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The Original, Milwaukee, WI

The Original

4.7
4.7
331 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
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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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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


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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

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Vinny Cornils

  • 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

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

NoiseModerate

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  1. 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.
  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great overall and a great bar
  3. 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!
  4. 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.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    14 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 29, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Be sure to order a bloody!
  6. profdelangue

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful cocktails and service. Great food.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The scallops were excellent
  8. 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,
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Milwaukee

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always outstanding!!
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. amdd

    Milwaukee

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fun, neighborhood place with great food and excellent cocktails.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. StraightShooter

    Milwaukee

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a great meal & great ambience
  17. 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
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. 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!!!
  24. 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.
  25. 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.
  26. 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!
  27. 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.
  28. 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.
  29. 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!
  30. 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.
  31. 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.
  32. 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!
  33. JoseT

    Milwaukee

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2019

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family in for holidays !
  34. Shopwood

    Milwaukee

    17 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 7, 2019

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Consistently excellent food, service, and overall experience.
  35. 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.
  36. 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.
  37. 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!
  38. 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.
  39. 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.
  40. 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

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