Sluurpy > Restaurants in Milwaukee > The Original

Review The Original - Milwaukee

Carolina Lazaro
one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at in my life. Tried brunch here, and was shocked by how good the food was (it is hard to be impressed by a routine egg breakfast), had to come back for dinner. Dinner was even more sensational. Where do they source such buttery scallops?? How do they achieve such a perfect searing of steak? How did they make the cornbread taste like a perfect puff pastry?? Definition of a hidden gem, because the food here is as amazing if not better than Michelin starred restaurants I’ve tried all over the world. The prices are steep for the location, but extremely cheap considering the obvious skill/thought behind the recipes and pairings in each dish. Not to mention the wait staff - incredible service, and one of the few restaurants nowadays that works as a team for the hospitality of the whole restaurant.
Scott W
Had our first dining experience last night and it was excellent. The drinks, the food and the service were all spot on. If you go you have to try the Brussels sprout appetizer, like nothing we have had. All the entrees of scallops, fish (sturgeon) and pork chops were done to perfection. Can’t say enough good things about this place. We will be back! 8/21/2018 update Had our second meal at Original and it was equally good. It was a beautiful night, so we sat on the expansive patio, that was very nice. They don’t have Sangria on the drink menu but they were kind enough to make me one. Yummy.
Ryan Sheridan
True definition of a family establishment. It is incredibly impressive what this team churns out. Craft cocktail selection is impeccable - Black Manhattan on menu or Vieux Carré off…you’re welcome. Service is both attentive but also engaging and conversational, be open and try something new here, it’s worth it. Everything is clearly prepared fresh and with the highest quality ingredients. I would post about the meal but am sure their menu changes over regularly, but in the event you can get it, definitely check out the short rib, Brussels sprouts, leak and potato soup, duck, perfectly seared scallops/order anything. Thanks for a great experience and see you soon!
Lauren Domski
This place is a must to check out and frequent when you are craving some craft cocktails and high quality food. The owner served our group who was there for a birthday, and it was a blast to laugh with him and learn a bit more about his vision for the place. It was a beyond memorable experience for us all. Amazing array of liquors behind the bar. A great spot to come even for a few drinks and appetizers at the bar! P.s. Brussel Sprouts, House Cured Salmon and the Scallops are all a must as well as the Brandy Old Fashioned Panna Cotta for dessert!
Glen Keddie
A nice quaint spot. Our waiter was Craig. He and his brother started up the placed a short while ago. Food was good, especially the fried brussel sprout appetiser. The entres had to much salt. But were presented very well. My beer was spilled by the waiter. Accidents happened. He took the appetiser and dessert off our bill.
Mollie Thompson
Everything was amazing! Their cocktails are better than some cocktail bars in mke and the pulled ham in particular was to die for!!
Beau Crandall
Absolutely one of my new favorite restaurants in MKE. Fresh menu monthly, gluten friendly kitchen, knowledgeable staff, and amazing food. The best beef tips I have ever had. The meat was so tender a knife was not needed.
Jennifer Sendre
Went for Brunch on Sunday and cannot wait to return to try out the dinner menu and adult.... (sans baby). Staff was incredibly nice and personable. Made us feel at home and welcome, making sure we had everything we needed and offering anything they thought would make our meal and time there better. Took great care with our little one! FOOD was incredible - I can't believe we hadn't been before. Breakfast Strada and veggie pita, johnny cakes, all exceeded expectations and had surprise elements to them in terms of flavor profile and how the ingredients were featured. There was even a surprise house-made chocolate milk for the little one that was a hit with all of us. We will be back.... soon!
Charlie Lembach
Best mistake I made all day. Thought I was going someplace else and once realized, gave this hidden gem a try. Brunch menu was hard to choose from but decided on the Monte Cristo. Loved every bite. Service and atmosphere was perfect. I will be back.
Rhonett Wardenburg
Enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch at The Original. A very unassuming place, but the outside patio was perfect and our food was delicious. The highlight had to be the service, everyone that served or waited on us were so nice and welcoming. This topped off a great weekend visiting Milwaukee.
Gary Lancina
A favorite on the East Side for unexpectedly fabulous dishes. The chef is talented, and the barkeep is, as well. Have never been disappointed.
Joshua Klind
Absolutely amazing from service to food to drinks. I did not know dinner could be this amazing. Worth every penny and a 50% tip
Brenda Dussl
We three ladies had a wonderful time at brunch yesterday. Great food, great conversation with Craig and the mimosas were outstanding! See you in November and thank you for the experience.
Sarah Balistreri
I really appreciate that we could make reservations specifically for patio seating. The service was great and the Sunday brunch menu has something for everyone. The food is a step above many brunch places. It’s in the details: the griddle toasted bread on the BLT, the perfectly poached eggs, and the blanched onions on the salad. Definitely coming back for dinner!
