A Roadfood Tour of the Milwaukee area

Hello everyone!

The Contingent has been bugging me to post this thread, and I'm finally getting around to doing it.

It has been suggested that it's time for a Milwaukee Roadfood tour, and despite this past week, we're running out of nice days. So, we must pick a date that works. I suggest a Sunday in October, or even end of September, if we can get organized, as that would make it easier for the Buddy Roadhouse crew to join us. So - any date work better than others?

Rather than just go from restaurant to restaurant, my idea is mix it up a bit. To that end, suggestions for places to go so far have been:

Benji's for breakfast
Penzey's Spices
The Spice House
Lucky's Grocery
Parthenon Grocery
Glorioso's (They close at Noon on Sundays)
Quality Candy tour/outlet
Palermo's Pizza tour/tasting
Lakefront Brewery Tour
Mekato's Bakery
The Vietnamese grocery on National (I'm blanking on the name)
Kopp's
Mazo's
Patterson Orchards
Milwaukee Public Market

Of course we wouldn't go to all these places; these are just suggestions. Add or subtract at will until we come up with a manageable list.

I am good with wherever everyone wants to go, since my experience of Milwaukee's roadfood establishments is limited to Kopp's and that Serbian place we went to.

Days that will NOT work for me. as of right now:

Saturday, September 19th
Saturday, September 26th (possibly)
Saturday, October 10th

Benji's for breakfast --North Side
Glorioso's (They close at Noon on Sundays) --East Side
Quality Candy tour/outlet --South Side
Palermo's Pizza tour/tasting --?? but yes!!!
Lakefront Brewery Tour --South Side, sort-of.
Mekato's Bakery --Hells to the yes, why not add Thai BBQ?
Mazo's --South Side, near Leon's!!!
Patterson Orchards --never heard of, so yes!
Milwaukee Public Market --downtown


I know our friends to the south like Kopp's but it's right down the street, in fact I have a half eaten bacon cheeseburger in the fridge right now. Red Velvet Cake is worth the drive, btw.

As for dates, Sundays are fine, I just need enough notice. Would it be ok if my boss comes? She had a great time @ JRPfeff's Sunday. Once we set a date I can see if anyone else wants to come.

Right now I'm good for any Sunday except Sept. 27th.

The only Sundays that don't work for us are September 27th and October 4th.  Mrs. Roadhouse will be in Kansas City visiting her mother starting on September 26th and I will be following a few days later to participate in The American Royal Barbecue Cook-Off.  We drive home on that Sunday, October 4th.  Also, we're planning a vacation sometime in October, but we can schedule around this tour as long as we can set the date soon.

As for where we go, I leave that up to my knowledgeable colleagues to the north.  The Public Market is definitely of particular interest, with the various ethnic groceries mentioned a close second.  Whatever is decided, we should learn from our past experiences and limit the number of stops so that the tour is manageable both in terms of time (usually not a big problem), and space in our bellies (usually a bigger problem).

So pick the date, set the itinerary and you can count on the Roadhouses to attend.

Buddy

Speed Queen!!!!

BuddyRoadhouse
Whatever is decided, we should learn from our past experiences and limit the number of stops so that the tour is manageable both in terms of time (usually not a big problem), and space in our bellies (usually a bigger problem).

 
I think it's a great idea to have possible tours of places & grocery stores included, makes for more tummy space when eating @ the actual restaurants. Great idea, X1!!!

You need to avoid 9/19-20 so the Buffalo/Rochester tourists can join us.

SD - The Boss will need a WWbbD? bracelet to attend.

How's about Usinger's or Sprecher?

Looks like Packers was misspelled....

Jake's Deli, much as Bud Selig turned me to the Cubs.

jake53005


Speed Queen!!!!

Unfortunately, Speed Queen is closed on Sundays.

I think the theme of this tour oriented away from the traditional restaurant stops we usually make and more toward food manufacturers, (factory tours), and unique food outlets (ethnic groceries) where we can nibble on ready to eat items.

