Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

1319 East Henry Clay St., Milwaukee, WI - (414) 964-3800

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Posted By Michael Jesse on 6/12/2005 7:38:00 PM

Although set in an upscale lakefront community, we found the service lacking and the food average. The German decor and the waitressing outfits, while bavarian and quaint, couldn't make up for the poor service we received. We arrived right at opening so the service could not be excused for a busy evening as most of the wait staff was standing around doing nothing. The food was unexciting and overpriced. I paid $23 for a piece of broiled whitefish (Pandl's specialty) that was droll and tasteless. Even, the tartar sauce (which was too tart and vinegary) served with the fish couldn't make it anything more than ordinary. The pork tenderloin ordered by my wife was moist and flavorful, but the side order of cabbage was uninvitingly sweet from an over abundance of apples and the dumplings served with the dish were little more than mashed potatoes with some flour stirred into the mixture.

My wife and I are of German descent and know good German food when we taste it. If you're looking for fine authentic German Cuisine, keep driving. The one bright spot was the vegetable of the day which consisted of a cauliflower and cheese bake that I could have eaten as a main dish casserole. The flavors were incredibly complex, the cauliflower was cooked perfectly al dente and the cheese was a mixture of swiss and gruyere. Baked and topped with a crunchy crisped topping, the flavor and texture combination left you wanting for more. Unfortunately, the dish is not a menu item and is only served as the vegetable of the day. The days they serve this treasure are anyone's guess. It's a pity but, we were so unimpressed that we passed on trying the German Pancake for fear of further disappointment. The last roadfood review was 5 years ago, I dare say that maybe time has not been kind to Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn.

Scorecard

Overall: Won't Eat Again

Rate this place

"A close-up of the broiled whitefish reveals its flaky, tender character."
Cliff Strutz

"Unfortunately, the liver dumpling soup isn't always available. This cup of comforting chicken dumpling soup makes a fine substitute."
Cliff Strutz

"That's a heap of delicious spaetzel dumplings hiding under the schnitzel and, in the background, red cabbage."
Michael Stern

"Beautifully fried lake perch, accompanied by a couple of cream-centered, crisp-skinned, onion-laced potato pancakes."
Michael Stern

"Outstanding cole slaw! It is crisp, pickly, and refreshing, dotted with bits of tomato, red and green pepper, and onion"
Michael Stern

"If you visit Jack Pandl's on a Sunday, your brunch starts off with this plate of pastries."
Cliff Strutz

"A cup of Jack Pandl's liver-dumpling soup"
Michael Stern

"A beautiful sight for the eyes, this dessert consisting of custard, meringue and strawberries is as delicious as it looks!"
Cliff Strutz

"Here is half of a German pancake, just dressed with plenty of powdered sugar and a squeeze of lemon. Side dish? Entree? Dessert? Good!"
Michael Stern

$One small fraction of Pandl's vast collection of beer steins.$
"One small fraction of Pandl's vast collection of beer steins."
Michael Stern

"One of Milwaukee's longstanding culinary treasures."
Michael Stern