4. Restaurants

Bacchus

925 E Wells St, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
  • (414) 765-1166
  • Store is closed

Bacchus Menu

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

  • Justin L.

    Another solid upscale dining place in Milwaukee :) Dined at Bacchus on a random, rainy weeknight. The Maitre d' took our wet coats and sat us in a corner booth in the main dining room. We dined rather late so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. Quite romantic I'd say. Felt like a celebrity who rented out a restaurant for the night. Ambiance wise...Bacchus is a classic upscale restaurant. Your white linen tables with minimalist modern decor. Loved the comfortable leather booths and the all glass floor-to-ceiling wine racks. Where can I get one of those?!? Service was as it would be at a high-end eatery. Attentive and knowledgable. Do you ever get the feeling that you are given too much information and details from the server and it gets overwhelming? Yea, it slightly happened here. I'm not mad...just was overwhelmed for a minute. Great selection of wines and spirits! As for food... Foie Gras: Clever and adorable take on the foie gras to make it reminiscent of morning breakfast. Seared foie gras with aged maple syrup/apple compote served with a mini brioche toast/fried quail egg/bacon. I guess you can have breakfast anytime! Spinach Salad: Small mound of dressed baby spinach with poached egg and the maple-glazed fried pork belly. The best part of this dish? The fried pork belly! Delicious crunchy exterior and soft/fatty/flavorful center. I wish there was more! Braised Pork Belly: This was only slightly disappointing especially after the pork belly from the spinach salad. The presentation wasn't too creative; sauce resembling spicy mayo plated in zig zag pattern like it was plated for a sushi roll. The pork tasted like teriyaki pork, albeit the pork being tender. Taste-wise was not what I expected. Loup de Mer: The european seabass is a more mild tasting fish so the accompanying sauce or sides help make the dish. Unfortunately, the veggies served with this was not top notch IMO. It was pickled veggies. I am not a huge fan of pickled foods...so all I tasted was the saltiness and the pickle-ly flavor...however was not all that sour. Braised Short Rib: You can't go wrong with braised short rib. This was rib meat with out the actual rib. Appetizing. Spiced Bread Pudding: This was the winner of the night! I love bread pudding and they did it justice here. It was small and dense but with the perfect amount of spice. The sweet component was a little overpowering but the house-made whipped topping help buffer some of the sweetness away. The pomegranate seeds were a fab addition since it gave it that light zingy tartness to it. Love it! Can I get the recipe?! Overall, I would come back and try more on the menu. You can't go wrong with any of the Bartolotta establishments. Don't forget to use your loyalty rewards card and wrack up points!

    (4)

  • Kari M.

    Bacchus is one of those restaurants you save for a special occasion. So when the boyfriend asked where I wanted to go for my big birthday and before he was even finished with the question, I blurted out Bacchus. We ordered the Porterhouse for two. This is a 40 oz steak brought in a cast iron skillet with sides of mashed potatoes, spinach and a blend of sautéed mushrooms. I have to say this steak has ruined me for all future steaks! It was cooked perfectly and so much flavor. We ended up taking home quite a lot of leftovers and the steak was just as good the next day heated up. Service was on point. My only complaint about our experience was that they had not updated their dessert menu online. I had scoured their menu for several days prior to our reservation and had my heart set on this bananas foster dessert. I was pretty disappointed when the no longer offered this dessert.

    (5)

  • Angela G.

    They probably expect 5 stars by now and clearly earned :) They were awesome enough to get us in at 6 pm on a Saturday (I think we were lucky someone didn't use their reservation). The service was fantastic. It was our first time there, and we were dressed slightly funky (not badly, mind you, just dressed to go to an "adult prom". So kind of goofy). The dress code seemed to run the gamut between dressed up prom-goers (it was across the street at the university club) and people wearing jeans. From what I could see regardless of dress, all patrons were treated well...we were in the atrium part of the restaurant so we had a pretty good view of what was going on. Even after I admitted that the 120 dollar caviar service would be wasted on me (I like caviar but my palate is far from refined in that area...I' just plop a big hunk of it on top of egg salad and eat it. Yum) he didn't treat us like we should be getting the bums rush. My martini was quite good. A bit much tiny floating ice chunks for my taste but admittedly I'm extremely picky in that regard. I prefer mine stirred, NOT shaken. I had a glass of Johan Vinyards Pinot Noir. It wasn't bad but next time I'd upgrade. I should know the stick to California. My boyfriend and I had 2 small plates: Foie Gras: delicious and quite darling. Served seared on top of mashed rhubarb (I'm sure I'm getting this wrong), and with a schmear of maple syrup and pickled rhubarb. On the other side of the plate is a yummy little french toast round with the tiniest little quail egg, cooked sunny side up no less (how the HECK do they do that???? I can barely cook a huge chicken egg that perfectly) and the tiniest little bacon strip. I took a picture because it was so cute but I see there is one already posted here. Soft shelled crab: I believe it was beer-battered and served with some kind of delicious sauce and arugula. It was also wonderful. For dinner I had the filet. The cut was awesome and quite a fair cut, I'm going to say ~7 or 8 oz. The mushrooms and mashed potatoes were great, and the gravy...I can't imagine how they make it so good. It tastes like they cooked the roux for a really long time, similar to how you would for a gumbo because it's very sweet and caramelized tasting (it has that slight copper tint as well) and maybe it has some truffle oil in it? I so wish I knew what was in it because I think it was probably the best I've had in my life. My boyfriend had the halibut and I tasted it. It was almost as delicious as my filet. For dessert, we had the chocoholic. Chocolate mousse with vanilla cream in the center, ice cream and some raspberry gel. The mousse was very very good (I make mine a little softer and prefer that) but it was the right size for a couple of bites. Of course people will talk about the price but frankly from what I could see for the quality of the food, it's very clearly in the correct range and not overpriced. I think the steak was 38 dollars, the Foie Gras was 19 dollars, the soft shell crabs 14, and the halibut was 32. Really not too bad at all in my opinion.

    (5)

  • Lauren M.

    I married my best friend here, so that automatically gives it one star. But, they don't have six stars on Yelp, so five will have to do. When we walked into the Bacchus, we knew this was the place we'd be married. We were done looking. Tricia, the catering director, was warm, welcoming and kindly guided us the whole way. Yes, it is a Bartolotta restaurant, so of course it will be more expensive. But our vision included an amazing meal (forget the typical wedding fare) in a beautiful place, and we were not disappointed. Tricia worked out all of the logistics for the day and knew who everyone in our bridal party was. We got married in the atrium, a glass room attached to the main building, and it was gorgeous. After our ceremony, the bridal party was immediately met by Danielle - the most outstanding server you will ever meet. She had a basket full of risotto fritters for us to munch on before the pictures. My husband and I snuck away for a little bit, and a server found us. We asked him to not tell anyone where we were (we wanted to take a deep breath), and he came back with Tricia, a gift from the Bacchus staff and a plate of hors devours for us eat. We were not bothered until the dinner started. And the dinner was perfect. You know the food is good when the dining room gets quiet. Everyone told us it was best food they've ever had and that the service was outstanding. Our guests loved it. We loved it. I can't wait to go back and celebrate our first anniversary here.

    (5)

  • Puja B.

    I have to say this place is good but the food is not all that flavorful. The atmosphere and service are definitely on point. This place is quite expensive and it's good for a special occasion. We started off with the cheese plate and that was the best part of our meal. I got the roasted chicken which was super bland! I tend to like my food quite flavorful so maybe it was just me. However, I did love the grits on the side and added greenness of collard greens. There was nothing wow about the dish. This place is great that they do have a vegetarian menu for anyone that is vegetarian! My boyfriend got the fontina risotto. Again, it was bland. And for dessert the chocolate dome which was delicious. I gave this place a 4 star because of the amazing service and atmosphere and the food wasn't bad just not something I prefer!

    (4)

  • Tommy C.

    I went to Bacchus with my wife for my birthday this past July and my experience was definitively A-OK, the apparent standard for three stars here on good ol' Yelp. Every single thing we ate was precise and delicious and priced appropriately for Bacchus' intense (alienatingly so) elegance. We each had a salads to start and for the main course I had short ribs and my wife had pan roasted chicken. My wife will tell you with wide eyes was the best chicken of her whole damn life and, believe me, many a chicken have fallen to my wife's poultry-craving palate. We also had a dessert and a bottle of wine and the bill was huge. It wasn't a surprise and I wasn't offended by the bill. I'm not the type to complain about the cost of any meal, because menus are public domain and there is never a gun to anyone's head forcing them to eat at Bacchus. Where my issue lies with Bacchus was the service. I noticed a gentleman and presumably his wife having dinner together and it became immediately apparent that these two were high priority. While the service my wife and I received wasn't bad per se, it was notably less specific and attentive than that being delivered to the table to my life. I got your usual high-energy, highly literate, ultra-regimented, super precise military style of service one typically gets in a fine dining setting, and it left a bad taste in my mouth. Given the amount of money I make and what I'd typically have to spend in order to eat at Bacchus, it's definitely bracketed as a "special occasion" restaurant. That being said, I think I'll spend those occasions somewhere that isn't writing me off as a young dude eating beyond his means. Food: A- Ambiance: A- Service: C

    (3)

  • Catherine G.

    WOW! Definitely one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. I've been meaning to try Bacchus for the past 4 years but have always been hesitant because of the $$$$ The hubby treated me to Bacchus for my birthday and what an experience it was. We tried 3 small plates - the tuna tartar, the foie gras, and the pork belly spinach salad. Of the three, my favorite was probably the tuna tartar -- very fresh fish and very refreshing -- my husband and I found ourselves greedily scraping every last bit off the plate. The foie gras was definitely presented as a "breakfast of champions" - very playful plating and scrumptiously rich. For entrees, I had the lamp chops and my husband had the lobster. Both were fantastic. Perfectly prepared, cannot rave more about either dish - please see my photos of them both. For dessert, we ordered their version of churros - OH MY GOD - it was so airy, sweet, and delightful - I was beyond full by that point but could not resist eating more. Bacchus surprised me with a complimentary trio of sorbets with "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate. Thank you Bacchus for making my birthday special :) The Bartolotta restaurants continue to remain the best restaurants in Milwaukee. The service and ambiance was top notch as expected. Cannot wait to come back for another special occasion.

