The Best Brunch Restaurants in Milwaukee

There’s more to Milwaukee than world-famous cold brews, baseball, and lake views. The city’s thriving immigrant community makes for interesting culinary wonders that make Milwaukee a food lover’s paradise. Case in point: sausages, cheese curds, and fried fishes, which are brunch staples in this city. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We've pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. This list rounds up the best brunches in different neighborhoods all around Milwaukee. This is a city that takes its meals seriously and these brunch spots make this quite evident. Save that beer for later, for now, it's time to sample some morning offerings. Take a look at Milwaukee's best brunch spots.

The OpenTable Team

19 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Engine Company No 3, Timmer's Resort, Golden Mast…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	American, Steak…
Neighborhoods:	Milwaukee, West Bend, Okauchee…

Engine Company No 3

$$$$

American

Milwaukee

4.7

774 reviews

Chef Sandroni is working his magic with Engine Company No 3 with its globally-inspired menu using locally-sourced ingredients. Diners don’t just get a whiff of aromatic dishes, they’ll also be taking a trip down memory lane dining in an old firehouse with exposed brick wall and aged wooden floors. Guests can feast on the best that local farms have to offer with their signature brunch specials like the all-American pork benedict. Or those who’d rather have a taste of Europe, the quiche lorraine, and house-made frankfurters are the crowd’s favorite.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Timmer's Resort

$$$$

American

West Bend

4.4

991 reviews

With a history that spans almost two centuries and a location that affords an excellent view of Big Cedar Lake, Timmer’s Resort has got ambiance down pat. The restaurant boasts of an interior high ceilings as well as rustic resort feel with surrounding pines and historic cabin-style architecture. Brunch offerings include classic American fares like fish fry, made-to-order omelet, and sausage. For those who want something special for their taste buds, this resort was not named in Forbes’ 2017 list of Top 100 Brunch Spots for nothing, Chef Audra Grueneberg cuisines are a must-try.

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Golden Mast

$$$$

Steak

Okauchee

4.7

1493 reviews

Anyone dying for contemporary German cuisine like Wiener schnitzel, sausages, and waffles need to look no further than Golden Mast Inn. Located right along the banks of Okauchee Lake, lakeside dining is what awaits diners in this elegant restaurant. Offering a variety of dining areas, from the original dining room with its elegant woodwork and full view of the Boat Launch, to the Sun Room with its tropical island feels, to outdoor sitting options in their marina, gazebo, and patio for casual brunch with friends, this restaurant is big on overall dining experience.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Don's TV & Repair

$$$$

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

4.6

1001 reviews

Guests are in for some throwback with this diner’s retro decor and oldies music. But people shouldn’t get too sucked into its nostalgia-inducing atmosphere as its dishes are anything but. Don’s Diner has managed to infuse an inventive take on some American favorites like its boozy shakes. Creativity shines through with signature dishes like Piggies Blankets and Berry Good Stack -- a stack of pancakes with bacon or berries delightfully wedged in between. The downside? This local gem is short on space and almost always full so a reservation is a must to avoid waiting times.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Seven Seas

$$$$

Seafood

Delafield

4.3

614 reviews

Situated along the east shore of Lake Nagawicka, surrounded by the natural beauty that is Kettle Moraine, Seven Seas’ reputation for its excellent location and fabulous champagne brunch precedes it. With “eyeopeners” like a glass of champagne, mimosa, juices, muffins, and croissants to start the course, the brunch is set to satisfy the heartiest of appetite with fares like prime ribs, crab benedict, omelet, waffles, and homemade dessert. And with friendly and attentive service to boot, it’s small wonder why this family-owned restaurant has been making some waves since its inception in 1981 and remains a crowd favorite up to this day.

