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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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Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers

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Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers


Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels

Partly sunny skies on Saturday with a slight chance for a few sprinkles or a shower.
Temperatures warmer on Saturday in the mid to upper 60s. Isolated 70s near the border. Breezy with winds gusting near 30mph.
Cooler temperatures in the upper 50s on Sunday (Mother’s Day) with increasing clouds. Patchy frost Saturday night into Sunday and Sunday night into Monday.
Next chance of rain and storms arrives on Tuesday.

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Today:    Partly sunny. A few showers possible. Breezy.
High:     67°
Wind:     NW 10-25

Tonight:  Partly cloudy. Patchy frost.
Low:      42°
Wind:     NW  5-10

Sunday:   Increasing clouds.
High:     57°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Monday:   Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   39°                   High:  59°
Wind:     E 5-10

Tuesday:  Warm and windy. Chance storms.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  68°
Wind:     SW 10-25

Wednesday:Partly sunny.
AM Low:   46°                   High:  59°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Thursday: Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  64°
Wind:     S 5-10
 

6-day planner

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FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:  

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FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

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FOX Weather

Big picture view:

Maps and radar

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We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

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FOX6 Weather Experts in social media

WeatherDaily ForecastMilwaukee



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Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers


MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Bobby Portis Foundation hosted a luncheon Friday at Roosevelt Middle School to honor teachers — many of whom are also mothers — with Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week overlapping on the calendar.

Portis and his mother, Tina Edwards, spent the day celebrating educators and reflecting on the mission behind the foundation.

“We just want to make sure that we let the teachers know you are appreciated because sometimes it goes beyond being a parent at home, but sometimes teachers are parents at school,” Edwards explained.

Ariel Campos, TMJ4 Sports

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Bobby Portis signs autographs for students at Roosevelt Middle School.

For Portis, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, the foundation has always been rooted in one person.

“The Bobby Portis Foundation has always just been solely based upon really my mom, and that’s the inspiration behind it,” Portis said.

WATCH: Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation

Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Growing up, Portis watched his mother raise four boys on her own.

“My mom worked tirelessly to take care of all four of us,” Portis said.

Edwards made sacrifices for her sons from the very beginning — including turning down a basketball scholarship after becoming pregnant with Bobby.

“I still was offered a scholarship after I had him, but I wanted to choose him over ball,” Edwards said.

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Tina Edwards (Bobby Portis

Tina Edwards

Tina Edwards turned down her college basketball scholarship to raise Bobby Portis as a single mom.

That sacrifice brought her full circle through her son’s career.

“With Bobby becoming an NBA player, he’s living my dream, and I’m living the dream through him,” Edwards shared.

For Portis, the event was an opportunity to honor everything his mother has given him.

“I can’t just put into words what my mom has done for me, not only for my basketball career – that’s just like a small portion of my life – I’m talking about just me as a human being, as a man. I mean, I didn’t have a dad growing up, so my mom played both roles. She did a hell of a job raising not only me but my three other brothers,” Portis said.

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His grandmother’s message to spread his blessings continues to drive his work.

“Being able to be in a position now to have a voice, to have a platform, to give back, to help inspire. I try to use it to the best of my abilities,” Portis said.

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.


Let’s talk:

Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.

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Food trucks in Milwaukee brace for new curfew

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Food trucks in Milwaukee brace for new curfew


MILWAUKEE — Saturday is the start of the food truck curfew in downtown Milwaukee. That curfew was passed by the Common Council to address safety concerns after several violent incidents.


What You Need To Know

  • Alma Juarez is with Tacos Almita on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Juarez said since the city passed the curfew, she’s had just over two weeks to adjust
  • She said that means she may also have to start building up a news customer base
  • Last week Ald. Robert Bauman told Spectrum News that he’s aware of the economic burden the truck operators are facing. However, he said safety concerns are a bigger priority
  • He said he’s willing to take a hit on food trucks and prioritize the concerns of larger businesses


Alma Juarez is with Tacos Almita on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Juarez said since the city passed the curfew, she’s had just over two weeks to adjust.

“We’re trying to think what we’re going to do,” said Juarez. “Maybe we’re going to start in another place or move the food truck after 10 p.m., but that means we have to start over again.”

She said that means she may also have to start building up a news customer base.

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“Moving the truck means that… we have to struggle,” said Juarez.

Juarez is not alone in worrying about her financial future.

Last Thursday, a group of owners took their concerns to city hall. Jennifer Martinez, who’s with the food truck known as Tacos El Pastorcito Mixe, was at that demonstration. She said the late-night hours make up roughly 75% of her revenue.

“During the day, I’ve tried opening very early in the morning — 8 a.m. 9 a.m. — it doesn’t make a difference. There’s no… we don’t have much sales throughout the day,” said Martinez.

Ald. Robert Bauman represents downtown and was the sponsor of the ordinance.

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Last week he told Spectrum News that he’s aware of the economic burden the truck operators are facing. However, he said safety concerns are a bigger priority.

“And MPD (Milwaukee Police Department) has said on the record repeatedly that food trucks are a major contributing cause for the loitering and disorder that takes place on Water Street,” said Bauman, who represents District 4 in Milwaukee.

He said he’s willing to take a hit on food trucks and prioritize the concerns of larger businesses.

“If they feel that downtown is not safe anymore, they’ll either not come at all, or they’ll leave as soon as their event is over with and not spend any additional money in the downtown area,” said Bauman.

But Juarez said the city shouldn’t have to do that. She said she believes food trucks aren’t the cause of the problem.

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“You can see it in any places, but not here,” said Juarez. “It can happen here, but not in front of the food trucks cause they are saying that a lot of violence, a lot of the things that are going on is in front of the food truck. You can see that all the shooting happens after 1 a.m. or 3 a.m. Last shooting, it was after 1 a.m.”

Food truck owners said they hope to continue to turn a profit after the ordinance starts, but they said they face a potentially tough financial future.



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