    (5)

  • Ram P.

    Great place. Food and atmosphere were very good and service was excellent. We had to change the table as our daughter was very sleepy . The table was changed and even a pillow was given to my daughter to lie down .The old fashioned was perfect and the food was very delicious

    (5)

  • Clay K.

    Bacchus is a consistent pleasure in Milwaukee. I have dined and drank here many, many times and each time I leave satisfied with not only the creativity and taste of the food but also the excellent service. I truly believe this is the flagship of the Bartolotta restaurant empire. A couple of their other locations should study what is going on at Bacchus. The food at Bacchus is consistently delicious, the cocktails consistently creative and the ambiance spectacular. The feel of the restaurant is akin to the finest New York City restaurants. It is equally appropriate for a romantic date as it is high-end business dining, and private parties (in a spectacular atrium with lake views). My one complaint is that they used to have a late night small-plate menu at the bar. I miss that! I number Bacchus among the top five restaurants in Milwaukee. Well-deserved kudos! Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Christopher H.

    One of the best culinary experiences in recent memory. Second visit to Bacchus, last visit October 2013, very impressed first time; blown away last night. Went for caviar service, special night with a special person, the Snake River sturgeon was a real treat! Soup de jour, a carrot ginger, was bang on and the grilled ramps were a revelation with prosciutto and egg. Seafood ravioli and Halibut, fantastic! "Chocoholic" dessert lives up to its name. Looking forward to my next visit to Milwaukee and without doubt to Bacchus.

    (5)

  • Kristi C.

    We celebrated the husband's birthday at Bacchus last night, and it was a fabulous experience from start to finish. The food, drinks and service were worth every penny for this special occasion. Highlights: - Our waiter, Dan. Dang good guy who humored us with an ideal amount of conversation and friendly banter. - O'er the Thames cocktail. But don't drink too many to forget the amazing meal. - Lobster bisque soup. I had an internal struggle on whether or not to lick the bowl. - Spinach salad. The combo of a poached egg, spinach and pork belly was a like brunch dance in my mouth. - Scallops. Sauteed to perfection. - The handwritten card and sorbet trio for the birthday boy. A nice touch. A highly recommended restaurant for a special occasion. They nailed it.

    (5)

  • Isaac S.

    Wow! Amazing! I was a bit apprehensive coming here as it is owned by Bartolatta. I have had only average experiences at other places of his like Lake Park Bistro. This restaurant hits the nail on the head. The food is priced right for the quality and experience and the food is delicious. Our waiter was very friendly and was always attentive. Our food came out quickly and the ambiance was perfect. I will definitely be back.

    (5)

  • Chris F.

    Stunning and housed in a historic building that solicits images of the Rat Pack, Bacchus is an establishment that challenges the culinary industry. I dined here with fellow work peers and we all left wanting more. Star 1- The service. I have never had better service at a restaurant. Wait staff was knowledgeable, extremely attentive, ..... I could go on and on. Star 2- The flow. It was almost like they anticipated our needs. The food and wine were timely and not a distraction. Star 3- The food. To compliment the flow of wine I started with a poached pear salad made with arugula, Dunbarton blue cheese, and Marcona almonds. The main meal was a fliet mignon. Succulent, juicy, and topped with bourbon peppercorn cream, sauteed mushrooms, and potato mousseline. Star 4- The dessert. I'm a fan of bread pudding. The spiced bread pudding made with vanilla creme anglaise and pomegranate seeds was re-visited in my dreams that night. Multiple flavors that re-invented the traditional recipe. Star 5- The uniqueness and commitment to Milwaukee for providing a destination unlike any other in the city. I can't wait to go back. It's pricey, but worth every penny. We all need to treat ourselves every once and awhile. If you do, consider Bacchus.

    (5)

  • Jill N.

    As many others have mentioned, this is definitely a place you go for a special occasion dinner. There are no prices listed on the website, but the cheapest entree is $27.50. You're paying for the excellent service, (we had two servers taking care of our party of 3), the atmosphere and of course the great food. My sister and I took my mom here for her birthday and were not disappointed. We started with cocktails, our server Daniel, recommended the Lake Effect, which my mom and sister both had. I went out on my own with the Tortuga, which was similar to a margarita with a twist. Both were delicious but the Lake Effect was phenomenal. It's a creamy, fruity drink that is a little heavy, but tasty. For dinner, I had the roasted chicken with grits and collard greens. The chicken was cooked perfectly and was very juicy. Both my mom and sister had the scallops and said that they were excellent. The desserts are beautifully prepared. The only hiccup in the entire evening was that they brought out a glass of Moscato d'Asti for my mom with her dessert for her birthday, but then added it on the bill. It was taken care of immediately when we pointed it out to our server, but in a restaurant this high-end, it shouldn't have occurred. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fine dining experience.

    (4)

  • Luis M.

    Great brunch, nice place really old and elegant building, restaurant is classic and fancy, but not too overwhelming. Great service and waiters were polite and nice, the food is really good, of course it is not a cheap place, so the price you will be paying can sometimes make some people feel that the food it is not enough food for what they are paying, for sure i will go back.

    (5)

  • Niki C.

    The food here is exquisite, not only in presentation, but in quality and taste as well. At first glance, the menu options may not necessarily sound overly creative, but at first bite, you quickly realize that the preparation is executed by a well trained chef that has mastered taste-bud satisfaction. The sauces are so delicate yet full of exceptional flavor. A good example of this is in the Lobster Ravioletti that I had as a starter. Honestly THE best, perhaps, that I ever had. Next the salad of red beets and arugula with elements such as watermelon, feta and prosciutto that complemented one another so well. It was divine. For my entree, I truly enjoyed the braised beef short rib. The fennel, sweet carrot puree and a few red grapes made it special and I left not one bite behind. Ask my waiter Curt who was so polite as to not gawk at my empty plate. I think they must see those here often. If you are ordering wine by the glass, the Hays Ranch Cab Sauvignon was a nice choice with all of the above. It does not end there by the way! We saved room for the best churros that I have ever eaten in or outside of an amusement park. You will find them on this very refined menu under "Cinnamon Sugar Fritters." Though they were good on their own, the butterscotch and creme anglais to dip it in truly took these miniature delights over the top. Bacchus is the perfect restaurant to entertain a client or celebrate a special occasion. Or if you are like me, don't forget that everyday we are alive is "special occasion" enough to treat yourself! It's so worth it. Bon Appetit!

    (5)

  • Kelsey P.

    I've been here for a variety of occasions -most recently my best friends wedding. Let's start with the staff who are amazing. There's this one waitress, Danielle, request her. She's my favorite. The girl knows her stuff. It is here that i've had the best steak I've ever eaten. I've had dreams about the mushroom risotto. Have the bartender create you a drink. I've never been disappointed. It's a bit on the pricey side but it's definitely worth it. You get your money's worth in food and experience. Perfect for events, celebrations, and special dates :)

    (5)

  • Maria S.

    AMAZING food and cocktails. Best scallop dish I have ever had. SO SO SO good and pretty reasonably sized for price... I was very surprised how full I was at such a gourmet restaurant. AMAZING homemade honey ice cream. Good coffee. Innovative specials. I like this place better in the summer... the ambiance in the winter, if you are in the window room is lacking in my opinion. I also am not a fan of sitting so far from my date. The server was almost too stuffy if anything.

    (4)

  • Rebecca S.

    Is it outrageously expensive? Yeah. Is it slightly pretentious? Absolutely. Is it worth every penny? Without. A. Doubt. Bacchus is my go-to restaurant every time we're celebrating something special, and/or we're really looking to indulge. The service is always impeccable (never a stray crumb on the table, or an empty water glass), the food is to die for (the beet and goat cheese salad, the scallops and the Porterhouse for two are all incredible), and the atmosphere is subdued and romantic. I'm sorry, I can't think of a single thing to nitpick, I seriously crush on this place so hard.

    (5)

  • L M.

    Everything was perfect here. The food was perfect. The service was perfect. Solid choice for special occasions.

    (5)

  • Sara H.

    Could I please eat here everyday!? Service and Beverages: The service was friendly but not intrusive while you were enjoying your meal. The wine list was extensive and the cocktail menu had something for everyone. Food: We started out with non-traditional caviar baked in phyllo dough which was out of this world! They have a separate vegetarian menu which I was beyond excited about! I am a pescetarian (i.e., I eat vegetarian with the exception of fish) and loved feeling like I had a variety of options to choose from. The arbitrary vegetarian dish that some places tac on their menus gets old in a hurry. I recommend the roasted root vegetables and crispy fried tofu! YUM! Ambiance: Formal attire is the norm here. Loved being able to dress up in clothes that I normally do not have occasion to wear. However, if you are in the mood for upscale causal dinning this is something to keep in mind. Great place for a special date or when you feel like treating yourself to amazing food!

    (5)

  • Kate L.

    We surprised my Mom for her 75th & it was perfect! The ambiance was high class but inviting, the food & drink, lovely but what made this a 5-star review, the staff. They were professional and approachable, witty & fun and made us feel so welcome. They gave us enough time with each course to really enjoy, kept the wine glasses filled and made my Mom the guest of honor we had hoped she'd experience! Thanks guys!!!!

    (5)

  • Natalie N.

