Milwaukee, WI

The Rusty Skillet on 27th Street admittedly doesn’t look like much. The name suggests a Charcoal Grill copycat, but the interior decor is more reminiscent of a typical 1980s family-style restaurant. Restaurants aren’t really about the decor, though. The real questions are: how is the selection, the service, and most importantly, the food?

Although it was our first trip to the Rusty Skillet, we were greeted at the door as though we were regulars. The wait staff was extremely cordial and friendly, and the waiter was full of excellent suggestions. The menu was varied, ranging from delicious sounding full-course dinners to sandwiches to desserts. And then there was the all-you-can-eat steak dinner.

Map to the Rusty Skillet:

I have never in my life heard of all-you-can-eat steak. I was immediately suspicious. The steak was probably cheap and flavorless, or the “all-you-can-eat” really meant you could have two servings before being shown the door. But not so. The steak was incredible, and not only was the steak all-you-can-eat, but so was the potato and vegetables. The potato pancakes were top-notch. Did I mention that the all-you-can-eat steak was just $12.99? Apparently that is their special on Sundays through Tuesdays. Homer Simpson would have been impressed.

For my own meal I selected the roasted chicken, and it was easily the most tender and flavorful chicken I’ve ever had.

I wished I had saved room for dessert, but I had already pushed the envelope with my meal. I plan to go back (soon!) to try one of the “Rusty Dough” desserts.

Throughout my meal I couldn’t help but think we had found one of Milwaukee’s best-kept dining secrets. For a place serving all-you-can-eat delicious steak and excellent food, the restaurant was not at all crowded.

If you go:

4763 S 27th St
Milwaukee, WI 53221
(414) 281-5090
Prices: $5-$15

*****

Time for my daily shout-out! Take a look at one of my “sister” blogs: Memphis, TN. Be sure to tell them that Milwaukee sent ya!