The Bridgewater Modern Grill — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Beautiful space, too bad the food was a complete disappointment - as was the service. Do not waste your $$$ on the rib eye. It's cooked exactly how you ask, but the cut is thin like a flank or skirt steak, and they serve it cut for you, with no sides, for over $40. If you want an expensive steak, there are tons of other options throughout Milwaukee. Pick a different one. The scallops were very close to sending it back for being undercooked, with little to no sear. Bread was microwaved sourdough from the Breadsmith. They could have at least stuck it in the oven for a minute so it didn't get hard halfway through the meal. The lobster rolls going to other tables looked good, as did the burger. However, I was completely shocked by the absolutely terrible service. This was a two person dinner for a very special, once in a lifetime event. The event was noted in the reservation and mentioned at check-in in, twice. The hosts sat us at the window as requested, but right next to the gap where the overhead doors have concrete between, so we couldn't see outside, making sitting by the window extremely drafty and also not special at all since we were staring at a wall. Then we told the server about the special event. It was completely ignored. Water was not refilled timely, and I had to ask other staff to assist. Our server was mostly chatting up other tables, which didn't help us enjoy our meal since we needed salt and pepper and couldn't get their attention. Then when we asked for an entirely uneaten side dish to be wrapped up to go, and the server said they would do so, they came back without it, said they had tossed it, and had us pay the check. Unreal. The manager did come around to one table to ask how they were doing, but didn't stop to talk to anyone else. It's too bad because I would have been happy to let them know about the experience instead of posting here and instead been more proactive toward a resolution at the time. The folks at the desk on the way out didn't ask either, and were standing around chatting with each other. So needless to say, this whole experience was a HUGE disappointment when we were celebrating a milestone event worth a little special care. At least 50 people asked me how my dinner was that night, and it was easy to tell them to take their business elsewhere if they want to have a good time, have good food and be shown respect, or at least some level of attentiveness. Aparently, this restaurant group is opening a new steakhouse in the 3rd ward at the old Walburgers. We will definitely avoid that place, too. I had almost booked a friend's birthday dinner here prior to this evening, and I'm so glad I didn't because taking someone to be treated like we were on a special day is embarrassing. It's been a long time since I've felt a place did...

We returned to the Bridgewater and had a lovely meal with excellent service. Our server was Cassie, and she was quite good despite being a neophyte in the restaurant world.

The tuna tartare was scrumptious, served with these funky crispy things. Our baby back ribs were good, although they were a bit dry for my taste. Bridgewater is a beautiful restaurant and a great addition to the Milwaukee restaurant scene.

Bridgewater is a beautifully designed restaurant, and the architects should receive awards for their efforts. Located on a cleaned up industrial canal, Bridgewater provides the illusion you’re on Ocean Boulevard in South Beach, overlooking the ocean. It’s a Trompe-l'œil that comes to life. Bravo!

The food, while expensive, was decent. My mussels were okay, but the curry broth was delicious. Scallops were tasty, but could have been sweeter. Yet, it was a nice dish. People who dined with me, enjoyed their meal.

However, the service, while well-meaning, was horrific. This is a problem for this restaurant group. I had the same problems at their sister restaurant, The Edison, in the Third Ward. We sat at the bar over 15 minutes, and I was compelled to wave someone over to take our order. That’s unprofessional, and mirrors what happened at the Edison. The wait staff has a lassez-faire approach to labor, enjoying yapping it up amongst themselves while customers are waiting. Perhaps a manifestation of post Covid, but still……. Our reservation was 8:45, and we were the last ones to leave the place...

We moved on to Milwaukee and grabbed some drinks and appetizers.

We ordered a Caramelized Rum Old Fashioned and a Vanilla Chai to drink.

The Caramelized Rum Old Fashioned was made with Plantation Overproof Rum, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Caramelized bitter syrup, Angostura Bitters and The Bitter Truth Orange Bitters. This was a deliciously strong drink with a subtle hint of sweetness. I really love trying different variations of an Old Fashioned.

The Vanilla Chia was made with Twisted Path Chai Liqueur, Demerara Syrup, Amaretto and Half and Half. This one is dangerous, in a good way, because you would have no idea there was alcohol in this drink.

For snacks we ordered the Brûléed Brie and Smashed Crispy Fingerlings.

The Brûléed Brie came with hot honey, petite greens and baguette crostinis. The greens had a vinaigrette dressing which was a great accompaniment to the richness of the Brie. The hot honey was a nice added touch.

The Smashed Crispy Fingerlings are made with Ash Salt, Chives and served with a Roasted Garlic Aioli. These were crispy, airy and deliciously seasoned . The Garlic Aioli was how you want aioli to be. We were unable to finish them and took them to go. We did not want to waste any of them.

Our Mixologist, James, was super friendly, inviting and engaging.

This place has outdoor seating along the river and will absolutely be THE SPOT to be at in the summer.

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