    So my opinion is obviously not a popular one. I'm not sure how this could be considered good food let alone fine dining. It's a nice restaurant. Clean decor. Food, not so great. We started off with Foie gras for an appetizer. The presentation was nice with a quail egg over french toast. But that's where my love affair with this dish ended. I cut into my foie gras and the vein was still intact. I am not a chef but I know enough that the veins need to be removed before serving. I tried to eat around the vein but it made for a tiny portion. I ordered sea bass for my entree. I LOVE sea bass. I eat it a lot and also make it quite a bit at home. This "sea bass" looked and tasted like a cheap white fish along the lines of orange roughy. Strike two. Get my desert which was nothing more than whipped cream, raspberries and a small piece of phyllo dough topped with sugar. the best thing I ate all night. Not sure how they could have screwed that dish up but it was pleasing enough. I walked out of Bacchus completely mind fu**ed as to how that dinner could have been so poor.

    (2)

  • Rick S.

    Best Anniversary Dinner ever. Food was amazing and service was even better. Thank you Daniel and Amy for a great night!

    (5)

  • Alex X.

    Bacchus was the first fine dining restaurant my wife and I went to after moving to Milwaukee. It's really good. The restaurant has great ambiance and is always busy for dinners but it's not overly loud. A few tables (especially those seating two) are a little close together but you still don't feel like you're sharing dinner with people you don't know. The bourbon peppercorn tenderloin is my favorite dinner entree and my wife almost always has the sea scallops. Both are delicious. A great restaurant is one that introduces you to new ingredients and serves you a meal you can't wait to have again. Bacchus is certainly one of those restaurants for us. Great staff. Great wine list. No complaints.

    (5)

  • Jeff C.

    We celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary at Bacchus. I cannot say enough good things about it. Our waiters, Dan and Curt, were attentive without being smothering. They knew when we needed service and knew when we wanted to be left alone. They were both extremely knowledgeable about the menu. They made suggestions without being pushy. The wine list is amazing. It has to be one of the most complete I have ever seen. The food itself is to die for. I can see why Bacchus received the top rating from Zagat. We had a series of small plates. I recommend everything in the small plate menu, particularly the Lamb meatballs and the seafood ravioli. Finally, the lemon tart dessert was tremendous, A great mixture of sweet and tart. I cannot say enough good things about Bacchus.

    (5)

  • Jan W.

    Great dinner, wonderful atmosphere. FANTASTIC service with servers who actually say "My Pleasure" instead of "no problem" Highly recommend for a special dinner. Check the wine list carefully as the Sommelier passes along great savings when she gets a special deal. Other restaurants would just hike up the price and make more money.

    (5)

  • Michael O.

    I hosted a lunch for work here recently, and I was very impressed. I have not enjoyed many Bartolotta meals in my life, but I now plan to try others. First off, our meal was in the conservatory, which is completely sky lit. It provided some great views, even on a dreary day. Since they are not normally open for lunch, the event felt very private, which was appreciated. Our meal began with a standard salad, but it has some cherry tomatoes that seemed partially sun-dried. I am not sure what they were, but they were great. Salad was served with bread. For my meal, I had a Filet Mignon with mashed Yukon potatoes and sauteed mushrooms. The steak was cooked a perfect medium rare, and the mushrooms has SO much flavor! For dessert, we had apple cobbler with a fantastic caramel and a bit of ice cream. Throughout the entire meal, service was attentive and friendly. The Preferred club is also a great reward for people that eat out often. I will go back for sure. I really want to try their once a month family meal, because it is a bit more casual, and a great way to try some more of what Bacchus has to offer.

    (5)

  • Dan C.

    Let's just put it all on the table, Bacchus is probably the best restaurant in Milwaukee. This place could hold its own in any major city, Chicago, NYC, LA, etc. The space and decor fit & finish is top notch. The service is excellent and the food is expertly prepared from main dishes, to sides, to deserts. I went there for dinner and was amazed. Great wine list, too. I had the sirloin and was quite impressed. I also went to a private party (cocktail hour & hors d'oeuvres, 3 course dinner, etc.) in one of the back dining rooms and Bacchus did an excellent job taking care of us. Yes, this place is expensive for Milwaukee, its expensive for just about anywhere. However, the food, the service and total dining experience is top shelf. You get what you pay for, so stop whining.

    (4)

  • Jon A.

    Bacchus has always been the Bartolotta restaurant that I like, but I never give the proper consideration to it when choosing a place to dine. I always end up wanting to go to Lake Park Bistro (even though I had a ho-hum experience there last time...but I will still return eventually because the food is great). But we're talkin' bout Bacchus here, and Bacchus doesn't mess around. The atmosphere is very neutral in a good way. It has the timeless look of what you would expect from a nicer downtown restaurant. The décor is stylish, but not stuck in any particular decade (i.e. you won't hear a saxophone playing "Careless Whisper" in your head when you walk in). The service is always solid. You'll usually get a couple of servers taking care of you throughout the night. Since Bacchus shares its name with the god associated with everything wine, you can be sure that they have a nice wine list, but I'm never much for wine at a restaurant. Do what I do and cut to the chase; order a martini. It compliments everything on the menu. My wife and I both had the Green Beans salad, which was a nice light start to the meal. The green beans were chilled and came with a generous amount of blue cheese. The radishes and toasted hazelnuts complimented the tanginess of the cheese quite well. The salad was pretty large, too, so keep that in mind when you're factoring in portion sizes. I went with my usual of flank steak and my wife got the halibut. Both were superb. The flank steak was perfectly cooked and had been rubbed with a generous amount of salt, which really made the flavor stand out in the sear. The summer vegetable salad that accompanied it was also tasty and offset the heaviness of the meat. My wife really enjoyed her halibut and it looked well-cooked and was well-presented. I've never been big on dessert, but Bacchus is the exception for me. I like to opt for their cheese plate. Bacchus has a wide selection of Wisconsin artisan cheeses that rotates throughout the year. At this point, I can't even tell you which three cheeses we had, but I will suggest that you speak with the server about them if you're unsure. They are usually able to describe each one so you can get an idea of which will best suit your preferences. To me, Bacchus doesn't get enough credit around the area. Perhaps that is because it's a straightforward approach to fine dining and doesn't have a focus on something ethic, local or different. But it doesn't need to. It stands up on its own just fine and does a better job than most of the competition.

    (5)

  • Richard S.

    This review is for the "Friends of James Beard" Dinner on October 21, 2009. First off I must admit something. I am a complete Top Chef Geek! I have seen every episode and could write a book on Padma Lakshmi. So when I had the opportunity to attend this event that featured the last two winners; Hosea Rosenberg and Stephanie Izard, I couldn't resist! The evening began with a silent auction and several Hors D' Ouevres presented by Chef Adam Siegel of Bacchus, which included Strauss Free Raised Veal Tartare with Mustard and Celery on Brioche, Foie Gras with Cranberry Jelly,Sherry Vinegar and Crispy Sage, Lobster Risotto with Braised Savoy Cabbage and Lobster Cream and Duck Confit Tart with Apple and Watercress. I loved all of these, but my favorite was the Foie Gras. The richness of the Foie, sweetness and tartness of the jelly and vinegar and the earthiness of the sage created the perfect bite. These were all served with a bright, crisp, clean Brut Rose Lucien Albrecht "Cremant D'Alsace." 1st Course by Hosea Rosenberg Wild Alaskan Salmon with Porcini, Fennel, Celeriac-Pear Puree paired with a 2006 Domaine Serene Chardonnay "Etoile Vineyard." A simple preparation really let the quality of the ingredients shine. Impeccably fresh Salmon starred with support from a slightly acidic Shaved Fennel Salad as well as the subtle sweetness from the Puree. The citrus notes and minerality of the wine worked perfectly with this dish. 2nd Course by Paul Bartolotta of Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare, Las Vegas. Oven Baked Crepe with Italian Alpine Cheeses and White Truffles. Paired with A 2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir "Evenstad Reserve" Oh My God! Easily the Simplest Dish of the night and possibly the best. Just cheese inside a beautifully tender crepe, baked to a golden brown and then decadently covered with Shaved Truffles. The wine was amazing. Deep and complex with lots of spice, cherry and herbal notes, it was perfect with this simple, wonderful dish. 3rd Course by Stephanie Izard Seared Scallop with Smoked Goat, Wilted Greens and Huckleberry Gastrique. 2006 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir "Winery Hill Vineyard." When we saw "Smoked Goat" on the menu, my friend and I both thought cheese. It was actually goat! This was one of those dishes where each part was excellent, but it didn't really come together as a whole. Along those same lines, the wine was outstanding but didn't really work with the food for me. 4th Course by Sanford D'Amato, Sanford, Milwaukee Glazed Squab Borscht with Root Vegetables and Foie Gras Pierogi. Paired with a 2006 RockBlock Syrah "Reserve". Chef D'Amato is well known for putting a gourmet twist on Milwaukee ethnic cuisine and that is exactly what he did here. Elevating simple beet soup and a Polish dumpling to new levels. The Squab had a nice crisp skin and tender moist flesh. The wines cherry and plum notes accented the flavor of the Borscht. Dessert by Sebastian Cannone Litchee Jellified Brioche with Raspberry Creme and Caramel-Fleur de Sel Ice Cream. Paired with a 2007 RockBlock Viognier "Del Rio Vineyard". One of the best non-chocolate desserts I have ever had! Like the Scallop dish, this had many different components, but this time they all worked seamlessly. The sweetness of the Litchee, the tart Raspberry and the salty Ice Cream made my taste buds very happy! I actually appreciated the fruity Characteristics of the wine more after I had finished dessert, which didn't take very long! This was a wonderful night of food, wine and fun that I was very fortunate to experience. If Bacchus handles an event like this so well, I can't wait to come back for dinner. The staff was friendly and they are wheelchair accessible.

    (5)

  • Cassie H.

