When you reopen I hope that rude guy Juston isn't there. Worst server in Milwaukee. He is equally terrible behind the bar. He provided us slow service a few times. The only reason we came back is because the food is 6 stars. Please keep him away from your restaurant read more

Really good food. Cool atmosphere. When it gets busy though service tends to slow down quite a bit. Could be they were a little under staffed when we were there though. Will stop in again and update review. read more

Love the comet!!! Moved to Milwaukee for 5 months, and while the city and area never really grew on me, Comet stays high as one of my favorite food options in the city. Back to Chicago I went, but always looking forward to Comet when I drive back! Great beer selection and the cocktails are vonderbar!! read more

Well here is an unusual event, no line at Comet Cafe. In fact we went to use a Groupon at Mayura Indian restaurant across the street but the wait there was crazy long. So Comet, you are another reason why I think Milwaukee is so quirky, I have lived here on and off for over 20 years now and I just don't get it. Comet ain't all that. Atmosphere: like Honey Pie, odd but not weird enough to be interesting. Very hodge podge restaurant auction compilation. Our booth seat had a huge tear in it with the stuffing coming out. Color me crazy but if I am gunna spend $12 on a sandwich, gimme a decent seat! Wait staff: Ours was very aloof at first but she did perk up as we went along in the short term tipper/tippee relationship. Another server who picked up our food from the kitchen and delivered it to us seemed annoyed that we had not been given utensils by our server yet. Food: I skipped beer for water, but there are plenty to choose from, and a titillating array of fancy tap pull thingys - I just might order my next beer based on the tap totem. Diner 1 (me) - ordered the AJ's Turkey dinner deep fried balls. Gross and Delicious all in one. the batter was perfect. Three tennis size ball- wads of potatoes and turkey situated in a bath of gravy. I ate it all, a bit achey on the sides when I was done but this is not something you leave to left overs. Worth trying and might be even better mid winter. The gravy was essential for this dish even though it was moist and had a good consistency. My meal came with salad or soup - ordered sweet potato bacon soup - spicy yet good , chunks of sweet potato in a squashy soup base, but any more than a small cup and it might not be as good Veggie side was steamed squash, cooked perfectly but it tasted strangely of lighter fluid. We mentioned this to our waitress who tasted it right there ( I was actually cool with it that time) and she agreed, it tasted like charcoal-ishness. She said she would ask the kitchen but we heard no word on what the deal was. Diner 2 - is going gluten free so she ordered the pork sandwich without the bun. they put in a nice casserole dish on the plate. She liked it, as well as the fries that she thought tasted more like potato chips. There were so many fries that many were wasted. Sprecher Rootbeer - always good. When we asked about what they had as far as gluten free, the waitress that sat us stated they have gluten free cupcakes but to let our server know so she could set one aside for us. She did. It was a vanilla with chocolate frosting. Moist, rich and good! Might have to return for the cupcake (made by Honey Pie). Bill: $28.68 (entree, sandwich, root beer and cupcake) Overall: Good, but I am not sure how it has gotten it's weird cultish following. Good for the occasional comfort food coma but really not worth the wait if there is a long line. read more

THE MAC & CHEESE IS REVOLUTIONARY. Loved everything about this place. Great ambiance and service. The food was stellar and the specialty cocktails were amazing. Only downside is that it is small and we had to wait a bit (on a Sunday evening). Other than that, we loved it! read more

Everything is always solid at Comet. Nothing has every been bad, but I'm not usually over-the-moon for things either. Brunch is my favorite time to go there. read more

Never knew vegetarian meatloaf with beer gravy could taste so good

I've been to Comet a couple of times now and had a few different items. The best thing I've tried definitely has to be AJ's Compact Turkey Dinner = deep fried Thanksgiving dinner goodness. Expect to wait if you are there for brunch. Comet's the place to go if you're looking for comfort food. read more

