How is The Original restaurant rated?

Name: The Original
Address: 2498 N Bartlett Ave, Milwaukee, WI, United States, 53211
Telephone: (414) 763-4811
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

The Original

4.7

331 Reviews

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

Welcome to The Original - Milwaukee's newest upscale casual restaurant serving New-American style food paired with unique craft cocktails.
Incomparable Cuisine and Impeccable Customer Service – that's all there is to The Original's upscale casual style: Savory and exciting, clever and complex, familiar yet unexpected – the thoughtfully crafted, unique, monthly rotating menu is key to pique interest and generate curiosity among diners, time and again.
In addition to providing a memorable meal, service staff are building relationships with their guests so they feel welcome and at home, and want to share that experience with their friends and family.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Hours of operation
Dinner: Daily: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Phone number
(414) 763-4811
Website
http://www.theoriginalmke.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Vinny Cornils

Location
2498 N Bartlett Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Cross street
Bradford Ave. and Bartlett Ave.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Featured in

Crispy Brussels$9.00
Pork belly, apple gastrique, cheddar
Crab & Lobster Cake$18.00
Arugula, pickled red onion, remoulade, root vegetable chips
Wisconsin Cheese and House Charcuterie Plate$20.00
Two Wisconsin cheeses and two house charcuterie items, served with grilled bread, jam, grainy mustard, pickled vegetables and honey
Oyster Stew$16.00
Steamed oysters, tasso ham, trinity, red potato, herbs
Collard Green Dip$10.00
Pimento cheese, red pepper, crostini
Roasted Turkey$14.00
Potato latke, roasted tomato, bacon, Mornay sauce
Elk Meatloaf$14.00
Truffle potato purée, mushroom gravy, roasted Brussels
- Entrée Portion$28.00
Kale Salad$9.00
Kale, orange maple vinaigrette, goat cheese, roasted squash, pecans, red onion, candied lemon zest
Soup du Jour$8.00
Bowl of Chef's seasonal soup
Grilled Boar Chop$36.00
Farrotto, matignon, grilled broccolini, foie gras veloute. Suggested Pairings: Crossing Borders - Jura 10-year scotch, Gamle Ode Celebration Aquavit, herbs de Provence, orange bitters $14; Enlightened, Prototypical Porter Porter, ABV: 5.4% $8; Pinot Noir, J, Monerey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, CA $16
Wild Rice$18.00
Squash purée, red onion, brussels, roasted cauliflower, kale, king trumpet mushroom, chili date chutney. Suggested Pairings: Well Groomed - Hennessy VS, Plantation Xaymaca rum, banana, acidified orange $12; Vennture, The Heights, Saison, ABV: 4.5% $8; Pinot Grigio, Cavaliere D'oro, Venezie, Italy $7
Smoked Duck Breast$28.00
Ham brined duck breast, duck confit stuffing biscuit, baby carrots, sausage gravy, dried cherries. Suggested Pairings: Fairy King - Raynal brandy, mulled cranberry, lemon, absinthe rinse $12; Black Husky, OIHF Milk Stout, ABV: 8.0% $8; Red Zinfandel, Sebastiani, Sonoma, CA $12
Short Rib Chasseur$32.00
Braised short rib, tomato, bacon, onion, mushroom, herbs, lemon parsnip purée. Suggested Pairings: Less is More - Tattersall gin, herbs de Provence, lemon $12; Gathering Place, Ryed of the Valkyries, Dark Rye Lager, ABV: 5.2% $8; Syrah / Monastrell, Marionette, Jumilla, Spain $10
Scallops$28.00
Apple brandy glazed rutabega, kale, vermouth gastrique. Suggested Pairings: Darling Embrace - Broker's gin, mulled cranberry, acidified orange, cinnamon, bolivar bitters, sparkling wine $12; Enlightened, Kettle Logic, Amber, ABV: 5.6% $8; Sauvignon Blanc, Charles Krug, Napa, CA $13
T-Bone$40.00
Loaded twice baked Yukon Gold potato, broccolini, bourbon au jus. Suggested Pairings: Bourbon & Pie - Old Forrester 100 bourbon, Mathilde cassis, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon $12; City Lights, Hazy IPA, IPA, ABV: 7.0% $8; Cabernet Sauvignon, Heritage, Columbia, WA $11
Sturgeon$30.00
Seared sturgeon, clams, potato, onion, carrot, dill, crème fraîche, fry bread. Suggested Pairings: Root Society - Gamle Ode Celebration Aquavit, carrot, dill, acidified orange, orange bitters, sparkling wine $12; Third Space, Happy Place, Midwest Pale Ale, ABV: 5.3% $8; Chardonnay, Cambria Estate, Santa Maria Valley, CA $10
Market Catch
Rotating Seasonal fish special
- MP

