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Athens Restaurant

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "New Northside Fish Fry Option"

Athens Restaurant - Milwaukee Photo - Athens Restaurant, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Now that we have moved to Milwaukee's northside, finding new Friday fish fry choices was a priority. We love our southside places, but they are just not convenient after a long week.We had received one of those ValuePaks with a coupon for Athens Restaurant our second month in our new home so it was a logical "let's see" dining possibility. We were not disappointed.The restaurant itself is a full service, typical Greek diner like you see throughout the Milwaukee area. You arrive and are quickly greeted probably by a family member of the owner, and taken to a table where the bus boy is bringing you water almost before your butt is in the seat.A friendly wait staff ...Read More

Now that we have moved to Milwaukee's northside, finding new Friday fish fry choices was a priority. We love our southside places, but they are just not convenient after a long week.

We had received one of those ValuePaks with a coupon for Athens Restaurant our second month in our new home so it was a logical "let's see" dining possibility. We were not disappointed.

The restaurant itself is a full service, typical Greek diner like you see throughout the Milwaukee area. You arrive and are quickly greeted probably by a family member of the owner, and taken to a table where the bus boy is bringing you water almost before your butt is in the seat.

A friendly wait staff person is next there to offer you a beverage of choice, including alcohol. With beverages taken care of, it's to the menu. Since we're here for the Friday fish, I didn't really expect options . . . but there were a couple. The fried fish was either beer battered or more lightly floured. You could also order your fish broiled. David had the beer battered while I had the lighter coated fish. Both were outstanding!

All dinners come with salad and choice of potato and cole slaw. The bread basket is standard with all entree orders and features some nice homemade greek breads as well as a variety of crackers. Dessert is also standard with their meals. David had cheesecake and I opted for apple pie; both of which we had boxed to take home.

The "all you can eat" fish fry is $10.99, and with our ValuePak coupon, a dollar off each meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the value provided. Since that first time visit back in the winter, we've been back several times.

As I previously stated, they do offer a full menu, which includes breakfast "anytime". You can read a little more about what they have to offer here: http://www.allmenus.com/wi/milwaukee/146556-athens-family-restaurant/menu/?aff_ref=yh_64 .

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 13, 2010

Athens Restaurant
5547 N Lovers Lane Rd
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225
(414) 462-3950

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Bravo! Restaurant

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Wonderful Dining Atmosphere"

Bravo! in Brookfield Photo - Bravo! Restaurant, Brookfield, Wisconsin

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When you enter Bravo! you may feel a bit underdressed when you see the white table clothes and well dressed servers. They promote themselves as "BRAVO! is white-tablecloth casual dining at its best with great tasting Italian food and an inviting atmosphere under a fun, family-friendly Roman ruin decor." so do not feel intimidated by your surroundings.I have been here recently a couple of times with my co-workers and we've been comfortable during the noontime hour for lunch wearing our soccer office apparel (standard issued Adidas polos and jerseys). Often there will be office workers dressed in suits . . . or shoppers from the mall in tattered jeans and flip-flops. It matters not....Read More

When you enter Bravo! you may feel a bit underdressed when you see the white table clothes and well dressed servers. They promote themselves as "BRAVO! is white-tablecloth casual dining at its best with great tasting Italian food and an inviting atmosphere under a fun, family-friendly Roman ruin decor." so do not feel intimidated by your surroundings.

I have been here recently a couple of times with my co-workers and we've been comfortable during the noontime hour for lunch wearing our soccer office apparel (standard issued Adidas polos and jerseys). Often there will be office workers dressed in suits . . . or shoppers from the mall in tattered jeans and flip-flops. It matters not.

The food here is unique in some ways. I've never had lasagna prepared with alfredo sauce. It's pretty darn good! They do not have a lot of what you may expect to see from a chain Italian restaurant . . . and as much as I do like Olive Garden, they put them to shame on quality and meal preparation creativity.

On my most recent three visits, all within the last month I have had the lasagna, crab cakes and spaghettini. I also ordered a salad with my meals and have thoroughly enjoyed the Bravo! Chopped Salad and the Insalata Della Casa. Many of my dining partners also love the Caesar's Salad here!

A little about my crab cakes dinner . . . the "jumbo" crab cakes were smaller than I had expected and were more like appetizer size. To be honest, however, that was fine as my salad was quite filling. Additionally they were served with wonderful garlic roasted potatoes and long crisp green beans. With a starter salad and yummy bread, it was a very filling meal. At $19.99 for the meal and $3.99 for the salad, I was pleased with the overall value here.

