Drinks were very good. Bartender very friendly. Food was good. I think I ordered the wrong thing, but everyone else's was good. The one thing I can't help noticing is there is a bit of a 'basement' smell when you first go in. You get used to it, but strong upon entry.
(4)
Bill H.
One of our favorites for summer. It has a beautiful patio in the heart of this east side neighborhood. The inside is somewhat small, so reservations would be a good idea. Always a great meal every time we've been there. The have a wonderful menu and have several options for people with dietary issues. The Tess salad is so simple and wonderful. I've had the tenderloin, salmon and seafood cioppino on recent visits and they were all delicious
(5)
Ellie B.
I really liked my first experience at Tess. We made a reservation for our party of 4 and the hostess gave us our choice of dining areas. Their patio was open but it was a little chilly so we decided to dine in the enclosed patio that had a heater. We ordered drinks and they brought us bread right away. I highly recommend their homemade ravioli - it was some of the best I've ever had. Everybody also enjoyed the pork spring rolls and bison tostadas for appetizers. I'm a huge fan of butterscotch so when I saw that dessert on the menu, I knew I couldn't resist. The service was great and I'll be back again, most likely to order the same exact things!
(4)
Austin H.
The Dried Cherry Rocket Salad at Tess was one of the best salads I've ever had. It has a relaxing and cozy atmosphere, great for a date or small group. Tess seems to attract an older crowd, probably because of the wine bar. Still a great spot to eat.
(4)
B H.
Pretty good food, and of course the patio is always fantastic. The inside space is cramped, so if you get a particularly chatty group beside you, your dinner conversation may be impacted. Lots of choices for various food eaters, which is very nice. A bit expensive, but plenty of food and fantastic service! I really do crave the lavender creme brulee....but alas it's only available in the summer
(4)
Toni D.
Wonderful service, time constraint and served perfectly. Unique decor. Wine and beer menu. Food selection was awesome. 3 course plus dessert options. Crab cake was delicious, tenderloin with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and green beans. Heavily salted sauce but the beef was done to perfect temp. Paella was tasty and a large portion. Few people in the dining room to judge noise but I could hear conversations fairly well.
(4)
John W.
Last minute decision to have dinner at Tess was well rewarded. Did not have reservation, so sat at the bar. Glad to see they were busy and now we know why. The service was friendly and efficient. Great draught beer selection. The soup, salad and red fish special were all outstanding. Fantastic gluten free menu. We will be back and tell our friends!
(5)
Kathy G.
We went to Tess for a Bell's Beer dinner where the menu was paired with the beer. It was fantastic. The chef took care to ensure each of the 5 courses was special and reflected the each of the beers. After that experience, we had to go back so we could choose off the menu. The menu does change regularly because the chef uses local fresh ingredients based on their availability. I ordered the tortilla encrusted chicken breast and it was fabulous. The wait staff was friendly and accomodating and the outdoor patio is one of the best. I just love this place.
(5)
Bryan P.
Beef tenderloins is amazing. Get flour less cake for desert.
(5)
Jessica P.
I have been meaning to review Tess for a while... Hands down some of the best gluten free food I have had (from across the nation)!!! The food was amazing, the servers were nice and accommodating and, did I mention how good the food was? Long story short for those who are gluten free or those who are gluten-eating, Tess is amazing and I can't wait to treat my palate to another of her dishes!
(5)
a w.
I love love love this place! I came here for brunch when it first opened and just went back while visiting last weekend. The place looks like the first floor of a duplex and can feel cramped but I think that's half the appeal! It seems like it's tried to upscale itself a bit in the bar area but I don't think it's even necessary...why pretend you're something you're not. The food and the service was excellent! I would go back again and again if I didn't live 1,000 miles away!
(5)
Balki B.
The place is tiny, but lovely inside and has a nice patio. Very off the path, and easy to miss. I actually liked it more when it was the Corner Grill, but maybe changing the name to something trendy let them raise the prices a little. Still, another romantic favorite of mine.
(5)
Michelle F.
We visited because of Yelp reviews. We had early dinner reservations on a recent warm Saturday night, which may explain the range of attire that included tweed jackets, sweater vests, dresses, and nice jeans. The kitchen has two entrances - the one closer to the bar sounded like a paper bag popping. I actually thought the bar was opening a lot of Champagne. We were seated near the other kitchen entrance. If you can avoid sitting near either kitchen entrance, then do. We enjoyed samosas, a seasonal rocket salad, cioppino, ravioli, creme brulee, and butterscotch budino (pudding). The menu has a smattering of different and delicious international fares. The ravioli was some of the best I've ever had. The pasta was light and thin. The filling was neither heavy nor overstuffed. The sauce was not tangy or heavy. We overheard guests at other tables asking about and ordering gluten-free options. The restaurant is tucked in a neighborhood, but we had no troubles finding street parking.
(4)
B Nicole O.
I was absolutely dumbfounded when I received a snarky response from Tess regarding a groupon review I gave them. Basically what it said was that the staff was a bit snotty, the decor was subpar and the food was not bad, but not the best I have ever had. Rather than leaving it alone, or writing a response that they were sorry for our experience and hoped we'd come back to try them again, I received a very rude reply, basically telling me to eff off, I am wrong, and they don't care what I think because they know they're great. Can anyone tell me whatever happened to customer service?? Had I not gotten a reply, or had gotten an apologetic one, I may have given this place another chance sometime. Now? No way. And I will be sure to tell everyone I know exactly why. RUDE and no idea of what customer service is all about.
(2)
Jon A.
Ate here earlier in the summer and still vividly remember the mediocre food and service and how painfully underwhelmed I was. We sat out on their back patio in the late afternoon, which was very quaint and peaceful. That, however, was the only thing that was overly positive. Quite frankly, for the menu prices, I had expected a little more out of the food and service. The menu is priced in the same range as places like Roots or Crazy Water. I had the mussels, which were the best part of the meal. I also had a strip steak that was not very good. It was soggy, flavorless and seemed like it was a re-fire of something that had been cooked the night before. I couldn't even finish it. There wasn't even the slightest attempt at any sort of presentation in the food. It just came out to you splat on the plate. As for the service, it was adequate at best. Our server came to our table only to take orders and give us the check. She was around, but not quite focusing on anything or any tables in particular. I came here because of rave reviews from friends, but don't see myself coming back, at least for dinner. Maybe some apps, but that would be all. Based on the other reviews, I'm going to chalk it up as an off night for them, but they seriously need to do something to stand out more.
