The Diplomat — Restaurant in Milwaukee

We felt insulted. They were going through a power outage and they called us ahead of time to let us know and we're fine, they said the kitchen was working and just some areas didn't have lighting. We have watched videos on YouTube about best restaurants in Milwaukee and they were listed, there's a video with the chef too, very pleasant and proud of his food, so we were excited.

At arrival we were promptly seated, waiter was very friendly, everyone very friendly at first. We ordered two drinks, we were told the bar was functioning normal, I ordered a bourbon on the rocks and my hubs ordered an old fashioned. It took a very long time for the drinks, the restaurant wasn't packed and there were only 2 people at the bar when we walked in, so I made a comment, in the end is as if I was offending the chefs mother personally, all I said politely was "we are worried about the time food will take if the drinks are taking 30 minutes" we had a commented after.

That's was the end of our night. Not sure which message was conveyed to the chef but he called us in the kitchen to show the conditions they were working under and it was a difficult day. We simply responded politely, again, actually pleasant I gave him a compliment that I was feeling like I got called to VIP since we watched his videos and he looks like such a good chef. We ordered the pickled eggs, which I will not comment, am cautious about repercussions from the chef. The fries were the best we had in our history of restaurants, hundreds plus, that's how good it was.

Next thing we know the manager, I think was the manager, came to our table and told us the chef was going to cover our drinks and appetizers, to not worry about it, it wasn't what we were asking for but he insisted. We didn't feel it was right and we wanted to order more items we would be paying for and the waiter said he was going to ask the chef, and the chef came out of the kitchen so aggressively hitting our table saying that it was paid for and he was done. I don't recall the exact words but he literally kicked us out of the restaurant.

We felt so extremely insulted, it was just so bizarre we couldn't believe it was actually happening. We were not disrespectful in any possible way and the way we were treated was insulting, offensive, disrespectfully and it was almost an assault. It was as if he was releasing all the stress of the day on innocent people, we were hand picked to release anger.

We never asked for free food and never once we were rude or confrontational with any of the staff. We were very pleasant. We left a 10.00 tip and left baffled as to what had just happened. Next thing I know, they called me saying they didn't want our tip and was going to find a way to send it back to us. We don't want your money!

We don't want go back ever, I don't even want to drive on the same street anymore, we are so offended, we were never treated with such disrespect anywhere, literally anywhere.

Worst experience we have ever had in a restaurant or any stablishment for that matter, and we have been to 4 countries and hundreds of restaurants.

God bless these people with a drop of decency before they treat another customer the same way....

After much anticipation, I finally managed to visit The Diplomat. For those who follow me, you know I rarely leave google reviews, and when I do, it’s typically because an experience is either exceptional or utterly disappointing. My Google reviews,are reserved for places that demand attention—sometimes for the right reasons, sometimes for the wrong ones. Consider this one of the latter.

First attempt: I arrived with a group, unannounced and without a reservation, and was met with what can only be described as performative service. They pretended to “find us a table” but ultimately wasted our time. Add to this the chef was rude to say the least. I won’t comment beyond this. Regardless even thou their demeanor warranted us being upset I gave them the benefit of doubt. They are fairly popular I thought and we came without a reservation.

Second attempt: I gave them another chance, this time as a party of two, at the start of service , thinking a smaller group and not in the height of the night, and not during the weekend, might showcase their ability to handle things better. It didn’t. Same disorganized energy, same lack of effort. For perspective the place was almost empty. Yet they didn’t have a table.

Third attempt: Determined to give them a fair shot, I came with a reservation. Somehow, they still couldn’t locate it. The staff seemed disconnected, the system chaotic, and the overall experience frustratingly unprofessional.

Now, let’s talk about the food: It was fine. Good-quality ingredients, sure, but poorly balanced flavors that failed to justify the buzz. The chef, however, seemed more interested in his own ego than in delivering a memorable dining experience. There’s an air here of unearned superiority—as if the restaurant believes it’s been anointed with a Michelin star when, frankly, it hasn’t earned even a fraction of that distinction.

To conclude: An unfortunate end to a saga—I really was looking forward to the experience and wanted to be fair. But The Diplomat ultimately proved to be all hype and little substance. Wisconsin is home to better restaurants where great food, thoughtful service, and humility come together seamlessly. This? Think slightly elevated chain-restaurant fare—good enough for a casual meal but not worth the effort or pretension. Bartolotta dal 1993 or Margaux brasserie are...

We went for the first time for dinner on a Friday. Neither of us loved it and we likely won’t be back, but I think we’re outliers as most people seem to love it and everyone in the restaurant the night we went were definitely smiling and clearly enjoying their experience.

First, the good: it’s a super fun space. Very clever touches everywhere, and thoughtful. It’s loud, but not terrible (I wouldn’t bring a guest who is hard of hearing, however.) The service was very nice - our server was kind and enthusiastic, and when I sent a plate back that I didn’t care for, the chef was genuinely concerned and listened. The strip steak was outstanding - perfect sear and seasoning. My husband enjoyed the octopus quite a lot. The spinach sunchoke dip was tasty but not terribly special - it tasted like any other spinach/artichoke dip tastes, which is usually a safe bet.

The not-so-good: service was slow and inconsistent. Yes service is an issue across the industry, but I felt that Diplomat has a pretty solid, tight staff, so I was surprised we had to wait a looooong time between ordering and receiving food and drinks. I had my main, then my husband’s came out more than 30 minutes later. It was just a weird cadence of service. The menu was very vinegar/sour/pickle heavy - there didn’t seem to be much that was fresh fruit/veg. I think the aim is to reimagine home cooking/comfort/pub food, and I love that idea, but on the night we were there it missed the mark. The tuna salad was more of a tuna dip and might have been better served with crispy crackers or on lettuce - something to counter the sour elements and soupy consistency. I rarely send anything back (I’m not a picky eater) but I did send it back. Again, I seem to be an outlier as it’s quite popular, and the chef and staff were so sincere in their concern that i certainly wasn’t upset by it.

We loved the space, the prices are fair, and the servers are lovely. The food wasn’t really our style, so we probably won’t return, but like I said we seem to be in the vast minority on that. I’d definitely recommend friends try it because it’s fun, but we won’t be competing for another...