My daughter and I have been going there for years. The food was almost always fantastic. Fantastic enough to endure the shitty service (which they consider a kitchy feature. It says "slow service" right on the menu. ha. ha.) and tedious brass-knuckle/cupcake/hello kitty/bluebird tattooed Kat Von Dee-worshipping "Look at me I'm such an individual exactly like all of my friends" types who not only frequent but also run the place. So we were in there last August, and my kid gets the pasta primavera special, which she was really stoked about cause that's one of her fav dishes. The food arrives, she takes one bite, and is heartbroken to find that it tastes plain fucking wrong and that she can't eat another bite. I tried a bite and it seemed like either something was rotten or the innovative and usually successful cooking staff were up in a spicing experiment that went horribly wrong. I couldn't take another bite myself, and I'm like a billygoat. So when the irritated-by-our-presence waitress came by to groan "how is everything?" in a strained and obligatory manner, for the first time EVER in my life (and I eat at restaurants probly 4-5 times/week), I complained about the food. ...in the most diplomatic manner that anyone ever has. I sincerely said something to the effect of "I'm sorry to be a pain in the ass, but she doesn't like the pasta primavera, something just doesn't taste right...I tried it too and it's pretty nasty...." and expected some sort of conciliatory gesture on comet's part. Yeah right. The waitress literally shrugged and walked off. I was shocked by the absolute disdain and getting more aggro by the moment. Daughter and I split my food, which was delicious, leaving the rancid primavera to rot. When the snotty waitress returns with the check, I politely but very plainly state that I'd like the primavera taken off the check, to which she replies "Oh, I dunno about that. the owners don't really do that...I'll see what they say..." She comes back like 10 minutes later to announce that our drinks (my diet coke and her iced tea) were comped and that I should be overjoyed by the sheer magnanimity. I wasn't. I explained to her the higher mathematics of how $4 worth of drinks doesn't equal $9 worth of primavera from hell and that it wasn't right that I had to pay for food that sucked. She loops back to the owner for a pow-wow then comes back to the table to petulantly explain that "Comet isn't a big corporate entity, so they can't afford to comp a meal every time someone doesn't like it" in a very self-important "why don't you fuck off and goto Applebees then" kinda way. So I ask to speak to whoever's in charge which furthur shocked her and she mumbled something about "letting them know.." and went plodding off again. I saw her talk to the L.A. Ink refugee who owns the place not 20 feet away from us, and then sat for at least another 10 minutes while said scenester fiddled with things on the counter and went about the kind of busywork you do in a restaurant when there are no customers. I wanted to politely explain, and I honestly was being way above and beyond polite throughout this whole mess, that the customer service was absolutely atrocious and therefore we weren't going to ever eat there again. I have a feeling that the owner(s) of Comet wouldn't lose a second of sleep about that, knowing that the east side of Milwaukee will maintain a steady flow of assholes who will flock into Comet and eat whatever fuckedup shit that gets slung in front of them by waitstaff who let you know how lucky you are that they are doing you such a favor by taking your order and allowing you to sit in a place as cool and hipster as Comet. But the owner never came to talk to me, so we left. read more

This Milwaukee landmark is one of my all-time favorite places. Some complain about the slow service, but there is, after all, a large sign stating Slow Food on the building. It's a great place to sit and enjoy your afternoon or evening with friends and drinks. Great beer selection and the vegan 'ribs' are to die for. read more

Food is diner-like. Bartenders are rude, confidently clueless, and content with mediocrity. This place seems to attract an unsophisticated and immature crowd with low expectations. read more

food is passable at best everything is dirty and covered in grime, staff made us feel inconvenient for being there and making them work, they were out of vegan gyros which was the only reason I went there. Might try it again someday if circumstances dictate, but not planning on it anytime soon. I have no idea how this place is as popular as it is. read more

Comet Cafe is fun! It is definitely a lower East Side must stop! I recently had lunch with my stylist and BFF after a much needed touch up! I had the BLT...initially they forgot the B but after a quick reminder all was made right! After all that is what they are known for...the Bacon! Even if you order a Chardonnay on a Sunday! read more

Great place with a wonderful waitress. Amazing menu. They let you tailor your order to your liking.

