Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Wisconsin
  4. Milwaukee
  5. Milwaukee
Balzac Wine Bar, Milwaukee, WI

Balzac Wine Bar

4.3
4.3
92 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 6 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–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 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

  • 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 Photo

  • 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.
    Wine Tasting Photo

  • 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 (60pp): Unique wines are opened and poured specifically for your group. Somm's Picks (88pp): 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 Photo

What 92 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Wisconsin

    Great for fine wines

  • Milwaukee

    Healthy

  • Milwaukee

    Great for fine wines

  • Milwaukee

    Romantic

  • Milwaukee

    Lively

92 Reviews

  1. KarenR

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We ordered & shared several small plate- all were excellent, especially the scallops!

    Is this helpful?

  2. DanA

    Tahoe

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service1ambience5
    Service was inattentive and scalps inedible. Very nice place otherwise.

    Is this helpful?

  3. BadgerAlum0124

    Austin

    8 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food3service1ambience2
    Unfortunately after one of our party had a good experience at Balzac we had just the opposite. I realize they were way understaffed but restaurants need to start limiting their seating instead of ‘hoping for the best’. One of our local restaurants does that when they realize they can’t manage to give good service. Customers that get turned away seem to understand and the people that do get seated get the service and the quality they expect and will come back. Even with the breaks they gave us on the bill, having the last dish come out 40 minutes after all the others were cleared is just too much and we will not be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  4. SarahB

    Milwaukee

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Seemed quiet for a Friday but it’s exactly what we wanted- ❤️❤️

    Is this helpful?

  5. Cmtaylr

    Indiana

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    It's not a hip wine bar as much as it is a bar for young ppl to get hammered. The food was very average and with all the loud drunk ppl, we won't be coming back. Didn't like a handful of things and didn't touch them, but the waitress never checked in to ask why.

    Balzac Wine BarResponded on September 19, 2023

    Thank you for the feedback. The day you dined with us was the day we were celebrating the restaurant's 18th birthday, and we planned a party including themed food, cocktails, and decorations that we would not typically have. I understand that if you are not expecting the party atmosphere we had on Thursday, this could be disappointing.

    Is this helpful?

  6. BN03

    Minneapolis

    35 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on August 15, 2023

    overall3food4service2ambience3
    Large, carefully selected wine list with many bottle options but too few by the glass options. Small/sharable plates are interesting and good. Service was fair. Server seemed miffed I asked for the check and didn't want any additional items. Didn't receive a very warm thank you at all.

    Is this helpful?

  7. KathleenL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Kyle was outstanding ~ great wine recs and exemplary service throughout ~

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food3service3ambience4
    Great time. Good food. Great wine. Half off wine bottles on Wednesdays.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Healthyeater

    Milwaukee

    40 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    40 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    We don’t think this nice looking place will survive with this level of service for long. We used to go there quite often but won’t go anymore. No one came to our table to serve for about 30 min until we asked why we haven’t had a waiter coming. Food listed on the menu wasn’t available. In general menu is very limited. Then waitress forgot one of the orders and we had to wait some more. Quality of food isn’t so great. Humus was good though.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Icey1One

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    Relaxed setting with a vast selection of wines. Food options are limited for those with a healthy appetite. I would visit again for the wine and atmosphere but would eat first.

    Is this helpful?

  11. RachyllT

    Austin

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Loved this find in Milwaukee. A little older crowd than the bars nearby. By older 28-39yr old. Wonderful wine selection and craft cocktails. Had the Dirty martini! And red sangria, loved both. Order pork belly bao buns, they do need a sprig of cilantro or cucumber to lighten them up with the kimchi. The picked vegetables and hummus were great. Also had the vegan chicken nuggets, so unique and tasty. Had salted Carmel dessert! Loved the atmosphere outback on patio, and the inside is so beautiful with dim lit lights and darker furnishings. A must for a glass of wine or/and small shareable tapas.

    Is this helpful?

  12. GraceS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    absolutely exceptional. service and staff are fantastic. wine unmatched, food delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  13. EricaR

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good! We loved all the vegetarians options and the waitstaff were all fantastic! We'll definitely be back here again!

    Is this helpful?

  14. Karen

    Milwaukee

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Delightful service. Quiet ambiance. Food portions a little skimpy for price.

    Is this helpful?

  15. KimS

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was a please tapas place offering delicious small plates, great wine choices and great service! We at outside in the back and it was just right!

    Is this helpful?

  16. KatieH

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything we ordered was outstanding, as was our service. We especially enjoyed the Beef Sopas and information from our server on the American Wine Project wine we ordered. Also, the back patio is beautiful and a great oasis just off Brady Street. Can't wait to return!