That evening David had the Grilled Chicken and Shrimp Scampi Pasta which he said was outstanding. Here is the menu description: "With garlic, asparagus and tomatoes tossed with angel hair pasta in our white wine lemon sauce." It seemed a bit "too busy" for me in terms of the taste sensations provided, but he loved it!

On a recent visit with my staff, we did indulge in the trio dessert sampler, the Tre Dolce which includes their top dessert offerings: Tiramisu, Torta di Cioccolata, and Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding.

This restaurant has fast become a personal favorite both for business and pleasure. They have locations throughout the US, mainly in the Midwest and a small group of east coast and southern states. Check out their locations map here: http://www.bravoitalian.com/locations.html .

Bon appetite!
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 13, 2010

Bravo! Restaurant
95 N. Moorland A 147
Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005
(262) 785-0858

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Club Paragon

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Another Fish Fry Option"

Club Paragon Photo - Club Paragon, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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OK now that Wisconsin has gone smoke-free throughout the state (effective 7/5/10) we can now enjoy fish fry are more local tavern and bar locations. We had tried to go to Club Paragon about five months ago, but the smoke was so thick and stinky, we had to turn around and go back out. With the smoking ban in effect now for over three weeks, we felt save in returning.Club Paragon is first and foremost a nice bar in the suburbs, built like your cabin in the woods. With pool tables and darts, plus about a dozen flat screen televisions throughout, it is a fun place to go out with friends or to enjoy a game. On Packers' game days the place is jammed. In the past, my former association used t...Read More

OK now that Wisconsin has gone smoke-free throughout the state (effective 7/5/10) we can now enjoy fish fry are more local tavern and bar locations. We had tried to go to Club Paragon about five months ago, but the smoke was so thick and stinky, we had to turn around and go back out. With the smoking ban in effect now for over three weeks, we felt save in returning.

Club Paragon is first and foremost a nice bar in the suburbs, built like your cabin in the woods. With pool tables and darts, plus about a dozen flat screen televisions throughout, it is a fun place to go out with friends or to enjoy a game. On Packers' game days the place is jammed. In the past, my former association used to go there for after work gatherings in the private room.

For David and me, it was finally time to try their highly publicized and well regarded Friday fish fry. Billed as "the most underrated" I'm not really sure by who or why. At $8.95 the value is there, especially for their all you can eat Alaskan Pollock. You can order cod for a dollar more, but no "AYCE" on that dinner. They also offer walleye, perch and blue gill on Fridays.

Their fish fries are served with very delicious steak fries, a decent cole slaw (if you like the vinegar type) and a slice of marble rye bread. For both David and me, the first initial serving with three or four fish flanks was plenty. They use a very nice lightly breaded coating on their fish, which allows for the full appreciation of the thin white fish flavor.

Back in the day, I used to enjoy their steak sandwich served open face or their cod fish sandwiches. As far as "bar food" goes, this place is outstanding. For bars with entertainment, Club Paragon also scores high fives. Local faves like Pat McCurdy play here regularly. Speaking of good ole Pat . . . if you've never seen him, you owe it to yourself to catch him at Summerfest or any other venue around SE Wisconsin. He is a blast. Here is the link to his website: http://www.patmccurdy.com/ .

If you have an interest in joining a dart league, this is your place. They have events for all levels of skill. I wonder how playing darts without smoking is working for folks.

A word to those who do smoke; not to worry. Like many places throughout the Milwaukee area, Club Paragon has built an add-on to their original building for outside dining. I only wish they had built the patio on the other side or at the rear of the building as you must walk right by it (and through all the icky smoke) to enter the building. Not a good design in my opinion! Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 1, 2010

Club Paragon
3578 South 108th Street
Milwaukee 53228
(414) 541-9270

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Crawdaddy's

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Always a Good Dining Experience"

Crawdaddy's In West Allis Photo - Crawdaddy's, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Crawdaddy's is one of those local Milwaukee area restaurants that seems to have been hard hit by the economic downturn with fewer people eating out these days. It used to be that if you arrived after about 6:30pm or any weekend evening, you had a bit of a wait for a table.Since moving back to Milwaukee a couple of years ago, we have never had a wait, including a Saturday night back in February. The service and food seems to be as good as ever, so I can only surmise it is due to the economy. To help folks a bit, you can find $25 dining gift certificates on Restaurant.com . . . my favorite dining resource at home or on the road. Typically $10 for the $25 savings, they too have been promo...Read More

Crawdaddy's is one of those local Milwaukee area restaurants that seems to have been hard hit by the economic downturn with fewer people eating out these days. It used to be that if you arrived after about 6:30pm or any weekend evening, you had a bit of a wait for a table.