I was driving around during my one break away from the office and my hotel and found this place with my co-worker. Dare I say that I think I found my new fav hangout / home away from home whenever I have to come to Milwaukee for work. It had it all: staff was extra friendly and attentive, menu offered vegan/veggie options that were perfectly portioned and very tastey, beverage variety is all you could ask for (espresso, tea, full bar, drink specials) and atmosphere is cozy and interesting but not too much one way or the other. I saw Fuel Cafe logos on their drink cozies so I wondered if there was an affiliation. Again, I was just thrilled to be here rather than my usual "eat in the hotel" routine. 4/4 Visit: Went back before heading home to Chicago and had the Longhorn sandwich. The peach(?) jam on roasted chicken and cream cheese sounded odd, but my was it tastey! I'll have to try to replicate for brown bag lunches in the future. read more

Came in on a Saturday morning for breakfast and was disappointed. 2 members of our party aren't able to eat gluten or dairy which is why we came here as they advertised gluten free and vegan breakfast items. Started off with a very unfriendly server and then was told that they were out of all gluten free toast options and didn't have any substitutes. Everyone at the table agreed that the hash browns were the worst we'd ever had, way too greasy and underdone. Between the lack of advertised gluten free options, only having 1 diary free milk alternative (soy) and the incredibly unfriendly service, we won't be back. read more

Last night myself, my boyfriend and several friends enjoyed a wonderful Sunday evening dinner at the Comet Cafe. I had stopped in once for coffee but had been meaning to come back to try the food. Three of our friends were visiting from Illinois and were on a self-designed culinary tour of Milwaukee. We all had seen Comet on the TV shows "United States of Bacon" and "Diners, Drive Ins and Dives" so we made sure to get this spot on the itinerary. OMG! I am so glad we did!!! First of all, we LOVED the bacon special. Order their featured beer -- Furthermore -- and get a basket of bacon! YUM!! Beer and Bacon instead of chips or pretzels or peanuts. Who knew?? Anyway, we ordered a bunch of food with the help of our server and shared it. We had the Meatloaf with Beer Gravy ($12), the Mac n Cheese (we added beef) - $ 13, AJ's Compact Turkey Dinner ($12), the Ahi Tuna Sandwich ($11) and the Cheesy Tomato Sandwich ($ 8). It was FABULOUS!!!!! The meatloaf, turkey dinner and mac n cheese came with soup or salad. Sandwiches came with fries. Salads were fresh and tasty, soup of the day was very good. Fries were yummy. I was amazed at the menu and the variety, including vegetarian and vegan options like Veggie Ribs!! Everything was so consistent. Presentation and visual appeal of the food will make you salivate! I expected the meatloaf to be a total gut bomb, and while I was certainly full it was not as heavy as I thought it would be. The Ahi sandwich was beautifully cooked -- a nice sear and lovely reddish pink inside and so flavorful. The Mac n Cheese had excellent cheesy goodness on macaroni with a nice al dente texture. Melted and browned shredded cheese was scrumptious. Chunks of seared ground beef added another layer of great flavor. The Compact Turkey dinner was so delicious -- it was like Thanksgiving at Grandma's only better and deep fried to a nice crispness. And oooh, the gravy!! Brussel sprouts were also served with the entrees as the veggie of the day. They had been sauteed and seasoned, retained their bright green color and had a nice bite to them. I am a huge brussel sprouts fan and I loved these! Sadly, we were too full for dessert. The atmosphere is great. It's very homey like an old time diner, they have a lunch counter with stools and booths. Then there's a relly nice bar to hang out at, too. Service was great -- prompt and friendly. Prices are also very reasonable. Final ruling -- The Comet Cafe is a great place to relax with friends, drink beer, eat bacon and enjoy comfort food whether you are a meat eater or a vegan. All will be more than satisfied! read more

Drove up from Chicago for a friend's birthday. Saw this place on Check Please! Roadtrip and was uber excited! Unfortunately, the wait time killed the excitement (not necessarily the fault of the diner). But, as we were ready to be seated next, some douche slipped the server a $5 so him and his pregnant wife could be seated next (which they were). Hmmm...last I checked pregnancy wasn't an ailment and if one experiences that much exhaustion standing, I believe you're suppose to be on bed rest. Don't get me wrong...not heartless here. Mayhaps subtracting the $5 visible bribe would have made it better but considering my friend has congenital dilated cardiomyopathy, my sympathy for the elected pregnancy was lower. We ended up leaving and dining at the Indian restaurant across the street. Just a turn-off...doubt I'd return. read more

When I get visitors from out of town who I want to entertain with some seriously unique food, I take them to Comet. My rule for eating here is: The more ridiculous it sounds, the better it tastes. Take AJ's Compact Turkey Dinner, for instance. The description from the menu reads, "Slow roasted turkey, sage stuffing, cheesy mashed potatoes in easy to eat ball form! Beer battered, fried and served with country gravy and Brussels sprouts." These people are culinary mad scientists and I love them for it. It's a great place to go if you want to satisfy a veggie friend and a meat head in one spot. If you are one of the latter, try the meatloaf. Good lord, THE MEATLOAF! read more

Deep fried ribs are good but I think it's the dipping BBQ sauce that sets it off right.

