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MILWAUKEE = BREW CITY
Milwaukee was built in the 1800's on the back of the beer industry. In its heyday it was the beer capitol of the United States, known as the Munich of the Midwest. With its blue-collar heritage, it may not be known for its high food culture, but Milwaukee has both traditional and new ethnic roots to draw from. It's culinary foundation is built on old regional specialties like Friday fish frys, pub pizzas, bratwurst, and of course lots and lots of beer. But Milwaukee also has newer establishments influenced by the recent Hispanic, Thai, and Laotian immigrants. In short Milwaukee has its own little culinary sub-culture developing and is always a great time if you know where to look.
The Pig
MILWAUKEE
CULINARY EXPLORATION IN WISCONSIN
PIG'S PICKS
Where to eat big burgers, find little dives, and cold brews in Milwaukee.
IAN'S PIZZA
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: ECLECTIC NY STYLE PIZZA
WHEN: A late night food fix after hitting the bars.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (2 locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Mac & Cheese
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Smoky the bandit
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WHY: Strategically placed next to college bars, and selling cool slices for only $4, Ian's quickly became a pizza by the slice legend. They are the absolute best place to grab a late night bite especially after enjoying a drink or two. Be adventurous when going to Ian's as it is their incredible selection of pizza toppings that got this named one of the top 50 pizza places you had to try before you die.
KOPP'S FROZEN CUSTARD
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: BIG FAST FOOD BURGERS
WHEN: You think you want McDonald's, do this instead.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Cheeseburger
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Fries
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Fresh Custard Cone
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WHY: This is an iconic Milwaukee burger chain. The specialize in jumbo burgers and creamy fresh custard. This is what McDonald's whishes it still was. They are seriously one of the best classic cheeseburgers you'll have in America and an amazing deal.
COLECTIVO COFFEE
PIG SCORE: 4.0 / 4.0
WHAT: CUP OF MILWAUKEE JOE
WHEN: Your want a great cup of coffee.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT: (multiple locations)
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Blue Healer
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Co-Optiva
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WHY: The country has Starbuck's but in Milwaukee we have Collectivo. It is hip, cool and a comfortable place to grab a cup of joe with a friend or a good book.
BENJI'S DELI
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: OLD JEWISH DELI
WHEN: You want a trip back in time and a Rueben to go with it.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Benji Reuben
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WHY: In a city known for great Rubens, Benji's is known as the best in town. This diner looks like it hasn't been remolded since the 70's and that is part of the charm that completes the experience. The meat is tender and there is plenty of it. although my only complaint, but not enough to stop their high ranking, I'm not sure where they get the thousand Island dressing, but it isn't homemade.
SOLLY'S
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: THE QUINTESSENTIAL WISCONSIN BUTTER BURGER
WHEN: You have some room on your cholesterol level to burn.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Original Solly Cheeseburger
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Sprecher Root Beer
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Fries
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WHY: They have been serving up the signature Wisconsin butter burger better than anyone in the state since 1936. Just a warning though, this is not something your Cardiologist will want you to eat often.
PHO VIET
PIG SCORE: 3.85 / 4.0
WHY: Pho is on of my favorite ethnic soups, and Pho-Viet is my favorite place to get it in Milwaukee. With so few ingredients, each one needs to be excellent, and they don't disappoint. I have had the pleasure of watching this restaurant of growing in popularity over the years.
WHAT: VIETNAMESE / PHO
WHEN: On a cold Wisconsin day when you want a savory pick me up.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Beef Pho
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Banh Mi
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DOC'S DRY DOCK
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: THIN CRUST PIZZA
WHEN: You want the best thin crust pizza within 50 miles of Milwaukee.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Supreme
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the Rueben pizza (a special)
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WHY: Yes, this is technically not in Milwaukee, yes this is a hike, but YES it is worth it. The place is small, I mean really small, call ahead or expect a long wait. This is the most heavily topped thin crust pizza, and I'll happily wait my hour to get a seat to have it.
ROCKET BABY BAKERY
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: ARTISAN BAKERY
WHEN: You want a knock out pastry coffee combo.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Breakfast sandwich
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Chocolate croissant
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WHY: An artisan bakery that makes great breakfast and fresh made leavened loaves of bread. They focus on using local and sustainable ingredients.Come on in and enjoy a great cup of coffee and a made from scratch pastry.
