Cafe
Brucke (pronounced “Brew ka”) on Milwaukee’s East Side reminds me of a
small-town European cafe with good beer, good cheer and good food. I
feel genuine Milwaukee Gemutlichkeit, enhanced with sophisticated
conversation, food and drink choices.
The outstanding international beer selection tops the list of specialties at the Brucke and changes seasonally. The current seasonal taps, Spaten Maibock and a Spaten Lager, are poured from the authentic Belgian Antoine beer tower. As manager Chris Lorch put it, “We have great beer, the right vessel, poured properly.”
Beer,
wine, seasonal, specialty drinks, eau de vie (Euro brandy), daily
specials, rotating appetizers and unique desserts offer a truly
enjoyable dining experience. Cafe Brucke is hosted by husband-and-wife
owners Jerry Patzwald and Chris Lorch, whose passion for great beer,
excellent food and engaging conversation adds to diners’ enjoyment.
The
smoke-free and television-free Cafe Brucke has some quirky touches.
Weather allowing, the outdoor seating includes a selection of colorful
blankets so if the temperature dips as the sun goes down, you can
continue to enjoy the evening.
Indoors,
customers enjoy a rotating art exhibit, featuring the work of local
painters and photographers. Featured acoustic guitar players complement
the great atmosphere and add to the ambiance.
Lorch and
Patzwald know how to celebrate with their friends. Regular parties
include Bock Beer Fest on April 18, Oktoberfest, Valentine’s and
Christmas. There is an anniversary party in summer—watch for the
five-year anniversary gala this summer.
Appetizers change on a
regular basis. The broccoli walnut pesto with bread and crackers is
delicious. The soups are outstanding. On a recent night the menu
featured creamy onion soup including mushrooms, artichokes and
sun-dried tomatoes with homemade croutons. Other soups of note: roasted
garlic lentil and tomato blue cheese. During winter, homemade chili
warms the night.
Regular menu items include a variety of
sandwiches with salads. Among the most popular are the Deutschlander,
made with Usinger’s braunschweiger, limburger and red onion on rye, and
the Mediterranean, with chicken, tapenade and sun-dried tomato.
There
is a rotating selection of entree specials. Some notables include the
beef stew over mashed potatoes, chicken cacciatore, a curried tuna bake
and ratatouille served over couscous.
Specialty spirits such
as Kirschwasser and slivowitz are served along with a great dessert
treat, ice wine. The latter is made from grapes after the first frost,
which concentrates the sugar and the taste. Speaking of desserts, a
Brucke exclusive is the Gateau Parfait, a moist cake layered with fresh
cream. Yum.
For interesting conversations, friendly patrons and staff, great beer and worldly flavors at down-to-earth prices, see you at Cafe Brucke.
Cafe Brucke 2101 N. Prospect Ave. (414) 287-2053 $$ Credit Cards: MC, VS Smoke-free Handicap Access: Yes
Cafe Brucke | Photo by Tate Bunker
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