I was in Milwaukee for work and my husband and kids came for dinner here (from chicago) because of the food network press ... And not sure what the hype is?? It's good if you are in the area - but not a destination restaurant. Food is decent but by no means great? The server recommended the "famous" meatloaf and it was really just fine? And brussels sprouts side was also fine at best. I had the artichoke sandwich and also just fine. Fries were really good- hand cut and salty. Chicken strips were very overcooked and kids wouldn't even touch them. Server was a bit snotty and not around much? Ohh and the bacon was supposed to be the "thing" here and it was not huge pieces or anything different than a typical breakfast place bacon?? Net/net- not sure what the hype was about?? read more

i went to enjoy a nice birthday with my family, meanwhile this male waiter who had a beard seeping into his neck and crumbs from his last meal hanging in it, was giving us constant attitude. When he asked if i was finished i replied "one second" and shoveled broccoli down my throat while he gave me a disgusted look! Then after we payed he slammed our check on the table and went away immediately, and looked back at us with a evil glare! Then I left another tip on the table with quarters as an extra something, AND HE COMES OUTSIDE AS I WAS LEAVING AND THROWS IT AT ME!!!!!!!!! The hostess was super nice though, i loved her. However, the weird, nasty, crusty, dusty, musty, rusty, disgusting, filthy, horrendous, vile, cruel, ugly, deeply insecure, trying too hard to be a hipster, with a moldy septum piercing waiter ruined my night. That rat must be fired. read more

LOVE THE COMET. Get a Bloody Mary (the best in Milwaukee) they put a strip or 2 of their amazing bacon in it!! Also make sure to order the cheesy roast beef with hot giardiniera peppers rand a side of their homemade ranch to dip your fries. You won't be sorry! read more

Been coming here for over 10 years and I've never been disappointed. Great food, great staff. A must visit anytime family comes into town.

As featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, this joint on Milwaukee's Lower East Side is a tasty dining option. I got a chance to check out the dinner menu here and was impressed with its offerings. Their burgers are tasty, and the meatloaf with beer gravy is worth the visit alone . Plenty of drinking options, including many craft beers. I must check out their breakfast/brunch menu on my next visit. Bacon is big here, as noted on Triple D. It's reasonably priced,and totally worth the effort to stop by. Oh, btw, I wished I had left some room for dessert because the selection looked tempting. read more

For as long as I have heard how great the food is at Comet, I never considered going. Maybe because of the Hipster feel that I have heard it has, or just because I don't get out on that side of town nearly enough. A group of us were going to a show at the Oriental last night, and decided to give Comet a go. The staff was friendly as soon as we walked in and made us feel welcome. The place definitely has an old school diner feel. Being such a Pulled Pork fan, I am sad that I didn't give Comet a chance earlier. The BBQ Pork sandwich was Delicious (they offer a vegetarian option) and the fries were tasty. Was happy to see they have Purple Door Ice Cream, but I couldn't pass up the cupcakes at the counter. I took a Chai cupcake to go. Most delicious breakfast this morning!! I am glad I gave them a chance!! read more

I had their famous meatloaf and the gravy is absolutely incredible. The mashed potatoes and turkey deep fried balls are as good as it can possibly get. Amazing comfort food with a unique and quirky ambiance that will keep you coming back! read more

Watching 55 year olds eating to Jane's Addiction makes my stomach crawl, unfortunately the food here did too. This is a fine place to go for some drinks and the coffee pie was quite good, however, I would not recommend the food. Very uninspired artichoke melt with wilted fries. My wife got cold mashed potatoes and gravy. The melt was something a 13 year old would dream up and put on a Wonder bun! Overrated! Amazing how busy this place is. read more

