I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful experience. While at this year's Locust St. Fest, a friend recomended we walk down the street to "that place on the corner" because they serve one of the best sandwiches you'll find around here. First thing I spotted as we entered was a row of impressive tap beers so I figured the menu would have to have some interesting items on it. After being warmly welcomed by the bartender we perused the menu. It all sounded too good. After a beer, we decided to get an antipasto plate & the cheese panini. The meats were fantastic! Honestly the best pepperoni I've ever had ... smokey & rich with just the right amount of spice bite. The salami & capicolla were top notch as well. The cheeses that came w/ the antipasto & on the cheese panini were outstanding. The service was friendly & fun, the beers to choose from were great, and the food was fresh, tasty & well portioned ... I will be returning to Nessun Dorma when I'm back in Milwaukee. And I must find out where I can get that pepperoni! read more

Absolutely love this place. Great food great people. Best happy hour ever. Always love coming here. Portobello Philley is my favorite sandwich. read more

I wish this place was in my neighborhood. Excellent selection of wine, beer, whiskey, and rum. Plus, their food is great and fairly inexpensive. The Formaggio and the Artichoke Dip are my favorites. The service is usually very good, especially if you sit at the bar. Plus, they are non-smoking until 10PM which I appreciate, especially when I'm eating. read more

Oh, how I love love love this place, which i will gladly refer to as "my bar." That place right down the road a piece, off the beaten path, full of whiskey and wonder, a GREAT beer selection and a staff I eventually knew all by name. A quiet, darkly-lit, intimate setting perfect for a date or comfortable enough to grab a solo drink at the bar. Yesterday, I was no longer in Milwaukee for whiskey Monday ($1 off all whiskey drinks) and my heart broke a little. Did I mention their food is AWESOME? It is. I will echo the raves for the spinach dip, and throw in a couple cries for the charcuterie plate (cheese and meat and olives, hooray!) Patron this place and tip your bartenders and servers well. Such a gem in the gruff Riverwest neighborhood that I miss so much. read more

Nessun Dorma is the quintessential neighborhood place for me in Riverwest. None of the glitz, glamour, or grime. Just a corner place with some crazy good artichoke dip and paninis. In fact, the food here is not too expensive, and it impresses with each bite. Also, the beer list is outstanding, and changes somewhat often. There are a few little neighborhood corner restaurants in Milwaukee, and this one is one of the best. Come for a beer at happy hour, they're pretty cheap! Stay for food. Ignore the giant city of Milwaukee-dug hole out front and relax in a warm place on a nice cold evening. Ps: summer sidewalk dining!!!! read more

Living a block away from here I frequented this place. I love the fact it is in an old house, small, intimate, great service and stick to a small menu that they can execute all the dishes flawlessly. Did I tell you they have a great beer, tea, and scotch selection too?!? The Desert of the Day is always amazing and usually stop by just for this. Their Paninis are always good but I go for the desert, the booze, and the atmosphere. Always a good time when you are here. read more

This place has definitely gone down hill :( Nessun Dorma was my little slice of "the Third Ward" that I could bring my yuppie friends to in my hipster neighborhood (Riverwest) without them freaking out about all of the awesomeness (I'm a half breed). I've been back several times to this bar/restaurant since this was a 'gem' and it is no longer. The food quality has gone down. I also keep getting this fairly unfriendly waitress. The soup is prepared totally incorrectly as far as technique. Soup should be half pureed and half left as is. Not the whole contents pureed half way... Does that make sense? Also, the amount of portabello mushrooms is underwhelming in the sandwich, way too much bread. I don't know if they are putting less mushrooms in the sandwich or using twice the amount of bread. I think Centro Cafe has knocked Nessun Dorma out of the ball park as far as the best tapas and Italian styled dining choice in Riverwest. Although Centro has some flaws too (which I will post after a few more visits), at least it is not the food itself. Bad food = don't even bother ordering it. Centro has great food... period. I still think Nessun is a good bar though. Just go there and drink and get that warm and cozy feel. Sorry neighbor. Get well. read more

I love this place! I try and make a visit every time I'm back in Milwaukee. It's got the classic Milwaukee corner bar feel, but better. I like it so much that if I moved back to Milwaukee I would consider living in walking distance primarily for easy access. There's not much else I can add to the many other reviews. Butttt, the bartenders and servers are super friendly, the food is delicious, and the beers are reasonably priced. Great selection too. read more