(2)
Stan H.
I noticed I only write reviews for restaurants I hate so I thought it was time to balance things. Maybe I'm afraid I'll jinx things. I love Tess. This is my favorite hidden gem in Milwaukee. Great staff, great atmosphere and a seasonal menu keeps things interesting on every visit. The backyard patio is great in the summer.
(5)
Colin C.
We went to dinner early, around 5 pm and got seated right away. It was recommended by a friend and we loved it! Got a bit noisy, but the wait staff was very kind. Definitely returning next time we're in town!
(5)
Dave G.
We celebrated a wonderful evening with a visit to Tess and what a treat it was! The place is cute and charming. The food was delightful and the presentation was gorgeous. My husband had the trout and loved it. It had a nice sauce that complimented but didn't overwhelm the dish. I had the chopino and it was terrific with just the right amount of kick.
(5)
Megan W.
Great atmosphere and great service. For dessert, try the flourless chocolate cake with alterra coffee ice cream. It's amazing!
(4)
Lara H.
Best gluten free food I have had yet!! I found this restaurant on yelp and decided to give it a try. The waiter, Justin, was great. The walnut chicken entree was excellent. I also had the Wisconsin cider which did not disappoint. Coming from a Celiac... This is a great place to go to get tasty gluten free food!
(5)
Kirk E.
The wife took me here for my birthday dinner. Happy birthday to me! This was the first time we have been to Tess after moving to Milwaukee a few months ago. It will DEFINITELY not be the last time we go there! We had the crab cake for an app. Another poster said it perfectly; it's about the size of a fat hamburger. It had great flavor and the sauce on it was a nice change for your typical crab crake. They also serve warm bread prior to the meal that we both extremely enjoyed. As for entrees, I had the home made ravioli and the wife the beef tenderloin. The ravioli was excellent. Really enjoyed the creamy cheese filling and the sausage in the sauce was a nice addition that didn't dominate the dish. I would definitely order again. The beef tenderloin was perfectly perfectly cooked. It was extremely tender and covered in an amazing "heaven sauce" is how my wife described it with mushrooms. Green beans and mashed potatoes were the perfect addition to the beef. I would have to say that Tess may be our favorite restaurant in Milwaukee!
(5)
Geoff S.
I have heard some mixed feeling about Tess, but I'm a big fan. I've had dinner here twice and it has been excellent both times. The last time was the end of November and we sat in the back part of the restaurant with about 4 or 5 other tables all seated and full. It was warm, cozy and not too noisy back there at all. My main meal was a steak with green beans and mashed potato - absolutely divine! Dessert was a vanilla creme brulee - equally as heavenly. I can't remember what our appetizer was, but it was great too! Oh and I forgot to mention the bread - superb. Their wine list is also very well stocked and the by-the-glass selection will not leave you wanting. For a great meal in a really nice little restaurant, look no further. I'm confident that you won't be disappointed with Tess.
Delicious! Best meal we've had in awhile. The pork tenderloin dish is perfect. We'll be back soon.
(5)
Kevin T.
Tess has a great patio, a nice wine list, and fresh seafood. The service can be a little slow, but I personally prefer that to the "hover method" that seems so pervasive. I like to be left alone--especially on the patio in the summertime--and won't fault Tess if my water glass sits empty for two minutes. The food is decent, but not exceptional.
(4)
Mead M.
Fish was delicious... The string found in my cole slaw was a surprise. The wait staff was unresponsive to the foreign ingredient. Cute patio.
(2)
Mj E.
Called on Monday to make 7:30 reservations for Thursday and was told that they had a big party at 7:00pm so 8:30pm or 5:00pm were my options. Reluctantly took the 8:30. Arrived at 8:15 to a packed house; ordered a drink from bar, was seated by 8:40. Since we had already had 25 minutes to peruse menu we ordered IMMEDIATELY. Our server suggested an appetizer "since the kitchen was behind". No thanks, we just wanted dinner, it was already late. At 9:00 we had been served a loaf of bread (no olive oil on our table) and water. The party of 8 next to us and the party of 6 behind us had not received their food so we knew we were in trouble. At 9:15 I asked if I could have my dessert first since it was clear we wouldn't be eating soon. No problem, had some Elvis cake which was delicious!! At 10:00 I decided enough was enough, our waiter was apologetic but hearing "I'm sorry" 10 times does not correct the problem. Asked to speak with the owner. A brunette, dressed like a waiter, (safe to assume not really the owner) came and said "all she could do was apologize" that the kitchen was overwhelmed because it was the last night of their Groupon offering. REALLY?!?! That was the BEST the person in charge could do? How about being forthcoming when we sat down and saying "hey it's going to be 90 minutes before you see any food...do you still want to order"; that would have been a start. Or how about offering a free drink or appetizer or dessert to make up for the OBSCENE wait for our meal?! Oh, and let's talk about the meal...we were likely one of the last 2 tables to be served and the scallops that we waited 90 MINUTES for (at $25 a plate) amounted to 3, YES, 3 average to small size scallops. In my disbelief, I called the waiter over to say "REALLY? for 25 dollars you serve 3 teeny scallops? Are you KIDDING me? What a debacle. What POOR, POOR service from top to bottom. This place may have been a gem once upon a time, but something is definitely wrong. Save your dollars and go eat somewhere that does not depend upon Groupons to generate business (or in this case their Groupon caused them to lose business). Downtown and East side Milwaukee have many other better choices than Tess. We will never go back and as evidenced by their lack of customer service tonight; they likely do not care.
(1)
Becky H.
Though the menu is small, everything we had here was superb. The outdoor patio they have feels very private and quiet, even though it's barely a block away from a major street, and it's got a very romantic feel on a warm summer evening. I arrived with my date on a Tuesday night, so obviously not their busiest day, but the food and service were still exemplary. The walnut-and-gorgonzola chicken is absolutely excellent, and the sweet potato mash is smooth and perfect. I was blown away by the sheer creaminess of their home-made ravioli. They also have a wonderful selection of wines. It's definitely a little bit more on the expensive side, but this is one restaurant that I feel is absolutely worth the price.
