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    The Original

    4.6 (174 reviews)

    The Original Cocktail Bars Photos

    THE ORIGINAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Intimate
    Classy

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    Katie O.

    Not a great rating for dinner, but I have to say that the service was absolutely impeccable. We were able to walk in on a Saturday night (pretty early). We loved our server and our cocktails/mocktails. The place has a great midwestern interior. The food was more expensive than I was expecting and we didn't really love any of it. Our favorite part was the chips and onion dip. The duck and fried rice were underseasoned. The pozole was good but I've had better green pork at Mexican restaurants for a fraction of the price. For reference - 2 drinks, 1 mocktail, and 3 entrees was $186 with tip. We'd definitely come back just for drinks or to try their breakfast! Note that their menu does change frequently so every visit could be different!

    Taylor C.

    We have wanted to try this restaurant for a while since we noticed it when we dined at Tess across the street more than a year ago. Today, we got a chance to test it out. The server was friendly and very helpful. The cocktails we had -- one alcoholic and one non-alcoholic -- were quite decent. We had fantastic Aperol Spritz at several restaurants in Italy earlier this summer, but we have not been able to find one here (in several US cities) that is as good. The pork belly that we ordered for appetizer had good flavors, although it was a bit too salty for our taste. For our main dishes, we ordered Pan Seared Duck Breast and Summer Vegetables. The Duck breast seemed to be cooked just right and had good flavors; perhaps due to the breed of the duck, however, the breast had more chewy parts than the duck breast that we purchased from Costco and cooked ourselves last winter. The Summer Vegetables dish was very flavorful; my spouse and I had intended to share it, but I couldn't have much of it because it turned out to contain heavy cream that would upset my stomach due to lactose intolerance. The Cobbler that we ordered for dessert was fine but did not stand out, as the fruit was dried out a bit too much.

    Jen W.

    I've been here a few times now and it remains solidly okay but nothing special or even particularly memorable. The patio is nice enough but Milwaukee is a city with a strong patio game and this place doesn't quite measure up to some of the other beautiful outdoor dining options available. The coffee was decent and they were prompt with refills of coffee and water. I had the "Once More with Feeling" as a brunch cocktail - a bit on the sweeter side, but still pretty tasty. Our dishes were decent (A got the smoked trout benedict - but actually it was crab arugula benedict, and I got the OG Johnnycakes). The crab was actually tasty which surprised me since I've become a Baltimore crab snob. My Johnnycakes were tasty but the "macerated peaches" were really more like sliced peaches - I was expecting more of a sauce with them (a vanilla bourbon peach sauce would be amazing!). The bacon was thick cut and delicious, and I also got a side of fried chicken which was delicious. They got A's side choice wrong, serving him hash browns instead of the salad he asked for, but it was still a solid meal. I will probably go back again but it feels like they're still working out some kinks and service is a bit disjointed.

    Korean chicken wings 7/9/21
    Ashley S.

    Came here around 5:45pm on a Friday for dinner. The patio was empty, but they told us we couldn't sit at a booth because they were going to be packed at 7. Literally no one there. We left at 7, still empty... not good customer service from that aspect. Ordered a spritz aperol. It was perfect. I thought the food options and prices were limited and Steep. I opted for 2 appetizers. The salad and Korean chicken wings. My husband got the fish and the serving was tiny for $30. The bill was $189 for 4 of us... don't think I'd go back.

    Fried brussel sprouts
    Leonardo T.

    This is is So-freaking-good. Shot up so quickly on my fav restaursnt list in mke. As a non-GF person this place is outstanding, but the options for those with celiacs are even better. Dedicated fryers?! Yes sir. Cheese curds are the best by any standard, outstanding Brussels, short ribs to die for! Scared that they would change menu because I like it so much, excited because more things to try. Keep it up! Ambiance is cute, our server was Craig, which I did not know was the owner! He is super nice! Service can be a bit faster, but if you like a nice slow meal, this place is definitely perfect for you!

    Johnny cakes with fresh strawberries and rhubarb compote
    Welby L.

