John D.'s Profile

This place has gone downhill steadily.  Avoid eating here at all costs.  You may be ripped off because of fraudulent charges attached to your bill.  

Zero service.  Zombie-like waitstaff.  Bad and non-existent food.  A very bad choice for eating.  This restaurant cannot handle the business they have--do them a favor, and eat elsewhere.

This great bakery has has the buttery, warm bread smell that I remember from my days in France!  The smell adds to the life of Brady Street on the corner across from the church.  

The little cookies of all types are delicious without being too sweet.  I buy dough here to make homemade pizza.    

NOTE:  this is precisely the type of place that, if it closed, people would say, "oh, so sad to see a local business close!"  So, if you live in the Brady Street Area, East Side, Yankee Hill, give it a try, and perhaps you can find something here that you can regularly purchase.

If you're a hipster, you are not likely to enjoy this store, as it is practical, down-to-earth, and unpretentious.  It sells basic groceries of good quality at reasonable prices in a small-format store that is easy to get in and out quickly.  I wanted to note this store if you are seeking to keep on a budget and are willing to go to a store with product brands that you don't see portrayed in television advertising.

This is one location, among several in the metro area, of a national chain of small grocery stores.   These grocery stores are termed "edited selection" in that they have a limited range of brands and items available for purchase.  They sell things like canned vegetables and soups, cereal, beans,  household cleaners, toilet paper, napkins, and other everyday household items.   I have used their store brands of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato soup, canned vegetables, lentils, beans, coffee, cereal, cleaning products, and more, and have been 100% satisfied with the quality of everything I've bought.   I give it 4 stars (versus 5) because the store is a bit cluttered at times, the prices have unfortunately edged up during the rise in gas prices, and the checkout lanes have been a bit slow in the crush of many customers.

What I find refreshing is that I can go to this store and buy practical items at reasonable cost.  I wish there were such a store closer to where I live downtown.  Among the hundreds of art galleries, pretentious boutiques, and empty storefronts near me, I have nowhere to go (within walking distance) to buy practical, simple grocery and household items in an unpretentious atmosphere at reasonable prices.

I stopped in for the lunch buffet and had the vegetarian option ($7.95).  The server said that a meat option was available for an additional $4, but there was plenty to eat.  I enjoyed the hummus, tuboleh, potato salad, and falafel among other things.  Great dessert--baclava.    All the food was hot, fresh-tasting, and the decor was very clean and pleasant.  Great location on Brady Street.  The server kept our glasses full, and we left full.

A great cafe and casual space on the East Side.  Good coffee, an unpretentious atmosphere, and free Wi-Fi make this a nice stop if you are looking for a place to meet or talk or compute.  As a "community organizing center," the cafe opens itself to groups who want to meet there, although I think the College Republicans (not that there is anything wrong with that) might feel out-of-place.

I stopped in for the lunch buffet and enjoyed a great meal.  All the food was hot and fresh.  The waiter brought a basket of bread and frequently filled my (small) water glass.  The atmosphere was quiet and uncrowded, and I appreciate the great location right on Brady and Van Buren.  Topped off with mango ice cream and rice pudding, it was a great meal for $8.40 plus tip.

This museum proudly hosts the history and ongoing activities of the people and motorcycles that have made Milwaukee famous.  Located on a site that is aptly located near the crossroads of highways and streets, the building and grounds also blend into their riverside locale well.

Staking a claim on the West Bank of the Milwaukee River, this locale of the local coffee chain impresses with a slick building and its standard offering of famously strong coffee.   Although the seating area seems small at first, once the weather warms up, there is a balcony and possibly a patio area, allowing plenty of room for the coffee drinkers and laptop campers to hold sessions of coffee and conversation.  I admit, I brought my little EEEPC here and wrote for a bit and drank two cups of the Alterra coffee that seems to give a great, energetic boost to an afternoon.  I appreciate having another option for a cafe in Riverwest.

I stopped in for the lunch buffet and enjoyed a great meal.  The food was fresh-tasting, piping hot on the serving tables, and delicious.  There was plenty of different dishes to choose from.  Fresh bread served at the table and attentive service made me feel comfortable and welcomed. Topped off with mango ice cream and mango pudding.  $9.45 + tip.  A great place to stop for a nice mid-day feast on the East Side.

I had the buffet lunch here.  The Thai pizza was very good, but it was cold.  A very limited selection of food was offered on the lunch buffet table, and some of the food was cold and not strictly fresh-tasting.  $8.43 + tip.  A OK choice if you are in the Cathedral Square area but not worth a special trip.