Wisconsin
Exploring Milwaukee, One Of Wisconsin’s Top Drinking And Dining Destinations
Before the 1840s, Milwaukee was often spelled “Milwaukie.”
Wisconsin is renowned across the nation for its prowess at cheesemaking, but there’s a lot more to this scenic state than just its dairy products. During a visit to the lakeside city of Milwaukee, visitors can stumble upon a truly diverse drinking and dining scene, with high-end restaurants and acclaimed breweries scattered all across city limits. As you plan your next foray into the Badger State, don’t miss out on these beloved spots, each one shining a spotlight on the rich culinary heritage of Cream City.
Discover Milwaukee’s Top Spots for Fine Dining
Milwaukee was officially incorporated on January 31st, 1846.
While Milwaukee is known for classic Badger State dishes spanning from fried cheese curds to the butter burger, the city is also home to its fair share of sophisticated dining establishments. Case in point: Birch, a polished venue located on the banks of the Milwaukee River in the Lower East Side. Operated at the behest of James Beard Award-nominated Chef Kyle Knall, this prestigious spot has mastered the art of wood-fired cuisine, providing diners with a wealth of flavorful dishes cooked over an open hearth. Upon arrival, diners can look forward to dishes like the ember-roasted head-on shrimp and charred beef carpaccio, while the Contramar-inspired fish is a top-tier main dish thanks to its savory cumin aioli and poblano and fermented beet salsa.
Just south of the Menomonee River, Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood is a treasure trove of fine dining destinations, with Morel drawing diners in droves thanks to its sophisticated New American fare that changes with each season. While menu items span from wood ear mushroom-loaded rabbit ragout to ricotta gnudi in a pea-mint broth, each dish stands as a testament to Chef Jonathan Manyo’s affinity for fresh, locally-sourced Wisconsin meat and produce. Meanwhile, those in search of inventive small plates can make their way ten minutes south to find Odd Duck, a sophisticated tapas spot that debuted in 2012. In addition to offering creative creations like wood-fired Tibetan bread, Vietnamese-inspired bánh xèo and galbi-jjim, this restaurant has also earned acclaim for its high-end cocktails, with the mezcal and hibiscus-forward #48 and citrus and jasmine-heavy #83 serving as two top choices for first-time visitors.
Immerse Yourself in Milwaukee’s International Cuisine
The state pastry of Wisconsin in the kringle, a pretzel-like dish that originated in Scandinavia.
Milwaukee has earned recognition for its strong German and Polish cultural ties, but the city’s dining scene spans far beyond the reaches of just Central Europe. During a visit to the city’s aforementioned Walker’s Point district, guests can discover a wealth of restaurants that highlight Milwaukee’s thriving Latin American food scene, with Zócalo Food Park serving as one of its most intriguing spots. Home to ten distinct drinking and dining venues operating across one space, diners are welcome to pay a visit to Anytime Arepa for a deep dive on one of Venezuela’s staple dishes, while Las Virellas has earned abundant acclaim for their hearty Puerto Rican classics, with pernil, tostones and tripletas all gracing the menu.
Further west, fans of Mexican cuisine can sample dishes like chiles rellenos and enchiladas poblanas at Guadalajara Restaurant, while Movida is a top spot for classic Spanish tapas, with sofrito-slathered meatballs, patatas bravas and garlic shrimp all up for grabs alongside a wealth of high-end wines—but of course, Walker’s Point isn’t the only neighborhood worth visiting in the heart of the city. In spite of its small size, the Historic Third Ward is packed full of can’t-miss venues like Saffron—a top spot for smoked tandoori lamb chops and dal makhani—and the Korean barbecue-focused Char’d, while those in search of traditional East African cuisine can make their way to East Town to find Alem Ethiopian Village, a cozy venue that’s home to classic dishes like quosta, doro wot, and asa tibs.
Sip Top-Tier Craft Beer Across Milwaukee
Milwaukee is also known as “Brew City” thanks to its high concentration of breweries.
First developed due to an influx of German immigrants during the mid-1800s, Milwaukee’s craft brewing scene stands as a major draw for tourism today—and for those in search of a truly iconic destination for beer lovers, there’s no beating Lakefront Brewery. Established in 1987, this storied enterprise has consistently broken barriers across the national brewing scene over the decades, serving as the first certified organic brewery in the U.S. as well as the first government-certified producer of gluten-free beer. Today, visitors can sample groundbreaking creations like the New Grist—a crisp gluten-free pilsner—or keep it classic with a pour of Eastside Dark, their award-winning Bohemian-style dark lager. Post-visit, tourists can keep the brews flowing with a stroll over to neighboring Eagle Park Brewing Company, a polished space that crafts an amazing DDH Bowie’s Space Suit New England hazy.
For those who prefer to stick closer to the Historic Third Ward, The Explorium Brewpub offers a wealth of refreshing brews served in a historic space. There are 24 taps to sample during a visit, with options ranging from the refreshing Cream City Crusher cream ale to Watermelon Peppercorn wild ale—and to sweeten the deal, the venue also crafts some truly stellar fried cheese curds alongside hearty main courses like Nashville hot wings and roasted mushroom calzones. Once you’ve made your way through Milwaukee’s top breweries, history buffs should be sure to book a tour of the Best Place, a storied facility that offers a deep dive into the history of Badger State beer. During a history tour, guests can gain insight into the past of Best Brewing Co, an iconic organization that served as the largest brewery in the nation in the late 1800s and even gave rise to the renowned Pabst Blue Ribbon lager—and of course, each tour comes with plenty of fresh PBR to enjoy along the way.
Wisconsin
Tranfser Portal Predcition: Wisconsin trasnfer John Blackwell likely to land with contender
John Blackwell is one of the more sought-after players still available in the NCAA transfer portal. Big-time programs are coming after the former Wisconsin Badgers guard. And now, On3’s Joe Tipton is calling his shot on where Blackwell will end up.