    My friend, Erin, raved about this place ever since she moved out to Milwaukee and I am so glad I finally got to experience it myself. The menu is not extensive but there is enough variety and more importantly, a focus on quality. At the end of the meal, there was not a trace of food left on our plates. Doris loved her duck confit and my wife wants to steal the southern stratta recipe. I have to single out the Johnnycakes. I've had cornmeal pancakes before but The Original'a version is on a quantum level higher. The rhubarb sauce is a perfect complement to them. Craig is the best host. We love your chef and his choices. Top marks to Craig and his brother for running a great place.

    Nicole L.

    First of all, the service in the atmosphere are wonderful here. They do have a place to hang up your jackets when you come in, and there are cute, candle lights to brighten an otherwise more intimate and dark restaurant. I started off with the black Manhattan which is Old Forrester 100 bourbon, Averna, Bordeaux Blend, Cocchi di Torino, and Angostura bitters. It definitely was not too bitter and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The three of us decided to split three entrées. The first was the steak, pan roasted 8oz filet with housemaid chips and a dipping sauce. It was good, but probably not $50 good. We also got the Chinese BBQ duck with duck fried rice which, honestly, I think was my favorite, because I love duck and it was very flavorful and filling. Unfortunately, even though we asked for them to bring the dishes out as they were ready so that we could enjoy them all warm, they were all brought out at the same time and by the time we got to the pozole verde, it was cold. That was a huge disappointment, because the braised pork shank was super tender and the flavors were there, but it needed to be warm.

    Crispy Mushrooms
    Emily D.

    Went to The Original for a date night and had a wonderful experience! We started with drinks. I had the French 75 and it was very good, the best one I have had in Milwaukee so far! We shared a few appetizers that were also good. The star of the show was the entree. We split the Chicken n' Ribs. It might have been the best chicken I have ever had! The ribs were also very good and tender. We finished with a tasty cobbler. The experience was great and we will definitely be going back!

    Fried Mushrooms
    Jack L.

    First off, the service was amazing! The environment was very laid back and the music was good. We loved the drinks we got and our main course was perfect, the chicken thigh might've been the best chicken I've ever had! I'll definitely be back soon!

    150 drinks on the cocktail menu! You had me at hello
    Lori M.

    Blown Away! Hubby and I were looking for a different spot for dinner and when I saw that The Original had 5 stars and many reviews, I had to see for myself. The Original is perched in a neighborhood, honestly I probably have driven by it several times without noticing it was there, but now that we know we will be regulars. Others have described the atmosphere much better than I ever could, but I will give it a go! When you walk into the restaurant you feel automatically at home. The place feels welcoming, unpretentious, yet you just know you are going to get a fab meal. Let's start with the drink menu! 150 cocktails, wines, and beers....marry me! Not only do they have an incredible cocktail menu (they make all of their own syrups) they have a passion for making them! Our server listened to what we liked and then made his suggestion....which was spot on! We started with the rutabaga soup (seriously I have never even seen a rutabaga now I am craving this soup! I then moved onto the deep-fried pork chop. I am from the south where we will deep-fry a carrot so I like to think that I am a pretty good judge....it was to die for y'all. I am not sure what crumbs of heaven they put into that batter but it was phenomenal. I would love to say that I had room for dessert but I couldn't even finish the chop. The desserts sounded delicious and I will definitely go back and given them a try. Lastly, if i haven't convinced you to go for the food....go for the service! Our server was so passionate about the food and how it was prepared it was impressive. He was able to tell us all about the preparation and their philosophy on the way it was cooked.....foodie lover's paradise!

    Brunch Menu
    Carito R.

    Again this place did not disappoint, we are so happy they are finally open for brunch since Mother's day. THE BEST RESTAURANT IN TOWN

    Octopus salad
    Mike R.

    After battling a snow storm on a Sunday night we found ourselves the only patrons in the restaurant! What luck! The two brothers who own the place were extremely friendly, hospitable, and shared their start up story with us (I have a soft spot for brother owned businesses having partnered with my own brother). The food was all excellent! My son raved about the meatballs! My father loved the barramundi special. I enjoyed the scallops - they were a little sweet with maple syrup but that was exactly as they advertised. Desserts..... yes please! This will definitely make it into our regular rotation (and I have to imagine I won't be the only table there next time!)!