    So, Bacchus was definitely an experience - one I am glad I had - but I can't say I intend to go back. It was a place to spoil ourselves, and we really did feel spoiled. Perhaps too spoiled for my particular budget to make a habit. But I wanted to really get dressed up and go out, celebrate life, and this seemed like the place for a very special night. It was. Let me say first that I think if you are a carnivore you will love this place. My husband ordered a filet mignon (as he does whenever one is available) and loved it. It was served on a bed of potato mousseline, which is apparently French for, really way too soft mashed potatoes. It was good, but don't be expecting steak and potatoes, there just really wasn't enough there to be called anything more than a garnish really. This is definitely quality over quantity and you will pay a steep price for such quality. I got the Butternut Squash Risotto. Overall, it was tasty, but a few notes to the chef... if I were making this, I would use much less sauce, and double the butternut squash. There were tiny pieces of it in there, like an afterthought. And a hint of nutmeg. If the nutmeg was there, which I feel like it probably was knowing sauces, it was completely invisible. Here's where I really got lost... #1 I really didn't want something completely covered in heavy cream. This was. More cream than rice, so it was more the consistency of rice pudding. With REALLY rich cream sauce. #2 This dish appeared on the small plates menu, and also on the regular vegetarian menu. For an extra $7. I can only assume that the more expensive version was a larger serving than the small plate version, but then again, the bowl my risotto came in was the same size and same serving as the "small plate" Parsnip soup I ordered. Things that make you go hmmm. BUT.... On to the Parsnip soup. Devine. Texture...perfect. Flavor...full. Everything I was hoping for on a cold night. I loved it and am looking for a good recipe so I can make it at home. Dessert was creative and fun, not what I expected after such a pretentious menu. "Milk" and cookies, Pineapple upside down cake with caramel sauce and coconut sorbet, loved it. Service was very good but the staff was very quiet...library quiet. I am sure that is the ambiance they were going for. But it just added to the pretentiousness of the restaurant. I did like the decor. Very clean, straight lines, and modern, right up my alley. So, special occasion, anniversary, new job, something to celebrate, great place to go. But if you really like to eat, go somewhere the prices are more proportionate to the food.

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    Halibut was good, not great. Service was very attentive and helpful. Out of first choice wine but helpful with alternates.

    (4)

  • Zouyan L.

    I managed to have dinner here thanks to a lecture. Its the sort of place I'd imagine eating at if I were an I-banker or an executive, or [insert something else that I'm not]. Dark woods, patterned carpets, and extremely tasty food. A part of me really wanted to have a seat in the wingback chair in the corner. Unfortunately, I had left my monocle, brandy snifter, and top hat at home (don't worry, I had my handle-bar mustache). The salad tested like... a salad, the greens weren't overpowered by the vinaigrette. The steak was cooked just to my liking and the seasoning was perfect. Then there was chocolate mousse for dessert, which was sensational. I had no idea how much the dinner cost, but I can't imagine it being cheap in a place like this. Nothing bad to say about this place, but its just not for me. Maybe in 20 years. Maybe not... I mean, I still eat Taco Bell more often than I'd like to admit.

    (3)

  • Tom S.

    Absolutely classy, the best place in Milwaukee. the filet is the best

    (5)

  • Tonya D.

    We took my mother and father in law to Bacchus for their 50th wedding anniversary. My mother in law doesn't like anything and never has good experiences while dining out. We all had a lot of anxiety while trying to select the perfect restaurant to help us celebrate this special occasion.I'm happy to say that our experience at Bacchus was top-notch! We had a party of 9, and ended up with two amazing servers, Curt, and I'm sorry that I can not remember the name of our 2nd sever, but she was an absolute gem as well. The food/menu: a diverse selection of small plates, soups, salads and entrees prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. I had the Scallops w/cauliflower and pork belly. Delicious only begins to describe this lovely, scrumptious dish! The scallops were seared to perfection. The pork belly was moist and succulent. The true surprise was the cauliflower. I raved about it, and my husband commented on how you really never hear anyone raving about cauliflower! We ordered a bunch of small plates to start, so we each had a little bite of almost all of them. My favorites were the prosciutto & melon, along with the cabbage rolls. I had never seen cabbage rolls prepared with ground pork, and presented in the manner at Bacchus. They were unique and elegant. Yes, elegant cabbage rolls! Who ever would have imagined?! And don't even get me started on the wine list! There really is something for everyone and every budget in wines here. Atmosphere: The restaurant is located in a 1920s (I think) building next to Lake Michigan. The setting is beautiful. The restaurant interiors are contemporary without being cold. We enjoyed a comfortable, pleasant setting. Next time I hope to dine on their terrace, which appeared to be a glass-enclosed patio with views of the lake. Experience: Everyone at Bacchus made this an evening/event to remember. No one in our party had a single complaint, including my mother-in-law. Truly a once in a blue moon experience for my family. Ironic since we dined on 8/31/12, when we actually did have a blue moon! When we arrived we were immediately given champagne (gratis) for a toast. The kids were given non-alcoholic champagne so they could join in. My in-laws were presented with a beautiful dessert at the end of the meal, also gratis. I give this experience 5 stars, and would recommend Bacchus for any special event, date night, business lunch or just because you want a delicious meal. I look forward to going back soon! Many thanks to the team at Bacchus for creating a memorable evening for my in-laws 50th!!

    (5)

  • Michael H.

    There are plenty of great reviews of this restaurant, so I will try to hit the highlights. 1) The ambiance and decor is tastefully modern and classic. It feels like you are eating at Restoration Hardware with dim lighting. 2) Definitely a place to take someone for a special occasion. White table cloth, attentive wait staff and great bar. Surprisingly, I have seen slightly more casually dressed individuals dining there as well so I wouldn't necessarily feel too out of place if you were wearing a polo shirt and khakis (depends on your own personal comfort level). But then again, this is coming from a guy that has worn camouflage cargo shorts to a Ruth Chris before. 3) I would describe this food as "upscale comfort food". You will have the typical stuff like Filet Minion, Scallops, Salmon, etc for main courses. I think even the most pickiest of eaters wouldn't feel left out here. They will use Wisconsin local ingredients where possible. Not too much "fusion", nouveau cuisine. 4) Personally, me and my fiancée like to get several small plates to share instead of a main course. It gives us a chance to sample several different dishes and feel as though we had a multi-course meal without the multi-course price. I mean, if you are a foodie, how many times can you have a steak and it taste different from one restaurant from another? 5) Three words. Spinach Risotto Fritters. Amazingly good. Anything fried usually is, but these take it to another level. Just get them. 6) We have been here twice...once in the fall of last year and January of this year. I would be curious if the menu will change with the Spring season. 7) They take OpenTable reservations which is great. I booked reservations using my iPhone and they always were great about accommodating my special requests the 2 times I was here. Was able to surprise my fiancée for her birthday just by typing a special request in the reservation itself. They seated us in a booth with a handwritten thank you and towards the end of the meal, they came out with a complementary in-house sorbet sampler for dessert. Bottom line, it holds the Bartolatta reputation for delicious dining.

    (4)

  • David D.

    Bartellota stumbles again. What a beautiful restaurant, give or take some of the cacaphonous music choices. Totally enjoyed our corner table for an early bite before driving 100 miles to get home. Despite a recent disasterous evening with special friends at Lake Park Bistro, my wife continues to believe that Bartellota offers some of the more sophisticated choices in Milwaukee dining, so we decided to test the waters once again. I should preview this with the observation that the staff may have felt we were just a pair of lowballers, as we were specifically interested in trying a white Rhone wine from their immense wine list, and it also happens to be very much on the low price end of that list. Post apperitif we ordered it, and found it quite drinkable. Then we tried a few of the small plate offerings. My pate of goose liver on a toast point and accompanied by apple compote was fully as good as anticipated. However, my date's crispy shrimp with quince chutney turned out to be crackling shrimp tails on the selfsame apple compote. Pretty cynical. The roasted fingerling potato salad was fair, but not remarkable. Finishing off with a delightful sorbet and ice cream, we left with a mixed impression. There is plenty more work needed here in order to deserve the vaunted reputation of the the Bartellota Group.

    (3)

  • Michael J.

    Always a fantastic experience. The Food, decor and service are top notch. This restaurant is great for our city.

    (5)

  • Erica R.

    The last time I ate at Bacchus was for wedding, and I would assume a review would be helpful to those planning for their special event. The wedding we attended rented the entire restaurant. Cocktails and apps were hosted in the glass room and bar area with the dinner in the main section and the back room. Although the location seems perfect, there are some flaws to the room layout. The photo montage was displayed on a very small screen in the corner of the room, so it was difficult for guests to view them. The columns throughout the main room make it difficult to watch the screen and to see the wedding speakers. Guests couldn't see the wedding party at all. Since there are several different rooms included in the rental that are all separated by walls, anything happening in one room is unknown to any other guests. I'm not sure if this was by choice of the bride and groom, but appetizers ended at 6 pm and dinner wasn't served until 9 pm so guests were starving. But I will praise Bacchus for their cuisine - everyone's steaks for dinner were perfectly cooked which is extraordinary for such a large group of people. Of course all of the food was absolutely delicious and I would highly suggest anyone to dine here. For a large party, though, I'd research it a little bit more.

    (4)

  • Timothy M.

    The food was exceptional, the ambiance was outstanding, and the service was without equal -- absolutely amazing, anticipating every need. Thank you for making our 38th Anniversary a special event!

    (5)

  • Allison G.

    I have to admit, I always thought Bacchus was "overrated", but after our dinner this evening I no longer think that. Everything from the service to the food was impeccable. Our servers Dan and ?? (can't remember his name) were very knowledgeable and accommodating and Jon went above and beyond. The server's knowledge of their menu items was outstanding and they made great recommendations. We started with the tuna tartare, followed by lobster for me and a filet for the mister. They were both perfect. The lobster was the best I've ever had and I've had a LOT of lobster. The portions of the lobster and filet were both pleasingly generous. We ended with a molten hazelnut cake that was equally as amazing. Nothing but great things to say about this place- it was all spot on.