A friend of mine is seriously a beer snob. fucking beer snob. the kind you hate. a lot. and are intimidated by. Upon knowing this, and that our evening was to be a one-on-one, fairly conversation based affair, I decided to go for the gold when it comes to great, local beers on draught and a huge selection in general. that being said, I had heard 'Dorma had a HUGE list from friends and other riverwest acquaintances. Safe to say, the place did not disappoint. Being that my friend and I were both having virgin experiences to this place, I think it's safe to say I'd not only call the place back, but I'd come back for seconds! Beer: HUGE selection. kicks the hell out of a lot of other places in the area as far as selection goes. I went with the Milwaukee Brewing Co. Godzilla Imperial Wit, which was very tasty. Partner is crime went with the very traditional, but always steady La Fin Du Monde (a first for him, too!). While we did not get a chance to sample the food, which i've heard amazing things about, savouring the ambiance of Nessun Dorma was quite easy. Intellectual Intercourse is not only tolerated here, but almost implied! Quiet, but not too quiet to be creepy. Busy enough to know its great, but not so busy you want to put a bullet in your head (like Foundation was, where we had came from). No television here kiddies, just good ol fashion conversation and great, great beer. I can't wait to return for sloppy seconds to this sassy little joint. Just loses a star because our first order of beer took about 10 minutes to arrive. meh, a little too long for my taste. read more

The only thing I dislike about Nessum Dorma is that it's in Riverwest, which means I don't make it there as often as I would like. The atmosphere is comfortable and cozy, and the beer selection is always good, but most importantly - the artichoke dip. You will not regret ordering the artichoke dip. In fact, i won't judge anyone licking the bottom of the bowl, because it's that delicious. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, the paninis are great, too! I'm a vegetarian, so I've only tried the Formaggio (which is incredible), but my boyfriend is just as crazy over the Italian Deli Panini as I am over the artichoke dip. The food here is really good, you guys! You should definitely check it out. read more

The food was good, atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. This is a hipster place though, and the server was a little rude when I asked for a Vodka/Red bull. Like she was better than red bull (they don't serve it there). Good place overall, as long as you stick to the drink menu. read more

Nessun Dorma is one of those restaurants tucked away in a residential area that could go unnoticed but it keeps going strong because of the great word-of-mouth. Everything is great here - the beverage selection, the ambiance inside of the restaurant, the hip waiters, the outdoor seating in the summer, the apps and the main dishes. It's so unassuming ... and I think that's why it's such a big hit. read more

This is a great place to eat and drink. Large drink menu, so sad my friends aren't into that stuff. The food itself was very good, and these aren't tiny ipod sized panini's, they're full satisfying portions. For being under $10, it's extremely impressive. read more

Well, somehow I lived a block from this perfect little pub for the last 3 months and never been inside. I've now been there twice in the last week and can see this being my new neighborhood bar. The first night I went was on a Tuesday and our waitress was phenomenal. She knew her beer stuff and pointed us in the right direction when it came to their dessert offerings. Even my friend who was in town visiting on business agreed that she was the best waitress he'd had in years. Staffing aside, the food was excellent. Their menu is fairly limited, mostly full of paninis with a few daily specials that have sounded interesting. The first night I had their Puccini Panini, which had quite a generous portion of beef tenderloin and was delicious. We also split an order of their pesto bruschetta, which was quite good. Between the bruschetta, panini and side salad I was more than sated (half the panini was taken home and eaten for lunch the next day). The second trip there I had portobello philly, which was good- but exactly like what it sounds. Lots of oozing cheese and mushrooms, but didn't blow me away. That being said, I did devour the whole thing. I really enjoy the side salad that comes with the sandwiches. It's mixed baby greens with a light vinaigrette dressing and so much more enjoyable than an order of fries would be (not that I don't love fries, I do but the salad is a better compliment to the panini). I would be remiss if I didn't mention their amazing beer selection. If you like interesting and varied brews this is the place for you- there is something for everyone's palette. read more

Great local bar. Very comfortable and casual. It's very apparent that there's lots of coworkers and friends that meet up here for a drink and some dinner. The menu is simple, not huge, but comes with high recommendations from not just the bartender but patrons at the bar too. Great antipasti platter and tapenade. read more

Nessun Dorma - The olive tapenade on grilled bread; a perfect combination of salty and crunchy. - Bars Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

