Diners' Choice: American restaurants in Milwaukee

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall 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!

Morel

4.9

4.9 (769)

$50 and over

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

A modern American restaurant that's dedicated to source consciousness, Morel's menu finds inspiration from Chef Jonathan Manyo’s roots: Wisconsin. Morel explores natural flavors, colors, and textures from local farms, purveyors, foragers, and artisans. For eight years, Jonathan has remained dedicated to featuring a menu comprised of nearly 100% Wisconsin-sourced ingredients.

Top review

Brett

Dined 6 days ago

Food was awesome and the staff (including the host, bar, cooking staff and our server) were very knowledgeable and friendly. One of the best dinners we’ve had in a while, definitely going back on our next visit to MKE.

Birch - Milwaukee

4.8

4.8 (1099)

$50 and over

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

A hyper-seasonal New American Restaurant celebrating Wisconsin farmers & food producers and cooking over an open fire.

Top review

jim

Dined 3 days ago

There was a nice variety of menu choices and we found a lot of new and interesting bites. The service was great and attentive. If are looking to have fun with a group and expose your palate to new and interesting bites, this would be a good place to go. It was my wife's birthday, so there was a card signed by the staff when we arrived --- a nice touch ---- but they didn't offer here a complimentary drink, dessert, etc. I also was a little surprised to see dark stains on the white fabric chairs at our table. it was kind of a weird first impression as we pulled the out to sit down. 4 stars

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Experience

July Pepe's Oyster Bar

Experience

July French Bistro Pop-Up

The Inn

4.8

4.8 (65)

$31 to $50

American

Hartland

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Elizabeth

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful food, service and atmosphere! The pizza is amazing!

Cafe at The Pfister

4.7

4.7 (383)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Café at The Pfister features a casual full dining area available for breakfast and lunch, as well as a barista counter and patisserie in downtown Milwaukee. We proudly brew Starbucks® Coffee on the go and serve freshly baked-in-house pastries. Whether a quick meeting over coffee, a power breakfast, or a business luncheon, we offer a varied menu from Starbucks® favorites and traditional breakfast items to homemade soups, seasonal salads, a multitude of fresh sandwiches, as well as delicious gluten free and heart-healthy options.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

The Café at the Pfister was an enjoyable lunch. Service was a little slow. Food was satisfying. Staff was friendly and polite.

Central Standard Crafthouse and Kitchen

4.8

4.8 (360)

$30 and under

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

WE DO NOT OFFER FOOD SERVICE OR RESERVATIONS ON OUR ROOFTOP PATIO, WHICH IS "FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED". We highly encourage you to make a reservation in the main dining room and then head up for a cocktail or two after! For groups larger than 4, please call the restaurant (414) 455-8870.

Located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, Central Standard Distillery's Crafthouse & Kitchen is an experience like none other. Enjoy culinary creations from our scratch kitchen or stop by for a few of our award winning cocktails at the bar or lounge created with Central Standard spirits.

Exec. Chef David Sapp
Sous Chef Noah Shirikian

Top review

Anne

Dined 6 days ago

Fun atmosphere with delicious food and drinks! Best salmon I have had in years.

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Greenfield, WI

4.4

4.4 (112)

$30 and under

American

Greendale

About the restaurant

Experience the perfect fusion of award-winning wines, Napa-style tasting rooms, and modern casual dining at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. Enjoy contemporary American cuisine influenced by international flavors from our scratch kitchen. Each dish is expertly paired with our selection of wines for the best food and wine match. Whether you explore the tasting room for a pre- or post-dinner adventure or join the world's largest wine club, we believe in the power of food and wine to create lasting connections. Dining reservations are highly recommended, but walk-in guests are always welcome on a first-come, first-serve basis. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are available.

Top review

Denise

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent variety of dinners and all were delicious

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Experience

Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

Experience

Pop a Bottle of our Gratitude

Experience

Wine Tastings and Rotating Chef Recommendations

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant - Brookfield, WI

4.6

4.6 (7415)

$30 and under

American

Brookfield

About the restaurant

Top review

KatieVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Joe, our server is wonderful. He makes us feel welcome and so very comfortable !

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Brunch & Bubbles | Saturdays & Sundays 10am – 2pm

Bar Louie - Brookfield

4.7

4.7 (9)

$30 and under

American

Brookfield

About the restaurant

At Bar Louie, we're passionate about delivering flavor packed experiences. Defined by our award-winning handcrafted martinis and cocktails, our lunch, dinner and happy hours elevate the top-shelf bar experience. In a vibrant atmosphere energized by our local community, we serve all guests looking to create unforgettable moments - making us the go-to-spot for all occasions, from a spontaneous happy hour hangout to a celebratory spot for milestone events.

Top review

Beth

Dined on May 17, 2025

We went after my daughter’s college graduation by her choice. Our server was outstanding, the sangria was delicious as was our food.

Mason Street Grill

4.8

4.8 (3920)

$31 to $50

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Welcome to our neighborhood! Join us in our dining room and enjoy the inviting aromas from our wood fired oven or relax and listen to some live jazz and indulge in a delicious cocktail in our lounge. Don’t miss out on exploring our Chef’s Counter where you can watch the action and see how the unique food creations from our talented staff are prepared. Food is what brings people together and we’re excited to explore new dishes and share flavorful memories with ours guests.

We love to celebrate special occasions and our private dining rooms are just the right size for business meetings and social gatherings. Let us make something special for you.

Come in and make yourself comfortable. We’ll take care of the rest!

Top review

JoelVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Amazing establishment with the best steaks in Milwaukee. Service and ambiance are also top notch.

Bridgewater Modern Grill

4.6

4.6 (1104)

$31 to $50

American

Milwaukee

About the restaurant

Designed to inspire connectivity, The Bridgewater Modern Grill celebrates its home on the river with honest, unambiguous cooking. Quality meals and memories are enjoyed on the longest river-front patio in the city with one goal: bringing people together to enjoy everything Milwaukee has to offer.

Top review

Sally

Dined 3 days ago

Appetizer bread was stale. Rest of food was very good but prices are too high. Filet ordered medium rare was medium well. Great atmosphere.

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