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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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

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!)!