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Thunder Bay Grille - Pewaukee

$$$$

American

Wisconsin

4.2

153 reviews

Conveniently located right next to the Holiday Inn, Thunder Bay Grille is the perfect spot to have a laid-back rendezvous with family and friends. With its rustic decor and contemporary interior design, the place oozes with warmth. Their brunch menu is a savory mix of the usual fare: omelet, waffles, salads, and pastries. Add their signature country-style BBQ ribs, chef-carved ham, steak stew, Cajun food like jambalaya to the mix and diners are sure in for a feast.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bass Bay Brewhouse

$$$$

American

Muskego

4.5

765 reviews

Bass Bay Brewhouse outdoor seating is quite a hit with its guests. What better way to enjoy a signature Wisconsin brunch than to do it whilst having a good view of the serene lake. They serve up quite an abundant brunch menu with ala carte items like steaks, omelet, sausage, and standard breakfast fares like ham, cheese curds, and bacon. And for those who won’t mind taking their first sips of beer for the day, this diner has that on tap, as well as a wide selection of wines and cocktails to get the day on to a good start. As with any popular dining spot, a reservation is still the best bet to snag the perfect seats in this restaurant.

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Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro

$$$$

French

Milwaukee

4.7

5377 reviews

Popularly known as much for its authentic French cuisine and a stunning view of Lake Michigan, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro also has an airy and romantic ambiance to boot. The bistro used to be an old park pavilion which lends it with timeless charm. With Chef Adam Siegel, a James Beard awardee for Best Chef, at the helm of the kitchen, diners can feast on their favorite French breakfast staples like freshly-baked croissants, French onion soup, and fruits. A wide selection of entrées is set to satisfy even the most substantial appetite. Considered one of the most booked restaurants in Wisconsin, guests wouldn’t want to to be caught without a reservation beforehand.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cafe Manna

$$$$

Vegetarian / Vegan

Brookfield

4.9

788 reviews

Hailed as one of Milwaukee’s first 100% vegetarian restaurant, Cafe Manna has been setting the trend. Health and taste are big on its menu as the restaurant uses only the freshest locally grown ingredients to create signature “made-from-scratch” dishes like raw nachos, sauteed tofu, and raw Thai rolls. With generous portions and their meticulous eye for presentation, even non-vegetarians will enjoy the healthy offerings here. And the management is big on sustainability too. After all, the Cafe Manna holds the distinction of being the first restaurant with Green Restaurant certification and the only restaurant to earn the prestigious 3-star certification level.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Belfre Kitchen

$$$$

Contemporary American

Delafield

4.6

906 reviews

Situated in an old Presbyterian church building, Belfre Kitchen offers contemporary American cuisine in an inviting and casual environment. Guests can cozy up on the patio or get comfy in one of their booths and have a good conversation with friends over the weekend whilst enjoying a hearty brunch. They offer a wide selection of brunch items on their menu, ranging from the usual bacon, sausage, and toast, to healthy mixed greens, to their signature Belfre brunch burger. With the restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, diners can enjoy exceptionally fresh food every time.

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The Original

$$$$

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

4.7

331 reviews

With its welcoming atmosphere, creative menu items, and well-paired cocktails, The Original has been making waves in Milwaukee’s culinary scene. This neighborhood gem has been busy converting patrons out of casual diners with their modern American cuisines. They aim to surprise and delight with their constantly rotating menu. And if their eclectic selection of brunch items like vegetable polenta cake, prime hanger steak served with hash browns and asparagus are anything to go by, The Originals is successfully creating their own unique twist out of the familiar.

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Birch - Milwaukee

$$$$

American

Milwaukee

4.7

925 reviews

The inviting smell of open wood hearth oven and freshly baked bread greets every guest that comes through the door of Birch and Butcher. Featuring a modern and minimalist interior, this bistro is the place to be for anyone who wants a taste of the Midwest. Their weekend brunch menu is often the rave of satisfied guests with must-try dishes like pulled pork shoulders served with roasted mushrooms, lox platter with house-made bagels, and their juicy steak which comes with lard fried smoked potato.