Visiting Milwaukee for a week I ate here twice and loved it both times. Coming from the south I have a high bar for breakfast / comfort foods and I would say Comet met that. The portions are HUGE and so is the flavor. I got the traditional breakfast Rocket Platter and the more southern feeling Angry Jonii Cakes. Both were fantastic. Only criticism is that my eggs came out a little less done than I would have liked, but that is being picky. read more

I would not recommend this place for breakfast. Pancake is super dry and hash browns were barely cooked and super greasy. Blood Mary seems like it's missing an important ingredient. When we sent the drink back the waiter said oh we get that a lot. HmmHowever the lunch option and dinner option are pretty darn good. The meat loaf had good seasoning and mashed potatoes were very good. I do have to say the staff here does an amazing job. Just wish the food got more attention. read more

This was a great stop for a light meal that was quick and easy. Very kid friendly as well. I may be back before I leave Milwaukee this week. read more

Girlfriend had the meatloaf sandwich, it was better than my omelette. Also, drank a Bloody Mary and I don't even like Bloody Marys. I think it was because it had bacon and came with a Miller High Life Bullet. COOOOOOOL! read more

One of my favorite places in Milwaukee! It's worth the wait in line to get in.

Comet Cafe is home to the best Mac and Cheese on the planet. Okay, at least the Midwest. Seriously. I have eaten Mac and Cheese at lots...and lots...and lots of restaurants. Comet's Mac is like no other. It almost tastes as though they melted cheese curds over the noodles. I don't know how to explain it other than it's amazing and makes your mouth very happy. Comet is my go-to restaurant to take friends to when we meet in Milwaukee. The servers are always friendly and the atmosphere is very casual and laid back, even when bringing your feisty, small children! Love this place - it lives up to its reputation as being one of the best in Milwaukee. read more

Not crazy about this place. Over rated. Maybe people from Milwaukee believe this is a good place....not me.

WOW. I'm super hungover and came here for the tomato soup and grilled cheese. Heaven on earth let me tell ya. Bloody mary was sub par and the hipster employees were fairly lethargic. But god DAMN if that cheese sammich fruit soup combo wanst just the 5-starriest thing I ever did ingest!! read more

Outside seating is mostly in shade so our desire to eat outside with the doggies on the first beautiful day in Milwaukee was thwarted by it being cold as heck in the shade, lol. On hotter days though it should be welcome. I had the meatloaf in beer gravy that was delicious. You can actually taste the beer in the beer gravy which is rare. The side vegetables were well cooked and the meatloaf had a nice taste and texture. My wife had the mac and cheese with bacon which she really loved as well. We took home some pie and cupcakes too so overall a successful satisfying dining experience. Except for the shade :) read more

well, i wish i could say i still love comet, but we're on a break. i have worked in a million restaurants, and a sense of urgency goes a long way. this does not exist at comet. they don't have a hostess, the servers deal with the flow of people coming in. when it's busy, this just don't work. i have seen them walk around leisurely, filling water glasses, slowly clearing tables, chatting with the bar staff, etc, while 5+ parties are waiting to be sat. annoying. i waited over TWO HOURS for a dinner table once. the last time we were in for brunch, they were moving so slow that we finally said screw it and sat at the counter. we mentioned to the bartender that things had seemed slow lately, and his response was, "nah, i think we do okay". when i told him about the previous two hour wait, he replied,"no, you didn't wait two hours". with a straight face. as if i was just making it up for fun. we really should have just taken our business elsewhere at that point, but now we were cranky AND starving, so we stayed. the bartender was nice from that point on, and even comped our drinks, but the damage was done. the food has been pretty average, and very, very slow. there are better places to spend your time and money. read more

One of my favorite places in town. Certainly on my list of go to places. Don't expect to get a seat right away because this place is (justifiably) busy. Luckily they have a good selection of beer and drinks that will keep you happy while you wait. This is one of the rare restaurants where the vegan and vegetarian options are just as good as the regular items. I don't recommend the carryout. They are clearly not set up for that since i sat there for 20 minutes waiting for my food which was sitting on the bar. read more

Comet never disappoints. I've been there for brunch at 10 am or late night food at midnight, still the same level of great service & food. They have a surprisingly long drink menu with cheap cocktails. Free bacon on Sundays. Wear stretchy pants. read more