Swingin' Door Exchange — Restaurant in Milwaukee

I was visiting from out of town and a long time friend took me here to dine for the first time. The restaurant seemed like a very nice and relaxing establishment and the host who sat us was very patient, pleasant, and welcoming. As we prepared to order drinks I asked our waiter Michael what was different about the "Valentine Coffee." He told me it was a name brand decaffeinated coffee. As I placed my order I asked for regular coffee(caffeinated) and orange juice. Upon his return with our drinks, I attempted to clarify that he had provided me with caffeinated coffee and not decaffeinated. Michael seemed to become irritated with me and with a frustrated tone he stated, "ma'am it's just coffee " we tried to explain why I asked but he walked away. From that point on he focused primarily on my friend who also noticed the shift in his tone and interaction with our table "primarily me." We also noticed as he served other tables around us he answered questions politely and willingly but his time at our table was abrupt and direct. When he asked my friend if she wanted another drink my friend had to ask if I needed more creamer for the coffee he had refilled earlier without saying a word to me and quickly walking away. The only time his attitude changed towards our table was when it was time for us to pay our bill. I really would have liked to give this place a higher rating because the host on Saturday 8/26/2023 at around 1:00 pm was amazing. Please remind staff it's not what you say it's how you say it. Your attitude towards me was very noticeable not just to me but to my friend and she apologized on your...

Great Atmosphere arguably bad food.

Loved the vibe as soon as I walked in. Crowded and lively at 5 pm on a Friday. I was informed of a 45 min wait and patrons started chiming in "Its worth it!" "the food is great!" Its an old school place in an old school building. We waited out in a hallway for the 45 min, no big deal as the vibe continued as it filled the outer area. I was excited, my drink was mediocre but ordering an Old Fashioned in WI is a tricky thing for me I like a classic AND a WISCO. I ordered a classic style with bourbon and it was an amalgam of both not great but normal... We finally sat after 45 minute, lovely service, great hostess and I will cut to it. House Made Chips not bad, exactly what you think they are gonna be but under-seasoned a B+. House made salad dressings including the blue cheese with the chips A. My New York strip, I was warned that it would be narrow and not a thick cut, thats fine, but I ordered medium rare it came with some grill marks but no browning and cooked well done. It had been grilled and then left on the grill or in the oven to wait for me. D- My dinner date had a burger requested Medium Rare, it came well done. D-. Fries were great, A-. Food was disappointed to...

A Friday fish fry at Swingin Door strikes the heart of living in Milwaukee, WI.

Food: the perch fish fry is one of the best in the city. I’ve gotten the beets and the fries as sides in the past, but both are great. Real fresh overall. Wasn’t Wisconsin enough to get the (damn good lookin) potato pancakes. The tartar sauce is absolute heaaat too. Light but flavorful.

Service: first time here for a fish fry on 414 day last year, the server was as a total prick. Literally lashing out at our table. Super weird. Last time here, the server was really friendly and really helpful. She made it an inviting time.

Atmosphere: This is housed in THE nicest building in Milwaukee, the old grain exchange building or now called the commerce building. It’s gorgeous. Ornate. High class. Then, you walk to the corner of this grand building, through the big carved up wooden door, and pop into a speciously compact and hidden world of an old-timey blast of Wisconsin pub-core to the max.

You’ve got to stop if you’re in town. If you’re lucky enough to get in or find parking. I recommend buying something at the Public Market a block away and parking there. Otherwise, you could park further away and take the...