What 331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.7

4.7 based on all time ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.6Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

GC
GeoffC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
The Original is new venue with excellent food, a very nice wine list, and excellent pairing suggestions right on the menu. The service was outstanding. Take a date, take a client, take your mother. It's all good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 13, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great overall and a great bar
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
31 reviews
vip
5.0
31 reviews
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
My husband and I were celebrating my birthday and very much enjoyed our first visit after a strong recommendation from a friend. The craft cocktail list is very impressive; we both really enjoyed our old fashions! Our waiter also gave us an extra dessert! I would recommend this restaurant to everyone!
SC
SusanneC
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best cocktails in the city! Service is professional and friendly at the same tome. Food is interesting and delicious.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
14 reviews
vip
4.0
14 reviews
Dined on February 29, 2020
overall4food4service4ambience4
Be sure to order a bloody!
p
profdelangue
Chicago
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful cocktails and service. Great food.
OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The scallops were excellent
MW
MarieW
Milwaukee
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Every aspect of The Original was special. The chef is particularly talented. Our wait person was knowledgeable and personable. Eric the owner has created a terrific restaurant,
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always outstanding!!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The drinks and food are excellent, and the service is even better! Highly recommend going and giving The Original a try, you won't be disappointed
MS
MleS
Milwaukee
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love this place. It is great for occasions or just a Tuesday night dinner. I have never had a bad meal or experience here.
a
amdd
Milwaukee
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fun, neighborhood place with great food and excellent cocktails.
s
svenskafru
Milwaukee
21 reviews
3.0
21 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall3food3service3ambience3
The food and service were “good”. I can’t say I was blown away by any dish or that there was any dish that I would want to have again. The atmosphere does not match the prices.
LB
LazyBones90
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 14, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
The Original lived up to its name with unique dishes that will satisfy anyone's palate. Also the options for a craft cocktail are endless. And the homemade tonic water was a fan favorite with my table.
JD
JoeD
Milwaukee
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
I celebrated my birthday at The Original with my wife. Both of us had a kale salad. For our dinner, I tried the sturgeon and my wife had lobster/crab cake. The salad came out light on dressing. My wife asked for extra dressing which we both shared. That was all it needed - salad was delicious. My wife quite enjoyed her lobster/crab cake. I was curious about the sturgeon. It was a meaty fish, almost like shark or tuna, but not quite that dense. The flavor was more delicate like that of a scallop, and therefore took on the taste of the sauce. All in all, the fish was enjoyable, and I would consider ordering it again. We had great service the entire evening.
SS
StraightShooter
Milwaukee
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal & great ambience
JM
JMoney
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went for brunch. It was fabulous! We had house donuts (a must have) and all 3 entrees were delicious. The service was great! One of the owners stopped by our table to chat. We can’t wait to go back for dinner
EH
EdmondH
Milwaukee
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the very best on the East Side! Eric and Craig have established an exceptional neighborhood spot.
DC
DianeC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
We love The Original. We have not been disappointed any time we have gone. The food is well thought out and executed by the chef and carefully and accurately described by Craig. The house cocktails are creative and the wine list has wide appeal. Noise level is a little high on weekend nights but everything else is so well done it’s all worth it.
KK
KevinK
Milwaukee
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best cocktail menus in Milwaukee, and the staff is very helpful with suggestions if you need help deciding. The food menu is not extensive, but everything on it is first rate. Personal favorites are the duck breast (in whatever way they are preparing it that day), the deep-fried pork chop, and the sturgeon. For dessert, the bread cheese is a unique sweet/savory treat. The atmosphere is that of an old school friendly neighborhood establishment (which it is). The space is small and intimate, but can get loud when in full swing. In the summer there is covered outdoor seating too. The Original remains one of my favorite restaurants in MKE, which is a pretty high bar given the competition.
JK
JaredK
Chicago
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 22, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Original is great all around! Food, cocktails, service, were all perfect. I highly recommend.
J
Jackie
New York Area
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on January 20, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Went for my spouse's birthday. Treated well--most of all, not rushed; comped desert. Both of us had the butternut squash with apple soup, which we felt was fairly unique & delicious. My wife has swordfish special, which she liked very much, & I had the short ribs, also excellent. Deserts were chocolat pod de creme & flan-like raspberry - something combination, both of which we enjoyed. House wines by the glass were quite good & not too expensive. Altogether an enjoyable evening.
D
Denise
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
