When in Milwaukee ... stay at the Pfister Hotel
- Devlyn Brooks
- Feb 13, 2020
- 4 min read
In October 2019, I had the opportunity to take our little start-up media company to the National Newspaper Association Annual Convention and Tradeshow in Milwaukee, Wis.
I admit that I knew nothing of Milwaukee other than it was home to pro sports teams such as the Brewers and the Bucks. ... And vaguely, I remembered that the 1970s sitcom "Lavern & Shirley" was set there. ... At least I was pretty certain it was. ... "Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!" all that jazz. ... (OK, full disclosure, I later had to fact check my memory. "Laverne and Shirley" was, in fact, set in Milwaukee!)
Anyway, I pictured a dirty, industrial town. Lots of smokestacks and large, abandoned concrete buildings formerly used in the early to mid-20th century.
And I couldn't have been more wrong! ... Milwaukee's downtown is a delightful blend of modern architecture with a number of refurbished late 19th century monoliths that hold their grace and beauty. Simply put: The downtown is bustling, and I can't wait to get back there one day to visit.
Because I was only able to sneak away for a couple of hours on the night I came into town, and the afternoon that I was leaving, I'm short on tourist destinations, but here's a short list of Milwaukee "musts" in my opinion:
Where to stay:
You have to get a room at the historic Pfister Hotel. As the hotel's website tells, 'As the vision of businessman Guido Pfister and his son, Charles, The Pfister opened in 1893, billed as the “Grand Hotel of the West,' a welcoming and luxurious meeting place. ... For 125 years, The Pfister Hotel has stood as an icon of prestige, history and timeless excellence in Milwaukee. Pfister associates strive to ensure that when guests arrive, they come to a warm and friendly place that is much more than a hotel – it’s an experience. As Milwaukee’s renowned luxury hotel, The Pfister has brought history, a celebration of art and a philosophy of exceptional hospitality to locals and visitors alike."
Where to eat:
Whether you're a chili fan or not, you have to go check out Real Chili in its downtown location. The website says there is also a location over by Marquette University, but for the true experience, you must go to the downtown location.
Picture a restaurant that hasn't change from day it opened in the '70s, and you'll know why you gotta go. There is dark, plywood paneling everywhere, a u-shaped, Formica-topped cafeteria bar, and picnic tables and long benches for seating. And I'm pretty certain the wall decor, nor the menu, haven't changed since the day it opened.
Best of all, I'm pretty sure that the same linoleum tile that was laid at opening is still gracing the floor today!
The awesome thing about Real Chili is that there is nothing pretentious about it. They serve chili ... albeit in many varieties and forms. But they serve chili. ... And maybe chili dogs and nachos. But that's it! ... You want variety and a six-page, tri-fold menu from which to choose, go somewhere else. That's not Real Chili.
You want fancy and modern? ... Go somewhere else. At Real Chili, many of the items come in paper boats and foam bowls. ... Except the chili, which is served in ceramic bowls that I'm certain moved into the building when the restaurant was opened.
And the piste resistance is that all of your items are loaded up on a plastic, school-style, red tray. ... And then you go find your spot on a bench.
This is a working class restaurant. This is a place that you know serves Pabst Blue Ribbon, and was home to many a shift worker's lunch over the decades.
Where to eat:
Your other eating stop in downtown Milwaukee has to be Cubanistas. According to the website, there are two existing sites and a third on the way. But, if you can, go hit the downtown location, do it. The street on which Cubanistas sits holds a number of great-looking, turn-of-the-century buildings worth viewing. So you get the benefit of a little sightseeing too.
Cubanistas is a casual, Cuban/Latino restaurant that takes walk-ins. I happened to hit it during an early lunch time on a Thursday afternoon, and I had no trouble grabbing a seat. Their website tells us that Cubanistas means "little Cuban girls" in Spanish, and the restaurant is Milwaukee's first, and only, entirely Cuban restaurant.
The webiste adds: "Cubanitas not only serves up a thirst-quenching delicious mojito, the appetizers and entrée items carry through the simple flavors and fresh ingredients that are the mark of good Cuban cuisine."
The menu holds everything that you'd expect in a Cuban/Latino restaurant. Empanadas, enchiladas, and spicy chicken and seafood dishes. There's salads, soups and a gluten-free menu too.
So, just as a suggestion: Take the empanadas as your appetizer and go with the "Camarones" entree, which features six black tiger shrimp in garlic-white wine
butter sauce, and served with yellow rice. And for $16 on the entree and $3.50 per empanadas, you can't go wrong.
Great atmosphere in the little restaurant, and if my eyes didn't deceive me, it looks like the front of the restaurant rolls open to the sidewalk in warmer temps.
If you like good Latino food, you have to check this place out.
What to do:
You have to make time to get over the Harley-Davidson Museum.
Really. Truly. ... Even if you aren't a motorcycle or gears fan. The modern museum provides a fascinating look at the origins of America's most famous motorcycle, and the growth of the motorcycle business through the years.
As the museum's website says: "History roars to life at the Harley-Davidson Museum. It’s the best of American design and culture – seasoned with freedom and rebellion, showcased in a landmark building. See why the Museum is one of Milwaukee’s top tourist destinations."
I know that for those who are not motorcycle aficionados, the idea of spending an afternoon at the Harley museum may sound like a buzzkill. But trust me, there is plenty here to entertain everyone for a visit. This isn't just a big, stuffy building full of dust-collecting motorcycles. It's definitely worth the trip.
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