The Knick is an established and popular restaurant located within the historic Knickerbocker on the Lake hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
What Makes The Knick Unique
- Historic Location and Vibe: Situated on the lower east side’s historic “Gold Coast,” the restaurant is part of the iconic Knickerbocker Hotel, which was built in 1929 in the Neo-Classical Revival architectural style and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The restaurant offers an upbeat, contemporary dining experience with a “big city feel” but friendly service.
- Patio Seating and View: The outdoor patio provides a pleasant space for dining with a view of the surrounding area, close to Lake Michigan.
- Diverse Offerings: The Knick is known for serving lunch, dinner, a great Happy Hour, and a particularly fabulous weekend brunch, providing options for nearly any time of day.
History
The Knick restaurant was established in 1990. It is housed in the Knickerbocker on the Lake, a building completed in 1929 as a residential apartment hotel. The hotel itself has a long history, adapting from its original purpose to its current mixed-use model (hotel services and private residences) after a transformation in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Knick continues the tradition of on-site dining, though it followed other notable restaurants like the former Osteria del Mondo, which was highly rated and housed in the hotel from 1994 to 2011.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu is described as American with a wide variety of options. Some notable items often highlighted or featured on the menu include:
- Brunch Favorites: Their weekend brunch is highly touted, with a signature cocktail being the “Queen Mary” (a Bloody Mary). Brunch features dishes like Huevos Rancheros.
- Appetizers/Starters: Menu features frequently include items like House-made Tater Tots (with chipotle aioli), Ahi Tuna Tartare, Grilled Buffalo Wings, and Brussels Sprouts with Applewood Bacon and Goat Cheese.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: The restaurant offers a variety of handhelds, such as the Truffle Burger, Cuban Sandwich, and various Knick Tacos (e.g., Blackened Tilapia, Fried Shrimp).
- Dinner Entrees: Offerings may include items like Salmon, various daily specials, and sometimes elevated dishes like a Bone-In Pork Chop or Short Rib.
- Drinks: The Knick is known for its hand-crafted specialty cocktails, an extensive wine and beer menu, and specialty desserts like the “Mocha-Tini.”
Customer Feedback
Customer reviews generally praise the friendly and accommodating staff and the quality of the food and drinks, describing them as fresh and tasty. The option to sit outside is frequently mentioned as a positive. The brunch and dinner options are well-received, with some reviewers specifically recommending the crispy and well-seasoned breakfast potatoes or particular dinner specials. Ambience is often described as modern yet casual. Some less frequent criticisms have included instances of slow service or included gratuity for larger parties.
Significant Events
While The Knick itself is a popular venue for everyday dining, its location within the Knickerbocker Hotel has lent itself to significant events over the hotel’s long history. The hotel has meeting space, and historically, its former Red Lion Room was a popular venue for social events, weddings, and conferences, and even hosted performers like Sammy Davis Jr. The hotel and restaurant often serve as a base for guests attending major Milwaukee events like Summerfest, the Lakefront Festival of the Arts, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The hotel, as a historic structure, is also sometimes featured in local architectural and historical tours.
Location and Contact Information
| Item | Details |
| Address | 1030 E. Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202 (Located inside the Knickerbocker on the Lake Hotel) |
| Phone | (414) 272-0011 |
| Website | https://theknickrestaurant.com/ |
