Yeah, I did an extensive list with web links and everything. Looks like we no longer have archives on Arf? I still have the link but it goes nowhere.
Few good ones named here already.
Culver's is one of those Wisconsin things you should try if you like burgers.
Kopp's was named best burger in Wisconsin in the last couple years.
Solly's is good too.
Mader's downtown is a traditional German place.
I had a bad customer service experience at Tochi and shortly after that
Artisan Ramen opened up in downtown MKE, so I stopped going to Tochi. Artisan Ramen is really good, or was, been a while since I was there too. I'd say at least as good and probably better than Tochi (which was also top notch).
Since you have a car, the Mexican food trucks on National Ave East of Layton/27th are pretty tasty.
Cafe CorazonI like
Pizza Man for Roman style pizza.
Ian's for variety.
San Giorgio for Neapolitan style pizza.
Zaffiro's is good stuff.
Carnevor, Rare and Mason Street are good for steaks.
Iron Grate BBQDouble B's BBQMaxie'sStoryhill BKCLa MerendaEngine Company No. 3Crafty CowLe ReveOno Kine GrindzThai A KitchenThai, Chinese, Italian, Mexican, French, tapas, breakfast specific. I could go on and on. There are some good options.
I'm heavily biased towards
Valentine coffee, but
Colectivo is a big name here too.
Wisconsin is/was known for supper clubs. More out in the country. Downtown there is one called
Five O'Clock Steakhouse. I actually have not been there so I can't speak to how true to form it is, but I have heard it is quite good.
If you go there, order a brandy old fashioned sour (well, from any quality place you go you should order a few).
Enjoy your time here!