A great looking urban side streets bar and restaurant in Milwaukee's historical river West neighborhood. This place is small and quaint and has great service and the food is tasty. It is a hangout for locals and people through all milwaukee looking for unique small scale dining experience. This place is about as different as a strip mall location as you will find in America and I was over all impressed with this place. read more

I wish Nessun was in Chicago. Friendly staff, fantastic food and a delicious selection of draft beer in the perfect neighborhood location. You'd never just stumble across it, which makes it seem that much more special. The bruschetta was great as was the Italian sandwich and organic beer. read more

A place that serves Upland beer has a special place in my heart! (and in an Upland pint glasses to boot!). And the olive tapenade....OH the olive tapenade is sooo good. read more

I was in Milwaukee with a friend and we wanted to get some vegetarian/vegan food before heading back to Chicago. Most places were closed or charging a cover so we tried Nessum Dorma, leaving our luck to chance. We were pleasantly surprised! They had a solid menu of sandwiches, fancy appetizers and a wide variety of beer and wine. They also have a full bar, but we did not partake. The olive tapenade was five stars! I had the house salad. The marinated portabella mushrooms are definitely worth the $2 extra. My friend got a cheese panini and exclaimed several times how it was "the best sandwich she had ever had for $6." She was also happy to get a Stella Artois for $4. She had a piece of the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake which she enjoyed thoroughly. The service was attentive and our food came quickly. The kitchen is open until at least 10 pm on Fridays. Not sure how late the kitchen is open otherwise. Better than almost all the other late night food choices I have experienced. Attractive, comfortable atmosphere. read more

I like headlines, so here: 'Corner bar casual made hip with craft beer and clean food.' This summer, Katie reminded me: "Do NOT order the artichoke dip--it was spicy. Both times you ordered it." Fair warning--I'm a total spice wimp. Order the artichoke dip-everyone else likes it. 'Get a stout," she says. 'Deal:the Creme Brulee.' She tilts her head to tell me I'm SO busted: 'You'll like the black jack." And I do. That's how good she is. Katie. Coolest bartender, some-time derby queen, Katie knows all. She remembers what you like, what you don't like, and she isn't afraid to remind you. Which, clearly, is helpful for a girl like me. What's more to love about Nessun Dorma? THE most phenomenal bruschetta--who thought bruschetta could be phenomenal? The pesto is perfect and at $6 an order it's the way we start every Tuesday night yoga dinner (yes, there are 6 of us.) I'm surprised every time I order the traditional bruschetta--always lighter and fresher than I remember (don't make fun now.) Nessun Dorma is a hip corner bar--a nod to the best of old Milwaukee in a way only a newcomer can pull off. But, truly I have know clue--old Milwaukee or transplant. I'll just have to try it again, Next Tuesday night. See you then girls. FYI: Southern Tier Creme Brulee--they had it on draft. The fragrance will lure you in, but it's more liqueor than beer. Split it with a friend, or two, or three. Black Jack Porter--divine. Yes, it's a porter. And how does this differ from a stout? That's another Web site. Put plainly: I like it. And really like Nessun Dorma. read more

I have not been to Nessun in awhile. We took pops to a local after seeing some art. The atmosphere great. The service was attentive. The wine excellent. The sides of the meal delicious : salad fresh with olives and brussel sprouts . The pork tenderloin awful. Super tough. We told the wait staff but all they did was bring out steak knives.LOL. We paid our bill and went home. My partner said never again. read more