Since moving back to Milwaukee a couple of years ago, we have never had a wait, including a Saturday night back in February. The service and food seems to be as good as ever, so I can only surmise it is due to the economy. To help folks a bit, you can find $25 dining gift certificates on Restaurant.com . . . my favorite dining resource at home or on the road. Typically $10 for the $25 savings, they too have been promoting during these rough economic times, so you can frequently pick up their dining certificates when they are offered at 70-80% off. To save $25, spending just $2 or $3 is a real deal.

As for dinner at Crawdaddy's, we have been there probably three or four times in the past year. David enjoys the shrimp creole and the jambalaya, while I often go for the Na'Orleans Trio which includes jambalaya, red beans n rice and a small cup of gumbo.

Most meals are accompanied with a slice of french style bread, although the trio does not for some reason. Admittedly, if there is a rap I'm going to give this place it is that they are chincy with the bread . . . and if it doesn't come with your meal, you can buy a small half-loaf for a couple of dollars.

Their menu features many seafood and meat choices including tuna, halibut, steak, crab legs and chicken. Their options for po'boys are pretty pathetic and not worth the effort in my opinion.

If you have saved room for dessert, they have some southern faves including key lime pie, bourbon pecan pie and bread pudding. I don't think we've ever held room for dessert, although they have looked delectable passing by our table.

There is a full service bar, which you must walk through as you enter the place. Often it is jammed full of businessmen taking in a "before going home" adult beverage and smoking like a chimney. Boy am I looking forward to the "no smoking in the workplace" law that goes into effect next month (July 5, 2010).

Crawdaddy's is a bit on the pricey side, with our two dinners, soft drinks and a small half-loaf of bread running right at $45. The Restaurant.com certificate makes it much more affordable.

They are open for lunch (11:30a - 2:00p) during the week Tuesday through Friday and dinner (4:30p - 10:00p) six nights a week . . . they are closed on Mondays.

For more information including up-to-date hours and menus, you can check them out on the web: www.crawdaddysrestaurant.com.

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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 26, 2010

Crawdaddy's
6414 W. Greenfield Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
(414) 778-2228

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Red Robin

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Gourmet Burgers . . . Endless Steak Fries"

Red Robin - Yummy Burgers! Photo - Red Robin, Greenfield, Wisconsin

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We had our first Red Robin's dining experience about five years ago while traveling from Iowa to Wisconsin via Minneapolis. We stopped in one late evening for a burger and left overstuffed to the gills.If the large burger doesn't get you, then it will probably be the limitless steak fries they offer with all sandwiches. And please, do not make the same rookie mistake we made in ordering milk shakes . . . two of them (one each). There is enough in the serving to share and have a full tall glass each. We never order milkshakes for one anymore!Their burgers are truly gourmet, and they get a gourmet price for them too (between $7.50 and $10.00). They come loaded with all sorts...Read More

We had our first Red Robin's dining experience about five years ago while traveling from Iowa to Wisconsin via Minneapolis. We stopped in one late evening for a burger and left overstuffed to the gills.

If the large burger doesn't get you, then it will probably be the limitless steak fries they offer with all sandwiches. And please, do not make the same rookie mistake we made in ordering milk shakes . . . two of them (one each). There is enough in the serving to share and have a full tall glass each. We never order milkshakes for one anymore!

Their burgers are truly gourmet, and they get a gourmet price for them too (between $7.50 and $10.00). They come loaded with all sorts of options, or just naked like you'd have in your backyard. I have also had their fish sandwich which was outstanding. They offer several varieties of chicken sandwiches, also in the $8.00 to $10.00 price range.

In the half a dozen or so times we've dined at Red Robin, we have never had an improperly prepared burger or cold fries. Everything is prepared fresh and to order. And when you're ready for "more fries" they will bring another basket out . . . and more again . . . until you've had your fill.

Kids love this place . . . adults do too as they have an interesting menu of adult beverages, including margaritas, beer and wine. As I previously mentioned, there are also those ice cream shop style milk shakes that are thick and very tasty, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

If you have a Red Robin location near you, you will want to enroll in their "club". In doing so, you will receive a certificate good for a free burger on the birthday . . . no age restrictions apply. I will tell you, David loved his last month. (And no stupid happy birthday songs either!)