Tipton has put in an RPM for Blackwell to commit and sign with the Duke Blue Devils. His level of confidence sits at 60%. If Duke head coach Jon Scheyer can get this one over the finish line, it could prove to be a massive addition.
“Wisconsin transfer John Blackwell is one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal,” Tipton said. “The 6-foot-4 shooting guard took an official visit to Duke on Monday and the Blue Devils are carrying the momentum in this recruitment. I’ve officially placed an RPM prediction in favor of Duke to ultimately land the star transfer.”
The On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings have Blackwell slotted as the No. 5 overall player to enter this cycle. Just looking at shooting guards, only one guy is ahead of him — Wake Forest‘s Juke Harris.
Blackwell spent three seasons in Madison before entering the transfer portal. He was in double figures over the last two years, averaging 19.1 points during the 2025-2026 campaign. Duke will enjoy his efficiency as well, shooting 43% from the field and 38.9% behind the three-point line.
There is more to what Blackwell can do than just shoot, though. He snagged just over five rebounds and dished out 2.3 assists per game.
To keep up with the latest players on the move, check out On3’s Transfer Portal wire. The On3 Transfer Portal Instagram account and Twitter account are excellent resources to stay up to date with the latest moves.
Before the RPM pick from Tipton, the latest update on where things stood with Blackwell came on Saturday. Tipton laid out who else is still considered to be in the running, including a visit schedule for the Wisconsin transfer. You can check out the full piece of intel here.
Duke has turned into one of the more consistent programs in college basketball, playing at a high level under Scheyer. The last three seasons have resulted in at least an Elite Eight appearance, even making the Final Four in 2025. Still, the expectations in Durham are to win a national championship. Maybe Blackwell is the guy who can help them take the next step forward.
Wisconsin
Rubber bullet carnage as 1,000 animal welfare activists storm beagle breeding lab in Wisconsin | Fortune
About 1,000 animal welfare activists who tried to gain entry Saturday to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin were turned back by police who fired rubber bullets and pepper spray into the crowd and arrested the group’s leader.
It was the second attempt in as many months by protesters to take beagles from the Ridglan Farms facility in Blue Mounds, a small town about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Madison.
Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett, said in a video statement that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property” and assault officers. He said protesters have ignored designated areas for peaceful protest and blocked roads to prevent emergency vehicles from entering.
“This is not a peaceful protest,” Barrett said.
The sheriff’s department said a “significant” number of people were arrested out of about 1,000 protesters at the site but did not give an exact total as they were still being processed as of the afternoon.
Protesters tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence. Some protesters did get through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
“I just feel defeated,” activist Julie Vrzeski told the newspaper about three hours into the operation after no dogs had been successfully seized.
Activists later moved from the Ridglan facility to protest outside the jail in downtown Madison.
The group Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs had publicized plans to seize the dogs Sunday but launched its operation a day earlier. The X account of the group’s leader, Wayne Hsiung, posted a picture of him being arrested.
The sheriff’s department said a person who “recklessly” drove a pickup through the front gate of the property was arrested, “preventing a potentially deadly outcome.”
Protesters broke into the facility in March and took 30 dogs. Twenty-seven people were arrested on trespassing and other charges.
Ridglan has denied mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 as part of a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
On its website it says “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”
Wisconsin
Wisconsin authorities put total arrests from clashes at beagle breeding facility at about 25
MADISON (AP) — Around 25 protesters were arrested as around 1,000 animal welfare activists tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility in Wisconsin and were met by officers firing pepper spray and rubber bullets, authorities said Sunday.
Saturday’s protest was the second attempt in as many months by demonstrators to take beagles from Ridglan Farms in Blue Mounds, about 25 miles (about 40 kilometers) southwest of the capital, Madison. They were turned back by officers who arrested the group’s leader.
Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
The Dane County Sheriff’s Office said the situation was “significantly calmer and more peaceful” on Sunday, when around 200 people assembled outside the farm. They dispersed after around two hours, it said.
“We’re pleased with the group’s cooperation today, and their willingness to remain peaceful, while still sending their message of concern for the dogs at Ridglan Farms,” Sheriff Kalvin Barrett said in a statement. “We are happy to support anyone who wants to exercise the right to protest, as long as they do so lawfully.”
Owen Ziliak/The Wisconsin State Journal via AP
The sheriff had said in a video statement Saturday that 300 to 400 protesters were “violently trying to break into the property.” They tried to overcome barricades that included a manure-filled trench, hay bales and a barbed-wire fence.
Owen Ziliak/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Some got through the fence but were unable to enter the facility, where an estimated 2,000 beagles are kept, the Wisconsin State Journal reported.
Amber Arnold/Wisconsin State Journal via AP
Those arrested included the leader of the Coalition to Save the Ridglan Dogs, Wayne Hsiung, 44, of New York, who was being held on a tentative felony charge of conspiracy to commit burglary. But most arrestees were just booked and released, the sheriff’s office said Sunday.
“No one should be assaulted for giving aid to a dog, even if damage to property is part of that rescue effort,” Hsuing said in a statement from jail Sunday that also accused authorities of using excessive force. “The animals of this Earth are not “things.” They’re sentient beings. And we have the right to rescue them from abuse,” he concluded.
Protesters took 30 dogs when they broke into the facility in March, when authorities arrested 27 people.
Ridglan denies mistreating animals but agreed in October to give up its state breeding license as of July 1 in a deal to avoid prosecution on animal mistreatment charges.
On its website, the company says “no credible evidence of animal abuse, cruelty, mistreatment or neglect at Ridglan Farms has ever been presented or substantiated.”
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