Nancy Katz
Wow! Simply wow! The cocktail was "original" and very tasty. The duckling was perfectly crispy and yet tender. The salad tasted like it was barely minutes from the garden. Basil cake was the finishing touch, and it was amazing! We can't wait for our next visit to Milwaukee!
Rachel Reinders-Saeman
This was a great meal! I tried some things I wouldn't normally order and it was all amazing. The cocktails were also so unique and delicious!
Angelo M
The HUGE bone in pork chop looked exactly like the pictures online, cooked perfectly, and amazingly delicious. Will definitely come back again with my friends and family. Awesome service! Very clean, plenty of street parking. Thank you!
Derek Foerster
Vinni did it again. It was the most delicious dinner and perfect for my birthday!! The duck liver mousse is always a fav on the charcuterie plate. Carrot and apple soup with sage creme fresh scrumptious. The Cornish hen was to die for and to top it off for dessert we had a special made Fat Elvis to rival the one we get in Las Vegas!! Since The Original has been open for a couple months now, we have never had a bad meal. You definitely need to get this place on your frequent list!!
Jill Griffee Ross
We decided to try out this new restaurant and it was fabulous. Interesting menu, with amazing flavors, and all dishes paired with a suggested cocktail, beer, and wine. Two brothers own the restaurant. One of them waited on us and he was gregarious and very personal and excited about his food. Nice atmosphere and great looking patio space for summer. Highly recommend you give it a try!
Bonnie Halvorsen
The Original is plate-licking good. I'm serious. From the canoe-harvested rice dish, to the scallops, to the cauliflower/tofu (it really is amazing even if you're not a big cauliflower/tofu fan), every dish made with love. And let's not forget the old-school Old Fashioned. yum. You must try this place.
Barb Foote
AWESOME little jewel, tucked away from the hustle bustle of the East side. The perfect date place! The wait staff couldn't do enough for us. The food was delicious, eclectic and beautifully presented. Compliments to the amazing head chef!!! His culinary creativity is stellar!! Gift certificates are available for holiday giving. My family and I highly recommend this wonderful intimate unique new restaurant!!!
Shaun Beauchamp
Great atmosphere. The drink menu is amazing. The bar is very comfortable and inviting. Food selection is wide with very creative dishes and has many flavorful combinations. Definitely a place that requires multiple trips to get the full array of great offerings. #milwaukee #dinemilwaukee #greatfood #upscaledrinking
Cesca Janece
The food is always superb. The cocktails are eclectic and original, served in a building with very cool MKE history and a beautiful original bar (and i love the original tin ceiling). But the service and the owner and chef team make this my favorite place in a town with a lot of great choices. Happy to be able to walk here from home.
Jim Leissner
Went for brunch with two others on Saturday. Simply, the best brunch I can recall having in Milwaukee. The veggie breakfast bowl was outstanding. Two of us had it, and both loved it. And thanks to my friend who allowed me to try her pancakes, I know I will order them next time--and that will be soon. There was a huge group nearby while we were there, but the service was still spot on, efficient and cordial despite the demands of that large table. Everyone should give this one a try.
Samantha Danielle Cannon
The food was amazing! The scallops, seared tomato butter and fried tofu/cauliflower was so good! Definitely will be back and recommend this place to everyone!!
Lai King Moy
Our family of 4 really enjoyed our meal at the Original. We shared the chicken liver mousse and roasted apple for appetizer and the cornish hen, pork cheeks, and wild rice for our meal. All were delicious and hearty with a nice mix of flavors and good use of seasonal produce. The atmosphere is inviting and we received great service. Will certainly be returning to this restaurant that is tucked into a predominantly residential block on the East Side.
Kacee Ocha
Sat at the bar for brunch and had an excellent time. Bartender was friendly and funny, doughnuts were on point and drinks delicious!
Joseph Dominguez
Friday night dinner was excellent , I went back the next day for brunch ! Incredible breakfast burger (confirmed it wasn't a dream). Awsome gem on the east side !
Gloria End
We had the best dinner at The Original. Shrimp appetizer, Pork Cheeks, Scallops all outstanding!!The Sazerac cocktail was delicious. I'll be back.
Alice Mohorko-Lotter
Tried the Hot tofu and cauliflower it was amazing, so delicious. Even better it is prepared Gluten Free! I'm always concerned eating out needing to be GF. So thankful to find a place with GF dishes. Will be eating here every time I'm in Milwaukee. The Old Fashioned was extremely well balanced. Try it!
Caitlin Prostek
Everything was wonderful and the staff are wonderful as well. Seriously check this place out if you have not yet!
Beth Pahlicek
Excited to have been able to visit twice during soft opening activities. Everything we've had to eat or drink has been divine. (Try the pork cheek!) Fantastic addition to the neighborhood. We'll be back often!
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