Kopp's was thrown in, I think, just as bait to lure us Flatlanders north of Russel Road.

It'll probably work.

Buddy

I can't make it on any Sunday this month ( I'm in Buffalo on the 20th and North Carolina on the 27th ), but any day in October works fine for me. Can we go to Leon's, pretty please?? 

As far as a central parking place for consolidating vehicles - my building's lot has ample free parking, it's safe, and they have a semi-public restroom and soda/water/coffee (free coffee) machines on the 1st floor. Semi-public means "I have a key, so I can let you in".
I live on the lake, so hopping on 794 over the bridge and into the East Side and downtown Milwaukee is a snap, as well as going anywhere in Bay View or any other South Side location.

I forgot about Usinger's - that'd be fine, even though they didn't make The Final Four...lol

Sciortino's Bakery is across the street from Glorioso's, FYI.

Patterson Orchards is on 124th in Hales Corners.

I'm fine with Leon's, which is across the street from Mazo's. There's a tiny Asian market next to Mazo's, too.

Bummer - Quality Candy only offers tours Tuesdays - Thursdays, appointments only, for groups of 10 or more.
So - they're out.

For Sprecher:

Times

Year Round: We generally have tours available throughout the year on Fridays at 4pm and Saturdays at 1, 2, and 3pm. We also have Sunday tours at 12, 1 and 2 pm. Call for exact times as they may change slightly from week to week. Summertime: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day we also offer tours on weekdays (contingent upon on our production and special event scheduling) at 4pm. Call for dates and times.

Holidays:

While we generally do not offer tours on major holidays, we do normally offer additional tours on the days surrounding major holidays (e.g. the day after Thanksgiving). Call close to the holiday to get details.

Cost

Seniors: $3 Adults: $4 (Free with Military ID) Anyone under 21: $2
What does the tour involve? The tour of the brewery takes you from our Giftshop to our brewhouse, through our aging cellar to our bottling line and warehouse, all the while guided by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. The tour ends in our indoor beer tent where samples are served, questions are answered and usually a trivia contest or two ensues. All adults 21 and older get 4 samples of beer (chosen from up to 10 beers on tap) and a beer tasting glass to take home. Adults as well as kids get to sample all of our seven different sodas to their heart's content.

---

Reserve Tastings Reserve tastings are done in smaller groups than the regular tour/tastings and feature the company's premier and limited edition products. Each guest receives samples of ten Sprecher beers, each paired with a different artisan cheese.
These tastings are ideal for folks looking for a relaxed, all adult atmosphere, for visitors who have been to the brewery previously and are looking for a different experience, or for those who are interested in sampling products more than touring the brewery.
In addition to the tasting, Reserve Tasting guests receive an etched tasting glass that is theirs to take home. Reserve Tasting guests are welcome to join a tour group to see the brewery if they would like.
Reserve tastings cost $15 per person and are offered on weekends. Tour times vary by demand, so it is best to call ahead for availability.
Guests must be 21 years of age to participate in the Reserve Tastings, and space is limited, so reservations are required.

Unless we arrange a private tour, it looks like Lakefront Brewery does not do tours on Sundays. Cost for the tour is $6, plus the glass and free beer, as compared with Sprecher, which is $3, plus the glass, free beer, and free soda.

My vote would be for Sprecher then. :)

Oh, I forgot El Rey, the Mexican grocery...which is on the way to Mekato's and that area....

Sprecher also has the advantage of being renowned on this board for their Root Beer, and also being an attraction for the non-beer drinkers in the group THE CONTINGENT.

Here's the (maybe?) problem I see with Sprecher, much as I'd like to go: It's in Glendale, which is pretty far from the rest of the areas we'd be visiting, and they have tours at 12, 1, 2 and 3, which would be right in the middle of everything else we're planning.
If we go to Glorioso's, we have to be there before Noon, 'cause they close.
I would think, if we went, we'd have to go to the latest one - the 3 PM, which means leaving Milwaukee around 2.15 to be sure of getting there by then.