(5)
TL M.
I had been wanting to try Tess for a long time, and my sister's visit to town gave me the perfect excuse -- I wanted to take her someplace nice, but she requires a gluten-free diet. Not to worry: the menu at Tess provides many delicious gluten-free (and of course many yummy gluten-filled) options! At some restaurants, she feels like she's rolling the dice when she asks the kitchen to prepare a gluten-free meal, especially if the servers look at her quizzically and ask her what that means. Not so at Tess! From the labeling on the menu to the response from the server, and the quality of the meal itself, she ate with confidence. (For those like me who don't have to eat gluten-free meals, let me assure you that my meal was delicious as well!)
(4)
Mark M.
I have not been to Tess for some time, yet I salivate when I think about the 'homey' creative dishes. The venue is small in positive sense. In warmer times there is a patio that is wonderful to sit out and have a great meal. Also note that those with Celiac, or like myself with family members, Tess provides a wonderful bevy of gluten free options.
(5)
Babs H.
So this place was recommended by a bartender down the street, raving that they had the best food in Milwaukee. He even called them and placed an order for two of their crab cakes and told them to "take care of us". Now, not being from the area at all we didn't know what to expect, but seeing as we just stumbled down the street from a local dive it wasn't really white table cloths, romantic lighting, and Enya. Also, there was not a thing on this menu under $10! We were hoping for a quick and cheap dinner to absorb some of the alcohol already and soon to be consumed, but we had to just stick with the already ordered crab cakes because they were $14 each! Now don't get me wrong, it seemed like a nice place to take someone out on a date, the menu sounded enticing, the service was great, but it was just not what we were looking for that night!
(3)
Annie M.
I was very excited to eat out of the bread basket here because they offer gluten free bread. A majority of their dishes are gluten free but not dairy free which was disappointing. The grilled scallops were delicious. The atmosphere is inviting and feels warm and sophisticated. I love the location! The wait staff were friendly and willing to answer questions. It is pricier than I'd like but the quality is worth it. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)
Dan S.
This restaurant kind of flies under the radar, but it is worthy of real praise. Nice menu with multiple gluten free options. Thoughtful options, not just standard sans bread. Small but varied wine list. Solid spirits selection and good staff. Great place to dine at the bar.
(4)
Joe R.
This place is the Eastside's answer to.... well another really great place to eat in a casual atmosphere. Everyhtings good, so the only thing i'd recommend is one their Long Island Ice Teas!
(5)
Hanna J.
Yum! Just came back from a lovely dinner at Tess and my tummy was not disappointed. I made reservations ahead and was seated in the outdoor area with a tent type coverage and heaters. It was cozy and intimate. Apart from the food, something that stood out to me was the service. I need a no nonsense waitress that is welcoming, checks on the guests regularly and makes sure water/ drinks are being attended to. My waitress, name is slipping my mind, was phenomenal. Constantly checking on my table, refilling water without being asked and making sure the food met expectations. The food was drop dead scrumptious. I am in heaven just thinking about it now. My date ordered the fish fry and dubs it the best he has ever had. I sampled it and can concur with this. I ordered the San Francisco Cioppino. It was divine and resembled more of a seafood sampler but dressed with a marinara sauce. Even though I was stuffed from my meal, I couldn't leave Tess without ordering the flourless chocolate cake. Please, if you do anything at Tess, order this dessert. Not for the chocolate cake but for the salted caramel custard that comes a top it. I feel highly confident in my rating of Tess! It deserves well over five stars.
(5)
Mary B.
First visit to Tess tonight. Will admit we had a Groupon, so that helped in our decision making. had a crab cake for an appetizer - Awesome!!! Spinach Salad was excellent. I had ordered the special - a broiled Red Snapper. I could have swore t the server said came with sauteed asparagus, which is why I ordered it. I love Red Snapper & Asparagus. My meal came with the Red Snapper and Green Beans. Both were delicious so i didn't comment. Service was very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Fred S.
We had a very nice meal on the patio, though I think we would have preferred sitting indoors. It seemed to have a nicer ambiance. The service was excellent. The food was very good, as was the beverage selection.
(4)
Brandi C.
We took a short drive up from Chicago for an overnight stay, so I purchased a deal from Travelzoo for Tess. And I'm SOOOOO glad that I did. Every bite was deeeelish and they had a very good wine selection. The sweet and smokey flat bread was yummy and absolutely my favorite dish. The calamari was surprisingly good. And the scallops were also very good. I also appreciate the waitstaff being very knowledgeable about their wine and menu. Next time we visit, I'll certainly be stopping by!
(4)
Harima S.
Good stuff! I had never been to Tess and was looking for something different for my date and I to experience (so tired of chain restaurants). Tess did not disappoint. The waiter, gosh I wish I could remember his name, was very attentive and knowledgeable with everything on the menu. I like the setup in that it is quaint, with white linens but not uber fancy smansy. Food was great on flavor and prepared appropriately. I'm not a fan of everyone's clam chowder but their's was AWESOME! As soon as we left I started telling my friends about how they should give this hidden gem a shot. I definitely will be back!
(4)
Michael H.
This place is off the beaten path, but worth it! Had some of the most delicious scallops I've ever had here the other night. Great service, cute location, and an amazing back garden/patio area for nice summer nights. I love this place!
(5)
Kelly R.
I really enjoy this cozy, homey, delicious dining spot tucked away on the East Side. I've visited once of my own volition and once to use a Groupon deal - both experiences were equally lovely. The restaurant is quiet with a warm ambiance from candlelight in the evening - great for chatting with a date or a friend. Every item I've tried here has been solid - standouts for me include the steamed mussels (with some AMAZING warm bread) and a special crab cake croquette that was served on Fat Tuesday. The menu seems to lean toward seafood but has a decent variety of other options, as well. Nice service, good wine list, tasty food - I'm definitely a fan. I hear they have a great patio in the summer, too! Looking forward to my return.
Tess, How I do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Tucked away in a pleasant residential neighborhood on the east side of the river, we chatted the night away without a care in the world! Till we meet again...
