Birch

It just doesn’t get better than this honestly. This place deserves all the accolades it has received. Truly a great environment, the staff is top notch, the menu is unique and challenging and exciting. Loved every bite - hardest part honestly is figuring out what to actually order. Highly recommend the kitchen counter experience to watch the chefs work their culinary experience. It felt like we were the only ones there from the way they treated us, keeping an eye on every empty plate or glass, and looking for ways to make sure every dish is enjoyed at maximum (a chef gave us an extra plate of tortillas when they noticed I ran out halfway through my dish, for instance). Will definitely be going back for another meal in the future.

My wife and I extended our stay in Wisconsin with two nights in Milwaukee after a week in Madison in July 2023. Looking for a place to have dinner, I typed in best restaurant in Milwaukee, and Birch was on the list. I managed to get a very early seating that evening. I didn’t know much about Birch or Kyle before that day, but what we tasted that evening made me get up from our food and hustle over to make another reservation for the next dinner service because we had to eat there again before heading home. The location is pretty unassuming. The service was friendly, but there was a certain amount of tableside formality to it. I must mention this one experience we had as we were leaving after the first meal. The cooks were grilling on the sidewalk because their indoor grill broke down days previous. When I mentioned that I loved the grilled focaccia and I’d love to take some home the next day, they asked when I’d be there, and promised that they’d have some for me to take home. The next evening, sure enough, at the end of the dinner, they had a large focaccia wrapped and tied with string for me to take on the plane. That’s service taken beyond the ordinary. The food…the food was extraordinary. The much overused phrase, “farm to table”, suddenly made sense! Every single component shined through cleanly and precisely. There were many standouts, but if I could have just a couple of dishes again, they would be, Lynn's Cherries | Beets | Cucumber Radishes | Matt's Holy Basil Goat Cheese Dressing and Ricotta Cavatelli | Spring Onion | Apple Mint | Wisconsin Parmesan Cured Pork | Black Pepper maybe one more, Spaghetti Bower's Tomatoes | Candy Cane Peppers | Jerry's Garlic Basil Simple sounding dishes, but the most amazing ingredients and straightforward cooking made for a great meal. We’ve already made travel plans for the summer, and we’ll be back!

Birch does not disappoint! The food and drinks were absolutely delicious. I ordered the contramar inspired fish that was cooked over open flame but also tried my husband's handmade pasta, both were out of this world and by far the best pasta and fish I've had! I love the farm to table concept and they deliver it with such finesse 🤌 We also had smoked walleye in a crisp cup and the avacado squash salad. Everything was made with precision and focus on eye opening flavor and detail! The front house team are so welcoming and friendly, and willing to take time to explain the menu or answer any questions. The restaurant is beautiful and gives you an open view of the fluid working kitchen team! Also I have to compliment how crystal clean the glassware and silverware were along with the complimenting dishes used for plating! We are excited to return!

It’s hard running a gastro experience restaurant, even harder in Milwaukee. So let’s give credit for food that seems to touch the incredible at times. We ordered some starter dishes, the Ricotta & Squash-Filled Pasta, Carpaccio, and lamb skewers. Each was excellent albeit a touch on the salty side. The service as often the case started out great and went downhill. We sat right next to the server station. The gap between our first dish and second was over 35 minutes. There’s no shortage of staff and the place on a Friday wasn’t full, maybe 90 percent. The kitchen clearly got overwhelmed, a shame given the potential. Drink prices, , $17 for a smallish glass of Pinot Grigio. I’d go on a weekday.

Absolutely one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Every bite — from the tomato/nectarine salad to the beef carpaccio to the chicken under a brick — was expressive, fresh, and thoughtful. The flavors were bright and rich without being heavy. Ty the wine guy recommended an excellent Silician white to pair with our meal, and it was absolutely fantastic. Will definitely be coming back!!

I want to personally thank all the staff that made the experience special. Kyle did a phenomenal job with the bar burger, to say I was blow away may be an understatement. A special congratulations on the James beard award, I was hoping to congratulate in person during my experience but I hope this review serves in its place. The potato salad was unique with a hint of lime and paired perfectly with the burger. The birch wood fired grill out the burger over the top. The bar staff made some of the best cocktails I’ve had in the city and never missed a beat. The entire restaurant was clean and esthetically pleasing. The leaf wallpaper against the dark tile and the natural wood made the restaurant feel vibrant yet calming. Ariel the pastry chef made the best canelé cake. The parsnip crème brute was different yet I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the earthy and sweet flavors. Overall this restaurant I hope is here to stay. A solid 10/10 experience. Thank you!

This place is amazing and probably one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Farm vegetables were really nice with the carrot miso sauce. Goat cheese ravioli with corn was very tasty. For larger items we went with the Contramar fish and the chicken. The fish was amazing and as a fan of Gabriela Camara I was really excited to see her influence here. Desserts were tremendous. The service from Vi was incredible. A gentleman I assume may have been the manager on duty (didn’t catch his name) also stopped over to say hi and if we needed anything which was really nice service.

The burger (it's served in the bar only) has been on my list to try for a while. It didn't disappoint! The flavor was PERFECTLY balanced for a tasty blend of flavors that made me savor every bite! It was paired with a delectable side of potato salad to boot. I will be back to try other entrees in the restaurant. This Chef knows flavor combinations!