The line-up of candidates looks great. If Sprecher is out because of location, is there anyplace on the southside that might offer a tour on Sunday? Klements maybe?

The only weekend I know I'll be away is October 13-16. However, scheduling priority should probably be given to the Illinois side of The Contingent.

Anyway, looks great, and now I'm craving oysters from the Public Market. And I'm craving corned beef hash from Benji's. And... well, you get the picture.

X1


Here's the (maybe?) problem I see with Sprecher, much as I'd like to go: It's in Glendale, which is pretty far from the rest of the areas we'd be visiting, and they have tours at 12, 1, 2 and 3, which would be right in the middle of everything else we're planning...I would think, if we went, we'd have to go to the latest one - the 3 PM, which means leaving Milwaukee around 2.15 to be sure of getting there by then.

That could work to our advantage too.  Usually by mid afternoon we're stuffed.  A break from eating coupled with a good long walk around the brewery could be a welcome break in the middle of all that food.

Also, check your times.  In your original Sprecher post you indicated that the last tour was at 2:00pm on Sundays.  Here you're saying it's at 3:00pm.  Best to make sure before we drive out there.

Buddy

You have to call for an appointment for the tour anyway, so I'll make sure.
The sidebar on the site said 3, and I was looking at that.

The thing is, we may be nibbling, but since this is unlike the other tours, I don't see us being "stuffed" like we usually are.

I'd like to do a McBob's/Jake's/Speed Queen run. It could probably be accomplished in an hour or so. 

This would be a dream trip. Wish we could make it. Love Wisconsin! I'll keep an eye out for the posts letting us know how well it went.

As already mentioned - Speed Queen is not open on Sundays.

And McBob's AND Jake's? Seems like overkill. We really would be stuffed, then!

I'm in.
Any Sunday should work for me.
Many of these places also have outdoor seating. So the sooner the better, around here you never know when the first snow will fly.
Breakfast at Benji's would be a good start. Glorioso's and Scartino's !!!!
The Milwaukee Public Market is a must see. Any excuse for a fried oyster po'boy!
The Sprecher Brewery is just off the freeway, and is only 10 minutes from downtown.
I'll set up a public map on Google tonight to pin point all the locations mentioned so everyone can visualize all the choices. 
Unfortunately the new Asian market being built in my hood doesn't look like it will be open before this gathering.

X1

As already mentioned - Speed Queen is not open on Sundays.

We should do this today then. Who's in.

If you fetch me, and I'm back by 3, I'm in.

Gyp

X1

As already mentioned - Speed Queen is not open on Sundays.

We should do this today then. Who's in.

You impulsive dawg, you!  Sounds like meat overload.  Have fun!

Buddy

Impulsive, perhaps, but no follow-through. At least not with me.
He may have gone alone.

I've set up a Google map here: MKE tour .
I think I've included all the locations mentioned so far. It's public and anyone can add to it.
We still need an Asian grocery.
According to their web site, Palermo's doesn't offer weekend tours.
The Frank Lloyd Wright system built homes in Milwaukee are just a few blocks from Makato's if anyone wants to take a short cultural detour.

And just a side note to BuddyRoadhouse....there is a Kopp's within staggering, uh stumbling, I mean walking distance of Sprecher Brewery. 

You had me at "Frank Lloyd Wright system built homes", Chuck!

ChuckL50

And just a side note to BuddyRoadhouse....there is a Kopp's within staggering, uh stumbling, I mean walking distance of Sprecher Brewery. 

While I do enjoy the occasional adult beverage, my preference leans toward the harder stuff rather than beer or wine.  As such I will be more likely to partake of Sprecher's excellent Root Beer than their signature malt and hops based items.  With that in mind, my strong arm and shoulder will be available for support for anyone who needs some extra balance upon completing the Sprecher's tour.

