The crisp Milwaukee air shimmers with snowflakes, carols dance on the breeze, and Christmas lights paint the city in vibrant hues. It’s that most wonderful time of the year and the scent of roasted turkey and gingerbread beckons from cosy kitchens and bustling restaurants. Whether you dream of a traditional Christmas feast or crave a festive culinary adventure, Milwaukee has a Christmas dinner waiting to fill your heart and your stomach. So grab your mittens, gather your loved ones, and embark on a culinary odyssey through the city’s Christmas dining scene.
For the Traditionalists:
1. Aria at Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel
Nestled within the vibrant Saint Kate, Aria presents a Christmas prix fixe menu that’s a symphony of festive flavours. Picture succulent turkey breast with chestnut stuffing, glazed ham studded with cloves, and pan-seared scallops bathed in a creamy champagne sauce. And what’s a Christmas dinner without dessert? Aria’s gingerbread cheesecake with mascarpone mousse and cranberry compote will leave you singing carols with glee.
2. The Pfister Hotel
Step back in time at the iconic Pfister Hotel, where the Mason Street Grill promises a Christmas dinner brimming with elegance and nostalgia. Their decadent menu features slow-roasted prime rib with horseradish cream, herb-crusted rack of lamb, and pan-seared Chilean sea bass drizzled with lemon butter. Indulge in the classic sides – Yukon gold mashed potatoes, creamy green bean casserole, and Brussels sprouts with bacon – for a taste of Christmas bliss.
3. Clifford’s Supper Club
Escape the city’s bustle and head to Hales Corners for a charming Christmas dinner at Clifford’s Supper Club. Immerse yourself in the warm wood-panelled interior and let the aroma of roasted garlic and rosemary transport you to a bygone era. Their hearty Christmas menu features all the staples: golden-brown turkey with gravy, fluffy mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and green bean casserole. Don’t forget their signature cheesy potato soup, a comforting prelude to the grand feast.
For the Adventurous Eaters:
4. Ardent:
If your idea of Christmas dinner leans towards bold flavours and culinary innovation, Ardent is your haven. Chef Justin Aprahamian crafts a five-course prix fixe menu that’s a playful reimagining of Christmas classics. Think venison Wellington with juniper berries and porcini mushrooms, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and maple pecans, and a cranberry pear crisp with cinnamon ice cream. Ardent’s creativity will awaken your palate and make this Christmas one to remember.
5. Movida at Hotel Madrid:
Craving a touch of Spanish flair for your Christmas feast? Movida delivers with their festive “Take & Bake” Beef Wellington. This two-person kit includes two perfectly prepped Wellingtons filled with tender filet mignon, foie gras, and duxelles, alongside cauliflower, broccoli, crispy potatoes, and Simma’s legendary cheesecake. Bake it at home, gather around the table, and experience the joy of creating a Christmas meal together.
6. Tre Rivali:
Journey to Italy this Christmas without leaving Milwaukee. Tre Rivali’s special Christmas brunch on December 25th presents a delicious tapestry of Italian and holiday flavours. Start with fluffy ricotta pancakes drizzled with cranberry-orange compote, then dive into creamy polenta with braised short rib and Parmigiano Reggiano. Don’t miss their house-made pasta – think gnocchi with pesto and roasted butternut squash or tagliatelle with wild boar ragu – for a truly unforgettable Christmas treat.
Beyond the Feast:
7. The Packing House
If a casual, lively atmosphere is your Christmas jam, The Packing House is calling your name. Their Christmas Eve menu boasts traditional favourites like prime rib and roast goose, while their Christmas Day fish fry offers a lighter, yet equally delicious, option. Sip on mulled cider, swap stories around the crackling fireplace, and enjoy the camaraderie of this historic supper club.
8. Benny’s Cafe
Christmas doesn’t have to be fancy to be heartwarming. Benny’s Cafe, a Milwaukee institution since 1936, serves up homestyle comfort food that’s perfect for a relaxed Christmas dinner. Their daily menu features turkey or ham dinners with all the trimmings, alongside classic American fare like burgers, fried chicken, and pot roast. Grab a slice of their famous pie and savor the spirit of Christmas in this friendly, unpretentious diner.
9. Takeout and Delivery Delights
Don’t feel like battling the Christmas crowds? Many restaurants offer convenient takeout and delivery options for their Christmas menus. Sanford, Davians Catering & Events, and Lupi & Iris are just a few spots that make enjoying a gourmet Christmas dinner at home a breeze. Order your feast in advance, light some candles, put on your favourite carols, and create a cosy Christmas haven in your own.
Sweet Endings and Festive Cheer:
No Christmas dinner is complete without a sweet final chapter, and Milwaukee’s dessert scene overflows with treats to satisfy every craving.
10. Colectivo Coffee
End your Christmas feast on a high note with a decadent slice of Colectivo’s festive cake. Choose from the Peppermint Bark Cake, a dreamy concoction of chocolate sponge, peppermint buttercream, and crushed candy canes, or the Gingerbread Spice Cake, bursting with warming spices and topped with creamy mascarpone frosting. Pair it with a steaming cup of their eggnog latte for a truly magical holiday sip.
11. Milwaukee Public Market
For a vibrant mix of sweet and savoury options, delve into the Milwaukee Public Market. Sample melt-in-your-mouth caramels from Indulge Chocolate & Confections, savour a slice of pecan pie from The Milwaukee Popcorn Company or pick up a box of gingerbread cookies from Peterbrooke Chocolatier. The festive stalls, bustling with holiday energy, are sure to ignite your Christmas spirit.
12. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
No Milwaukee Christmas experience is complete without a scoop of Kopp’s legendary frozen custard. This holiday season, indulge in their limited-edition Peppermint Bark Frozen Custard, a swirling symphony of chocolate and peppermint. Don’t be afraid to brave the chilly air – a steaming mug of hot chocolate and a warm scoop of custard create a heavenly wintery treat.
Beyond the Plate:
Christmas dinner is just the beginning of Milwaukee’s holiday magic.
13. Milwaukee County Zoo Lights
After your feast, embark on a dazzling journey through the Milwaukee County Zoo Lights. Millions of twinkling lights transform the zoo into a whimsical wonderland, with glowing animal sculptures, interactive displays, and enchanting light tunnels. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and lose yourself in the festive glow.
14. Christkindlmarket at Cathedral Square Park
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of a traditional European Christmas market at the Christkindlmarket. Sip on glühwein, browse handcrafted ornaments and gifts, and indulge in sweet treats like Lebkuchen and Stollen. The festive atmosphere, filled with carolers and twinkling lights, will transport you to another time and place.
15. Jingle Bell Run
Burn off some Christmas dinner calories and spread holiday cheer at the annual Jingle Bell Run. This festive 5K race or walk through the snow-dusted streets of Milwaukee brings families and friends together for a fun and charitable event. Don your ugliest holiday sweater and jingle bells, and run, walk, or dance your way into the Christmas spirit.
Let Your Heart Be Your Guide:
No matter your taste or budget, Milwaukee has a Christmas dinner waiting to create a joyful holiday memory. From traditional feasts to culinary adventures, cozy cafes to bustling markets, the city offers a smorgasbord of festive experiences. So, gather your loved ones, follow your cravings, and embark on your own Milwaukee Christmas dinner odyssey. After all, the heart of Christmas isn’t just about the food, but about the warmth of shared moments and the joy of celebrating with loved ones. So, raise a glass (or a mug of eggnog), savor the flavors, and let the spirit of Christmas fill your heart and your belly.
Merry Christmas from Milwaukee!
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