All the years that I lived in Milwaukee and I didn't hear of this place until I moved away. We were here recently, and it was such a great surprising visit. I didn't really expect anything because I had never heard of this place. We were wowed. The intimate setting made for a great experience. The food was divine. I will definitely be coming back! (the pear tart is to die for!)
(4)
Lesley W.
I finally tried Tess for the first time a few weeks back and was super excited to find a unique Friday fish fry. All the traditional elements of a Milwaukee fish fry were there -- the fish, the coleslaw, the potato side (usually fries or a pancake), the rye bread. But Tess put a unique spin on just about every element. The fish fry was really good -- a tight crumb on the breading and perfectly cooked. Most importantly, not too greasy. The sweet potato fries, aioli and asian slaw were nice spins on the usually accompaniments. And price was comparable to what I've paid at other fish fries -- with out the nice presentation or atmosphere. The service was great. I ordered an unusual beer -- a stout with a cherry overtone -- and the waitress was kind enough to bring me a sample just to make sure I liked it before she put in my order, which I really appreciated because it was definitely not a beer for everyone. Good experience. I look forward to going back and trying some of their other dishes.
(4)
Ronny D.
Accommodated a wedding rehearsal dinner for 40 very well. Friendly service, good food, great selection of beers and whiskey. I just wish the portions were a little bigger.
(4)
Anna P.
Went to this first place for my 23rd birthday dinner with my parents. According to the waiter it has been around for about 10 years but no one in my family has heard of it. However, it is a great find! Located in a neighborhood, the building is a reno-ed house & it's a very comfortable and quaint atmosphere. Great music, easy converse, and warm. Full bar to sit at if you're waiting for a table. Fresh and flavorful food, good wine choices, and they included a candle for my dessert cake! I would recommend this place to a friend and would go again. Cheers!
(4)
Kelsey P.
I've tried making a reservation here a few times in the past on a Saturday and have always been told they have nothing open so when I finally scored a table, I was pretty excited. We walked in at 7 and I'd say the place was maybe half full. It stayed that way the entire time we were there. Maybe a slow weekend for them? We started with the mussels for an appetizer. They were the perfect complement for the warm crusty bread they brought out when we were first seated. For an appetizer, it's a huge portion and we enjoyed every bit of it. For dinner, I ordered the cioppino and the man got the beef tenderloin (of course). My entree was delightful. Lots of seafood and they clearly put a lot of time into the sauce. My one critique is that the mini shrimp they put in the sauce were quickly wayyyy overcooked because the sauce was so hot. They were almost crispy by the time I got to them. I stole a bite of the tenderloin and it was cook perfectly. Melt in your mouth tender. Food - 5 stars. Service: 3 stars. It took at least 10 minutes for our waitress to show up even though another server brought us water right away. After we got our food, she disappeared again for the length of the meal. When we finished out dinner, we sat there with empty plates for a good 10 minutes until another server cleared our plates when she noticed us sitting there. While I appreciate the team effort when it comes to the service here, I'm not sure where the server could disappear for so long when the restaurant has maybe 15 tables? Ambiance definitely is a bit on the stuffy side. There were a few younger couples there but a mostly older professional crowd. The food was outstanding but not sure I'd return because there are so many other places in Milwaukee where I can get great food AND service with a better ambiance.
(4)
Rick R.
I finally made it in to visit Tess thanks to a Groupon. The place was full on a Tuesday night. Luckily I found a spot at the bar, so I didn't have to wait for a table. I started with the shrimp ceviche and plantain chips. The chips were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and they had a light and crisp texture. The ceviche was made with a tomato sauce and was much sweeter than I expected, but I still enjoyed the fresh flavors. The ceviche came out quickly but I waited around 45 minutes before the entree came out. Yikes! The Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin was inconsistently prepared which surprised me. I ordered it medium. One end of the tenderloin was cut a little thinner than the opposite end. As a result, the thinner side was cooked to medium well and a bit dry. The thicker side was cooked medium and had the tender and juicy texture I was looking for. I don't blame the cook. I blame the butcher for cutting an uneven piece of meat causing the different results. The flavor of the red wine sauce was solid and I loved the mashed potatoes. For dessert, I ordered the Elvis Cake. Three layers of banana cake surrounded by peanut butter frosting and topped with a warm chocolate ganache and crispy bits of bacon. Yes, this was very good. The cake wasn't super moist but moist enough. I didn't taste the bacon flavor in the bits but it didn't matter. The chocolate, banana, and peanut butter flavors provided the party in my mouth that I expected. For a busy night, the kitchen did a good job with execution. My experience was solid and worthy of a future visit for appetizers and maybe an entree, which seem to be heavy on seafood options. I would like to see more meat options to get me excited about going back sooner than later.
(4)
Craig A.
We've been meaning to go to Tess for a long time and finally had a chance to go tonight. The highlight was the garbanzo bean bisque soup that was quite good. Unfortunately, our entrees took an hour to arrive, so be prepared to wait. (We wish our server would have let us know about this!) My salmon entree was okay, but the wild shrimp entree for our second diner came out cold. The tenderloin steak entree was a bit small for our other diner who said it is usually larger at other east side restaurants. But, he was really hungry and has a healthy appetite :) Tess is a nice, intimate restaurant on the east side, but I'm not sure we'll be back due to the wait on our entrees. We have some better choices (Sala da Pranzo, Cafe Hollander) on the east side.
(3)
Jeff Y.
We came to this restaurant as a result of a groupon deal but I must say I would come back again even sans deal. The service and food was excellent. The presentation, mixture of seasonal ingredients, freshness of the food, and the outdoor seating was perfect. This place is great for casual dinners, dates, etc. Excellent seafood options and my wife and I were going out for just that. The inside decore seems a bit cold but the food more than makes up for it. The location is in a neighborhood on the east side of MKE and the area is pretty safe to walk through. The outside facade is very low key.
(4)
Sara F.
Had been wanting to try this place forever. Had a City Tin about to expire so tonight was the night. Got there around 7 without a reso so decided to eat and enjoy cocktails at the bar. The bartenders were really friendly and the bar was stocked with choice Bottles. I got the Huck Fin because I hadn't indulged in 44 North in awhile. My boyfriend was impressed by their tequila selection. The bartender even let him try a sip of some top shelf stuff he'd ask about free of charge. We weren't too hungry so we each got the Red potato soup and shared the goat cheese gratin. Everything was wonderful. Will def. go back with a bigger appetite next time.
