INSIDER’S GUIDE
Outdoor Dining
We Wisconsinites love to eat outside, don’t we? Heck, we even ate outside in little plastic igloos a few years ago. Fair food, grilled food, snacks and a glass of wine, full blown meals, doesn’t matter. If you’ve got something that passes for a table and chairs (and maybe a patio heater or two), We. Are. There. As always, we can count on Dustin to give us the scoop on the best of the best of dining outdoors in Brookfield. Check ‘em out….
Elegant atmosphere
Mr. B’s
When outdoor dining gets fancy, it’s called al fresco, and Mr. B’s definitely knows how to get fancy. The seasonal patio is the perfect setting to relax, enjoy the nice weather and indulge in some of our favorites… If we’re just sort of snacking and cocktailing, then it has to be Fried Calamari and Wood Oven Roasted Bacon. More serious dining is a tougher choice, but in my book the NY strip wins every time. But a laid-back evening calls for a Mr. B’s burger- that Buttered Sciortino’s bun gets me every time. For dessert, definitely a Mr. B’s Blondie Sundae. And I never have to share the Maple Gelato. Yum. The menu does change, so check online at https://www.bartolottas.com/mr-b-s-steakhouse/brookfield.
Old-fashion drive-in feel
Lee’s Dairy Treat
Lee’s has been a Brookfield tradition since 1971, offering up 40 different flavors for sundaes, shakes, malts and blitzes, home made chili and BBQ beef in an old fashioned atmosphere. It is the best soft-serve ice milk you’ll ever have, and at 96% fat free, one could even call it healthy (unlike it’s chonkier frozen custard cousin.) Now on to the 3rd generation of “conologists”, Lee’s Dairy Treat is here to stay, resplendent in their octagon-shaped building, with ice cream cone shaped garbage cans and retro hand-drawn menus. Their season, however, only runs March-October so don’t dilly-dally. I’m partial to chocolate in a cup, but someone (who shall remain nameless) has attempted Lee’s Signature MONSTER 32-oz, quart sized shake. Who knew “brain freeze” could last that long?! Find them (and their menu) online at https://leesdairytreat.com/ on all the social channels, and at 14040 W Greenfield Ave. in Brokfield.
Farm-to-table dining where you can actually see the garden
Parkside 23
Parkside 23 is another one of our go-to spots, making the list for happy hour, fish fry, unique Wisconsin-based menu and more. This time, they make our list for outdoor dining in a farm-to-table setting. And to PS23, that means that the food on the table came directly from a specific farm without going through a store, market or distributor along the way. PS23 uses local farmers and small businesses to source their products- including the garden out back. In addition to their daily menu, PS23 hosts Farm Suppers on pre-determined dates in July and August. These 5-course dining experiences in the garden highlight ingredients from Wisconsin brands, paired with local beer and wine. A Farm Supper would make an unforgettable gift for a wedding or anniversary. Or even for someone with a really big birthday in July. Find Parkside 23 online at https://www.parkside23.com/ , on social channels, or at 2300 Pilgrim Square Dr. in Brookfield.
Catch some rays and the game
Buffalo Wild Wings (50+ seats and 8+ TVs)
B-Dubs loves you and would never make you choose between catching some rays, eating some wings, and watching some sports. With 50+ seats outside and 8+ TV’s you won’t miss one bit of the action. I’m not a sports fan, but I am always up for a good wing. See, marriage is all about compromise. Fries or tots are a toss-up for me, but cheese curds are a must. And in the spirit of full disclosure- I like the wings so much, I’ve never even thought to order a burger or a taco. (Whoops- maybe next time.) Find them at 16750 W Bluemound Rd, or online at https://www.buffalowildwings.com/
Top Notch People Watching
Zisters
Zisters is not technically in Brookfield, but the people watching is so good, food is so good, and the patio is such a great space, we couldn’t help but include them. Open from 7am-3pm for breakfasty, brunchy, lunchy sorts of dining, we can’t help but love a menu that lists Beignets and Billionaire’s Bacon in the appetizer section. Full of salads, flat breads, sandwiches and lots of breakfast items, there’s no shortage of options for everyone- including gluten free and veggie people. If it’s not a workday, check out the cocktail menu for mimosas, bellinis, mules, a secret recipe espresso martini, and a Hermanas Margarita made with 21 Seeds Grapefruit Hibiscus Tequila, fresh lime juice and honey syrup. And those little igloos I mentioned- Zisters has put them up in the past so outdoor dining does not have to end when the snow flies. Bonus.
Find them on Facebook and Instagram, online at https://zisterselmgrove.com/ or at 13425 Watertown Plank Road in Elm Grove.
Smaller more intimate space
Cafe Manna
We are not a family of vegetarians, far from it. But the food at Café Manna is so delicious, the meat eaters in your life will never suspect a thing. The Roasted Veggie Quesadilla with cheese makes a great starter (although I have several favorites…), and the closet hippie chick in me also loves the Peace Bowl. New on the menu is a Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese that I can’t wait to try. Make sure you leave room for some dessert- the new Chocolate PB&J cake caught my eye, as did the Grapefruit and White Wine Cake. These items will stay on the menu for a while, but there’s a selection of items that change weekly, so make sure to hit their website or Facebook page often. Café Manna is located at 3815 N Brookfield Road or online at www.cafemanna.com. Getting your 5-a-day was never so tasty.