    The original special

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    4 years ago

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    Craig R.

    Thank you! Cheers

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    4 years ago

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    Craig R.

    Good luck with your yelp career. Thank you for the feedback. Cheers.

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    2 years ago

    From the host who seated us, to our great waiter, brunch and cool neighborhood vibe, definitely recommend!

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    Cute neighborhood spot. Great brunch and service. Loved the patio. Can't wait to go back and try more things!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - The Original

    Are there gluten free menu options?

    Yes. We actually have a gluten free fryer as well as many options on the menu. We are a scratch kitchen so substitutions are easy.

    View All 2 Questions

    Agency - Inside

    Agency

    4.3(23 reviews)
    1.6 miEast Town, Downtown

    Wow! This may be the best cocktail bar in the city. It is a full vibe that must be experienced…read more Craft cocktails in a charming, warm, inviting space similar to a Victorian era home back in the 1900s. Service is impeccable. They do a tremendous job of explaining the menu and food options in detail, and ensure you have a great experience from start to finish. The drinks? Nothing short of amazing. They vary the featured cocktails menu every 8 weeks, so most likely you'll get a different experience every time you go. However you can always get your classic cocktails like Margaritas, French 75 and Martinis. They also can do any drink NA which is the first of its kind in the US. They have an option called dealers choice, where you can pick the spirit and flavor profile of the drink you want: spicy, sour, floral, smoky etc. no limits! You write down on a card what you want and they craft you a cocktail based on your selections. They also offer a variety of food pairings to go along with the select, featured drink you order. We got spring rolls, a braised, pork infused doughnut, and an incredible bone broth that still has me in a tizzy. Fair warning: it's small and difficult to get a reservation - don't try your luck walking in, this place is a hot ticket and you won't be able to get in without a resy, which could be weeks or months out. This is a true gem of a cocktail bar, and is as good as anything you would find in New York or Chicago.

    Liked the vibe - reminds me of shakers cigar bar but without all the smoke (like, a bit spooky,…read moreold, maybe haunted but also very cool). We stopped here after dinner, so we stuck mostly with the cocktails. Unfortunately, nothing on the seasonal menu really stuck out to me. I stuck with the "traditional" cocktails (spicy watermelon bubblegum, and then banana daiquiri). Hubs went for the halo halo food (which was so cute! All the typical ingredients but served in cubist fashion), and the paired drink. The paired drink was supposed to have different layers of flavor, but they all mixed together quite a bit. Tasty, just not the "layered" experience we thought. I think they almost do themselves a disservice comparing themselves to the aviary - that is a crazy high bar to meet. Granted, maybe we would have been more impressed if we had more of the seasonal cocktails despite them not seeming interesting? Probably wouldnt go out of my way to go here again, but it is a cool vibe and the cocktails were good.

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    Agency - Big Big, water

    Big Big, water

    Agency
    Agency - The Sea Witch

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    The Sea Witch

    The Pharmacy Bar - Hea-Ting & Coo-Li Hing

    The Pharmacy Bar

    4.5(14 reviews)
    0.3 miEast Side, Murray Hill, Lower East Side

    Such a great little bar situated inside of the Crossroads Collective! Surrounded by a bunch of food…read morevendors, it's the one spot you can wet your whistle. Here you'll find plenty of brews on tap, wines, and a solid line up of canned drinks/seltzers. Most notable though, their house cocktails. I opted for the cocorita and was definitely a fan! If you like coconut flavor and margs, then you're in for a treat with this one. So refreshing and even comes with shaved coconut on the side of the glass. If tequila isn't your thing, they've got ya covered with all the other concoctions -- from a sunshine martini to a Gillian's island rum mixer. And even if you prefer NA, there's drinks cleverly called "placebo effects" for ya! Love the sprawling bar, with plenty of seats, that's right in front of the big open doors letting the fresh air in. Friendly faces behind the bar too. Look forward to returning!

