Timeless Thrills: Harry’s Continues to Captivate Generations in Urban Milwaukee

Harry’s Bar & Grill. Photo by Cari Taylor-Carlson.

In the contemporary dining landscape, where establishments frequently open and close at an alarming pace, Harry’s has established itself as a longstanding neighborhood bar. It has been in operation for 28 years, serving truly exceptional cuisine. You will not find disappointment in the numerous options available on the menu, the inviting decor with sunlight pouring through large windows during the day, the top-notch service, and the overall impression that you are in a welcoming local eatery.

To start with a revitalized classic beverage, consider the December Cocktail Special, an Apple Cranberry Moscow Mule crafted with apple vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Ginger Beer. The drink had a tangy flavor. It presented notes of cranberries followed by a bubbly finish, and, naturally, was served in a traditional mule mug. This was an excellent introduction to a delightful lunch that commenced with a “First,” Crab and Cream Cheese Wontons.

Three oversized wontons arrived on a plate drizzled with spicy tart plum sauce adorned with strips of ginger. The wontons were crisp, hot from the fryer, and filled with oozing cream cheese and crab. They were enjoyable, yet the highlight of the dish was the ginger-plum sauce that enveloped the wontons, leaving my companions and me yearning for more. However, more dishes were in store, so we resisted the urge to order a second helping.

Additionally, from the “Firsts,” three Thai Chicken Tacos were more than sufficient as a meal for one individual. The flour tortillas were filled with finely minced chicken blended with spicy chili along with sesame oil, soy sauce, and lime, topped with carrot-cucumber slaw. A zesty peanut sauce enhanced the flavors of these distinctive tacos, creating a delicious fusion of Hispanic and Thai cuisine.

A companion’s Chicken Chili, a seasonal offering, was tomato-based, rich, and brimming with chicken; when garnished with optional chopped onions, shredded cheddar, and sour cream, it transformed into the ideal chili for chilly conditions.

If you seek a burger that defies expectations, order the Burger of the Month, the Holiday Burger. Someone with a flair for creativity combined seemingly mismatched toppings on a brioche bun that surprisingly came together harmoniously. This knife-and-fork burger featured thick slices of brown sugar ham, a sauce-like goat cheese, fried Brussels sprouts, pickled onions, cranberries, arugula, and roasted garlic aioli. It was scrumptious. The tangy cranberries were complemented by the sweetness of the ham, and the sweet-and-sour pickled onions served as a dressing for the peppery arugula.

Another Special, Green Goddess Salad with Shrimp, combined mixed greens with cucumber, avocado, red onion, bacon, feta, and blackened shrimp. The Sandwich Special featured a classic BLT Wrap with avocado and chipotle mayo.

Numerous sandwiches are available on the menu, including the Brisket Sandwich that I chose upon my return for a second meal. It was everything the menu claimed and more. When our server placed the sandwich before me, all I could see was a towering pile of crispy onion strings. That was when I realized this brisket sandwich would be a winner. Hidden beneath the haystack onions was tender sliced brisket adorned with dill pickles, BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and Boursin Cheese, which served as a sauce for the sandwich.

My companion’s Shrimp Po’Boy was filled with crunchy buttermilk-fried shrimp along with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and, as requested, hot sauce on the side. Even without the hot sauce, there was a pleasant peppery note to the shrimp. According to my companion, what truly distinguished this meal, apart from the shrimp, were the fries. They appeared to be standard waffle fries, but something remarkable occurred in the kitchen that elevated them to the star of his lunch.

The menu holds a great many more discoveries. If you desire something Mediterranean, choices include the Mediterranean Platter or the Mediterranean Burger, or perhaps Hummus with Pita. From Italy, there are options such as the Queen Margherita Pizza and Mushroom Ravioli Al Forno. For vegetarians, there is a Shaved Beet Salad, a house-made Black Bean Burger, and the Falafel Pita. Additionally, you will find a selection of burgers on the menu, including the tempting Whiskey Roadhouse Burger featuring sautéed apples, caramelized onions, cheddar, bacon, and bourbon sauce.

Harry’s is the type of warm and welcoming spot that springs to mind when you seek a satisfactory meal at a fair price and perhaps a drink or two.

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