(4)
Kenneth M.
I live within walking distance and always meant to make it there but never did. Finally made it there and am a little peeved at myself for waiting that long. Service was excellent, seated right away. Waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. Food was solid all around. Yes there was an item or two that we did not love; but that was purely a matter of taste/preference and nothing to do with their preparation or presentation. Will definitely be back around. As soon as it is warmer we will finally walk our lazy selves over there to get fat & happy.
(4)
Sarah -.
GLUTEN-FREE in MILWAUKEE @ TESS -majority of the menu is naturally gluten-free -gluten-free beer and cider options (and extensive wine and drink list) -you get a GF bread basket! -kitchen staff is knowledgeable about cross contamination *One of my favorite places in Milwaukee, even before going gluten-free! You know a restaurant is good when you can keep eating almost everything there, even after being diagnosed with celiac disease. The chef goes out of her way to cater to you -- including making fried calamari in a pan (instead of the fryer, where other breaded items go) and other accommodations to feed me safely. A hidden gem on the eastside. Grab a seat on the patio if you can!
(5)
Bradbury P.
Oh, Tess. What a disappointment this place was. We went for a Valentine's day dinner after me wanting to check Tess out for quite some time. Did a full three course meal, got some wine & spirits. The waitstaff awkwardly lingered after we gave our orders, which made both my boyfriend and me feel a little strange. For the first course, we got mussels and a crab cake. The mussels were tasty and had a nice bit of heat, but were served without so much as perfunctory crostini. We asked for extra bread. The crab cake was decent but smothered in remoulade. Second course salads were tasty, but his salad was iceberg lettuce dressed with something that made it look oxidized and rather unappealable. My salad was door county cherries and arugula, which was definitely tasty. Last course was by far the most disappointing. I had grilled rainbow trout, which was fairly bland for trout, and slightly overdone. It was served with an assortment of sides that didn't seem to have any cohesion, including a chèvre potato cake which was far too heavy for the dish and didn't really seem to go well with the rest of it. My boyfriend got the wild shrimp, which overall were good, but definitely overdone. To upset matters more, the last shrimp he had was BAD, which just got us an "oh...I'm sorry" from the waiter. Won't be going back, quite a letdown after wanting to try Tess for months.
(2)
Michael S.
Looking for a date spot? This hidden east side gem is amazing. They pride themselves on delicious dishes and gluten free options. The owner Mitchell is one of the nicest guys you will meet and takes great pride in his restaurant and it shows. Good wine list also. Go to Tess!!!
(5)
Tania N.
Went for Dinner in a Saturday night. The food was very good as well as the waitstaff. I would eat there again but probably in the summer. Four stars for the damp, musty smell in the bar area. Down to three stars because we had a dinner reservation and our table wasn't ready. To make matters worse there was no where to sit at the bar (at a glance seats perhaps 10-12). We stood for about 5 mins, then found a seat at the bar and ordered drinks. We received our drinks promptly, but still waited for our table for another 10-15 mins. The Good: Great good, great service, intimate setting. The Bad: The bar smells...musty, bad and at one point like boiled eggs. The Yuke Log on the TV is cheesy. They failed to meet our reservation.
(3)
Sirius L.
Had a great time - lovely menu, very tasty food, server was so nice and accommodated our late dining, did not feel rushed at all tho we tried to hurry so we didn't hold them up for the night. Very happy and will most definitely return!
(5)
Mike C.
To you, my dear friends, this must I confess... for fine food and drink you should go to Tess. The draught beers are local served foamy and fine they've even got two that are brewed in Pembine! To start our nice meal we shared a light app Lumpia it was mmm, pork fried in a wrap! Then came a salad spinach and crisp bacon I devoured it whole. Did I mention the bacon? I went with the special To end the day's famine potatoes with crab aside roasted salmon. Delicious it was recommended quite highly I left stuffed and happy and really quite smiley. So friends let me say, this is not in jest if you'd like to eat well like STAT, go to Tess!
(5)
Wayne C.
I ran into a guy at a hotel bar (I know, this sounds like a joke) and we got to talking about "real foodie" restaurants in the Milwaukee area. Well, low-and-behold - his friend happens to own Tess. With an endorsement like that - I had to go. Let me tell you - this place does not disappoint. The atmosphere is really "midwest" (sorry if that sounds offensive - I mean no disrespect), as it inhabits an old corner bar in a rather nondescript neighborhood. The menu and range of wine/beer and cocktail selections is outstanding - although I would really prefer a better selection of red pours. The food is really unique - with a nice mix of pan-Asian, nuevo-Americana and a smattering of midwest comfort. I had the pork cutlets. The starch accompaniment was GF gnocchi (wow - nice! A little dry - but very nicely paired with the pork and the mole). Speaking of mole - the sauce was a mole, prepared with a slight Asian flavor palette. The one criticism I have - the heavy handedness that went into garnishing the pork, there was just too much sauce. It actually overwhelmed the flavor of the meat and distracted me from the meal. I was not, however, distracted to enjoy the meal and overall experience! When I am back in Milwaukee I will go back to Tess.
(4)
Allyson U.
I lived on the eastside only a few blocks from Tess for 4 years and did not even know this place existed, what a great hidden gem. The place is small and quaint, I would say better for smaller groups than large ones. We went on Friday night at around 9pm, without a reservation and the wait for 45 min so we sat at the bar instead, and I'm glad we did. The bartender serving us, Tyler, was fantastic. He was polite and funny without being unprofessional. Unfortunately his shift was over before we left, so the owner took over the bar. It was nice seeing an owner actually serving and do some work behind the bar, he was very nice as well. The food was amazing! We got the mussels to start- we had to ask for more bread to soak up the broth with, so yummy. I ordered the scallops, which were cooked perfectly. My boyfriend got the beef tenderloin which was also perfectly cooked and had the most amazing sauce. For dessert the owner recommended the butterscotch budino- this was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. They put salt on top of the dessert that brings it to perfection. I would definitely come back just to order this again. I think with a few more visits Tess will become one of my 5-star places.
(4)
Megan S.
Great atmosphere and excellent food. Our waitress was newer but recommended some great options. They have a good happy hour, so if you go early it is definitely a plus! Our food was a little pricy but was worth it and would definitely go back again. Good date night place.