Also, another example of "like father, like daughter", I too would be very interested in seeing the nearby Frank Lloyd Wright homes.  Good detective work Chuck!

Buddy

P.S. From the early returns on this thread, it seems like that second Sunday, October 11th might be the date when we will get the biggest group.  Any seconds for the motion?

B.

The later in October the better for me.

Regarding Penzey's vs. The Spice House, I think TSH is more unique.  They have a retail outlet in the Mke Public Market.  It's not as extensive as their Old World Third Street store (not even close), but 2 birds - 1 stop. 

The Penzey's World HQ is on Capitol Drive at Hwy 45.  A bit out of the way, but they offer tours (haven't checked Sundays).  Penzey's is not offering tours at this thyme. There is also a Penzey's retail store across from Kopp's on Port Washington Rd.

I like the Wright home tour idea.

My vote is for October 11th. And Frank Lloyd Wright homes and Sprecher's root beer sounds like a fine afternoon to me. 

Sprecher is good, FLW is great!

When I green lighted making plans after my reclusive last 5-6 months, things got filled pretty quickly.  I am out all Sat - Sun of September as well as Oct 9-13 (another Sat - Sun)...sorry!  Good as of now for the remaining Sat-Sun in October.  Feel free to schedule any date as my schedule will make it hard to work for everyone.

X-1 - Nice job on this so far!

Oct 11th is out for me.

Sunday, Oct 18?

The 18th is okay.

Buddy

gyp: Wow. Let me know when you want to do this, I want to be your photog. I don't think it can be done in an hour unless you're getting carryout @ all 3 places & then going to a park & going for it.

X1: Why did I think Sprecher's was in the valley?

ChuckL: you had me @ Frank Lloyd Wright as well.

Any Sunday in October works for me right now.

I'm out of town Oct. 15-18 (I mistakenly gave other dates above), but if that's the best weekend for y'all, so be it!

18th works for me, too.
Sorry, Q. You just gotta quit traveling so damn much.

The 18th is fine with me.

quijote


I'm out of town Oct. 15-18 (I mistakenly gave other dates above), but if that's the best weekend for y'all, so be it!

I don't think you're allowed to attend without a WWbbD? wrist band, anyway.

X1


18th works for me, too.
Sorry, Q. You just gotta quit traveling so damn much.

 
I know, and I'm actually traveling less than I used to.

JRPfeff

quijote


I'm out of town Oct. 15-18 (I mistakenly gave other dates above), but if that's the best weekend for y'all, so be it!

I don't think you're allowed to attend without a WWbbD? wrist band, anyway.

 
  I'm still hoping the Buffet Gods will be kind to me and grant me one of those wristbands. Though I'll be in Indiana on October 18th, I have a feeling I could benefit from channeling buffetbuster there--especially if I'm at the Cloverleaf in Bloomington!

 

October 18th is good for me!

I'm afraid the 18th will not work for us either. We will be eating Roadfood the 3 days previous in New Orleans and will be unpacking, doing wash, mail, getting ready for work the next day, etc. on the 18th. Sounds like a great tour planned so far.

I introduced my son to Lucky's Mini-Mart yesterday and the sign outside said that roast suckling pig and spit roasted young lamb was available weekends for $6 and $7.50/lb. respectfullly. We picked up a loaf of their fine housemade bread, Beth made some kaymak and we had some ajvar for a gourmet roadfood treat for dinner. Here's a link for your tour.

Frank Lloyd Wright Milwaukee homes

Here you guys are! I know X1, Chuck and Mr & Mrs MilwFoodLover from a local board and we've met several times. I've been an occasional lurker here for years but never bothered to actually register until today, and oh MAN I would have loved that brat testing extravaganza. Even though I did not see that thread in time, count me in on this one! What a cool idea to mix up the day by spending it with restaurant, tours and local/ethnic groceries. I love bee-bopping around like that. The only dates out for me are Oct 2-4th.

cjucoder, Welcome to Roadfood.