If you in during some sporting event, they do have televisions throughout the restaurant so you can watch your favorite NFL or MLB team, or perhaps NASCAR on a Sunday afternoon.
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Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 13, 2010

Red Robin
7575 Edgerton Avenue
Greenfield, Wisconsin 53220
(414) 421-2257

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Trysting Place Pub

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Another Friday - Another Fish Fry"

Trysting Place Pub Photo - Trysting Place Pub, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

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Yep . . . Friday in Milwaukee and dining out means just one thing . . . another Friday Fish Fry!Now that we're northsiders, we've had to find new places for fish fry dinners. Menomonee Falls is just about 10 minutes from the house so it seemed like a convenient and logical choice. Having just heard about Trysting Place Pub on the radio earlier in the day, their advertising bucks worked to bring us in.We arrived shortly after 5:30pm and it was still rather quiet inside. It is what I consider to be a typical Milwaukee area pub/bar with pool tables, pull tab vending machines, Golden Tee Golf and other assorted games. The bar is in the center of the room and is quite large; pro...Read More

Yep . . . Friday in Milwaukee and dining out means just one thing . . . another Friday Fish Fry!

Now that we're northsiders, we've had to find new places for fish fry dinners. Menomonee Falls is just about 10 minutes from the house so it seemed like a convenient and logical choice. Having just heard about Trysting Place Pub on the radio earlier in the day, their advertising bucks worked to bring us in.

We arrived shortly after 5:30pm and it was still rather quiet inside. It is what I consider to be a typical Milwaukee area pub/bar with pool tables, pull tab vending machines, Golden Tee Golf and other assorted games. The bar is in the center of the room and is quite large; probably 20-25 bar stools around it. They have a mix of high and low top tables and a few booths around the perimeter of the place. We opted for a booth.

Currently, until around the first of July, we still have smoking food & beverage establishments. I'm not quite sure what the current laws are as some places have gone all non-smoking, some counties and cities have required restaurants to be smoke-free while it's ok in bars still. This place was a full smoking establishment, but coming early, it wasn't bad . . . yet. Personally, I look forward to the new Wisconsin law that will prohibit smoking although I know the Tavern League (an association for bars and pubs in the state) has fought it for years.

The Trysting Place Pub has a very nice and rather extensive menu of bar food items including sandwiches, burgers, finger foods (like chicken wings and tenders), pizza and of course the obligatory fish fry. Pizza appears to be a popular item for them, as we saw more of them going out the door for carry-out orders than their fish.

They have a number of nightly advertised specials as well. Wednesdays are "all you can eat" spaghetti for $6.99 and Thursday are pizza night with $12 and $14 pricing on their 14 and 16 inch respectively, loaded with two toppings of your choice.

As for our dinner, the fish fry was $9.99 and was pretty basic . . . but very good. Beer battered with Leinenkugel's Red as the base, the cod was tender, flakey and delicious. The three planks were plump and moist; the batter not overpowering the delicate fish flavor. Served with choice of fries, potato salad (American or German version) or potato pancakes (for an extra buck), cole slaw, and a slice of marble rye bread; there was plenty of food and need for extra (as in "all you can eat" servings).

We saved room to share a dessert, their apple dumpling. It was a curious preparation with the apple wedged and rolled in what seemed to be phyllo dough, deep fried and then served with vanilla ice cream and warm caramel syrup. It was very good and at $3.29 a good value.

I'm certain we will return to the Trysting Place Pub some evening once the no smoking ordinance goes into effect. It looked to be a fun place to watch a sporting event with TV's throughout the bar area. We did note their fliers promoting Packers' trips from the bar to Green Bay by motor coach, plenty of food and beverages (including bloody mary's and screwdrivers) for the ride, a tailgate at Lambeau Field and a game ticket. Not bad at $500 for their three game package (includes a preseason game) or $225 for the single regular season games. Unfortunately, the games in this year's packages are not very desirable . . . Detroit Lions (who suck!) and a Sunday night game against Dallas. Good game, but who wants to be rolling into their home after 1:00am??

All in all, thumbs up for the Trysting Place Pub in Menomonee Falls.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 26, 2010

Trysting Place Pub
N71 W12980 Appleton Avenue
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
(262) 255-4110

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