Hopped in to the Wicked Hop (Again!)

 It's tough to be in downtown Milwaukee's 3rd Ward without a stop at the Wicked Hop. They make an awesome Bloody Mary as well as an outstanding burger. Again, I'm not sure how many times I've had a burger at the Hop, a lot. There's never been a time that I didn't want to write about the experience. The staff is always wonderful. The bar is cool. There's an additional space called the Jackalope Lounge that is a chill space for hanging with your friends and having a drink. I've seen live acts, participated in a version of Karaoke.

I had some time before a meeting at a gallery down the street so, time to grab a Cheeseburger and maybe a Jack N Coke. I had the Hop Burger with Cheddar cheese and all the regular veggies (tomato, lettuce, onion) A half pounder is a bit much sometimes. Well, I ate it all anyway! From the first bite to the last, glad I indulged.

Always great service. Always great food. Prices are within the normal range. Parking can be a problem but, walking down Broadway is always interesting.

4 of 5

Sorry, no picture. :(

Here's a stock one...

Hollander Tosa Made Me Happy (finally) 01/10/23

 Don't get me wrong. Hollander and Lowlands Group do fine food. I'm just not always blown away buy it.

We went for lunch which is a bit different. It should be soup and salad or some kind of wrap, right? I still look at what kind of burger I can have. This day I notice something a bit different listed for sandwich choice. "The Rye Swiss and Shroom". Sort of sounded like a Patty Melt. What the heck! I was really glad I chose it. Other than being a bit over cooked, the flavor was really different. I think the shrooms, onions and horseradish really made it happen. There was a strong cracked pepper finish. I had to share some with my son and my wife.

A bit overcooked but flavor was there. Love the Rye roll. Price, eh, what can I do these days?

4 of 5

 

Cloud Red. Sort of self serve. Great burger. 11/2022 (BWB)

 I'm still trying to get used to "Cloud Red" instead of "Red Cloud". I didn't ask or research the name. Maybe I should before writing this? No matter, Cloud Red is a cool little joint in Shorewood Wisconsin. It's got very subtle signage. I drove past it twice. The inside is sort of a funky/cool vibe. There's a huge handwritten menu on the wall near the bar. They didn't seem to have printed menus. Maybe because they have to change the menu too often? I think the food is somewhat reliant on seasons.

It was a Burgers with Brothers outing. The elder brother chose the location. We started with the Buffalo Cauliflower. Really tasty. Plus, you can act like you are eating healthy! I ordered a bacon cheeseburger. I must say, it was done near the way I like it with just a bit of pink. 

I'm still having a hard time with doing most of the work except cooking and still having to pay/tip like they are doing it. The new normal.

I'll admit, price shock and the demand for 15% tip automatically added are still tough to adjust to. It was very good food. They offer quite a few dishes you might not find elsewhere. They use Ney's meat, a local farm & family.

4 of 5 Self serve hasn't settled in for me. 

https://cloudredmke.com/

 

 

Back in the Winner's Circle 01/05/23

 This is a quick one. Oscar's Winner's Circle has yet to let me down. This time I had a straight up Cheddar Cheese Burger. Near perfectly cooked-just a little pink, seasoned to perfection. These folks know what they are doing. Everything seems fresh from the veggies to the roll. The price is spot on.

4.5 of 5 Consistently delicious. Sorry, no picture this time.