    The Pharmacy Bar is located inside the Crossroads Collective Food Hall. Accidentally ended up here…read moreas a place inside we were looking for wasn't open. The bartender was super friendly and we had a nice chat about this place and how a lot of the restaurants in the building use this as a test kitchen before they get their own place. Back to the bar, it's such a cool concept because it shows recognization to how the building use to be Oreintal Drugs. They have a wide variety of drinks to choose from from coffee, beer, wine, cocktails, non alcoholic drinks. Literally, whatever you imagine they have you covered. You can get food from any of the local businesses inside so the combinations are endless for pairings.

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    The Pharmacy Bar
    The Pharmacy Bar - Hurricane

    Hurricane

    The Pharmacy Bar

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    Shanghai

    Shanghai

    4.6(63 reviews)
    0.3 miEast Side, Lower East Side

    Speakeasies are my favorite type of bar and love that this one is tucked away down Black Cat Alley,…read morewhere you need to press a button to gain access through the gate. We had made reservations so I'm not sure if one can just simply walk up and hit the button to get in for a table. The speakeasy itself is intimate, with dimmed lighting and limited seating. The table we were at was quite small so wouldn't accommodate much more than our drinks, the candle and perhaps if you wanted to reach over for your date's hand. The drink menu isn't your basic drink menu so be prepared for creative concoctions, with ingredients and spirits blended to perfection and served up in a beautiful glass. Our server was friendly and our drinks came quickly. Prices are a little above average but you're paying for the experience as well as the quality of the drink you're not getting everywhere else. The experience was memorable and a place I'd be happy to return to again for a lovely evening.

    My friend and I visited Shanghai recently after an event. It's a fun little space and feels a…read morelittle exclusive with the speakeasy style entry. We ordered a couple cocktails and they were interesting, but not the best I've ever had. They felt like they'd been created to focus on being unique, rather than on winning flavor combinations. Sadly, our server was also distracted and kind of awkward, chasing us out into the courtyard to secure a credit card as if we were going to drink and ditch. His manner did not add to the overall experience. I've been meaning to try this place forever and now I can cross it off my list and move onward to better drinks and service

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    Shanghai - Heads will Roll

    Heads will Roll

    Shanghai
    Shanghai

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    Vier North - Mushroom Swiss Burger

    Vier North

    4.4(22 reviews)
    0.3 miMurray Hill, East Side

    I feel like this place needs some recognition. We had a blast! First off, the bar and patio are…read moreperfect. Who ever designed this layout, kudos to you. It felt like a fancier bar, more than just the classic tavern style every Milwaukee bar is serving up. Fully loaded beer/drink menu. We sat outside since it was beautiful out. Our server was very attentive, and knew everything about the menu. The burger was delicious, with perfectly melted cheese. You can taste the quality in the meat and cheese. My wife had the house chicken sandwich. The chicken was thin, with a good amount of crunch. Exactly what you want for the perfect sandwich. Id love to come back for their pizza special on Monday nights. And for trivia! It looks like they have a shuttle so I hope to use that soon as well.

    Food was good, no doubt. Prices are pretty decent for the location. But the service was not so…read moregreat. It started out fantastic, but after we received our food, we were never checked on again and actually had to literally chase down our server to get the bill. Outside there were three tables of people, one large group who was waiting for the baseball shuttle and just drinking. Two larger tables were set up as reserved inside. They slowly filled as we ate our meal. And one other table of two came in after us. There were maybe 4 people at the bar. All this to say, it wasn't crazy busy by any stretch. We started with one server (who was really good) who took our order then we were handed off to another (who wasn't bad). When we arrived we were one of two tables inside. There were three servers on the floor and two behind the bar which was adequate for the number of people dining. Our initial server apparently was working the reserved seating, but even still, the second server never checked on us after we received our food. Also, we didn't receive our entire order. We weren't charged for the food we didn't get, but had anyone stopped by to refill water or see if we wanted more drinks, we could have asked about the missing food. So, all in all, not the worst dining experience ever, but not the best. Being ignored is never fun.

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    Vier North
    Vier North - BLT Grilled Cheese

    BLT Grilled Cheese

    Vier North - Alt Old Fashioned

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    Alt Old Fashioned

    The Original - cocktailbars - Updated June 2026

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