Yay! Hello, Coder!

MilwFoodlovers


cjucoder, Welcome to Roadfood.

Thanks MFL! Hope you have an amazing time in New Orleans.

X1

Yay! Hello, Coder

Hello my buddy! Thanks for putting this day trip together, what a nice way to spend the day! :}

October the 18th should be okay for us!

The only weekend that's out for us is Oct 3-4
otherwise it sounds grand, but I don't have one of those fancy wristbands either, so I'll just have to wing it...
I do have some Girl Scout Prairie Power wristbands I could trade.... 
 
..I don't know if a final decision was made on Sprecher's but I'd have two thumbs up for it...

I missed out on a wristband? Phooey!! Is it too late to get one?

Been working to finalize a list, with ChuckL's help.

We narrowed it down to 7, then realized that's about 7 hours, including drive time between places. That's way too long of a day, especially for the folks traveling in.

So we're deleting more. Ruthlessly slashing. Well, not really - there is much angst.
We did cut Benji's. Figured we can eat at Glorioso's and Sciortino's if we need to. Might cut something else to add Jo's Diner, which appears in one of the Roadfood books, or possibly Mr. Perkins, if we all really want breakfast. We've been to Benji's - I'd prefer, like Buddy, to go somewhere different.

I really think Metro Market, since there is so much to see, do and eat, should be last, but Chuck disagrees....or at least the driving/timing doesn't work, especially if we do Sprecher.

We may cut Sprecher, folks, so be aware of that.

Since we're going to Metro Market, we're thinking of cutting Penzey's and Spice House, because Spice House is there, and we don't really need 2 spice places. It's not Dune.

We're probably cutting Patterson Orchards, and maybe either Lucky's or Parthenon.

We don't HAVE to go to Mekato's, but it's enjoyable, and it's near the F.L. Wright drive/tour/whatever, which everyone seems to want to do. It is near Ashley's BBQ, too, if we want to throw that in. They do a Soul Food Buffet on Sundays. For those keeping track of my new gig as Ethnic Restaurants Examiner, look for 2 upcoming articles - 1 on Speed Queen, the other on Ashley's.

I haven't heard anything back from all of you regarding the idea of parking in my lot in St. Francis to consolidate cars. Good idea, or are we all set on driving our own cars to each location?

FEEDBACK, people - I need it.

If you haven't already done so: If you're thinking about Jo's, call them to see if they're still open and to see about Sunday hours. Also, seating there is severely limited--I remember something like three or four small tables, and several stools at the counter.

Figured we can eat at Glorioso's and Sciortino's if we need to.
 
Agreed.
 
 
Might cut something else to add Jo's Diner, which appears in one of the Roadfood books, or possibly Mr. Perkins, if we all really want breakfast.
 
I've been wanting to try Mr Perkins, but I think that's a lot to ask of the Chicago crew to drive 1+ hours on empty stomachs. I can very very very happily do breakfast @ Glorioso's & Sciortino's (everyday if I had to).
 

Since we're going to Metro Market, we're thinking of cutting Penzey's and Spice House, because Spice House is there, and we don't really need 2 spice places. It's not Dune.

Agreed.
 

We don't HAVE to go to Mekato's, but it's enjoyable, and it's near the F.L. Wright drive/tour/whatever, which everyone seems to want to do.
 
Well, I'd rather do Thai BBQ because I would always prefer salty to sweet, but Mekato's does have that coffee & we've done Thai BBQ, both together & me with my girlfriends.
 
I haven't heard anything back from all of you regarding the idea of parking in my lot in St. Francis to consolidate cars. Good idea, or are we all set on driving our own cars to each location?

Since I'm coming from the West side, I'll just meet you guys wherever. UNLESS someone wants to consolidate cars, I can fit 3-4 extra people in my vehicle if need be. Let me know & I can do that.