http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/articles.sec-210-1-dining-out.html South Milwaukee is home to large factories, but it doesn’t have much of a downtown area. There is a strip of about three blocks, but restaurants and even bars are few in number. One place, however, does stand out: Azteca, and its artificial saguaro cactus standing on the sidewalk with a sign announcing a lunch buffet and happy hour...]]> There is an interesting, eco-friendly shop in Bay View named Future Green (2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.). Though it’s not large, it has a wide choice of organic clothing, hand-woven fabrics and organic cleaning supplies. There is even a biodegradable paint stripper. Wander to the back of the shop and you will discover Café Tarragon...]]> The urban modern (with retro flair) style of the Radisson Hotel (2303 N. Mayfair Road), its lobby decorated with colorful paintings of Milwaukee landmarks, was a striking addition to Wauwatosa when it opened in the late ’90s. Along with accommodating visitors to the metro area, the Radisson’s restaurant and bar (especially the bar) provided...]]> It’s not likely that red meat is on its way out, but a few months ago there were two major, meat-centric restaurant vacancies: Yanni’s, located near Cathedral Square, and Cameron’s, at Bayshore Town Center. A Mexican restaurant recently replaced Cameron’s, but in mid-November, placing faith in the red meat concept, Ward’s House of Prime...]]> After many years in business, Brewed Awakenings, located in the heart of Brady Street (1208 E. Brady St.), quietly changed its name to Brewed Café. The change has been smooth, and all of the funky charm remains. Coffee drinks are still served in abundance, in addition to old favorites like vegetarian chili, a hummus wrap and meaty...]]> Berkeley’s Café, located in Whitefish Bay, seemed to have the right idea for the right location, serving breakfast, light lunches and an interesting international dinner menu in a North Shore village. After about a year in business, however, the café underwent a radical makeover. The new name is El Guapo’s and the focus is Mexican. Interior improvements...]]> The family tradition at one of Milwaukee’s longest-running ethnic restaurants, Old Town Serbian Gourmet House (522 W. Lincoln Ave.), has entered a new era in time for the restaurant’s 40th anniversary this year. Natalia Radicevich, daughter of Old Town’s founder, Alex, set out to move the restaurant into the present...]]> Nowadays, “taqueria” often refers to restaurants that serve authentic Mexican cuisine, but the term originally applied to street vendors. In Milwaukee, Taqueria trucks parked throughout the South Side are continuing that tradition by serving Mexican food on the go. Tacos, burritos, tostadas, tortas and quesadillas are all affordably priced because...]]> Another eatery opened its doors on North Avenue in East Tosa in November, joining Daymaker Café and Café Hollander as Wauwatosa's newest restaurants. The a la carte menu at Cosmos Café features a balance of traditional Greek and American cuisine, with a couple of...]]> The economic slowdown didn’t discourage new restaurants from opening in 2009, and although several have closed, most of those have been replaced with new owners. That said, and even though new restaurants in all price ranges have appeared, there is a noticeable trend toward affordability. Bucking that trend is Smyth, the fine-dining establishment...]]> For many years, John’s Sandwich Shop (8913 W. North Ave.) has been an inconspicuous fixture tucked into a busy Wauwatosa business district, a neighborhood destination for good and modestly...]]> Despite its location in yet another Brookfield strip mall, Joey’s Seafood & Grill manages to exude some charm. Big windows and high ceilings help, along with a nice, nautical-themed bar. Blackboards promote daily specials, and the tables and booths offer casual comfort. Though Joey’s is part of a chain, it doesn’t really feel like one. What stands out most is the...]]> At the intersection of 27th Street and Oklahoma Avenue, most cars head to the classic drive-in Leon’s. But another veteran of road food is located just across the street. Mazos (3146 S. 27th St.), in business since 1934 and at this location since 1948, is a cozy little diner with tables and a small counter. It is known for its burgers...]]> The old village of Brown Deer sits at the former intersection of Brown Deer and Green Bay roads. Years ago both roads were widened and the intersection became an interchange bypassing the old village. The former portion...]]> The Palomino (2491 S. Superior St.), located on a quiet Bay View street with views of Lake Michigan, is just steps away from Club Garibaldi and G. Groppi Food Market. The bar is classic 1930s style, with Western...]]> A neon sign marks the presence of Café 1505 in the center of a small Mequon shopping complex filled with upscale merchants. Booths and tables with sleek, curved chairs fill a very pleasant dining area, where colorful artworks liven up walls of reclaimed brick. Numerous windows make even...]]> Here’s the beef—corned beef, that is. McBob’s Pub & Grill (4919 W. North Ave.) is an unassuming corner bar that serves a lot of food. The bar has an Irish theme, but the specialties are tacos, good fish fries, burgers and, of course, corned beef sandwiches. Although there is a kitchen, the busiest place...]]> Over the last few years, Brookfield has seen the most improved dining options in the area. Though new chain restaurants keep appearing, you can also find serious Indian vegetarian food and some excellent Asian options, especially Japanese. Wasabi (15455 W. Bluemound Road), open for more than a year now...]]> Given the fact that Mexico has thousands of miles of shoreline, it is surprising that so few local Mexican restaurants focus on seafood. Ceviche and shrimp soup are not hard to find, but the city’s seafood menus tend to read the same. One place that is devoted to Mexican seafood is Fiesta Garibaldi, located at Eighth Street and Lincoln Avenue. But Fiesta Garibaldi...]]> Despite stiff competition from big chain stores, Milwaukee’s Pueblo Foods is a neighborhood grocer that continues to thrive. The key is specialization, and Pueblo focuses on the foods of Puerto Rico. People often wait in line to select from a meat counter, tropical produce and root tubers, as well...]]>