(5)
Mike D.
Snooty. I went to Tess with my girlfriend for drinks and appetizers. I was excited because they had Lumpia which I hadn't had since I lived in Cuba which is highly populated by Filipinos. Though edible, the lumpia was overly greasy and lacked veggies which were present in the traditional Lumpia I had. We also had Crab Cake which paled in comparison to the $1 Crab cakes that I normally buy at the store, and was over saturated with sauces. On the bright side, the bread was good and the salad dressing was tasty. We got a half bottle of Cabernet wine which though unremarkable was fine. As for the service, our waitress felt very cold and sterile. She also made no attempt to smile which made us feel uncomfortable. Underwhelming food for overwhelming prices. If you want better food, better atmosphere and better prices I'd suggest Tochi in Shorewood.
(2)
Kelly B.
After many a night poutine-ing myself at Red Dot across the street and longingly gazing at the cute bistro across the street, the food gods provided me with an undeniable reason to go - a groupon. I made a reservation on Friday and finally ventured inside. We were seated right away. The scenery in the front of the restaurant was a little disjointed, and the tables were very close (intimate I spose). We were watered right away which was nice. I asked for wine recommendations, and he did not just suggest the most expensive ones! We were happy with our selection. The complimentary bread they serve was PHENOMENAL. It was hot and soft and yeasty and delicious. I was shocked when he said they didn't make it in house. I wish there had been parmesan on the table as well as OO and pepper, but it didn't need anything else. We started with the Samosas. I definitely could have gone without them. The description made them seem like the peas and carrots and potatoes were chunky in a curry sauce and some cucumber yogurt on the side, but really there were 5 won-ton wrapped things. It was sort of off-putting and flat in my opinion. My companion ordered the scallop dish. She said the rice wasn't very good, but that the scallops were cooked to perfection. For $25.00 it was nice to see more than three on the plate. I got the homemade ravioli. It came covered in a homemade tomato sauce, which was great. The raviolis themselves were also homemade, they were huge! The pasta was so fresh that it melted in my mouth. The only thing I didn't care for in this dish was the filling - it tasted and had the consistency of cream cheese. Maybe if I liked cream cheese it wouldn't have bothered me, but I hate cream cheese. Our server was great - he was attentive without being annoying, and very knowledgeable. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Kelsey S.
I definitely have a food crush on Tess. Having seen such great reviews, we opted to celebrate our anniversary with dinner here. Despite it being a Tuesday, we figured we'd make a reservation - and we're so glad we did because its 15ish tables filled up quickly. We started with the steamed mussels (awesome), followed with the beef tenderloin (more awesome), and finished with the butterscotch budino (still awesome). Seriously, everything was so good. And the bread! Complimentary, but worth ordering even if it wasn't. It's such an intimate little space that the staff does an excellent job tending to each table and making you feel welcome. This is a great space for date nights, connecting with a friend, or informal business meetings -- we seemed to see each of these things happening while we were there. The total came to around $82 for the above dishes and two sodas, which seemed reasonable for the quality of food and experience. Highly recommended.
(5)
Janet T.
Fabulous experience at Tess. We sat out on the patio, so I can't speak for the interior dining atmosphere, but the patio was inviting, charming and perfect for a warm evening. Services was exceptional, very attentive, but not annoying. All four of us enjoyed the fish fry specials and the clam chowder (delish!). We will be back.
(4)
Casey C.
I give it 4/5 only because I didn't give myself the full experience. Excellent range of micro brews on tap.. The menu is creative and seasonal. One page. Not overwhelming. With only like 10 tables it is a very intimate setting. The grilled salmon was good but not exceptional. I will be going back for something a little more adventurous. A real Milwaukee gem!
(4)
Chad C.
I feel kinda bad because the service was some of the best I've ever experienced. We walked in, told them our name and were seated immediately. Then we had one of the best waiters I've ever had up until the end of the meal where it got a little slow to get the check... but the food just didn't deliver here. The appetizers were good enough - we tried the crab cake and lumpia - a type of spring roll they serve here. Both were decent, and if the main entrees were an improvement upon them I would've considered giving this place another shot in the future. Unfortunately, they weren't. I got the fish fry and the 3 pieces of lake perch I received were TINY. And THIN. No flaky delicious white fish... just breading. I am not a big fried food fan and this is why... there was no substance to this fish at all. The most disappointing piece of fish I've probably ever eaten. The side-slaw and fries were not very good either, so I really have nothing positive to say about my entree. My girlfriend felt the same about her Tilapia... and at $21 that is an expensive mistake. Didn't even entertain the thought of dessert because there was nothing up to that point that gave me any indication that it'd be any good. Very disappointing. Like I said, really nice place and people - but the food was not good at all... especially considering the $75ish dollars we spend on it. Did we catch them on a bad night? Maybe... but I can't afford to find out.
(2)
Puja B.
We had a groupon for this place and so we gave it a try! I was actually impressed. We started off with the pepper glaze goat cheese gratin. It was like cheese dip with pita chips on the side. It was a bit on the heavier side and it was okay. I got the wild caught shrimp which I really enjoyed but could use more sauce a flavor. My boyfriend got the red sorghum pesto which was a bit chewy but it was good and flavorful. The dessert was amazing! you have to try the flourless chocolate cake! The ice cream has bits of coffee beans in it that make it delicious!
(4)
Sarah W.
One of the best meals I have ever had! Wonderful ambiance great service just a great dining experience all together. I highly recommend it. The fish was excellent especially the crab cakes starter. I really enjoyed the walnut Gorgonzola chicken as well. Definitely a great place for a date, or just a nice evening out.
Great experience at Tess. We called ahead for a reservation and were told they couldn't fit us in until 7:45. When we arrived, 75% of tables were empty. I found this very confusing. The outside patio area looks like the best place to be. It was very cool, like an urban get away. They have a little garden and a brick wall enclosing the patio. Our server was very friendly but not overbearing. I ordered a fish fish made in parchment paper. When it arrived, the texture was very odd. I mentioned this to the server and he insisted on correcting it and asked me if I would like something else. I ordered the blackened tilapia. Delicious fish. Some of the best I've had in the Midwest. Nice green beans too. We also shared a flourless chocolate cake with caramel ice cream from Purple Door. Wow. Try it. They offer one vegetarian option and most their dishes are gluten free. A small menu but overall very nice. Higher end for sure. Good place for a fancy date, semi-casual environment (don't wear ripped jeans, and you'd be comfortable in a suit but not uncomfortable in nice jeans)
(5)
K E.
