Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Milwaukee

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Milwaukee? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

I.d.

4.7

4.7 (1673)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Delafield

About the restaurant

A modern American kitchen located in the heart of Lake Country. Small plates, featuring locally sourced ingredients, and craft cocktails headline this farm-to-table restaurant. Choose from the artfully curated wine selection or let the sommelier on staff make expert recommendations. The Sunday brunch menu boasts one-of-a-kind dishes and breakfast classics. Private space for every event--from intimate dinners to large gatherings.

Top review

Christine

Dined 3 days ago

The service was generally good, but several dishes did not come out in a timely manner. I thought we made it clear that we were not planning of sharing plates as they arrived, people ordered what they wanted. The dessert took a LONG time to arrive. This place is OVER priced. All very tasty, but overpriced.

Buckley's Restaurant & Bar

4.7

4.7 (307)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Buckley's is a cozy neighborhood spot in the heart of Milwaukee's East Town. Located two blocks from Lake Michigan and the Calatrava, Buckley’s is an ideal all occasion restaurant in downtown Milwaukee. An ever-evolving menu showcases seasonal ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. To compliment your dining experience, peruse the thoughtfully curated 200 bottle wine list or select a beverage from an extensive cocktail program that has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the city. Customize your dining experience to meet your needs whether you choose to enjoy a four course meal or simply grab a burger at the bar. However you choose to enjoy a visit to Buckley’s, do not forget to order a signature house-made dessert. You won’t regret it!

At this family owned and operated restaurant, guests are treated like family. Come see for yourself!

Top review

Lbpicasso

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

We are out side it was beautiful .food was great good portions . Staff was great

MOXIE Food + Drink

4.8

4.8 (1263)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Whitefish Bay

About the restaurant

Inspired American comfort food, cocktails and wine. Dining room, patio and curbside. Now serving lunch, brunch and dinner.
Reservations or order online: www.eatatmoxie.com.
Our Reservation Policies:
- We do not take PATIO reservations. Patio seating is first come, first served.
- Maximum reservation/table size in our DINING ROOM is 6 guests.
- All guests must arrive within 15 minutes of reservation time.
- Payment with one check is required for parties of 6 or more.
- A 20% gratuity may be added to parties of 6 or more.

Top review

Nancy

Dined on Sep 5, 2024

One of our very favorite restaurants! Really spectacular ambience and delicious food! Really great service too! This is a truly special restaurant for either a night out for cocktails and appetizers or a special dinner. Highly recommend!

Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2357)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Located at the base of Milwaukee’s famed Cudahy Tower, Bacchus welcomes guests with reservations five days per week (Tuesday through Saturday), with two menus to choose from – a customizable three-course signature menu and a five-course tasting menu; both conceived by Executive Chef Nick Wirth and The Bartolotta Restaurants Owner and Co-Founder Chef Paul Bartolotta.

Reservations are recommended, and we have a 15-minute grace period, so please call us if you are running late.

Top review

MiaZG

Dined 7 days ago

The food is always prepared to perfection and our last visit was no different.

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4.6

4.6 (960)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

You are cordially invited to experience our industrial-chic neighborhood restaurant located between Walker's Point and the Third Ward serving eclectic, seasonally driven small plates, Milwaukee's favorite burgers, and amazing fried chicken. The restaurant also features an extensive, unique wine by-the-glass selection, craft cocktails, and several varieties of craft beers. We have multiple private dining areas that can accommodate several types of events and celebrations.

Top review

Sydney

Dined 6 days ago

This was my first time at Merriment Social and it was a great experience! We came to celebrate a birthday and were met with exceptional service and really great food! Would definitely recommend!

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Popular dish

Chicken + Waffles

The Knick

4.5

4.5 (2139)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Come enjoy an upbeat, contemporary dining experience at one of Milwaukee's favorite restaurants. The Knick offers an exciting menu and great nightly specials. A big city feel with friendly service, we offer an unique specialty drink menu and feature over 60 different vodkas from around the world. Enjoy our homemade desserts or a "Great Maltini" as a nightcap after a night on the town. End your weekend with our fabulous brunch and indulge with our signature "Queen Mary".

Top review

Melinda

Dined 7 days ago

The food and service are always good at The Knick!

ARIA - The Restaurant at Saint Kate

4.6

4.6 (642)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

ARIA, nestled on the second floor of Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel, is an artful dining experience that captivates with its culinary creativity. Delighting in its offering of Artisanal American cuisine, ARIA transcends tradition and leans into the realm of playful and inventive flavors.

