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Ask Rachel: Where in Milwaukee should I go for a fun birthday dinner?

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Ask Rachel: Where in Milwaukee should I go for a fun birthday dinner?


Readers write in to Journal Sentinel dining critic Rachel Bernhard every day — sometimes with very similar questions. Each month, she picks the top FAQs in her inbox to answer publicly. Have a question for Rachel? Ask it at rseis@gannett.com.

Q: I’m celebrating my upcoming birthday with a group of friends. Where should we go? 

Rachel: It must be birthday season in Milwaukee (shoutout to my fellow Aries!), because over the past month, I’ve fielded a handful of questions about where to celebrate the happy day.  

Like reader Jessica Campolo, who was looking for recommendations for where to ring in a milestone birthday. “Not too fancy or intimidating,” she said, but fun for a group of around eight women in their late 30s to early 40s. 

Ah, right in my wheelhouse. I’m always looking for a spot just like this when getting together with my friends. Casual and carefree but still elevated enough to make the guest of honor feel … well, honored. A place where we can reserve a table, put on a fun outfit, pass around plates and not get side-eyed if our laughs grow louder as the night goes on. 

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La Merenda, 125 E. National Ave., fits that bill perfectly. I’ve been to plenty of b-day dinners at the tapas-style restaurant in Walker’s Point and its celebratory vibe always hits the sweet spot between easygoing and elevated. Same goes for another Walker’s Point tapas standout: Movida, 600 S. Sixth St., is such a fun spot to sip sangrias and try Spanish-style dishes — especially on the restaurant’s stylish (covered and heated) patio. 

Speaking of style, I’ve sent many groups to The Wolf on Broadway, 600 N. Broadway, since it opened last November. The dining room is a little small, so keep your group to four to six, but it’s such a chic spot for a celebration with a clever menu that has a little bit of everything: snacks for sharing, sandwiches, salads and playful entrees. 

Italian food is usually a pretty safe bet for group dining, and with shareable pizzas, pastas and antipasti that can please a crowd, spots like Sorella, 2535 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., (try to snag a patio spot if it’s nice out) and Tre Rivali, 200 N. Broadway, make group ordering a cinch, both with stylish spaces that feel celebration-worthy. 

If your friends are into sushi, Kin by Rice n Roll, 7484 W. State St., Wauwatosa, is a vibrant spot in the Tosa village with loads of sushi options for every taste. And even if your friends aren’t into sushi, I bet they’d love the Thai specialties and ramen on the expansive menu. 

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Bonus Q: Where’s a fun Milwaukee spot for a birthday dinner for two? 

Rachel: I love a big celebration dinner spent with friends, but sometimes you want to keep it simple. If dinner-for-two sounds better to you but you still like that middle ground of unfussy but refined, we’re one in the same, too. 

When my friend Brie asked for birthday dinner ideas a couple weeks ago, the first place I thought of was Odd Duck, 939 S. Second St. It’s where I celebrated my birthday last year, and, aside from the buzzy atmosphere and the fun, keep-’em-comin’ global dishes on the menu, I appreciated sweet touches like a handwritten birthday card on the table when I arrived.  

This year, I celebrated just up the street at Morel, 430 S. Second St., and it was the perfect choice. I love its farm-to-table menu with Wisconsin ingredients at the forefront, but the cozy dining room and friendly staff make the night feel extra special. 

The Diplomat, 815 E. Brady St., has a similar vibe, warm and friendly with upscale Midwestern food that expands your palate but doesn’t intimidate. Try the sublime peanut butter pie and you may never go back to birthday cake. 

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I’ve had a memorable birthday at The Original, 2498 N. Bartlett Ave., too, and I’m always excited to see what’s new on their rotating menu. The vibes inside are a little speakeasy-style — dim and cozy but relaxed. And you can’t beat the cocktails. 

Sometimes, a birthday brunch can top a birthday dinner (start the celebration early, I say!). In that case, Sabrosa Cafe & Gallery, 3216 S. Howell Ave., will make you feel special (its pancakes are some of my favorite in town), or head to Story Hill BKC, 5100 W. Blue Mound Rd., for killer crepes and fun cocktails and mocktails. 

Happy celebrating! 

Rachel Bernhard joined the Journal Sentinel as dining critic in June 2023. She’s been busy exploring the Milwaukee area food scene to share her favorite finds with readers along the way. Like all Journal Sentinel reporters, she buys all meals, accepts no gifts and is independent of all establishments she covers.   

Have a question for her? Contact her at rseis@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @rachelbernhard or on Instagram at @rach.eats.mke.    

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Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

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Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20


Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Carín León, 7 p.m.

For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.

— Leslie Garcia Ramirez

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.

In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.

Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.

Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).

— Jay Burseth

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.

Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.

This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.

— Matthew Poulton

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4

Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.

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It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.

One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.

Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.

How to get in free today

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.

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Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

American Family Insurance House

  • 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 2 p.m. — Flipturn

BMO Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
  • 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
  • 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who

Miller Lite Oasis

  • 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
  • 8:30 p.m. — Braid
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
  • 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
  • 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
  • 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM

T-Mobile Stage

  • 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
  • 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
  • 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
  • 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
  • 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
  • 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall

Generac Power Stage

  • 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
  • 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
  • 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
  • 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
  • 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
  • 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice

Uline Warehouse

  • 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
  • 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
  • 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
  • 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
  • 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
  • 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

  • 10 p.m. — Connor Price
  • 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 6 p.m. — Graham
  • 4 p.m. — SM6
  • 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
  • 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn

Aurora Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — Aspen
  • 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
  • 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
  • 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
  • 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
  • 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
  • 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
  • 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
  • 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
  • 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala





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South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

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South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display


SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A South Milwaukee homeowner is pushing back after the city ordered him to take down his year-round skeleton display, calling it a violation of property maintenance codes.

Sean Oster and his wife have maintained the display — featuring skeletons named Hector and Henrietta along with other decorations— for nearly two years, dressing them up for holidays, sports events, and other occasions.

Mike Beiermeister

The display in Sean’s front yard.

The display has drawn attention from neighbors and passersby, with some saying it has become part of the neighborhood’s character.

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Watch: South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

“It’s like an expression of the owner’s passion… and I think it’s cool they can use their lawn that way,” neighbor Jeremy Payment said.

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Jeremy Payment

Mike Beiermeister

Jeremy Payment lives in the neighborhood and enjoys the display.

Last month, Oster received a letter from the city of South Milwaukee describing the skeletons as Halloween decorations being displayed outside the appropriate time of year and ordering him to remove them by July 7.

Under the city’s property maintenance code, yards must be kept free of anything considered an “unreasonable blighting influence,” which the city says can include displays left up out of season. The notice also flagged an inoperable vehicle on the property. Each violation could result in fines of up to $500 per day if not corrected by the deadline.

Oster says he understands part of the city’s concern.

“They have a few points… I’ve got a couple collector cars… I understand those shouldn’t be out,” Oster said.

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Sean in his yard

Mike Beiermeister

Sean in his yard

He plans to move the cars into the garage and clean up the yard, but says the skeletons are staying.

“I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. It’s literally a victimless crime,” Oster said.

Oster also had a message for whoever filed the complaint.

“Live with it… more people like it than hate it. And if we’re enforcing this, then we should go around and take down Christmas lights that are up year-round,” Oster said.

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The city administrator did not respond to a request for comment.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee

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Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee


The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?

The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response. 

A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.

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Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…

And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.

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Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027? 

The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.

All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.

Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.

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This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.

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All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?

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