Great find! We came because of a groupon deal but definitely plan to come again. We were able to sit on the enclosed heated patio, which was nice this time of year. The presentation of food was beautiful, and the food was unique and delicious. Looking forward to coming back!
(5)
Jennifer A.
I've enjoyed the food of Tess at events like the Best of Milwaukee Beer Dinner series, however I had not had the opportunity to dine in for something "normal". I decided to venture out on a dark and rainy October evening and it brightened things up. There were only a few other diners, thanks to the gloomy weather, however it made for a cozy dining experience on the heated outdoor patio listening to the sound of the rain. The meal started with one of the best glasses of Pinot Noir ($9) I've had out in a long time. I am still kicking myself for not writing down the name of the winery, but I will update once I find out the information I seek! In any case, it smelled almost more wonderful than it tasted. The last sip was almost like sweet cigar smoke (in a good way)...but onto the food. First off, the bread. At first I was a little put off that butter was not offered with the bread. I then noticed the olive oil and calmed down a bit. The bread itself was baked to perfection with a crispy cracked outer layer and soft on the inside, presumably right out of the oven. The olive oil was also some of the best I've had. It was rich and buttery with an infusion of garlic and rosemary. My meal arrived and I was pleased again. I chose the special of the night - pork tenderloin, served medium, with blue corn gnocchi, mole sauce and seasonal vegetables ($25). It was the last portion left that night, but it was not dried out. The sauce may have been on the precipice of overcooking but everything else on the plate really distracted me too much to be concerned - especially the blue corn gnocchi. I was also happy that the vegetables were cut into pasta shapes, allowing me to twirl my zucchini around my fork. (The other half of my entree also made a fantastic dinner the following day.) There was a little confusion over the final total when using a City Tins dining coupon but the server did correct the issue and provided the correct change before we left. Aside from that, the service was average at best. I also was surprised that I could not find a website. Facebook is a good backup but I often direct people to menus online for business and that site is not easily accessed at work or in some cases, blocked. It makes it harder to share, and I really would like to. The food certainly elevated the experience. If Tess can match the service to the level their wine list and menu are it, they would knock it out of the park. I'm really rooting for them too...
(4)
Jamie Z.
Wife and I had dinner here last month. We have been wanting to try this place for a long time and I have to say it was well worth the wait. She is gluten free and I am a beer snob so we were both in our element. I would say 75% of the entree choices were gluten free. And the beer list is one of the best in town. Clearly some thought went into creating these selections. It is more about the quality than the quantity of beer choices. We both had a salad to start and they were both excellent. My wife had the tenderloin and she said the garlic mashed potatoes were some of the best she ever had. I had the scallops and they were very good. If I had a knock against the dish it was the couscous that came with it. But it would be a minor complaint. Too full for dessert unless you consider my 2nd beer dessert (I do is I am a one beer kind of guy). Very much looking forward to coming back.
(4)
Diana D.
This is a charming little place and I've never had a bad experience here. They also turned me onto my new favorite wine! I absolutely recommend the Sole if they have it, but you really can't go wrong and the menu is very creative. Very quaint very quiet very friendly I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Maureen F.
Oh Tess. Tess Tess Tess. You lovely lovely restaurant. Tess, you are just so good to me. (End dramatics) I had a powerhouse of a meal here recently. It is just a delightful spot nestled in the heart of the East Side. Tess is so nondescript that one might pass right by if they did not know what they were looking for. Upon entering, you really feel as though you have stepped into an entirely new environment. Intimate. Cozy. Just delightful. I felt like I was back in the West Village of Manhattan. We waited for a few moments to get our table but the bartender was so kind to let us sample a few of their special beers on tap. Upon being seated, my friend and I shared a delicious crab cake while sipping on Old Fashioned cocktails as we selected our dinner entrees. I enjoyed the Gorgonzola Walnut Chicken. (grilled chicken breast, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, sweet potato puree, sauteed vegetables, balsamic reduction.) The sweet potato puree was just divine. My friend had the Grilled Salmon with green pea horseradish cream sauce, demi sec tomatoes, mashed potato, and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. We were both deliriously happy with our choices. I definitely will go back to Tess. The clientele skewed a bit older when I was there. It was a nice change from the upper 20 something yuppie ville environments that I usually find myself in.
(5)
Maria S.
I like this place, I like it a lot! I highly suggest it in fact! Good Service Warm crispy bread with an amazing soft center Best beef tenderloin I have EVER, EVER had, perfect flavoring with the truffle oil Decent wine list with good pricing Innovative specials (basil ice cream caprese the night I visited) Great seafood and quality seafood selection Cute backyard patio
(4)
Stephanie L.
I added Tess to my list of stops for mussels. I knew they were on the menu, so I had to give them a whirl. They were nicely done, and I would at least carry them in my top 10. Their chipotle broth is one that I rank higher than most, because it adds a nice smoky element to the dish. However, besides a tasty go 'round with the mollusks, I did not find service to be that complimentary. The bartender who waited on us was very indifferent. It was nice that we were able to dine there without a reservation, but I felt as though we were putting him out. I like my mussels with a side of manners, and the latter was seriously lacking.
