2018 wrapped up with plenty of restaurant closings in Milwaukee, but the new year is ringing in with plenty of small plate restaurants worth recognizing. Some are even newcomers that are outdoing their predecessor’s success. So, to start off 2019 with fresh goals, make these five restaurants a priority to try. 

Snack Boys 

Pink neon lights, an alcoholic slushie machine, a very vibrant menu, and quiet a chaos. Snack Boys has wing and ribs options, fried confit chicken, sliders, homemade cheese fries and aioli, and even a “send noodz” dish (noodles). There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options like roasted cauliflower, and fried tofu.  And oh, if you’re in the mood for a drink, try the Pop Rocks-dusted drink off the alcohol menu. 

Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: closed
Wednesday: 6pm-12am
Thursday-Saturday: 6pm-1am
Sunday: 6pm-12am

Price: 
$$

Address:
814 S 2nd St., Milwaukee 

Celesta

Celesta is game changer for vegans, which can often be hard to come by. This restaurant is a full-on vegan/vegetarian eatery in the Riverwest neighborhood. All the food is fresh plant-based and comes in a variety of sizes, but of course, includes small plates for sharing. Some plates include an Asian mushroom tartare and a crispy lemon risotto with Neapolitan tomato sauce. It’s a rather small place with about 25 for seating, but  don’t let this discourage you. It is dressed up in modern decor with acrylic seating and a cream color theme. 

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 11am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm

Price:  
$$

Address:
1978 N. Farwell Ave., Milwaukee

View MKE

This restaurant not only has impressive small plates, but a gorgeous view of the downtown skyline while resting in Brewer’s Hill. View MKE recently replaced Wolf Peach, but it doesn’t disappoint. You can eat inside or outside at a multi-level patio. There’s thin crust wood-oven fired pizza, fried octopus, lamb, impressive crab cakes, and even steamed mussels. 

Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 4pm-10pm
Friday: 4pm-11pm
Saturday: 10am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Sunday: 10am-2pm, 5pm-9pm 

Price:
$$$

Address:
1818 N. Hubbard St., Milwaukee

Odd Duck

Cocktails and vegan options deliver nothing but great reviews for this insanely popular Bay View restaurant. Odd Duck provides quality cooking with a variety of taste, such as its Korean pancake or its numerous sandwich options. Though it does have a cult-like following for its small location, reservations are highly recommended. 

Hours:
Monday-Sunday: 3pm-12am

Price:
$$

Address:
2352 S. Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee

Balzac

Located near Brady Street across from the Garage rests the cozy wine bar Balzac. Infamous for its duck tacos, cheese plates, crab cakes, and fries, not only will the food draw you in, but so will its atmosphere. The dim lighting makes for a fun, yet intimate setting, great for a date or with friends. In the warmer seasons, you can enjoy Balzac outside on the patio. 

Hours:
Sunday-Thursday: 4pm-11pm
Friday & Saturday: 4pm-12am 

Price:
$$

Address:
1716 N. Arlington Place, Milwaukee