I was born and bred in Milwaukee and lived in Riverwest in the late 1980s and early 1990s when the area was known for $300 three bedroom apartments, there were tracks through the parking lot at Tracks Tavern, old hole in the wall pubs, Italian bread bakeries, cheap Polish bars, and dark lit Italian cafes run by grandmother types. I think the bakeries, cheap bars, and the old Italian cafes are all gone, or have been bought out and have gone upscale. I remember when the Mad Planet opened on Center Street, and I even had a few nice talks with muggers who let me go after finding only $1 in my wallet (don't mug people at bar close!). So, when I went to Milwaukee I went to a place I spent a lot of time hanging out and listening to music. Now the place is called Nessun Dorma, but I remember it as the Stork Club since I last lived in Riverwest in 1989-1992 and the house bands were The Jasmine Road Affair and The Clams. Now, a Yelper told me that this place was a new less "grunge" cool, so I was at a show up the block and decided to pop in with my snotty grumpy Polish friend who I was showing Milwaukee. First, I was really impressed by the "make over" this place has had since I last visited this space in 1995. The inside was always preserved "corner bar" but this place has been completely restored. It really is a nice place with an amazing selection of beer, wine, and drinks (I came too late to enjoy any food). My friend had an Armagnac which he ordered in consultation with the bartender. My friend is one of those "snotty European types" and he was impressed by the fact that his drink was served in a proper glass and that our bartender was well versed in his booze. I was the designated driver and the bartender poured me club soda like a champ. I really love visiting Milwaukee since Nessun Dorma and other places are real signs of a Renaissance in my home town. My only complaint is that there is not a city and interurban rail network in this great city since my friends who visit Milwaukee area always complaining that for visitors, the Cream City is really car dependent. Well, I found parking very close to Nessun Dorma, so that was no worry. Feeling like an old timer, a young woman, after hearing the bartender's Pandora list cranking out 1990s pop said "what is this 1990s night" .... which was funny since this was my first visit to this space since that "vintage" decade. The space has not aged, it has improved! Good work Nessun Dorma! read more

Cozy atmosphere. Awesome beer list. A great place for a date or drinks with friends. Did I say Awesome beer list? A hidden gem in Riverwest - for sure! read more

Artichoke dip = Best in town Excellent selection of beers Not too extensive liquor/ shot selection but that's not the crowd/vibe this place attracts anyway. Ambiance is chill/ mellow. Lighting is dim. It's a perfect setting for great conversation. The artichoke dip is pretty much the only thing we consistently order... The portabello sandwich is awesome too, if ur looking for a vegetarian option. The other options are quite delicious, some of my favorites were the daily specials (listed on the dimly lit chalkboard in back) so be adventurous and ask your server- they know their stuff. read more

This place is awesome! The wine and beer selection is excellent, and servers are very knowledgeable about the menu. There are tons of different wines and beers to try. The artichoke dip, well everyone else told you about that... it's amazing! The sandwiches are really good, the ingredients are really fresh. Fresh mozzarella really does make a difference! The people watching at this place is at a prime. There are so many different people from different walks of life. This place was not what I expected, but it was so good! I would recommend it in an instant and cannot wait to go back! read more

This restaurant came highly recommended, and it definitely delivered! Great comfort food, and the beer/wine/cocktail selection was great. This is not your typical Miller Lite account....lots of really cool micro brew beers...and prices are REALLY affordable. Perfect weekday night dinner restaurant...I would return in a second! read more

I've been coming to Nessun for a few years and I do love it! Great neighborhood place with good servers/prices and pasta night... yum yum. The only thing I'd say is since new owner ship the kitchen needs a little work. The last two times I've come they've forgotten something, no dressing or crutons on salad, no garlic bread... not a big deal we will keep coming but the little details matter! read more

Nessun Dorma is a real gem. Tucked away a block off of Humboldt and Locust, the location is almost idyllic. I stopped in for a leisurely dinner and a drink before an evening downtown. The staff was genuinely warm and helpful. The Puccini panini was delightful. The combination of beef, capicola, sautéed peppers, provolone and Kalamata olive tapenade was surprising and well-balanced. The beer selection was outstanding as well. And the interior! The stained hardwood, ambient lighting and a setting sun made for a beautiful and relaxing experience. read more

This place has an inviting, cozy atmosphere. It's great for conversation and the wine selection is good. My only beef (or should I say tofu?) with the place is that I really want to eat here and I am vegan. Being as it is located in Riverwest, I suppose I feel like a vegan option is not too much to ask for... In fact, I expect it. It's very easy to eat vegan in Riverwest, and after reading the reviews from others, I want to eat vegan at Nessun Dorma! As for now, Nessun Dorma is a cool, chill place to grab a drink at. read more

The ambiance, the beer selection, the softly lit residential interior, used but beautiful dark wooden furniture... the place is nothing short of charming. It's one of my MKE favorites, in the eclectic community centered neighborhood of RiverWest; it has become a ritual stop on the evenings I fly into town. read more

I lived a block down from Nessun Dorma for years and ate here once or twice each year during that time. The paninis aredelicous - I always get the Chicken Caesar Salad as a panini, yum! The side salad served with is it also fresh and tasty. The Spinach Artichoke Dip is spicy and may be one of the best I've had! The Cream of Broccoli soup really was the best I've ever had. I just wish they would compel me to come back with more variety, seasonal changes, or just an update with some new options. read more