CITY LIGHTS BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: ADULT MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: You want a microbrewery with the Gen X'ers in mind.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Session IPA
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WHY: Located in the century-old coal gas building in the Menominee valley. The vibe is turn of the century industrial. City light brewery is one of the newest members to the micro-brewery scene, but if you love craft beer, and a great environment, they are a must stop.
PURPLE DOOR ICE CREAM
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: GOURMET ICE CREAM
WHEN: You want ice cream, but don't want boring flavors.
PRICE: $
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
WHAT TO ORDER:
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Salted caramel
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Thin mint chocolate
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WHY: The flavors change daily, sometimes as your waiting in line waiting to order it. They get creative and have nontraditional flavors such as pretzels and beer, whiskey, or even Brandy old fashioned. This is Milwaukee'best-handcrafted ice cream.
LAKEFRONT BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.8 / 4.0
WHAT: MICROBREWERY & FOOD
WHEN: You're out for a night with friends who love beer and fun.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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A flight of micros
WHY: Milwaukee's oldest microbrewery, located on the Milwaukee river and producing fantastic craft beer since 1987 this is a Cream city landmark. Get there before 6pm and take the tour, you wont regret it.
BLUE'S EGG
PIG SCORE: 3.9 / 4.0
WHAT: INSPIRED AMERICAN
WHEN: Brunch
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Dubliner
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WHY: Blue's egg takes, classic dishes and adds inspired twists on them. This is a locals favorite for breakfast, brunch, and lunch. Great location, great service and great quality. This is a hidden Milwaukee locals breakfast gem.
OSCAR'S BAR & GRILL
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: SERIOUS BURGERS
WHEN: You want a soli d burger and beer in a casual setting.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Big "O"
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The Gringo
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WHY: Oscar's is Milwaukee's best kept secret in a bar burger for value and quality. They serve it with homemade Parmesan fries. It is owned by two friends whose dream it was to open a pub that served great burgers, well their dream is our reward. Oscar's is always busy for a reason.
RAISED GRAIN BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.75 / 4.0
WHAT: BADGER BREWING
WHEN: Your looking for a cool place to hang and grab a beer on the west side of Milwaukee.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Six Stone Scotch Ale
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Take Er Easy Amber
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Kilted Kölsch
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WHY: This is a project started with two doctors passion for brewing. Come in and enjoy the great beer in a comfortable enviorment.
NITE OWL DRIVE IN
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: OLDFASHIONED BURGERS
WHEN: You want to know what burgers were like back in the 50's.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Cash only
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Bacon cheeseburger
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Butterscotch shake
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WHY: The 1950's un-apologetic neon sign above the shack tells you all you need to know; great burgers inside. No need to get a double, these are serious burgers and a regular will satisfy even a teenager in a growth spurt.
THIRD SPACE BREWING
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: WAREHOUSE BEER
WHEN: Looking for a quality microbrew close to the city.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Acers edge, oatmeal stout
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Mocha Java
WHY: They are producing some of Milwaukee's best beer. Third space is located in an old re-purposed warehouse, with lots of room for hanging out. It is another newcomer to Milwaukee's growing microbrewery scene and one that has a lot of potential to be one of the best.
SPRECHER'S TRAVELING BEER GARDEN
(seasonal)
PIG SCORE: 3.7 / 4.0
WHAT: MOVING MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: It's summer, it's not raining, and you want to enjoy a German tradition in a Milwaukee park.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
Check their website as it moves often
WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Amber
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WHY: Summer in Milwaukee can be short and mild, but the locals make the most of it. One of my favorite Milwaukee traditions is beer gardens, parks around the city open up sections for the public to enjoy a beer or two. Sprecher a local German style micro brewer runs a great beer garden that moves around the city. Check the website for its location. And an added plus you can keep the glass!
RED LIGHT RAMEN
PIG SCORE: 3.6 / 4.0
WHAT: JAPANESE RAMEN
WHEN: You need a late night fix for ramen.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Tonkotsu ramen
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PBR tall boy
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WHY: Red light ramen started out as an after-hours pop-up restaurant for other restaurant employees that was only open from 11:30 pm till they ran out of ramen every Friday and Saturday. The word spread quickly and soon there were lines down the block half an hour before they would open.