A very cozy place. The service was impeccable. Had a very pleasant and funny wait person who was great. The food was glorious. We will come back often!!!
NW
NickW
Milwaukee
6 reviews
2.0
6 reviews
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall2food2service3ambience4
Disappointing brunch. All of our dishes were extremely greasy, as in puddles of oil and butter. The bloody Mary has thousand island dressing, which we found out only after the fact. Gut buster, literally.
LJ
LJPA
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place for breakfast/brunch! Delicious food and friendly server - we will go back.
E
Em385838
Milwaukee
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The pairing menu for New Year’s Eve was delicious and our server was attentive and swift. Will definitely be back again. Great place for a date night!
BK
BobK
Milwaukee
114 reviews
vip
5.0
114 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
My wife and friends had a very pleasant New Year's Eve dinner at The Original. The food was tasty, the service was friendly and attentive, and the ambience was fun.
DN
DateNyght
Milwaukee
23 reviews
vip
5.0
23 reviews
Dined on January 1, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience4
This was recommended by a friend of ours so we booked New Years Eve dinner made reservations well in advance, day before getting a call telling that they are have a pre fixe dinner @$75 ea and $100 with alcohol. Unfortunately 24 hrs earlier is not enough time to make decent adjustments. Poor planning, period. That said the food was outstanding- a little high for what we received. The flavors and 4 courses were good - spot on! We will go back because we wanted to try a few things on regular menu. Learning curve.
EH
EdmondH
Milwaukee
25 reviews
vip
5.0
25 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My all time favorite MKE restaurant. Perfect in every way. Had the brunch this time with family and it was all good. If you can’t decide, do the The Original. All the classic menu items and ample portions. Best craft cocktails in town. Period!
MR
MauraR
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We always have a great time at The Original. The food is amazing, the cocktails are delicious, and the service is on point! Highly recommend.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Milwaukee
26 reviews
4.0
26 reviews
Dined on December 29, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience5
Our server was amazing and had great recommendations. We ended up getting The Burning Giraffe cocktail which was so delicious. Brussel sprouts for the appetizer, they were smoky and they didn’t last long because they were so good. For entrees, we got the market fish which was a rainbow trout and the roasted duck. Both were A+. Nothing was disappointing. Price was a little high but it would not deter us from coming back.
t
terim
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is always fantastic! It has the old milwaukee feel to it. The people working are always very welcoming & attentive. Love this spot!
JT
JoseT
Milwaukee
75 reviews
vip
5.0
75 reviews
Dined on December 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family in for holidays !
S
Shopwood
Milwaukee
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
Consistently excellent food, service, and overall experience.
J
Jane
Chicago
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful space that has kept its “original”roots but been updated to serve the fresh and well prepared food of the 21st century by attentive and knowledgeable staff. Loved it.
d
deewass
Milwaukee
107 reviews
vip
5.0
107 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience4
Really impressive meal. Service was great, low key, but very attentive. Amazing cocktail menu which were executed perfectly. Would highly recommend just going for drinks and an appetizer if you are not in the mood for dinner. Nice menu offering and all the meals were really well prepared. Great flavors and service pace was what it should be. All around excellent meal and I look forward to going back.
H
Haje
Milwaukee
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Original hits on all cylinders!! Food, atmosphere, service and the cocktails--oh my! Love the small, intimate size and the owners are present and gracious!! The grilled romaine salad was delish!
JR
JamesR
Milwaukee
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on November 24, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, setting, and service. Quaint spot with inventive menu and great drink selection.
ME
MargaretE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything was great. The four of us ordered different entrees and shared. Each one was prefect. The cocktails were tasty and well balanced. The service was warm, attentive but not overbearing. Great evening well worth the time and money.
JB
JimB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 21, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent dining experience. Great food and atmosphere.... I shall return!

FAQs

The Original is rated 4.7 stars by 331 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Cross street
Bradford Ave. and Bartlett Ave.
Neighborhood
Milwaukee
Hours of operation
Dinner: Daily: 4:00pm - 10:00pm Brunch: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Cuisines
Contemporary American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Executive chef
Vinny Cornils
Additional
Bar Dining, Beer, Cocktails, Farm to Table, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wine

Website
http://www.theoriginalmke.com/
Phone number
(414) 763-4811

The Original

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

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45 Wisconsin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Milwaukee

Menu

Main

Crispy Brussels$9.00

Crab & Lobster Cake$18.00

Wisconsin Cheese and House Charcuterie Plate$20.00

Oyster Stew$16.00

Collard Green Dip$10.00

Roasted Turkey$14.00

Elk Meatloaf$14.00

Kale Salad$9.00

Soup du Jour$8.00

Grilled Boar Chop$36.00

Wild Rice$18.00

Smoked Duck Breast$28.00

Short Rib Chasseur$32.00

Scallops$28.00

T-Bone$40.00

Sturgeon$30.00

Market Catch

What 331 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Sort by

Filters

FAQs

How is The Original restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Featured in

100 Milwaukee Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

45 Wisconsin Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Milwaukee