Get Out: Dine downtown this week

Make some room in your belly - and in your schedule. Downtown Dining Week is dishing up another round of eats starting today and running through June 14.

With more than 40 participating restaurants, Downtown Dining Week will continue to offer affordable three-course menus at $10 for lunch and $20 or $30 for dinner for the unique opportunity to sample some of Downtown Milwaukee's best cuisine without breaking the bank. For all three price points, the three courses include your choice of appetizer, entree and dessert (beverage, tax and gratuity are not included).

There are many restaurants familiar to Downtown Dining Week, which have seemingly participated every year (with almost the exact same menu), like Zarletti, Umami Moto and Benihana, to name a few. I find that a little disappointing because I want to experience some of the new places in the Downtown neighborhood, or at least new menu items from a familiar spot.

Nevertheless, there are some different eateries on the list this year, including Smoke Shack, Riverwalk Boat Tours and Catch 22, as well as Rumpus Room and Beta by Sabor, which are at the top of my "must-try list."

But if you’re not seeking out a new place to eat and just want to get the most bang for your buck, then you’ll want to head to Mason Street Grill, Milwaukee ChopHouse, Bistro Bar 333 or Karl Ratzsch's. These places, among others, will serve you a hearty dinner that's worth double or more – $40 to $60 – what you'll actually pay ($20 or $30).

For a complete list of 2011 Downtown Dining Week participants and their menus, visit www.MilwaukeeDowntown.com/diningweek.

Original photo from Flickr.com (Creative Commons) by Liz West

Comments

[annon]

been to two downtown dining places (karl's and bistro 333) and felt both really did not execute and neither put their best foot forward. on both occassions it was not busy/crowded at all, but the food was subpar. i have to admit, if i were ever to go back to these places and get the quality of food i received at full price i would be sorely disappointed. not sure i'll participate next year. i was not impressed.

[Sara]

I also went to Bistro 333. The food was pretty good, in my opinion, but the service was possibly the worst I've ever had. Ever. All of our food came out at once. Yes, even the dessert. We never were asked if we wanted a refill on soda/water. Our waitress was a total flake. Sadly, because the experience was so terrible, I won't be back.