VEINTIANE NOODLE SHOP
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: LAOTIAN & THAI
WHEN: You're craving Asian noodles, but don't want just average.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Khao Poun
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Pho
WHY: Located in a heavily Asian part of Milwaukee known simply as the Silver city. This noodle shop can be a hard place to find since they don't have a sign, only a little neon light shaped like a bowl of soup with chopsticks in it. But the Vientiane noodle shop puts out the best Laotian and Thai noodle soups in the city.
MAD ROOSTER CAFE
PIG SCORE: 3.5 / 4.0
WHAT: GREAT BREAKFAST
WHEN: You're looking for a good breakfast place.
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chilaquiles with chorizo
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WHY: One of the great breakfast places in Milwaukee. The rooster gets busy and stays like that for the whole morning. Get the Chilaquiles with Chorizo and if you like the chips crisp like me, ask for the sauce on the side.
LA MICHOACANA
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: MEXICAN ICE CREAM
WHEN: It's hot, and you want an authentic Mexican treat.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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A hand made fruit popsicle
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Mexican walking taco
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WHY: La Michoacana is an authentic Mexican ice cream and street food shop. It is located in the heart of the Milwaukee Hispanic district right next to some great taco places and the best Mexican grocer in the city. All the ice cream is made on premise. This is a local kid hang out in the summer.
THE VANGUARD
PIG SCORE: 3.4 / 4.0
WHAT: SPECIALTY SAUSAGES
WHEN: You're looking for a taste of Milwaukee hipster life.
PRICE: $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Thai breaker
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Nashville Hot chicken sausage
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Duck BLT
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WHY: The Vanguard is where Milwaukee's German heritage meets hipster elcectic. Located in the up and coming Bay view area this little bar with artisan sausages is the coolest place in town to grab a brat and beer.
ENLIGHTENED BREWERY
PIG SCORE: 3.2 / 4.0
WHAT: MICRO-BREWERY
WHEN: You're looking to explore Milwaukee breweries.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Human condition (French Saison)
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WHY: One of Milwaukee's newest additions to the microbrewery scene. Enlightened is housed in the southwest corner of an old red warehouse. The beers are light, crisp and worth a look. One of my favorite touches (working as a research chef) is the flight of beers came in scientific beakers.
OLD GERMAN BEER HALL
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHY: In the middle of downtown Milwaukee is this little German beer hall. They only serve Haufbrau beer brewed in Germany using recipes from the 1500's. They also serve traditional Bavarian festival food, if you get the chance try the pig wings.
WHAT: BAVARIANFOOD & BEER
WHEN: You're looking for a German beer hall.
PRICE: $ -$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Hofbrau Dunkle (a liter)
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Pig wings
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LEON'S FROZEN CUSTARD
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: CUSTARD
WHEN: You want classic south side Milwaukee
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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the Tin Roof
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A custard cone
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WHY: The look and menu say old fashioned, but the crowd says rough and local. One of the best places to get an ice cream sundae in the summer heat.
LE REVE
PIG SCORE: 3.95 / 4.0
WHAT: A FRENCH BISTRO
WHEN: You want a small taste of Paris
PRICE: $$ - $$$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Croque-Madame
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Macaroons
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WHY: It is a quaint French bistro in downtown Tosa (a burb). They have the best brunch plates in the city and fantastic macaroons. A must for a French dessert.
FRESH FIN POKE
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: BUILD YOUR OWN POKE
WHEN: You want sushi and you want a bowl.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Spicy Tuna bowl
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Curry Coconut Shrimp
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WHY: It is a casual, bright, and quick place to get very fresh seafood poke style in the city. well worth the trip.
Mc BOB'S
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: SERIOUS RUEBEN
WHEN: You're jonesing for a serious Rueben
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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The Rueben
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A PBR tall boy
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WHY: Because it is a no frills hole in the wall that delivers a great sandwich, in fact one of the best. Make sure to grab a tall boy to go with it.
EL SENORIAL
PIG SCORE: 3.3 / 4.0
WHAT: AUTHENTIC MEXICAN
WHEN: You want authentic Mexican at a reasonable price.
PRICE: $ - $$
PAYMENT: Credit/Cash
MAP IT:
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WHAT TO ORDER:
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Chilaquiles
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Flautas
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Mexican grill
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WHY: It is a casual cantina that serves up some classic Mexican fare. This is where the local Hispanics go for comfort food.