    (5)

  • Ben P.

    Went here for 7:15 reservations on a Saturday night with my parents and my girlfriend. My parents had been there and thought it was spectacular. We pull up and get valet parking, which was $4. Friendly service thus far. We arrive about 25 minutes early so we belly up to the small bar for a few cocktails. The drinks were pretty good. Expensive, yet this was expected. Wasn't that impressed with their cocktail list, but the bar itself was pretty nice. We are seated and immediately were presented with menus and waters. The waiter had a great, fun personality and joked with us when he realized we were not the 'prim and proper' regular clientele they receive. We had two servers the whole time, so the service was really great. The other server was a woman with a noticeable, funny WI accent. She was nice and attentive. The bread and water guy was less attentive and only gave us one piece of bread each. We would have preferred he give us the whole bread basket. Oh well. For wine, I had during the dining experience a glass of 2007 Brassfield Pinot Noir, High Valley, CA. I would call it average at best. Not sure why they selected it as it seemed watery and mild. For my next glass, I had 2006 the Hobo Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA. This one was much better yet I still was not really blown away. At $13 a glass, I guess my expectations were much higher and usually when I've eaten at restaurants of this caliber in the past, the wine list was more spectacular. We each had our own appetizer. I tasted all of them, so I had a good feeling of each of them. Foie Gras - Apple Compote, French Toast, Blis Maple Syrup, Fried Quail Egg $21 First time trying foie gras. The other flavors took away from the main ingredient. I thought the taste of the foie gras was so good on its own that the syrup, french toast and apple took away from its greatness. Spinach Salad - Fried Egg, Bacon Lardons and Grainy Mustard Dressing $10 The egg was ok. The dressing was minimal and almost flavorless. The portion was small. The bacon was ok. Worst dish of the entire meal. Not sure what they were going for with this. Wisconsin Artisanal Cheese - Acacia Honey, Fruit Preservers and Raisin Nut Bread $10 We laughed at this one. Two pieces of cheese on a plate with grapes and some honey. The nut bread was not even served with it. No fruit preserves either. The cheese was 4 year aged cheddar and some blue cheese. Big deal. At that price for two small pieces, I was expecting better, more exotic cheese than that. C'mon, really? From the tasting menu, they had pork belly with a sauce made from one of my favorite beers; New Glarus Wisconsin Belgian Red. The dish was pretty good, but was not great. There were beans served with the pork belly which I thought seemed out of place. The sauce was subdued and did not really shine though. The pork bellies were good, but the dish was never really brought all together. We each had an entree as well and I tasted all of them. Tagliatelle Pasta - Maine Lobster, Artichokes, Lobster Cream, Brown Butter $32. Average, overpriced, underportioned pasta dish. Was good, but not great. Ricotta Ravioletti - Butternut Squash, Sage Leaves, Parmigiano, Amaretti Cookies $24. I have had this at Italian restaurants and thought it to be really great. They underperformed, overcharged and underportioned on this one unfortunately and I was left thinking it was ok, but certainly far from great. The sage leaves were great and executed perfectly., but the sauce did not push itself into the great category. In addition, I was left still hungry. Strauss Lamb Loin - Cranberry Bean Ragout, Hon-Shemeji Mushrooms, Roasted Garlic Lamb Jus $32. I only tasted a bite of the lamb on this which was cooked to a perfect medium rare. It was pretty good. Can't really comment on the dish as a whole. Maine Lobster - Cauliflower Cream, Oyster Mushrooms, Champagne Butter $44. This was the highlight of the experience. A spectacular dish. Lobster not overcooked at all which I've found to be very common when ordering it out. The sauce was what made the dish. Such a unique, elegant taste that kept me wanting more and more. The portion size was just about right. If all of their dishes were on this level, it would be a 5 star experience. Overall, at this price level, I was expecting nothing short of spectacular, yet dish after dish, I was left wanting more. Don't get me wrong, most were good, only one was great and one was bad. I don't think I will come back here.

    (2)

  • Kyle K.

    Was at Bacchus for an engagement dinner a couple of years ago and they did a wonderful job, top to bottom. The beverage service was excellent, and the atmosphere unmatched. I had the wonderful Atlantic Salmon and Mustard Greens for dinner and would count it as one of the finest meals I've ever had. The waiters for the party were exceptional and the bartender was definitely on top of his game. Would love to return for a similar dinner anytime.

    (4)

  • E J.

    BF and I had dinner at Bacchus tonight. My first experience at this establishment. There were a couple of hiccups, but overall an enjoyable meal. We had 8pm reservations. At 8, our table was not ready so we were directed to the bar. After a few minutes, we were greeted casually by the bartender and ordered two cocktails. After 5 minutes, the bartender disappeared for a while. Our table became available, and still no drinks. After another 5 minutes, we abandoned the bar and told the hostess we were ready to be seated. So, first impression was not great. However, the bartender ended up tracking us down in the dining room and delivering our drinks, explaining that they had run out of glasses (or something) and comp'd our drinks. So not a big deal. We were not offered any specials. I'm not sure if that is standard here, or if our server forgot, but I thought that was sort of unusual. As the name suggests, this restaurant has a HUGE wine list. It was pretty darn amazing. Unfortunately, most of the bottles were beyond our budget. But, wow! I ordered a $10 glass of merlot and it was lovely. We started out our meal with the roasted sweet potato salad, which was delicious. I proceeded with a trio of small plates and my BF ordered the filet mignon. I had the lamb tenderloin, tuna tartare and sea scallops. Each dish was well prepared and tasty. I'm not a huge steak connoisseur, but I thought the filet was pretty amazing, basically melting in my mouth. For dessert, upon recommendation from our waiter, we tried the banana chocolate tart. It was just ok, with the highlight being the salted caramel ice cream. Overall, we enjoyed our evening and I would return to Bacchus. I would describe the experience as casual fine dining. The service was more laid back than I expected, and the atmosphere was unpretentious. Whether or not that's a good thing depends on individual preference. I personally thought the service could have been more professional, considering one could easily spend $150 - $200 on dinner for 2 (on food alone). But, honestly, I sort of didn't mind the lack of pretension. And overall the food and drinks were very solidly GOOD. Nothing blew me away, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

    (4)

  • Adam J.

    Great decor, good service. If you have the means, or just want to treat yourself I recommend you do!

    (4)

  • M L.

    the best food i've had in mke, but not nearly as good as the best restaurants in LA, new york, or vegas. good service. good ambiance. a great place to celebrate.

    (4)

  • Emily C.

    Very rarely can you say that a meal is worth every penny. We have so many great places to choose from in Milwaukee, and this is undoubtedly the best food I have tasted! The portions are very small, but it is so tasty that you are happily fulfilled. Our server Dan made our experience really enjoyable!

    (5)

  • Corleen H.

    I went to Bittercube which is the event in the bar with mixologists Ira Koplowitz and Nick Kosevich this past Thursday night. It was AMAZING. First I have to say that I'm a complete foodie and admittedly very picky. I've found some good places with a good mixed drink or two on the menu. This blows all of them away. Our mixologists really went out of their way to help us find drinks that fit what we were looking for. My husband, who prefers more classic cocktails, got what he wanted, while I got drinks of my own that were a wonderful mixture of texture, flavor, and presentation. Both of my drinks contained egg whites which gave an unexpected frothy texture (no additional flavor) that really added. The second drink, called a French Muse, had a portion of it lit on fire and I got to watch the fire slide down the stem of the glass with the liquid and then into my drink. It was beautiful and surreal as well as very flavorful. I also got to taste some of the homemade bitters and tasted my friend's amazing Violet Fizz (may not be the actual drink name). Later in the evening we shared a small plate of fries that had been cooked in duck fat which made them rich and very flavorful. I don't think my review can fully capture the true essence of my experience. There were so many things given to us to smell or taste that it truly proved to be a very sensory experience, not just a night out for a couple of drinks. I've never had an experience like this at a bar any where else in Milwaukee.

    (5)

  • Aimee Pearl A.

    One of the best and finest dining experiences in Milwaukee. Set in a historic building, the interior of Bacchus is modern, sexy and refined without feeling impersonal. The high quality of their cuisine shines, and they offer a variety of smaller plates to excite the palate, as well as nicely portioned entrees large enough to share. Some exceptional and memorable dishes are the foie gras, the ridiculously delicious veal ravioli, spinach salad with pork belly, braised short ribs and scallops. In addition, the service is outstanding, helpful and extremely attentive. Bacchus turns food into works of art and the experience into occasion to remember.

    (5)

  • Melanie B.

    Simply. Delicious. Okay, so this is a fancy restaurant, no doubt about it however it is very relaxed at the same time. The service is great, the drinks are even better and the food was out of this world! WOW! We started with the soft shell crab appetizer, which was completly edible, on a bed of peas, corn and morel mushrooms, mmmmmm. YUM. This was a special, not normally on the menu and I am so happy we tried it. I got the scallops and my husband got the bone-in rib eye. The best rib eye we have had by far and the scallops were light and delicious. My only disappointment was that they did not have tirramissu & that is hardly a complaint. Go eat there if you have never tried it. You will discover what flavors are, they dance in your mouth.

    (5)

  • Z K.

    Pretty amazing find! I had the Alaskan Halibut, and Coconut Pudding dessert. Real nice ambiance as well, and located in a very nice neighborhood.

    (4)

  • Bill B.