Room for bigger groups
Mitchell’s Fish Market
When the group text says let’s meet on the patio, it’s time to head to Mitchell’s Fish Market. Offering a little more space for larger groups, Mitchell’s still has our heart for yummy seafood apps to go with a glass (or 2) of wine at happy hour prices. Seriously, who can pass up a $5 sangria, and $8 calamari? Don’t miss the dinner menu- you already know how I feel about Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail and Chilean Sea Bass. Located near Brookfield Square Mall, but the all the fresh fish options will make you feel like you’ve found a great local spot in Florida. https://www.mitchellsfishmarket.com/location/mitchells-fish-market-brookfield-wi/
Chips & salsa, please
Uncle Julio’s
When the chips and salsa craving hits, Uncle Julio is everyone’s favorite Uncle. The outdoor space is beautiful- comfy chairs, fire places- it reminds me of one of our favorite restaurants in Arizona. Offering made from scratch authentic Tex-Mex food and some of the best margaritas you’ve tasted (on the rocks with salt, please) Uncle Julio’s is one of our favorites. Start out with the Made to Order Guacamole, move right on in to the Barbacoa Beef Fajitas, and finish up with a Churro or two. I’ve never been brave enough to order a Chocolate Pinata, but I’m so tempted….
Find Uncle Julio’s at 245 S Moorland Road or online at https://locations.unclejulios.com/wisconsin/brookfield/245-s-moorland/
Sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee
Coffeeville
A relative newcomer to the Village of Brookfield, Coffeeville sits on a hill, right on the trail, in a renovated train depot. I’m a plain coffee with cream girl, so Coffeeville’s freshly roasted beans make a noticeable difference in my cup. For the non-coffee drinkers, there’s a great variety of juices and smoothies. Breakfast sammies are served all day and have fun names like Sheriff, Engineer and Artist. I like the Musician- creamy peanut butter, sweet dates and toasted coconut on a chewy bagel. For bagel purists, there’s the Artist. If you haven’t been to Coffeeville yet, go. The food is delicious, there is frequently live music (check their Facebook page), and I don’t think there’s a prettier spot in Brookfield to enjoy an outdoor bite to eat. Find them at 2825 N Brookfield Rd., on Facebook, or at https://coffeevilleco.com/
Want something new
Cooper’s Hawk
Outdoor dining at Cooper’s Hawk? YES! It’s coming soon, and we couldn’t be happier. Since this is a work in progress, we don’t have any details yet, but we are banking on all our favorite wines, cocktails, snacks and entrees being available in an outdoor dining space with a sophisticated urban feel. Cooper’s Hawk is located at 15 S Moorland Rd but you’ll want to keep an eye on the Visit Brookfield Facebook page for updates on the construction. https://chwinery.com/locations/wisconsin/brookfield
Rooftop Dining
Bobby’s Bar
Dustin promises us that Bobby’s Bar is the ONLY outdoor rooftop dining you will find in the greater Brookfield area, and who are we to doubt him. He also tells us that bourbon fans will appreciate Bobby’s Bar Woodford Reserve Barrel Pick personal selection. Count me in- I like a good bourbon every now and again (emphasis on the “good”, much to my husband’s dismay), I like outdoor dining, I like a good burger, and I have no self control when it comes to haystack onion rings. Bobby’s just feels like a Friday afternoon, we sneaked out of work early, and we don’t have to go back til Monday kind of place. Look for us up on the roof. (And enjoy the blatant James Taylor reference.) Bobby’s is located at 14735 Lisbon Rd. or online at https://bobbysbargreatplacegoodtimes.com/
Insider’s scoop
El Gaucho Grill
This is the insider’s guide, so we’ll give you the insider’s scoop… El Gaucho Grill. They’re off the beaten path, for sure- but trust us, one taste and you’ll be glad you made the effort. I can hold my own with most menus, but all I really knew of Argentinean food was Empanadas, which is the house specialty. The menu also includes some mouthwatering beef dishes, a Pascualina Tarta (sauteed spinach, hard boiled eggs and spices in a savory pie shell) and Choripan (a sausage sandwich with tomatoes, lettuce, red onions and mayo). More adventurous eaters might want to try the Caracu (bone marrow) or the Mollejas (sweetbreads). Desserts include Chaja Cake (Uruguay’s classic dessert) and Panqueques (crepes filled with Dulce de Leche and seasonal fruit). This is a little hidden gem- and if the sweetbreads freak you out, don’t eat them- seriously. Have the NY Strip instead. Find El Gaucho at 17800 W Bluemound Rd. or online at https://elgauchogrillbrookfield.com/ or on Facebook.
New Kid on the Block
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s just opened their Brookfield doors mid-April. Our office took one look at the menu and immediately planned a staff lunch. We decided on soups and salads and they did not disappoint. Our soups were hot and tasty, our salads fresh and crispy. But the burgers and wraps we saw on other tables were incentive enough to go back again soon. Preferably after 5 so we can enjoy a cocktail. Best of all, (and we cannot gatekeep this) is BJ’s trademarked Pizookie. It’s a cookie baked in a mini-pizza pan topped with ice cream. Good luck choosing one from the nine on the menu- we settled on the Strawberry Shortcake Pizookie, but I’ve still got my eye on the Salted Caramel. Best of all- there’s a Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Pizookie, so everyone can enjoy this fun dessert.
Check ‘em out on line at https://www.bjsrestaurants.com/ and visit them at 17430 W Bluemound Rd.