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    13 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 16, 2023

    overall2food5service5ambience5
    The food was good. Not great. Used to be amazing!!! Our bill was $300. Should’ve been $180.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Every single dish surprised us. The service, dinner, dessert and drinks were amazing. My group came for my birthday and only left with rave reviews. If you are going soon, make sure you get the bao, sopes, blueberry sherbet & chocolate raspberry bar. Edit: I forgot to mention, they were extremely accommodating to my peanut/nut allergy. They ensured they made dishes that originally included nuts without them. They also marked each dish with an allergy marker. This made the experience even more enjoyable. (:

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Des Moines

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tom was great! We enjoyed our tasting and learned some new things!

    Is this helpful?

  20. Marc

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, cocktails and service! The staff handled our Friday night party of 10 with skill and grace.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    So much great food. Loved. Great start to girls night.

    Is this helpful?

  22. MonaP

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 23, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    This is the third time I've dined at Balzac. The first two times were several years ago and the food was outstanding! I was disappointed with the food this visit. Except for the mac n cheese, the food was mundane. I felt a little ripped of with the bread and butter: five thin slices of baguette and a huge puck of butter.

    Is this helpful?

  23. NJTW

    Phoenix

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    This is mainly a "small plate" restaurant. Dishes are meant to be shared. We all found something we liked and enjoyed our meal. Small plates are not my favorite dining style. However, we had an enjoyable evening. Our table was ready on time and the service was really great.

    Is this helpful?

  24. AnnG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our table server was very good and attentive. Food was tasty. Decadent risotto. Our Argentinian caberbet was excellent as well. I'm not a local, but I'd go back if I had the chance.

    Is this helpful?

  25. TosaGirl74

    Milwaukee

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Despite being sold out of a few of the items on the menu when we arrived after 5:30pm on Mother's Day, we had another exceptional experience at Balzac. Our waiter, Tom, was friendly, funny, knowledgeable and all around awesome. Our food was excellent, from the coq au vin bao buns to the olive oil cake. And the drinks and wine were outstanding. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  26. TerB

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2023

    overall5food2service5ambience5
    Love the vibe and service but the food has become so salty the last couple of years you can’t even eat it. Sadly we won’t be back.

    Is this helpful?

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely, great service & atmosphere - they run a lot of specials on wine and have a fab happy hour that is great

    Is this helpful?

  28. JillH

    Milwaukee

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and wine! Especially love that ability to find great menu items with gluten free options. The beet charcuterie was FANTASTIC!

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    After not going to Balzac since the pandemic began, we returned last night and had our usual wonderful experience there. On Tuesday night, it was not at all crowded which suited two late-seventies seniors who don’t want to get Covid an extra level of comfort.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Goat

    Milwaukee

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on April 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent. Wine selection was broad with interesting options although bottle prices were hefty.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    There were 4 of us and we ordered almost everything on the menu. It was absolutely the right move.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Anon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Tom was an absolutely amazing sommelier and made the experience an absolute blast. Would definitely do a tasting again!!

    Is this helpful?

  33. LeslieG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We did the wine tasting and it was fantastic! The sommelier was very knowledgeable! This was a surprise for my friend and I found out she was pregnant the day of and the Balzac was very kind and accommodating!

    Is this helpful?

  34. Mick

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5
    The wine list used to be better. The recent menu changes didn't have much interesting on it. The cheese board was much better the last time I dined there with homemade crackers. The multigrain crackers didn't go as well with the cheeses I selected. We were also looking forward to some kind of steak dish and there was none to be found.

    Is this helpful?

  35. KyleG

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Went here for my fiancé’s birthday. She’s a wine person and I’m typically not but all of the wines we had at our tasting was outstanding as well as the food. Very welcoming, laid-back atmosphere and kind staff. We’ll be back again!

    Is this helpful?

  36. PamZ

    Milwaukee

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 8, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Great food, delicious mocktails (The reason we went). One suggestion is to list pictures of food in the menu. With their unique food choices/presentations it would really help to make a decision on food.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was great to be back! Haven’t been to Balzac with my wife in quite some time. Loved it! Can’t wait for the patio in back to open up!

    Is this helpful?

  38. AlexandriaS

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Had a great night as this is one of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee. My couple tidbits of feedback. The pace of the food was a little fast for me. Maybe I am just a slow eater, but I had a hard time keeping up with both food and drink. I like to savor a little more and have time for conversation. Also, wasn't a big fan on the discounts offered to people with 3+ attendees. Other than that I really enjoyed my time and the food was fantastic!

    Is this helpful?

  39. RyanK

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    They have recently updated their menu. It was a struggle to find items on their menu to eat. The green beans, buns, and pork were good. The prior menu I could have ordered the entire menu. They have absolutely destroyed the pot de creme. It is nowhere near what it was. Can't go wrong with half of bottles of wine on Wednesdays. Service was phenomenal!

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I love this place. We used to go almost every Friday before kids! Great food and wine!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.3 stars by 92 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 6 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–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 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

Featured in

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo