Palms Bistro & Bar

There’s something about sitting out on a patio that makes food taste so much better. Maybe it’s because we are able to indulge in outdoor seating for only a few months here in Milwaukee. But when temperatures allow and a table is open, I’m all about scoring a seat outside.

Apparently so is everybody else. When we stopped in at Palms Bistro the other day, there was only one group sitting inside the exotic monkey-inspired dining room; the rest of us staked our claim on the black iron chairs nestled out front.

 

Cold drinks were whisked out quickly and we sipped appreciatively while we contemplated what to order and engaged in  shameless people watching. Palms offers an array of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and adventurous pasta dishes to tempt your taste buds. Local favorites in the appetizer area include the Strawberry/Gorgonzola salad as well as the Brie baked with cranberries, apple chutney, and spiced pecans.

Entrees include such interesting selections as lobster mac and cheese, tiger shrimp pasta, and a pistachio encrusted red snapper. During our visit, Scott tried the Italian chicken pasta, which was made from linguini tossed with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, and chicken. I don’t know why, but despite the dissimilarity in ingredients, it reminded me of some very spicy pasta carbonara I made recently.

Then again, I have been feeling a little under the weather lately and my taster is a little out of whack! Nevertheless, I thought my basil pesto pizza was great. The thin crust came topped with a light layer of pesto followed by roasted tomatoes, tons of mozzarella cheese, and loads of red peppers.

Those looking less for dinner or lunch and more for a late night place to lounge will be excited to know Palms does a brisk business at the bar and offers an extensive specialty-drink menu. They even make some munchies available until later hours, which is always nice should you have one too many “Gorillas in the Midst” cocktails and need something to tide you over ‘till breakfast.

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Palms Bistro & Bar
221 N. Broadway
(414) 298-3000

Comments

[Lynn]

I agree with your comment about patios. Having moved from California it's hard to get used to the limited nice weather here. I opt for the patio as much as I can to keep my sanity.

[Dorn]

Agreed. Milwaukee has great outdoor dining.

[wayne]

I also agree. Patios rule.

[KarenC]

One of my favorite things about living downtown is how the city comes to life in full force on beautiful days. Every picnic table, grassy patch, or bar patio becomes occupied by sunglasses- or Brewers cap-wearing locals ready to bask in the city and Mother Nature’s splendor. Thus, I third the patio rule. :)

(The lobster mac and cheese sounds great!)