the mood at SafeHouse! This spy-themed restaurant is an adventure in itself, right from the front door. If you don't know the secret password to get in, you might have to prove you're trustworthy. Once you're in, the food is worth the mission. This is a fun and unique experience for the whole family!
SafeHouse is located at 779 N. Front St., Milwaukee.
4. Comet Cafe
This cafe is beloved by all the locals, and for good reason! The charming diner is homey, and the food is comfort food at its finest. They have plenty of vegetarian dishes for your veggie friends, but delicious meatloaf and other classics for the carnivores. There's something here for everyone! The best part? Saturday is Bacon Night, and every meal comes with a free basket of bacon. What's better than bacon? Nothing, that's what.
Comet Cafe is located at 1947 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee.
5. AJ Bombers
This burger spot is something out of a movie. With a feel like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, the bar and restaurant has a track that "bombs" peanuts right to you! Though peanut bombs are fun, the burgers are where it’s at. These are arguably some of the best burgers in town, and everything is completely customizable.
AJ Bombers is located at 1247 N. Water St., Milwaukee.
6. Mader's
Milwaukee's oldest restaurant is the expert on German fare. The history here runs deep, but the food is something to come back for again and again. Grab a stein of beer, a pretzel the size of your head, and feel transported to the land of our city's roots!
Mader's is located at 1041 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee.
7. Hamburger Mary's
Hamburger Mary's is
the quirkiest restaurant in town, but it's loaded with charm. Where else can you have a cheeseburger the size of your head while watching a drag show? Whether you're looking for a spot with sass, bar food that's better than the rest, or an unforgettable show, this is the place to be!
Hamburger Mary's is located at 730 S. 5th St., Milwaukee.
8. Barnacle Bud's
This unassuming seafood shack is an experience unlike any other. Though it's only on a river, this dining experience feels coastal. You can even ride your boat up to it!
Barnacle Bud's is located at 1955 S. Hilbert St., Milwaukee.
9. Beans & Barley
Beans & Barley is the perfect spot to take friends and family from out of town! This hip but old fashioned restaurant isn't just a great place for food for everyone, they also have a unique grocery store attached where you'll find quirky gifts. Whether you're looking for a killer brunch, a great burrito or sandwich, or a relaxed setting for a beer, this east side spot has it all.
Beans & Barley is located at 1901 E. North Ave., Milwaukee.
10. DORSIA
When entering this new Brady Street spot, open your mind to pasta reimagined. What might look to be a modern bar turns into so much more when you see their menu. Everything is made from scratch, but luckily you don't have to pick one dish—just order a pasta flight! Experience multiple pastas in smaller portions, but be prepared to be mind-blown every time.
DORSIA is located at 1301-07 E. Brady St., Milwaukee.
11. Sweet Diner
This new diner in the Third Ward gives a new definition to the term "diner". Sweet Diner is a hip and sophisticated spot, with food that is sure to please every single time. Rethink diners and give this spot a try, you won't be disappointed.
Sweet Diner is located at 239 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee.
If these dining experiences aren’t cool, we don’t know what is! What’s an awesome unique restaurant you love in Milwaukee? Share your secret spots with us in the comments so we can taste-test them for ourselves!
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