    There is no doubt this is one of the best restaurants in Milwaukee. The atmosphere is perfect and it is very welcoming. It is trying to be one of the top tier restaurants around, and it succeeds on several levels, but failed on several on a recent visit. Let's start with the cocktails before dinner. No biggie, but the bartender forgot my drink order and then took way too much time to deliver it to our table just off the bar. Then it took way too long to get the check so we could go to our table. We were in no hurry, but when you are ready to go, you are ready to go. And this service theme plagued our visit throughout. Now to dinner: my companion and I decided to split a couple of courses, which was greeted well by the server. The lobster was the main course and it was delightful. Tasty and delicious. Very succulent and not overdone. Perfect. I love bread, and there were three offerings and all were delicious. And when I told the bread dude I liked bread, he went out of his way to make sure I was well stocked. He was the only one who worked at making sure we were attended to in an acceptable manner. The only drawback was the service, again, except for the bread dude. We told the waiter that we were in no hurry, but apparently that was interpreted as we could be ignored for long periods of time. Others literally had to track her down. She was nice and friendly, and the place was hosting some sort of large group, but still, leisurely can not be confused with ignored. And such a place as this should make sure they have extra staff on-board to ensure everyone is handled properly. It appeared to be light on wait-staff through out the packed dining room. The bottom line: Great place. First class ambiance, food, spirits, but not so much on the service this time around. I would go back and see how it goes next time. And I would recommend you give it a try when you wallet is well stocked with Benjamines

    (4)

  • Jamie B.

    The food here was very good, with one exception of a too-dry steak at our table. The taste buds in my mouth definitely said "5 stars!" However, I have eaten at a lot of fancy and expensive restaurants in my life, and really, you CAN be too fancy for comfort. The seating was extremely comfortable, but also oddly cluttered and the atmosphere is just generic blah. Attentive service in fine dining is a true pleasure, but comical proportions were reached with our numerous bread server boys, each one dishing out a different type of bread from their basket all night. The general "vibe" was one of disconnect, and there was a lack of warmth or heart present. Honestly, while the food *was* delicious, delicious food does not have to be expensive. The overall experience was underwhelming, and if you would like to spend a large sum at a fancy restaurant and experience a unique dinner, I would recommend Sanford's as an alternative. I always think of the David Cross sketch with the silver wine carrier when thinking of Bacchus.

    (2)

  • Emily T.

    Loved the service and ambiance. Ordered a filet, didn't love it. Overall a great experience!!!

    (4)

  • Stephen U.

    So I visited on 10/11/10 with a few execs. Thinking that it would be as good as the reviews, I was ready for an experience to remember. Unfortunately, I got just the opposite...mainly due to service. Wine list was very in-depth, but the server had no knowledge of pairings. We placed our order for 2 bottles, and waited around 25 minutes for the server to return to the dining area. Note to management: this place could REALLY use a sommelier. You're named Bacchus...the god of wine? While waiting, we asked for bread, but were rebuffed 2x. I tried grabbing the attention of almost every wait staff member, but got no eye contact in return. I know they weren't intentionally ignoring us, but it would have been nice to get some response...even while they were standing around at their stations. The only attentive wait staff was the young man refilling water glasses. My water glass was full the entire meal. Great job! The menu was very well put together, and I could tell that the chef wanted to try different local flavors and textures (a wonderful selection of local cheeses). The small plates had very attractive explanations and descriptions. I normally try an arrangement of small plates to get a good feel for the chef, so I went with 5 small plates. The food that arrived (after the 50 minute mark) was decent. One taste definitely stood out...Maple Syrup. Yes, Maple Syrup at a high class restaurant...and it overpowered 2 of my small plates. The Foi Gras was very tasty and moist, but its hard to mess that up. It was paired with a lovely fritter that brought great texture to the dish. Unfortunately, a large line of maple syrup was prominently dolloped across the plate on top of pureed potatoes. Let's just say it did not pair well with the dish at all. Next time, place it to the side. [did not finish this dish] I also found the syrup all over the pork belly. Now, a hint of maple syrup on pork is acceptable, but this was just overwhelming. It wasn't placed off to the side for an additional flavor, it was right on the pork (dunked in it?). To me, it seemed as if the chef was trying to moisten up the extremely dry piece of pork. I would have done it as a confit, or seared it. But this was broiled or baked (or sat in a warming oven too long), which dried out the interior. [did not finish this dish] Of the other three small plates, the fresh local tomato was particulary fresh and delicious. Props to the chef on this! [finished these three dishes] All in all, I would have given this place a 1/5 if it weren't for the wine list and the tomato dish.

    (2)

  • John G.

    I love pretty much everything that has to do with the Bartolotta Group and, while I did very much enjoy dining at Bacchus when I first tried it years ago, it was just so much easier for us to go to Mr. B's or Ristorante Bartolotta in Wauwatosa when we needed our Bartolotta fix as they are much closer to our home and we didn't really go back to Bacchus for quite some time. Recently, Bacchus added the gentlemen from Bittercube to their bar, Nick Kosevich and Ira Koplowitz. I had met Nick & Ira at some cocktail events at Bryant's and they blew me away with their skill and creativity. When I had heard that they were designing the cocktail menu at Bacchus and would be working behind the bar there Thursday through Saturday night, I had to go back. Since then I have gone back to dinner there twice and to a Cocktail Dinner where the chefs paired courses to Nick & Ira's cocktails (amazing event by the way and I am going to the next one as well) and I have stopped by countless times to grab a delicious cocktail whenever I am in the area. I even find myself making special trips there, bringing just about everyone I know to show off and try more of Nick & Ira's fresh, new cocktails from their seasonal menu or I just place myself in their hands for a "Dealer's Choice" and they always surprise and delight. Try a Copper Dagger, The Fall of Temperance, or a Fennel Pollen Sazerac if available. The mulled wine is fantastic. So is their house made Cocoa Nib Liquor. I suppose I should have mentioned at the top that this was more of a review of the bar. The food is pretty great and certainly worth trying, but it is Nick & Ira and the atmosphere that they have invigorated at the bar that keeps me coming back for more.

    (5)

  • Kaitlin B.

    This place is really fancy. We, however, can only bring out fancy pants a handful of times a year. K had seared duck and it really was delicious. I cant say anything bad about it. I cant say that I knew that I would get it again for the price (ahem, someone else was paying, so I cant say I thought out my order) but I definitely appreciated being able to eat it. A had lamb chops that were really good, but too traditional for my tastes. That seemed to be the theme for the whole menu, they had every dish you would expect a fancy joint to have, but nothing more. It was a single chicken, lamb, lobster, steak, duck, etc. menu. The apps we ate were tuna tartare which was good, but, there are a lot of places to get good tuna tartare (ie: balzac, Nanakusa) We also had mussels; which is kind of a staple item that we order when we plan to review, and they once again were good, but we thought that for the reputation of this place, it should have knocked our socks off We might return, if someone else wants to pay for us again, eh eh? takers?

    (3)

  • Chris R.

    Best steak in town. Dont miss the soup either. A little expensive, but worth it.

    (3)

  • Bob T.

    Surprisingly good! Food and service standout...only issue if you have wine by the glass the bartenders pour light.

    (4)

  • David P.

    Wow, where to begin... Okay, how about the service...The service was a D- at best. In my opinion, the only place you will truly find high-level service in SE WI is at Eddie Martinis. That doesn't mean others aren't decent, in my opinion, mind you. But Bacchus is a complete joke. Have been there on multiple occasions each time thinking the previous was outside the norm and the next will be better. Unfortunately for them, the last was, well, the last. (Last time my girlfriend and I each received different sized wine glasses. But perhaps that was to makeup for the huge disparity in the size of the steaks we were served --yes, they were the same cut and temp.) Don't waste the evening, try another spot. Lastly, if you find yourself actually liking this place, please do yourself a favor and travel more.

    (2)

  • peter k.

    Great ambiance, great service, great food, great experience. We recently dined at Bacchus. While everything we had was fantastic - the veal ravioli was especially memorable. My wife's favorite item of the night was a "breakfast" foie gras - foie with apple compote served on top of brioche french toast. Service was super attentive without being annoying or overbearing.

    (5)

  • Lindsay P.

    Of all the Bartolotta restaurants this one is hands down the shining star. I can't say enough about this place. I have dined at Bacchus on several occasions and the food is always exceeds my expectations. Additionally, the atmosphere is stellar. Recently, the bar (which was historically a little boring) has been taken over by 2 cocktail masters that have brought their prohibition era classiness to the forefront of the menu... which means that after dinner instead of heading for a drink at another bar with a little more of a pulse I can just have a nitecap at Bacchus and be on my way. What a great addition those 2 have been to an already fantastic location! Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth A.

    This place is definitely worth it! They have a unique menu which makes it nearly impossible to pick just one thing. I recommend going with a group so you can have a few different tastes and enjoy several different things.

    (4)

  • David R.

    Food & Service were both impeccable. Atmosphere was nice without feeling too stuffy (we ate in the atrium). I had the lamb, one of us had the Bone in Rib-eye, and the other had the Copper River Sockeye Salmon, which you can only get a few weeks out of the year. My lamb was fantastic, as good as I've had. The rib-eye steak was as good as anything you'll get at Carnevor or Five O'Clock Club (ie. true steakhouses). The salmon though - my god was it exquisite. I've had salmon from many different restaurants before but this Copper River Sockeye Salmon was something completely different. I've never had salmon with such "true" flavor. To be fair, it could have much more to do with the actual fish rather than the Bacchus's preparation and cooking of the fish, but either way it was A+. I never order salmon in restaurants because I usually find it not flavorful or creative enough a dish but I can tell you I would order this without thinking twice if I ever see in on a menu again. Also - a bit out of order - but the Crispy Gulf Shrimp appetizer is something I will literally be coming back for, if nothing else to just sit at the bar and order it while having a drink. It was that good. The tuna tartare was good, but not great; I'd personally skip it next time. Deserts are good, but not quite what you'll find at Sanford or Lake Park. Can't think of anything negative to say about this place. Prices are steep; you get what you pay for though.

    (5)

  • Marvin M.

