East Side Romance in Milwaukee

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still hit the town for some romance this chilly Milwaukee winter! As East Side aficionados, we like to think we know the best dining for date nights in our neighborhood. Leave it to us to recommend a few great stops to cozy up for dinner with a special someone – until Milwaukee starts to dethaw.

There are plenty of places within walking distance of The Plaza Hotel to find a terrific meal, and one of the best is right in our backyard – Turmeric Indian Cafe & Bar! Get ready for some of the best Indian food in the city at this charming hidden gem. Their staff is warm and friendly, and their Tikka Masala is a must-try for anyone looking for a bit of spice to warm themselves and their partners up.

Looking for something a bit more grand? Elsa’s On the Park is just a 7-minute walk from the Plaza Hotel, overlooking Cathedral Square with its massive front windows. This restaurant has been around since 1980 and recently updated its menu, but fear not – their signature burgers and cocktails are here to stay. For some ambiance with a side of french fries, look no further!

For those that want to splurge a bit, Lupi & Iris is a French-Italian fine dining restaurant located in the 7SEVENTY7 building 3 blocks south of us on N Van Buren St. While they might be newcomers to the neighborhood, Lupi & Iris has quickly established themselves as a culinary favorite in the Milwaukee foodie scene under the direction of James Beard Award-winning Chef Adam Siegel. This eclectic spot is worth a visit for a date night set to dazzle the taste buds.

The food has been eaten, and you’re twiddling your thumbs over where to close this romantic night out before departing to The Plaza Hotel for slumber… Agency might be just the ticket! Located on the first level of the Dubbel Dutch Hotel just two blocks south of The Plaza Hotel, this experiential cocktail bar is more of an event than a bar. If you’re looking for something more daring than a dive bar, we urge you to pay them a visit at the tail-end of your special night out. Talk about a whimsical nightcap. Plus – every cocktail has an N/A option!

We hope this gives you lovebirds a few great ideas for a future romantic evening on the town! And if you’re feeling like a date morning as opposed to evening, you know our charming Plaza Cafe has you covered. Because true love really is a plate of hash browns, fresh off our griddle.