Tess

Definitely go enjoy a meal here. $$/$$$ prices but portions were fulfilling. We wanted to try somewhere new and we’re headed for Original but saw the patio across the street and glad we changed plans. Service was so PLEASANT and the outdoor space was really cute. Food was some of the best I’ve had in Milwaukee. Steak in the mushroom and wine reduction was so good I asked for more bread also delicious to sop up the leftover juices. My friend got the ravioli and I stole a couple extra bites from his plate. Honorable mention goes to the neighborhood setting of the location. Vibe and atmosphere was perfect for casual conversations/small celebrations/nice meal with old friends/date night.

Definitely A hidden spot on the east side. The cioppino was out of this world! Mussels were super fresh, sauces were absolutely delish. We also shared a well put together Mediterranean salad with a citrus vinaigrette. Not to mention the flourless chocolate cake and butterscotch pudding was the highlight of my day. 10/10 would recommend especially those with gluten allergies the waitress and cook was super accommodating! they also have a very good wine list!

Cute and cozy place just off Oakland Avenue on the upper east side. The food was excellent and the beer list was great too. Our server was fantastic; knowledgeable about the menu, very friendly, and the perfect amount of attentive. I would be happy to eat at Tess again and again.

Food and drinks are very good. Plenty of space in a nice outdoor patio. Really a nice spot.

One of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee, hands-down. It is such a cozy atmosphere and the food is always amazing! The service is great and we feel welcomed all the time. I cannot wait to visit again whenever we are in Milwaukee!

My wife and I went for a dinner date after being gifted a certificate for Tess as a wedding present. I am amazed we had never been before. Such fine food tucked away just off of Oakland on the eastside. I highly recommend Tess.

We tried this restaurant for a third time recently. The patio is nice but the tables and salt/pepper were sticky. The floor coming in was sticky and the interior smelled of mildew walking in. Appetizers are hit or miss, wasn’t served hot, and the steak my partner had was indistinct square. Some no name cut. The staff never came back around and asked about drinks or tried to sell more. This has been my experience all three times we’ve been here. With the Groupon, the prices become almost worthwhile. I would never ever consider paying full price for this food.

This is my 4th time dining at Tess, and the experience was as good as ever. The location, atmosphere, service, drinks and food are all top notch. Living out of state, we put Tess at the top of our list of dining venues to patronize when we are in Milwaukee.

Absolutely fantastic experience eating here! The staff was friendly and didn't rush us with the meal; the food was great and the wine list was varied and large. We would absolutely eat here again! Vegetarian options: Had flexibility with the menu in making meals meatless.

The clam chowder was amazing and that is sadly where anything good ends with our experience. We got four fish dishes, two were over cooked salmon and the fish fry was just okay. But putting the food aside, there was some suggestion in the reviews that this is a family friendly restaurant. It is not. We went with our toddler and let’s just say if we weren’t there with my in-laws, we would’ve left shortly after the soup due to the comments from I’m assuming the manager behind the bar and the rude stares that came afterwards as we tried to calm our toddler to not disturb the other guests as we waited for our food which took longer than expected. It is his restaurant, so he is free to request whatever he would like of his guests, but maybe finding a less rude and jarring way of asking would be a good place to start. So long story short, if you have kids and want your fish to not be overcooked which you’d expect from a predominantly seafood restaurant, maybe try another place instead.