Rachel Bernhard
@rachelbernhard.bsky.social
I’m over here now.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dining critic. 🍽️
Fan of the Midwest. 💛
My cats’ names are Biscuit and Gravy. 🐈🐈⬛
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dining critic. 🍽️
Fan of the Midwest. 💛
My cats’ names are Biscuit and Gravy. 🐈🐈⬛
This is a beautiful story, written with care by my talented colleague Jim Higgins. www.jsonline.com/story/life/2...
Before she loses her hearing, this teenager has a bucket list of sounds she wants to hear
Teenager Ella Coonen is rapidly losing her hearing. "The Sound of a Bucket List" is documenting her effort to hear great sounds while she can.
www.jsonline.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:49 AM
This is a beautiful story, written with care by my talented colleague Jim Higgins. www.jsonline.com/story/life/2...
Coming next year to the Brady Street area! www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Award-winning chicken wing restaurant coming to old Balzac space on Milwaukee’s east side
Legend Larry's, the popular wing spot with four Wisconsin restaurants, will open its first Milwaukee location in 2026.
www.jsonline.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Coming next year to the Brady Street area! www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
There's so much kindness in our city. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
These Milwaukee restaurants are offering free food assistance to SNAP recipients
Amid the national pause on SNAP benefits, local restaurants are offering free food to those struggling to feed their families and themselves.
www.jsonline.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:23 PM
There's so much kindness in our city. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
It's finally out there! My annual list of Milwaukee's Top 25 Restaurants dropped today. This year sees some newcomers, some decades-old icons and the spots that push our city's dining scene forward. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
October 22, 2025 at 6:39 PM
It's finally out there! My annual list of Milwaukee's Top 25 Restaurants dropped today. This year sees some newcomers, some decades-old icons and the spots that push our city's dining scene forward. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
I get to do a lot of cool things for my job, but talking with Bill Oakley (architect of "steamed hams," among other legendary "Simpsons" bits) has certainly been a highlight. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
October 21, 2025 at 1:50 PM
I get to do a lot of cool things for my job, but talking with Bill Oakley (architect of "steamed hams," among other legendary "Simpsons" bits) has certainly been a highlight. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
One of Milwaukee's top restaurants, helmed by a "Top Chef" finalist, will be back in business soon.
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
After 6 months of closure, Bay View’s EsterEv restaurant sets reopening date
Closed since a May 3 flooding accident, EsterEv will reopen in November with a new menu format.
www.jsonline.com
October 8, 2025 at 10:02 PM
One of Milwaukee's top restaurants, helmed by a "Top Chef" finalist, will be back in business soon.
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Twenty-nine restaurants celebrating plant-based deliciousness
Milwaukee’s first Vegan Restaurant Week kicks off in November, with discounts and specials from dozens of local restaurants
More than 25 local restaurants are shining a light on Milwaukee's vegan dining scene during the inaugural citywide event.
www.jsonline.com
October 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Twenty-nine restaurants celebrating plant-based deliciousness
He started at Solly's in 1965 as a dishwasher. Now, owner Glenn Fieber is selling his 89-year-old diner known for its iconic butter burger. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Solly’s Grille owner calls his time there 'one heck of a ride' as he plans to sell
Solly's Grille has been serving butter burgers to fans old and new since 1936. Now owner Glenn Fieber is ready to pass on his spatula.
www.jsonline.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:30 PM
He started at Solly's in 1965 as a dishwasher. Now, owner Glenn Fieber is selling his 89-year-old diner known for its iconic butter burger. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Milwaukee’s second omakase restaurant could be open by the end of the year! Here are the details on Nakama. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
September 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Milwaukee’s second omakase restaurant could be open by the end of the year! Here are the details on Nakama. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Cudahy is losing a real one with this restaurant closure. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Vegan restaurant Twisted Plants to close in Cudahy
After five years, vegan restaurant Twisted Plants will close its original location.
www.jsonline.com
September 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Cudahy is losing a real one with this restaurant closure. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Dining review: In Bay View, Mother's knows best. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Bay View restaurant Mother’s is creative, quirky and fabulous from first sip to final bite
Mother's food is as artful as it is playful, served in a space that fosters community, fun and a fresh approach to dining.
www.jsonline.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Dining review: In Bay View, Mother's knows best. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Sad news in Riverwest www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
After 24 years, Riverwest Co-op to close Sept. 21
After years of financial struggles, the member-owned natural grocery store and cafe will close its doors for good.
www.jsonline.com
September 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Sad news in Riverwest www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Catrina’s Cafe will open its second location in Bay View, open from breakfast to bar close.
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
August 29, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Catrina’s Cafe will open its second location in Bay View, open from breakfast to bar close.