    High marks all the way around. Can be pricey, but they do offer smaller plates. Food is excellent and just what you'd expect from a high-end restaurant. Serving staff know their stuff--very knowledgable of the many cheese options.

    (5)

  • Howard H.

    I recently ate at Bacchus the night I proposed to my girlfriend (now my fiancé). The staff was very nice and helped ensure a special night. Thanks Bacchus!

    (5)

  • Gregg V.

    Always a great meal. Fantastic cocktails, service and food! We had a steak and the lobster. WOW!

    (5)

  • Christina T.

    One of the top fine dining spots, if not the best, in MKE! A lovely, classy spot for that special occasion. Every entrée was stunning and well prepared and beautifully presented. The service was impeccable. Of course with a name like Bacchus, they stand true to an impressive wine list. I wish people dressed up their attire a bit more here, I don't know if that's just Wisconsin or what though... My only complaint, and I mention this as a tip, is that I booked reservations for a special occasion (birthday) one whole month in advance. We had requested a window seat out in the atrium/glasshouse section but were informed when we arrived that there was a private event (a wedding reception) being held there. On top of that, they did not even have us down for reservations as they booked the proper date BUT on the wrong month! (Mistakes happen.) So ask/double check if you want the atrium seating. Fortunately we were sat right away with a great table but I don't think they were busy at all.

    (5)

  • Brad K.

    This review is more like a 4.5 but this place is closer to deserving a 5 then deserving a 4. The only "complaint" I have (if any) is that if you dine here before the sun goes down it's not a very romantic or formal atmosphere as you would normally expect from a place of this caliber. Because of the big windows and location, it's extremely bright in the place if the sun is still up, so going to dinner here at 6pm felt like a lunch atmosphere. The service is excellent as you'd expect from a place at this price level. The server was extremely accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. We ordered the Fois Gras (spelling?) for an appetizer. It came with a quail egg wrapped in french toast which was absolutely to die for. If I was a millionaire, I would have my chef make this for breakfast every morning. The fois gras on the other side of the plate was also fantastic. I'm somewhat picky so I ordered a custom Filet Mignon and requested a bleu cheese topping and a different side then it came with and the server accommodated both my requests. When the filet came out I was kind of concerned because it was sliced into four pieces across the bed of potatoes. I've never had a Filet presliced before so that was somewhat concerning. But it didn't matter at all. It was cooked absolutely to perfection (my medium rare request) and the flavor was fantastic. It wasn't the best Filet I've had in my life but it was certainly top 10 if not even top 5. I would highly recommend this place for someone looking for a wonderful dining experiences but keep in mind the prices aren't cheap - at all.

    (5)

  • Barbara D.

    Had a burger there one night and it was the juiciest i have ever eaten. I had to bite into it over my plate because the juice would drip out as i bit. Meat was delicious and the toasted bun was great. Not the cardboard variety bread many places serve for a bun. It was served with tomato, onion and lettuce on the side. I had a sangria which was delicious. We also had cheese and bread appetizer plate that included some great almonds. I grabbed some for dessert on the way out. Our server was friendly and knowledgeable. He even offered info for us which was helpful.

    (5)

  • Craig G.

    Very nice restaurant, wonderful ambiance and trendy menu. Food excellent. So why the 3 stars? I dined here recently with a small group and service was generally good and food excellent. Except for 2 areas - water & coffee. We were served water with meal and then asked to have water glasses refilled...repeatedly. We asked our server several times for water and she promised to have them filled - they were not. At the end of the meal I asked for coffee. Waitress promised to bring it. Then she disappeared - for an extended period of time. So we were left sitting there, meal over, wanting coffee and we couldn't even leave because the server had not given us the bill. When she reappeared she asked if there was anything else we wanted - I said yes, the coffee I ordered. She said "Oh" and then disappeared for a period of time. No coffee. We didn't even have water on our table either. When she reappeared she brought us the bill. I asked about the coffee. She just left without saying anything. We were dumbfounded. It appeared they just wanted us to leave.

    (3)

  • Steve A.

    Beautiful room, great food, fantastic wine list; what more could you want? As you might expect from the name, the highlight here is wine. There are hundreds of offerings, and most of the markups are below typical restaurant pricing. We had a wonderful bottle of 2007 Nicholas Potel Chambolle-Musigny that was exactly the kind of earthy, complex Burgundy we were looking for. The ratatouille appetizer (which I apparently had during its last day on the summer menu) was perfectly cooked and flavorful, and the tuna tartare was refreshing, although I thought it could have been a bit more flavorful. Crispy shrimp was indeed very crispy, and was served with a tasty blend of sauces that combined sweet with a bit of spice. The halibut entree was perfectly cooked, and served atop deliciously rich fennel. We finished with a 5-cheese assortment, and found several artisan cheeses that we loved. Service was friendly and helpful, and our meal was relaxing and fun.

    (5)

  • Shradha A.

    This place had amazing food, and this compliment is coming from a Chicagoan! The service was excellent, especially because out table had several food allergies and special requests. Highly recommend if you're looking for a date night, special celebration or just treating yourself!

    (5)

  • Eve K.

    Exquisite all around fine dining meal: best I've had in Milwaukee and even makes my overall top meal list which is saying a lot. Love the option for shared plates and entrees. Food: 5, Atmosphere: 5, Service: 5 Cost to worth it rating: 4 Eve award: best filet sauce preparation Highlights: - Filet: peppercorn bourbon filet. I order filet often and this was one of best I've had ever. Heavenly sauce and tender perfectly cooked steak. - Pumpkin gnocchi: another highlight. Pillowy potato fall pumpkin nuggets seared and paired with Brussel sprouts, pepitas, and shaved Parmesan. I'm a gnocchi fan and I'm sometimes disappointed. Nothing to complain about here. - Arrancini: perfectly crispy and textured outside and cheesy not too al dente or mushy inside - Foie gras: seared with brioche (always the best bread pairing) and a quail egg. At the time it was still banned in Cali so it had that bad boy quality to it. - Format: bunch of shared plates and entrees so you can choose or mix and match to you liking. My sis and I just picked a bunch of stuff to share from both sides. - Atmosphere: white tablecloth sophisticated nice but not stuffy or uncomfortable - Service: helpful waitress and loved the special touch of a birthday card hand signed by the staff for my sister. - Wine menu: fantastic options to compliment the extraordinary food Lowlights: - We couldn't possibly eat everything on the menu--even though we wanted to Awesome holiday season meal with my sis that proved Milwaukee restaurants can hang with the best of them. Stands up to the Bartolatta local empire name. Would love to return for more on a subsequent visit.

    (5)

  • Lawrence B.

    Had beet salad, fois gras, and halibut and dessert of chocolate cake. Food was good. Service was solid. Atmosphere is very good. Solid 3.5 stars

    (3)

  • Leslie M.

    Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee, and some of the best food and service I've experienced anywhere. My boyfriend and I celebrated my 40th birthday here last night and the food was amazing! We shared the crispy shrimp as an appetizer. Perfection! So delicious! I had the grilled wagyu flatiron as my entree and my boyfriend had the lamb duo. Both were amazing! For dessert, we ordered the s'mores to share and they also brought out a seasonal sorbet trio for me since it was my birthday. Our servers were very knowledgeable about the menu and attentive! Thanks Bacchus for helping to make my birthday fabulous!

    (5)

  • Caz N.

    Literally changed my life , went with scallops , perfectly seared and ready to be served like a king Service , style , finesee of what they do is uncomparable and it still is #1 in my book

    (5)

  • Katie E.

    I've been meaning to try Bacchus for the longest time and finally got the push via Taste & Toast- I was not disappointed! I ordered the veal ravioli. The ravioli was thin and cooked to perfection and the veal was tender and had incredible flavor. The pine nuts and light sauce were the icing on the cake! I also had the Lake Effect cocktail which was a martini with a delicious cherry taste but not overly sweet. My friend ordered the 8for8 cocktail and crispy shrimp which she thoroughly enjoyed. I'm excited to get back for dinner soon!

    (5)

  • Jeff F.

    Came in for dinner last night and was impressed. Bacchus is clearly and high-end dinning option in MKE that executes well. Service was flawless, setting was trendier fine dining and the food was solid. Here's the rundown: - Cheese Course (A-) - It's Wisconsin, do it - Tuna Tartare (A-) - Fantastic - Pumpkin Gnocchi (A) - Light, delicious, perfect - Arancini (A) - I'm generally a huge skeptic of fried rice balls, but these were small Arancinis paired w/ Heirloom Tomato Jam & Basil Aioli - excellent - Veal Ravioli (C) - huge miss. Barely any flavor - Venison Carpaccio (A-) - great, original - Loup de Mer (B+) - solid - Chocolate Coconut Dessert (C+) Pass - way too firm - Chocolate Hazelnut Cake (A-) Ridic - Pastry Chef nailed it Worth putting on the shortlist for a higher end meal. Impressive wine list if you're into that sort of thing.

    (4)

  • Tanya M.

    Absolutely LOVED everything about Bacchus! From start to finish, the food, the decor, the people. All of it was fantastic! I started off with the curried squash soup, which had a great mix of fall and winter flavors in it. Pear, pomegranate, curry, squash, pecans. I had the braised short ribs as my meal, which came served on top of a really creamy sweet carrot, yes, carrot puree. The short rib was so tender and perfect along with the sweetness of the carrot puree. Then for dessert, we shared the molten hazelnut cake and cinnamon sugar fritters, which are essentially elaborate churros. Awesome elaborate churros. Save room for the desserts here. Bacchus is a great place if you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or have access to an expense account and need to entertain clients. Or just want to treat yourself for whatever reason you deserve. The staff works well together to ensure a seamless experience when you arrive and throughout your meal. The valet was even notified before we walked out the door once we finished our meal, so we didn't have to wait in the cold for the car to be brought around when we were ready to leave. Talk about great service!