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Tre Rivali

$$$$

Italian

Milwaukee

4.6

1259 reviews

Tre Rivali, which means “Three Rivals” in Italian, is a fitting homage to Milwaukee’s three founding fathers. As with its name, the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired American cuisines are also reflective of the city’s successful melding of diverse culture to create something unique. There’s never any room for boredom here as diners can look at how meticulously their meal is prepared in the wood-burning grill and oven in their glassed-in kitchen. So anyone harboring an appetite for Spanish-style tortilla, Tuscan chicken fritte, Greek yogurt, and freshly-made croissant all at one go, Tre Rivali’s where it’s at.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Mader's German Restaurant

$$$$

German

Milwaukee

4.4

1126 reviews

Anyone who longs for a taste of Germany will find refuge at Mader’s German Restaurant. With its Bavarian decor, a rich collection of medieval arts and antiques dating back the 14th century, waitstaffs in traditional attire, and authentic German cuisine, this restaurant has stayed true to its roots over the years. Brunch items like Bavarian Sauerbraten, Hungarian Beef Goulash, and a wide variety of international cheeses are compelling reasons why patrons keep coming back for more.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Zesti

$$$$

Global, International

Hartland

4.5

1127 reviews

Zesti lives up to its name with its playful combination of flavors from all over the world. In fact, perusing through their bunch menu is akin to having an adventure in different parts of the globe. There’s Spain, an omelet of roasted pepper with caramelized onion, or Louisiana, a southern-seasoned shrimp with homemade gravy, and of course, the fan-favorite, Wisconsin, a grilled Angus beef burger topped with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a fried egg. Wisconsin couldn’t get any tastier than this.

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Merriment Social

$$$$

Contemporary American

Milwaukee

4.5

855 reviews

Strategically located between a foodie paradise and Milwaukee’s fashion and arts district, Merriment Social gives off a chic vibe with its high top seating, open space design, and cool music. Although items on the menu change seasonally, the star of their brunch offering remains a constant: the Merriment Burger, which is a spot-on blend of applewood bacon, oozing American cheese, social sauce, and house pickles wedged between milk buns.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum

$$$$

American

Milwaukee

4.2

385 reviews

Those who can’t help but rave about everything Harley-Davidson will find their niche here at the Motor. Situated along a river on the Harley-Davidson Museum campus, this is the perfect spot where kindred spirits exchange stories over food that highlights the best of America. This restaurant celebrates classics like burgers, sandwiches, BBQ, as well as Milwaukee’s best like sausages, cheese, and fish fry. And their build-your-own Bloody Mary is a must-try.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Stella Van Buren

$$$$

American

Milwaukee

4.5

1055 reviews

Situated at the third floor of Westin Hotel, Stella Van Buren boasts of a stunning interior with its floor to ceiling windows, clean and modern design, and warm lighting that makes the entire space look inviting. Offering contemporary Italian-American cuisines, diners get the best out of both worlds with their homemade pasta, Italian sausages, and tender steaks. Their brunch menu is an exciting mix of traditional American fares as well as their signature brunch to dinner dish: spaghetti with spicy gulf shrimp tossed in heirloom tomato sauce. If the goal is to have something for everyone, this restaurant is pretty successful.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cafe Grace

$$$$

French American

Wauwatosa

4.3

655 reviews

Located right at the heart of Milwaukee’s premier shopping destination, hungry shoppers don’t need to travel far to enjoy some French cuisines for brunch. This upscale Parisian cafe features an airy interior and the classic French bistro look, with its ornate ceilings, black and white aesthetics, brass accents, and fleur-de-lis design on its floor tiles. The cafe’s market table is easily one of the best reasons for diners to come and visit this place. Consisting of carefully selected cheeses, french bread, salads, fresh fruits, and seafood, it’s the perfect place to meet up with friends.

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The Best Brunch Restaurants