Top review

Carolyn

Dined 1 day ago

The food was exquisite with bursts of flavors. Service was outstanding. 1st time diner and can’t wait to go back.

SAGE - MKE

4.5

4.5 (65)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Concept heavily focused on art, color, growth and sustainability. This hip haunt features shareable cuisine inspired by nature’s organic palette. Guests will enjoy bright, dramatic plating on the menu. Plants and protein will be featured, accessing the beauty of the changing seasons. SAGE’s menu to include herbs and produce grown on site. (indoor and outdoor)

The SAGE cocktail program is inspired by flavors from the garden while visually representing a hue derived from the natural ingredients. Guests will access a similar NBV eclectic mocktail menu. Local beer (draft and bottle) and wine to be featured.

SAGE will feature patio and bar seating in the lush gardens on site. (May-October)

Top review

Maryannvip

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

We ha d a large group and I booked through open table for Saturday brunch. We didn’t know they didn’t open on Saturdays for brunch until we left after the meal. The staff came in for us. The drinks were fantastic, the food was even better. The two women who cooked and served us were so nice. The restaurant is in a building from the 1800s so we loved the ambience. All in all we totally enjoyed the experience and would put this on the “don’t miss” list.

Red Circle Inn

4.3

4.3 (1356)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Nashotah

About the restaurant

- Wisconsin's Oldest Supper Club -

A lot’s happened since we opened our doors in 1848, and I guess you could say we’ve seen it all. From dirt road to plank road to railroad, Red Circle Inn has been serving up good food with good service for generations of people in Lake Country. Over the years, we’ve been a stomping ground for traders, trappers, settlers, working class, high class and everyone in between. There’s so much history in these walls, you can almost taste it.

It was former owner Captain Fred C. Pabst who gave Red Circle Inn its name and iconic red circle logo, a nod to his Pabst Brewing Company. He made the restaurant the place to see and be seen around the lakes, not just for a beer, but for high-quality food and warm hospitality.

Over 170 years later, the legacy lives on. As you enjoy your meal and the nostalgia of Red Circle Inn, you’ll learn why guests have been returning, generation after generation. Some might call Red Circle Inn a legend…that’s fine by us.

Top review

Joe

Dined 7 days ago

Celebrating wedding anniversary September 6. Capitalizing on the reputation of the red Circle we made reservation. We were greeted by an outstanding staff at front door (all guys tremendously professional and obviously well trained), Food server (K) offered tremendous greeting and eager to please attitude. This followed thru entire meal experience. We had made know of anniversary and 'house' provided complimentary champagne. Backing up pre-dinner cocktails in bar were graced with happy hour pricing. Spouse (picking on ribs) had a half-rack that were tender and flavorful (and accompanied her home). My walleye was great. Interesting not during the dinner waitress (K) brought a complimentary bowl of the PBR cheese soup for us to try. Great gesture BUT even greater product! Try it! Asked (K) to bring us a dessert of her choice. Seven (7!) layer carrot cake!! Great. Great coffee. Prices in alignment. We will go again!!

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Popular dish

Wedge

Experience

FAMILY STYLE SUNDAY SUPPER

Don's TV & Repair

4.5

4.5 (1410)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Located in the back of Don’s Grocery & Liquor is the former Don’s Diner now turned speakeasy. Disguised as a TV repair shop we welcome you to come grab some drinks and TV Dinners. Serving Boozy Shakes and Retro-Cocktails. We are in the business of repairing the need for a good drink and a great burger! In our effort to keep providing enjoyable experiences we are taking necessary steps for health safety. We want to ensure the health safety of our staff and guests each night.

Reservations recommended, walk-ins are accommodated with limited seating. Call Ahead for Large Parties 7+ or join the waitlist here on OpenTable!

Top review

Deb

Dined on Sep 2, 2024

We went to Don's TV & Repair for my Birthday, as I had read about it on several Milwaukee food blogs. It has a store entrance with a phrase to say to get into the place. It was similar to the SafeHouse. The restaurant is decorated in 1980's/90's nostalgia, small TVs with VCR players attached, multiple Gremlins, etc. There is a screen on one end where The Magic School Bus was playing. The menu is simple but the food is outstanding. They have shakes and boozy shakes and fun adult beverages. We plan to go back again and again.

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