Morel — Restaurant in Milwaukee

We went for an early dinner, and were among the first to arrive, which meant we were seated immediately. The ambiance is great, and they have outdoor seating (which we tried to use but unfortunately it got a bit rainy). Artwork inside is a bit...eclectic...but you cannot possibly ask for a more welcoming and responsive staff.

We aren't drinkers, so we didn't partake of the custom cocktail menu, but instead dove straight into appetizers with the Smoke Pork Belly with Domingo Rojo Beans. This reminded us, in flavor, of Irish Rasher Bacon, which is one of our all-time favorite things in the world. Combine that with the savory black beans and the perfect preparation and we were blown away. Perhaps among our favorite appetizers of all time.

For mains, Andrea Dexter ordered a new dish, the Walleye with Morel Mushrooms and Asparagus. The Walleye was flaky and delicious, but the shining star of the dish was the Morel mushrooms (good thing too eh with the name?), just wish there were MORE of them.

I had the Duck Confit with Smoked Pheasant Wild Rice Sausage and Polenta. While I'd this before, there's a reason I ordered again. The duck is cook to fall off the bone, the sausage somehow overshadows the duck, and the polenta is creamy and sweet to cut the savory overload from the duck/sausage. I loved it.

No complaints here! Andrea Dexter and I keep a running list of our favorite restaurants in MKE, and Morel is tied with, honestly, far too many others for...

I went with my parents to celebrate my mom's birthday. Everything started off good. We ordered cocktails and the burrata flat bread appetizer (it was delicious). But then we sat and waited and waited and waited for our entrees to come out. . . . it took over an hour for them to arrive. Our waiter was apologetic (sort of) but largely ignored our table during this time. He said something about the kitchen being at capacity; however, an 8-top that came in after us got their dinner at least 30 min before us (I'm 95% certain they also ordered appetizers).

When our meal finally came out, the duck breast was well-done (it should have been med-rare to med). The short rib and lamb pasta were delicious. The duck was returned and we said no to having it redone because we were hungry and didn't want to wait another hour. We said we'd share the 2 entree but then I had to get up to request/get and extra plate so we could share. The duck breast was removed from our bill but the server kind of made it seem like they were doing us a favor for removing it as opposed to something that should just automatically happen. The food we ate was great but the whole experience was very disappointing. I understand restaurants are understaffed and busy right now, mistakes happen and orders sometimes aren't entered in right away, but the least you can do is acknowledge it and make an effort to see that the customers are still...

Came here by myself and early to sit at the bar and had one of the top three best meals yet in Milwaukee. Had a rye Manhattan (fantastic, and well, I had two), and to start, the mushroom fricassée over polenta recommended by the bartender. Calling it polenta doesn’t do it justice - it was so creamy and comforting I could eat it every meal. Incredible. Bartender also recommended the pork belly but as I had just had pork I chose the lamb leg. Was concerned it would be too meat heavy and yes there was a lot, but everything was done perfectly, house-made merguez was not dry at all as it can sometimes be, and the lamb leg was absolutely killer. Vegetables perfectly cooked and complemented the rest. Got cheesecake to take home which was good but would try something else next time. Apple dessert was almost out so should’ve taken that as a sign. Can’t wait to come and try everything on the menu (changes seasonally so I have my work cut out for me). Not cheap, but would save my money to come here regularly. Ambiance is warm while lights are bright enough that you should have no trouble seeing your menu. Staff and service was impeccable - warm and conversant with those who wanted conversation (me) and attentive to those who had their own without being intrusive. Staff obviously likes each other and were all a great team. To note, it was a very quiet weekday but that’s why I go out then and not on a Saturday. Great...