Nessun Dorma is great! I love that it is kind of off the radar and you have to have heard about it to stop in. By far my favorite place in riverwest. They have a great beer selection and the ambiane is perfect for a first date or drinking with friends! I have only had the food once, but everything we had was really good... a chicken dish and a salad. There is not a lot of options on the food menu though, that was my biggest gripe. Definately stop in for the beer/wine! read more

I absolutely love this place. The prices are great and the food is AMAZING. It's a small place, hidden away on the east side. Full bar, great ambiance - very cool. Love this restaurant! read more

This is the pride of Milwaukee. Great, abbreviated menu. Paninis, salads, starters. And, a really, really yummy rotating daily special. The soups are outstanding. Everything is perfect. The bar is cozy, and you'll find yourself staying much longer than you'd planned for. Solid tap (8-10 unique offerings). Good whiskey selection, as well. Now, it's summertime. No better place to hang, al fresco. read more

I love this place & it's my constant go to place in Riverwest for the following reasons: 1. They have the best soups you will ever experience in your life, I always get a cup even if it sounds like something I wouldn't be wild about & am always blown away by their take on it 2. They have the friendliest, chillest staff ever 3. Even when it's busy in there the atmosphere always feels very relaxing and home- like. 4. They have a 2$ Riverwest Stein night! If you're like me and constantly disappointed with your dining experiences in RW I highly recommend you try here! You won't be disappointed & it'll probably be your new go to place too! read more

Have always liked this place since first going years ago. Menu is somewhat limited and it fits the location adequately. Place is small but not tiny. Service is typically attentive. Could definitely see hanging out regularly for a few drinks if I lived in area. Has that neighborhood feel. Think what I like most is the throwback feel probably due to it's long history pre nessun dorma as a local corner bar, etc. Good beer selection with a nice bar. read more

Nessun Dorma is great - the pairing of a delicious and expansive (while reasonably priced!) wine and beer list paired with tasty, enormous appetizers is awesome. Yeah, it's not the trendiest inside or the most inventive or enormous food menu, but with basically no items on it over $10, there's not all that much leeway for one to complain. A couple of sandwiches, a bottle of wine, and one of several surprisingly large appetizers run a scant $45 after tip and everything. Maybe it's just my experiences paying a bunch more for stuff in Boston, but in my book that is some serious value -- if this were around the corner from me in Somerville I would find myself here for food and drinks all the friggin' time. read more

Nessum dorma is a unique Milwaukee gem for its comfortable, homey feel, with a killer beer selection and nice,concise menu. The portobello melt is oohh so good. The service is quick and friendly. The whole vibe is great. Definitely a chill night with a small group or date night. One if the best in Rio West. read more

Delicious! This place has been around the corner from my sister for years, despite her hopping around from residence to residence. She just can't stay away from Nessun Dorma! The place is so good that the wait staff genuinely loves the food. Their endorsement is no T.G.I. Friday's-style "and the SOUP is really awesome todayyyy!" endorsement. It's more like a friendly, down-to-earth cute tattooed girl saying, "Well...pretty much all our specials are amazing, so you can't really go wrong." Or something of that ilk. Good service, good beers, good drinks, excellent food, and artichoke dip that will alter the course of your existence forevermore. read more

I go here 2 or 3 times a month, one of two "nicer" places to eat in Riverwest. Intimate, inexpensive, and unpretentious, a seat at the bar with a nice glass of wine (or a $2 tallboy of Bitburger) is a most coveted neighborhood perch. I used to tend bar when this was the Stork Club, possibly the dive-iest bar of all time, save for the Uptowner, with which Nessun Dorma shares a city block. It's a great space, warm woods, low lights (sometimes so low it's impossible to read the menu, but I think I have it memorized.) Ciccio appetizer (warm grilled bread, olives, cherry peppers, provolone, capicola, salami.) Formaggio sandwich (4 melty cheeses & roasted red peppers). Get dessert. It's good. So are the fish specials on weekends (like tilapia with a yummy black bean chorizo sauce). I've had a few so-so pasta dishes and a weird incident when the bartender served my "espresso shot" in an actual shot glass when like, 10 espresso cups were on top of the machine & acted sort of snotty when I asked for one, but nothing to stop me from going back. read more