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Balzac Wine Bar, Milwaukee, WI

Balzac Wine Bar

4.6
4.6
52 Reviews
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Top Tags:
Balzac believes that there is nothing that brings us together more than sharing food. Our kitchen is designed for the preparation of small plates, and to encourage our guests to share. You can expect dishes to arrive fresh, as soon as they are prepared; which means they probably won't show up at the same time. We hope you enjoy the flow of the courses, the evening, and don't forget the wine!

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (414) 755-0099

  • Website

    http://www.balzacwinebar.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Vanessa Rose

  • Private party facilities

    Balzac offers a wide array of catering experiences including, but not limited to:Semi-Private DiningWine TastingsWeddings and Rehearsal DinnersPrivate Brunch PartiesBridal and Wedding ShowersBusiness Dinners

  • Location

    1716 N Arlington Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202

  • Neighborhood

    Milwaukee

  • Cross street

    N. Arlington between E. Brady and E. Hamilton. Nearest to E. Brady.

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop at Brady and Arlington.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • RAM Cellars Wine Dinner

    $80.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 25, 2023 only
    Join us for a five-course vegetarian wine dinner featuring four wines RAM cellars of Portland, Oregon. We are the first to showcase these wines in the Midwest after reaching out directly to their owner/winemaker, Vivianne Kennedy. Viv is a someone whose style of wines as well as her personal values align with what we do at Balzac. The wines are fun and lively while being clean and structured. She also does great work in the LGBTQ+ community. For every bottle sold of her 'VIV' label wines, she donates $5 to local charities who support queer and transgender folks. The wines we will be featuring are: Dry Riesling (Columbia Valley, WA) Orange Fraiche (Columbia Gorge, WA) "Viv: Almost Red" (Columbia Valley, WA) Malbec (Rattlesnake Hills, WA)

  • Wine Tasting

    $40.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    If in the app, scroll down for regular reservations. You will sit down with a Sommelier for a tasting of five wines that are selected for your group. It is an intimate experience in a comfortable environment where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the wines. Wine upgrades are available and are detailed below! Select them on the "add-ons" page next. Standard(40pp): Wines we pour by the glass. Premium (45pp): Unique wines are opened and poured specifically for your group. Somm's Picks (75pp): Some of our Sommelier's favorite wines. They average over $100 on our list. Fortified/Dessert (70pp): 5 different styles of world-class, rich styles of wine Please, do not book within an hour of the time of your tasting.

  • Wine Tasting

    $40.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    If in the app, scroll down for regular reservations. You will sit down with a Sommelier for a tasting of five wines that are selected for your group. It is an intimate experience in a comfortable environment where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss the wines. Wine upgrades are available and are detailed below! Select them on the "add-ons" page next. Standard 40pp): Wines we pour by the glass. Premium (50pp): Unique wines are opened and poured specifically for your group. Somm's Picks (80pp): Some of our Sommelier's favorite wines. They average over $100 on our list. Fortified/Dessert (70pp): 5 different styles of world-class, rich styles of wine Please, do not book within an hour of the time of your tasting.

What 52 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Great for fine wines

  • Wisconsin

    Romantic

  • Milwaukee

    Great for fine wines

  • Milwaukee

    Romantic

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Filters

  1. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Me and my friend had a great time yesterday! I been here with my wife many times and we always had a great experience.

  2. Melissab

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Food was amazing. Attentive staff. Great selections.

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience5
    Untrained waiter - watched multiple instances of poor service around us that were cringe worthy. Water spilled on phone - apps dropped - not understanding how to open wine. Otherwise it’s a great place

  4. Disappointing

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    Food was disappointing. I made reservations far in advanced and asked for a private table and got the exact opposite- a very small table for 2 in the middle of the restaurant between other parties. Cocktail was good! But the food was just ok for the hype. Salad was very overdressed (which they comp’d us for) and they were out of the specials. Cute decor but not our favorite. Service was just ok, nothing special.

  5. Seank

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was amazing and had a decent variety. Drinks tasted good. Wait staff was very supportive. 10/10 would go again.

  6. Miller74

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    This was a fun place for a date night with my wife. Good wine selection, small plate foods were good, and our waiter and hostess were friendly, fast, and had good recommendations. We will be back.

  7. LDRN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is great, drinks are great, and it’s pretty affordable for a nicer dinner!

  8. BriceidaP

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience4
    Food was mid, service was okay, would not come back

  9. Ewbtal

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was awesome. Love the small plates! Really rich and deep flavors throughout. Especially loved the duck Bao buns. Also, the mushrooms were to die for our server was cheerful, attentive, and wonderful.

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Always a good place for a glass of wine and some tasty treats!

  11. KarmenS

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    We were excited to return to Balzac after it being a few years since we visited. The ambiance and service were both as great as ever. I was a bit disappointed by the limited menu. The bread and butter was not my favorite as the butter had an off taste to it. The Sac Mac was greasy and lacked flavor. It was an unfortunate update to their previous iteration. The blue cheese Brussel sprout salad was unique and delicious. The mushroom soup was tasty. We ordered the olive oil cake and it was inedible. It almost tasted foul and completely over salted. There is no way it was presented the way it was meant to taste. We will try it again as we have always loved it there but this fell short in comparison to other visits. Service was proficient and professional so hoping it was just an off night.

