Casablanca in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a unique Middle Eastern dining and nightlife experience.
Uniqueness:
- It is described as a chic, bi-level Middle Eastern restaurant and cocktail lounge.
- The establishment features two full bars, a heated terrace, a patio, and a hookah bar.
- The atmosphere is highlighted by weekly belly dancer performances, adding to the entertainment and romantic setting.
- The cuisine is a wide range of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, with the chef, a native of Jerusalem, serving food with a hip, modern twist. The menu incorporates flavors from various Middle Eastern cuisines (e.g., Lebanese, Moroccan, Palestinian).
History and Owners:
- The Musa Family, who have a legacy of hard work and dedication in the area, own Casablanca.
- The Musa Family’s business interests also extend into real estate holdings, development, construction, transportation, community organizations, and philanthropy.
- The restaurant has undergone expansion, including adding a second-floor addition to the Brady Street location and enclosing the west-side, second-floor terrace with retractable roofs and sliding glass panels. A second Casablanca Restaurant was opened in Brookfield.
- Note: An unrelated “Casablanca Hotel” in the Harambee neighborhood, built in 1905, previously housed touring Black jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday during a time when they were not allowed to stay at other city hotels.
Highlight Menu Items: The menu offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including appetizers, entrees, and wraps. Some popular and highlighted items include:
- Appetizers: Baba Ghanoush (with or without meat), Falafel Platter, Hummus, Shawarma Cheesy Fries, and Jibneh Rolls (Spinach, Feta, and Mozzarella Cheese rolls).
- Entrees: Baked Lamb, Beef Shawarma Dinner, Chicken and Beef Shish Kabob Entrees, Lamb Chops, Lamb Kifta, Moroccan Shrimp Kabob, and Lamb Shank Couscous.
- Other Dishes: Casa-dilla, Grilled Saffron Salmon, NY Strip Steak, and various wraps.
- They are also known for items like Philly Cheesesteaks, Fish Fry, and a variety of hookah flavors, including specialty options like lemon, double apple, mango, and melon, and premium options like Dragon’s Breath and Purple Haze.
Customer Feedback: Customers praise the establishment for its:
- Friendly and beautiful atmosphere.
- Delicious food, with the meatball kebab (likely Lamb Kifta) being mentioned specifically.
- Excellent hookah options.
- Fast service and exceptionally friendly servers.
- The outdoor seating, which is heated with ambient lighting, is particularly noted as a “date night perfection” spot.
Significant Events:
- The restaurant hosts weekly belly dancer performances.
- The location offers private space for banquets, meetings, and parties, and also provides catering services for various events from family celebrations to business meetings.
Contact and Location Information:
- Address: 728 E Brady St, Milwaukee, WI 53202
- Phone: (414) 271-6000
- Email: [email protected]
