The Brown Bottle - Milwaukee

I used to visit The Brown Bottle frequently 20 years ago with friends for happy hours and fish fry. I was excited to hear that it had been purchased and would be reopening. I visited with my mother, cousin and a friend. We elected to sit outside on the front patio. it was nice, but we were overtaken by bees several times. Our server, Mackencia, was very friendly. She did miss a couple things, but seemed happy to fix any issues immediately. I tried the mushroom Rueben with truffle fries and was impressed. It was an interesting and satisfying vegetarian option. My barrel aged Manhattan was also good, if a little pricy at $14. Mom had the Manchego burger and said it was excellent. We also all enjoyed the unique fries a cross between chips and traditional fries. Cousin had the tomato bisque and I can attest that it was very good creamy with griddled bread cheese bites and fresh flavor. My friend ordered the grilled peach bibb lettuce salad with Guanciale Miso vinaigrette and ricotta salata. This is where the experience went off the rails. The lettuce was brown and wilted. The guanciale was difficult to find and was an off putting texture. The grilled peaches were hard. Basically she hated it and ate items from all of our plates for her lunch. The manager did comp her salad, but never came out to speak with us or anything. I will try it again, but with 25% of our table unhappy and other minor issues throughout, it might not be soon. It makes me sad, because the space is old school fabulous and holds great memories for me and my friend.

Yesterday evening sat there for birthday and it was great. really interesting space, eating was great and cheap. service and timing were just as right. we're coming back!

They were for my birthday dinner, they have us a table for 10, big ambiente. the deck was beautiful, with original wood schiltz bierschnitzerei in bar area. I had short rib and very delicate and tasted.

We were a group of 9 for a mid day lunch. Our server, Johnny, warmly greeted each of us. His service and charm were top notch from start to finish. Hours later, a number of people were still commenting on how great he was. The food, both sandwiches sides, was exceptional across the board. Everyone was very pleased. One couple was already planning a return trip for dinner. The group had a wide spectrum of delicious drinks hot toddy, mimosa, craft beer, NA beer, and Schlitz on tap, of course. And the place just oozes history...ornate wood carvings, magnificent chandeliers, and fun photos from yesteryear. The Brown Bottle was definitely a big hit for all in our group!

Came into Milwaukee for the weekend and some football. Stayed just around the corner from here, and OMG! This was delicious, both drinks and food! Enjoyed happy hour cocktails and some shared plates on our arrival into town, and afterwards looked into the amazing history of the building, and history of the beer. The old architecture is beautiful, and honestly...what a story. Would love to come back again.