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
"That's when we started to realize that it was going to be more of a construction project than just the cleaning project.” www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
'A complete disaster’: Cafe Hollander Wauwatosa will be closed for six weeks after flooding
Water rose four feet high in the restaurant's lower-level kitchen, which is considered a near complete loss.
www.jsonline.com
August 13, 2025 at 7:50 PM
"That's when we started to realize that it was going to be more of a construction project than just the cleaning project.” www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
I've been so impressed with each visit to this new bakery on Milwaukee's east side. Charming, exceptional food and welcoming service. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
First Bites: Poppy Bakery is the sweetest addition to Milwaukee's east side
Amy Gorksi's popular bakery pop-up opened its brick and mortar in June and has quickly become one of the city's hottest spots for baked goods.
www.jsonline.com
August 4, 2025 at 3:58 PM
I've been so impressed with each visit to this new bakery on Milwaukee's east side. Charming, exceptional food and welcoming service. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
You have two more days to squeeze in one last trip to some of the best Mexican food in the Milwaukee area. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
After 15 years, Chilango Express Mexican restaurant in West Allis is closing
From a food cart to a brick-and-mortar restaurant, Chilango Express built a loyal fanbase during its 15 years in business.
www.jsonline.com
August 1, 2025 at 4:46 PM
You have two more days to squeeze in one last trip to some of the best Mexican food in the Milwaukee area. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
The Wisconsin State Fair is here! Yesterday, I tried all of the 2025 Sporkies and Drinkies winners (plus a bonus finalist, which I loved!). Here are my honest takes on the top-rated fair fare. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Our dining critic reviews the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair Sporkies and Drinkies winners
Dining critic Rachel Bernhard shares her honest thoughts about this year's crop of fair food winners.
www.jsonline.com
August 1, 2025 at 1:44 PM
The Wisconsin State Fair is here! Yesterday, I tried all of the 2025 Sporkies and Drinkies winners (plus a bonus finalist, which I loved!). Here are my honest takes on the top-rated fair fare. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
We're revamping our dining newsletter, the Dish! Now, along with the top dining headlines sent to your inbox each week, I'll be sharing some exclusive, behind-the-scenes stories, photos and more insights into Milwaukee's culinary scene. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Rachel Bernhard welcomes you into her view of Milwaukee's food scene in revamped Dish newsletter
With a revamped version of the weekly Dish newsletter, our dining critic gives readers an insider peek into our city's culinary scene.
www.jsonline.com
July 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
We're revamping our dining newsletter, the Dish! Now, along with the top dining headlines sent to your inbox each week, I'll be sharing some exclusive, behind-the-scenes stories, photos and more insights into Milwaukee's culinary scene. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Earlier this week, I celebrated the return of Koppa's iconic deli counter. Now, the east side corner market has added a full menu of authentic housemade Indian dishes. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Koppa’s Fulbeli Deli adds lineup of authentic Indian dishes to its deli offerings
The corner grocery store on Milwaukee's east side now serves house-made entrees, sides, sweets and more traditional Indian cuisine.
www.jsonline.com
July 30, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Earlier this week, I celebrated the return of Koppa's iconic deli counter. Now, the east side corner market has added a full menu of authentic housemade Indian dishes. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Welcome back, old friend. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Nostalgia, unwrapped: Welcome back to the simple sandwich magic of Koppa’s Fulbeli Deli
Under new management, the delightfully kitschy east-side Milwaukee grocery store is thriving again ... with its legendary deli at the center.
www.jsonline.com
July 28, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Welcome back, old friend. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
A mid-year spotlight on some of the Milwaukee area's most promising restaurant openings of 2025. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
7 new Milwaukee-area restaurants to try now
From the city's first omakase-style sushi spot to an upscale Mexican restaurant, these are some new Milwaukee-area restaurants that are worth a visit.
www.jsonline.com
July 24, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A mid-year spotlight on some of the Milwaukee area's most promising restaurant openings of 2025. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Soban Korean Eatery, which opened in Hales Corners in April, is one of my new favorite lunch spots in the Milwaukee area.
The Chipotle of Korean food: Soban Korean Eatery serves authentic Korean cuisine at fast-casual prices
Soban Korean Eatery owners Solki Lee and Hyelim Song package authentic Korean cooking in a familiar fast-casual concept. Their new restaurant is already creating big fans in Hales Corners.
www.jsonline.com
July 21, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Soban Korean Eatery, which opened in Hales Corners in April, is one of my new favorite lunch spots in the Milwaukee area.
And ... another closure. This time in East Town. And this time, the business will remain, but focus and name will change. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
Downtown Milwaukee’s Carbon Steak to close, transition to upscale cocktail lounge
Opened in December 2023, Carbon Steak will close July 19 and reopen three days later as The Conroy, an upscale cocktail lounge serving small plates.
www.jsonline.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:50 PM
And ... another closure. This time in East Town. And this time, the business will remain, but focus and name will change. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
I never like reporting on closures. It's tough to see so many businesses struggle in this section of the east side. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
After 15 months in business, east side Italian restaurant L’Incontro has closed
L'Incontro opened in April 2024, offering traditional Italian dishes with global twists.
www.jsonline.com
July 10, 2025 at 3:49 PM
I never like reporting on closures. It's tough to see so many businesses struggle in this section of the east side. www.jsonline.com/story/entert...
From the ashes, Heirloom MKE's massively popular food truck will return next week.
Two years after burning in a fire, the Heirloom MKE food truck is set to return
An electrical fire destroyed the popular Heirloom MKE food truck in 2023. Now it's set for its long-awaited return.
www.jsonline.com
July 3, 2025 at 8:16 PM
From the ashes, Heirloom MKE's massively popular food truck will return next week.