    (5)

  • Leigh S.

    My family enjoyed Easter Brunch at Bacchus this year. It was a pretty fair price and the food was amazing! Everyone was happy and the service was some of the best I have had in a while. Potato Leek soup was the most flavorful and wonderful soup I think I've ever had. The Salmon entree was a beautiful piece of fish and cooked perfectly. Just one gripe. We are sitting at the bar, waiting for the rest of our party and decide to order a round of Bloody Marys. The very kind bartender pulls of an unrecognizable bottom shelf vodka, Zing Zang mix, and a very limp, sad-looking celery stalk. When he serves them to us, he reminds us they do not come with a beer chaser. He decided to open up a bottle of High Life Light and pours it in three glasses for us to share, completely unasked for. The tab: $35. I'm pretty sure he even charged us to the crap beer. I expected a lot more from Bacchus. Very disappointing! I mean, Zing Zang is good, but it is what I some times resort to at home, not at a fine dining restaurant. I expected a hand-mixed drink with quality ingredients.

    (4)

  • Amber L.

    I went to Bacchus last summer and remember having very professional service from knowledgeable staff. I dont recall what dish I had but I remember being pleased. The only off putting thing is the weird mirrors! Other than that, very classy place and not too stuffy of an atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Mike R.

    Being that I'm not from Milwaukee I tend to trust what the "locals" say when seeking out a restaurant. You know, eat where the locals eat. Well I searched for "best restaurant in Milwaukee" and time and again, Bacchus was the top pick. Rave after raving review on service and quality of food said this is fine dining at its absolute best. Having lived around the world and eaten at some of the best restaurants as rated by Yelpers, Zagats and much more prestigiously, Michelin, Bacchus simply didn't make the cut! While the service was relatively attentive and the food and ambience decent, it was honestly no better than most Ruth's Chris steakhouses. Now don't get me wrong, the place is nice, however top billing seems to be more of a result of "big fish, small pond" with the limit offerings for true fine dining available in Milwaukee vice any semblance of World Class fare. Sure, I recommend Bacchus, but only if you don't have the liberty or time to hop a train and venture into Chicago (1.5 hrs away). 4 stars as the best Milwaukee has to offer. I will add props for the valets, funny yet very professional!!!

    (4)

  • Allison F.

    This is a great place for a special dinner, not an everyday place for me. The decor is lovely and the service is amazing; extremely professional while still friendly and inviting. We started with risotto fritters which were very good; crispy and flavorful, and the pasta bolognese that I could everyday forever. We ordered the sea scallops and salmon. The scallops were probably the best I'v ever had and were served with cauliflower, spinach and pork belly. The salmon was very good with a tasty sauce and little salad.

    (4)

  • G W.

    Bacchus well deserves a 5 star rating four of us dined starting with a garden salad light and delicious with a great assortment and sliced or prepared vegetables. The Foi Gras with quail egg was pure decadence in flavor, pork belly also wonderful in flavor with a korean flare of real kimchi and the phyllo covered prawns and sauce were scrumtously delicious. For mains we had the venison tenderloin on butternut risotto garnished with cranberries and fried basil and a wine basalmic vinegar reduction sauce. The straus veal chop was delicious cooked or seared to perfection. The braised rib beef with sauce and stir fried kimchi was out of this world. Overall great service and ambiance. Highly recommended for the special occasion or client. Hats off to the chef and staff.

    (5)

  • Ben M.

    Bacchus is one of the best restaurants in MKE. I have been a few times and have tried many things from fish to steak and all have been too notch. Their cocktails are fantastic too. I have eaten in the dining room and in the bar and have had a blast My wife and I went out with a couple of friends on Saturday night. As usual, we were pleasantly greeted at the front and had impeccable service at the bar from Wolfgang while we waited for our friends to arrive. He is the man. Dinner was spectacular. Had a bunch of apps including some foie gras and tuna. In spite of their awesome spectacular food, we all had our minds set on the burger that is available in the bar. Simply the best burger I have ever had. Get the peppercorn sauce with it too. Our waitress Amy was attentive, friendly and fun! Food: 5 Service from Wolfgang and Amy: 5 Ambiance: 4

    (5)

  • Marie D.

    The food, service & ambiance in the restaurant is really great. It is surely a commitment when you decide to dine at Bacchus, because the food is so tasty, you want to have every course. And a really nice bottle of wine. And once you get on that roll, your bill reflects your experience :) We've eaten in the restaurant a handful of times, always enjoying our meals & wine, and especially appreciating our service. To date, all of our servers have been really helpful in suggesting menu items, and in my case, navigating the gluten free options. The servers are very knowledgeable about what contains/does not contain gluten, and can help you navigate the menu accordingly. They even bring out my own basket of rice crackers to enjoy in lieu of bread, which makes a cheese plate so much more enjoyable for this GF girl. So, dinner is great. But, we really love the bar. It is homey and dark and feels warm when it is frigid outside. ALL of the bartenders are very personable, open to helping you find the right glass of wine or cocktail, and are quite attentive without being annoying. Big fans.

    (5)

  • Jessica O.

    I am going to try to write this review without a slew of swear words to emphasize the awesomeness that accompanied this meal. Because Bacchus is amazing and deserves a classy review from me. The food - exceptional, but I will get to that. What REALLY blew Bacchus out of the water was the service. This is the best overall dining experience I have EVER had. Usually, when I leave a nice restaurant, I cross it off of my bucket list and look forward to the next adventure. Not anymore. I just want to go to Bacchus all the time. I want to go right now. This review will go on forever if I don't make a list, so here goes: The Pros (in order of amazing): 1) Our waiter - holy crap. John knocked this meal out of the park for us. He greeted us and ran us through the specials, and was super-polite, knowledgable, and informative. But we are not serious people, and as soon as we started joking with him, he loosened right up. But at no point did he lose his professional demeanor. His wine suggestion was spot-on, and as we made our orders, he was quick to suggest things that would compliment it, and the perfect order for things to arrive in. If I was a restaurant owner, I would have offered John any amount of money to come work for me instead. And if I was an insanely rich person, I would have hired John on the spot to follow me around and tell me what to eat all the time. Fortunately for Bacchus, I am neither of those things. We wound up with a meal that started off light and refreshing, then matured into deep, rich flavors, and textures. We wound up trying things that we had previously written off because John told us it would be amazing here, and then it was. Throughout the meal, it was like the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra was playing in my head. I was so happy. The only thing that we didn't like, was the thing that John told us not to get. Which, coincidently, was one of the most expensive things on the menu. And we didn't listen to him and then we were sorry. Go to Bacchus, sit at John's table, and do EVERYTHING HE TELLS YOU TO. 2) The food - We started with the Beef Tenderloin Carpacchio (falls apart at the touch of your fork - perfectly complimented with sharp sherry vinegar and salty, creamy cheese), and the Yellowfin Tuna Tartar (amazingly fresh, maybe needed a little hit of vinegar - my companion disagreed - she said it was perfect). Then moved on to the spinach salad because John told us that it was the perfect preparation of pork belly (which we have HATED at other restaurants). He was right, it was outstanding. The rich egg and grainy mustard were perfect compliments to the sweet, maple glazed pork belly. I forget John's explanation about why their pork belly is amazing, but call Bacchus up, find out what they are doing to their pork belly, and then only order it if it is served exactly that way. After that, it was on to the Sea Scallops Bartolotta - two absolutely adorable little scallops, cooked to perfection, nestled together in a bowl of savory sauces. Then we had the veal ravioli and the tagliatelle. Both outstanding pasta dishes. The filling of the ravioli and the pork ragout were the standout stars here, but the accompaniments were perfect. And that homemade pasta rivals Zarletti's - which was my previous favorite. THEN we made a mistake. John suggested a number of things, the loup de mer, the veal chop, the braised short rib. But we thought we knew better, and ordered the lobster. That will be my only con (spoiler alert) at the bottom. Our desserts were the seasonal sorbet at the coconut-banana cream tart - the trio of sorbets included a toasted coconut flavor that I need to have a gallon of in my fridge at all times. And the coconut-banana cream tart was had the most amazing silky smooth filling in a crisp, delicious shell. I realize this review is way too long. I'm not done. 3) Every other employee at the restaurant - John was assisted by Dan, who was far quieter, but still amazing. On point with the refills and fresh silverware, and a few jokes here and there. As our meal neared a close, he had the valet start warming up our car. So a thousand points for him and the valet. Obviously, the chefs are doing everything in the world right, so they get acknowledged too. The cons: 1) The Butter Poached Maine Lobster - John didn't come right out and say that it wasn't good, but he did suggest other things, and we did not listen. It's just kind of a weird dish. It's SUPER sweet. Lobster is sweet all on its own, but it comes with sweet potato mousseline, and champagne butter, which is also sweet, and then a few brussel sprout leaves, which really don't add much. So it's just a nicely cooked piece of lobster that is surrounded by mushy sweet things. If you made a lobster baby food, it would taste exactly like this. We were sad. But we got over it quickly when dessert came. There are no other cons. Go make your reservation now.

    (5)

  • Andrew D.

    Was there again about a week ago and loved the food. The pork belly was amazing with a fried quail egg on the top. It was delicious! I also had the Barrimundi fish, which was amazing and well worth the price. Its a little stuffier than I remember. I was in nice jeans and a dress shirt, but the majority of the crowd was older and dressed in sports coats with ties. The women mostly had on evening gowns. The wine list was great and had an abundance of affordable wine along with some very good choices as well. Still love this place...

    (4)

  • Arvind G.

    This place has amazing food. It is by far my favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. Although it is expensive, it is worth it. I would recommend it to anyone.

    (5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:30 pm - 9:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Valet, Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Dressy
    Ambience : Upscale
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Bacchus

Share with your social network

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

© 2024 Restaurant Listings. All rights reserved.