  12. CT2WIS

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed our evening at Balzac: the ambience was cool; the service was excellent; and the food was also very very good — especially the potatoes, bao buns with pork, and mushrooms — but the Brussels sprout salad was too salty and the pork broth was not a favorite. Will be back.

  13. Jamie

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service and food was amazing! I loved getting to try more of the menu with the small plates and the non alcoholic drinks were delicious! I would definitely recommend Balzac for unique food and great service and ambiance!

  14. PeterJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    Great atmosphere for New Year’s Eve. But food was substandard, especially given the price of the prix fixe dinner. All dishes Luke warm, for instance. Pasta rock hard etc

  15. EaMilwaukee

    Milwaukee

    19 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on December 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wine tasting with Tom the Somm and following meal were great! V is one of the best chefs in Milwaukee!

  16. Misha

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We randomly decided to stop in for a couple of glasses of wine and a few small plates and ended up thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We got the charred green beans and papas bravas, both were phenomenal. The music selection was great and overall the ambience was classy yet cozy. So excited to come back sometime soon!

  17. EmilyA

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Balzac is our absolute favorite place in Milwaukee. The wine list is always exciting, and the service is wonderful. Food is also fantastic. Cannot recommend enough!

  18. JeremiahS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance was wonderful here. Was a very romantic and enjoyable setting. Was a stormy winter week night, so very few people were there. Staff and food were great

  19. cathdav

    Milwaukee

    145 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    145 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We enjoy Balzac and have been a number of times. Wine list is fantastic and we always enjoy small plates that are ver creative.

  20. MattS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply delightful. Updated menu has been outstanding

  21. ROBERTS

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Superb service. The food was delivered. As expected, as a "small plate" or "tapas" menu, the serving sizes were small (but sufficient for a table of four). The prices were a little high, but overall very good.

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Gavin, always makes the experience one to remember. If you’re a big fan of excellent service and wine suggestions, request him! You won’t regret it.

  23. BrieW

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Fabulous menu! Great atmosphere and amazing cocktails!

  24. Emiliej

    Seattle

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We come to Balzac every time we visit from Seattle. Brought a foodie friend this time and he keeps raving about the meal. My sister with celiac and the 2 vegetarians were very happy. Love this place!

  25. ChristopherS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    love this place. definitely coming back. best spot in the area by far.

  26. Allison

    Milwaukee

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food and wine were incredible. Will definitely be back!

  27. Goat

    Milwaukee

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. The escargot was particularly flavorful. Our waiter Vicky was attentive and efficient.

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Ordered the same meal as last time and it was completely different this time. Cold thin cuts of steak and bau bons with what looks like a brisket inside?

  29. JillM

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We sat at the bar and the service was outstanding! The food was also delicious, but we wish you'd bring back your (original) vegan fried chicken!!

  30. DiegoR

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent as always! Never had a bad experience here

  31. Emily

    Philadelphia

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Cozy cute wine bar with great small plates!

  32. YeagBomb

    Minneapolis

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Small Plate dining experience. Solid wine list and great cocktails.

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Mehhh… this place used to be awesome maybe like 5/6 years ago when Ronnie was the Chef. But since then the food and menu has really went down hill. We ordered the skirt steak, pork shoulder, cheese and meat board, and the sac Mac. Everything was very underwhelming and in flavorful. The service was soo slow and we the server hardly paid any attention to our table. Everything was just so meh. Unfortunately we won’t ever be returning.

  34. REITREK

    Chicago

    40 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on October 2, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    First time diners, will be repeat diners. Loved the patio (needs heat lamps) out back. Front patio can be loud. Dimly lit inside needs a bit more light. Service was fabulous. Love 50% off Sunday wines. Excellent menu and portion sizes. Some execution off a bit like the bravas potatos.

  35. SarahB

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    First date

  36. Efood

    Austin

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and drinks!

  37. macaquito

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been to Balzac nearly 10 times and every time the food and service have been outstanding. They change their menu often and the innovative small plate dishes are fun to try - from the tuna tartare and bread and garlic butter to the pork and steak, all were simply delicious and beautifully plated. The service is far better at Balzac than at many other more expensive/high end restaurants in Milwaukee.

  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We loved the atmosphere, food and the staff. Service was extraordinary. The new menu will bring us back very soon.

  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience4
    When they say small plates, they mean SMALL plates. We wanted to share a bunch a different things. They were out of a few on an already short menu. Each serving was TINY but not a tiny price tag. We all left starving. Not going back ever.

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    The food was not as great as I am used to. Our server was nice but would disappear, making it hard to order more

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Balzac Wine Bar is rated 4.6 stars by 52 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Balzac Wine Bar

1716 N Arlington Pl, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    N. Arlington between E. Brady and E. Hamilton. Nearest to E. Brady.

  • Neighborhood

    Milwaukee

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Fri 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat, Sun 4:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Wine Bar, Tapas / Small Plates, Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    None

  • Public transit

    Bus Stop at Brady and Arlington.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Executive chef

    Vanessa Rose

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Website

    http://www.balzacwinebar.com/

  • Phone number

    (414) 755-0099

  • Private party facilities

    Balzac offers a wide array of catering experiences including, but not limited to:Semi-Private DiningWine TastingsWeddings and Rehearsal DinnersPrivate Brunch PartiesBridal and Wedding ShowersBusiness Dinners

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