I had one of the top 5 best meals of my life here. No joke. Tess is an intimate (veeerrry intimate - about 20 tables total) restaurant snuggled into an East Side residential neighborhood. When we called to make reservations, we were told there were two time slots open (called on Weds for Fri rez): 5:15 and 8pm. Wow! So we came with pretty high expectations...and were not disappointed in the least. We were greeted by a friendly hostess who led us a to a table that shared a comfortable bench seating among 2 other tables. The place was immaculately clean; linens starched, glassware sparkling...yet none of it seemed pretentious or overdone. Our waitress was a very pleasant woman with a delightful accent that we couldn't quite place...she was attentive without being overbearing and gave us wonderful suggestions. Then she brought out the BEST BREAD - it was warm when it arrived, with a perfect hearty crust and soft yeasty inside. Paired with their whipped butter = divine. We tried the corn gnocchi as a starter - delicious! Main courses were the Friday Fish Fry, which my partner said was as tasty as it was pleasing to the eye...and it's not an easy feat to get creative with fish fry and not lose the heart and flavor of the meal. I had paella with shrimp and mussels. Although I would have preferred a bit larger prawn (these were cocktail-sized), the fish and grain were both cooked PERFECTLY. The flavor was unreal. Everything was exceedingly fresh. We were too full to enjoy dessert and coffee after dinner, but decided to take home with us the Elvis PB cake and the flourless chocolate cake. Our waitress also packed the desserts with care and included all the toppings: ganache, ice cream, the candied bacon...(yes, you read that right - for the Elvis cake, of course!). When we finally got over the "too full" hump and tried them, they were both outstanding. End to end a perfect meal, and I use that word sparingly. We will most definitely return. They set the standard of how slow food dining should be done in Milwaukee and all other restaurants should take note and learn something from them. Until next time, Tess...thanks for the memory!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
J W.
Drinks were very good. Bartender very friendly. Food was good. I think I ordered the wrong thing, but everyone else's was good. The one thing I can't help noticing is there is a bit of a 'basement' smell when you first go in. You get used to it, but strong upon entry.
(4)Bill H.
One of our favorites for summer. It has a beautiful patio in the heart of this east side neighborhood. The inside is somewhat small, so reservations would be a good idea. Always a great meal every time we've been there. The have a wonderful menu and have several options for people with dietary issues. The Tess salad is so simple and wonderful. I've had the tenderloin, salmon and seafood cioppino on recent visits and they were all delicious
(5)Ellie B.
I really liked my first experience at Tess. We made a reservation for our party of 4 and the hostess gave us our choice of dining areas. Their patio was open but it was a little chilly so we decided to dine in the enclosed patio that had a heater. We ordered drinks and they brought us bread right away. I highly recommend their homemade ravioli - it was some of the best I've ever had. Everybody also enjoyed the pork spring rolls and bison tostadas for appetizers. I'm a huge fan of butterscotch so when I saw that dessert on the menu, I knew I couldn't resist. The service was great and I'll be back again, most likely to order the same exact things!
(4)Austin H.
The Dried Cherry Rocket Salad at Tess was one of the best salads I've ever had. It has a relaxing and cozy atmosphere, great for a date or small group. Tess seems to attract an older crowd, probably because of the wine bar. Still a great spot to eat.
(4)B H.
Pretty good food, and of course the patio is always fantastic. The inside space is cramped, so if you get a particularly chatty group beside you, your dinner conversation may be impacted. Lots of choices for various food eaters, which is very nice. A bit expensive, but plenty of food and fantastic service! I really do crave the lavender creme brulee....but alas it's only available in the summer
(4)Toni D.
Wonderful service, time constraint and served perfectly. Unique decor. Wine and beer menu. Food selection was awesome. 3 course plus dessert options. Crab cake was delicious, tenderloin with mushrooms, mashed potatoes and green beans. Heavily salted sauce but the beef was done to perfect temp. Paella was tasty and a large portion. Few people in the dining room to judge noise but I could hear conversations fairly well.
(4)John W.
Last minute decision to have dinner at Tess was well rewarded. Did not have reservation, so sat at the bar. Glad to see they were busy and now we know why. The service was friendly and efficient. Great draught beer selection. The soup, salad and red fish special were all outstanding. Fantastic gluten free menu. We will be back and tell our friends!
(5)Kathy G.
We went to Tess for a Bell's Beer dinner where the menu was paired with the beer. It was fantastic. The chef took care to ensure each of the 5 courses was special and reflected the each of the beers. After that experience, we had to go back so we could choose off the menu. The menu does change regularly because the chef uses local fresh ingredients based on their availability. I ordered the tortilla encrusted chicken breast and it was fabulous. The wait staff was friendly and accomodating and the outdoor patio is one of the best. I just love this place.
(5)Bryan P.
Beef tenderloins is amazing. Get flour less cake for desert.
(5)Jessica P.
I have been meaning to review Tess for a while... Hands down some of the best gluten free food I have had (from across the nation)!!! The food was amazing, the servers were nice and accommodating and, did I mention how good the food was? Long story short for those who are gluten free or those who are gluten-eating, Tess is amazing and I can't wait to treat my palate to another of her dishes!
(5)a w.
I love love love this place! I came here for brunch when it first opened and just went back while visiting last weekend. The place looks like the first floor of a duplex and can feel cramped but I think that's half the appeal! It seems like it's tried to upscale itself a bit in the bar area but I don't think it's even necessary...why pretend you're something you're not. The food and the service was excellent! I would go back again and again if I didn't live 1,000 miles away!
(5)Balki B.
The place is tiny, but lovely inside and has a nice patio. Very off the path, and easy to miss. I actually liked it more when it was the Corner Grill, but maybe changing the name to something trendy let them raise the prices a little. Still, another romantic favorite of mine.
(5)Michelle F.
We visited because of Yelp reviews. We had early dinner reservations on a recent warm Saturday night, which may explain the range of attire that included tweed jackets, sweater vests, dresses, and nice jeans. The kitchen has two entrances - the one closer to the bar sounded like a paper bag popping. I actually thought the bar was opening a lot of Champagne. We were seated near the other kitchen entrance. If you can avoid sitting near either kitchen entrance, then do. We enjoyed samosas, a seasonal rocket salad, cioppino, ravioli, creme brulee, and butterscotch budino (pudding). The menu has a smattering of different and delicious international fares. The ravioli was some of the best I've ever had. The pasta was light and thin. The filling was neither heavy nor overstuffed. The sauce was not tangy or heavy. We overheard guests at other tables asking about and ordering gluten-free options. The restaurant is tucked in a neighborhood, but we had no troubles finding street parking.
(4)B Nicole O.
I was absolutely dumbfounded when I received a snarky response from Tess regarding a groupon review I gave them. Basically what it said was that the staff was a bit snotty, the decor was subpar and the food was not bad, but not the best I have ever had. Rather than leaving it alone, or writing a response that they were sorry for our experience and hoped we'd come back to try them again, I received a very rude reply, basically telling me to eff off, I am wrong, and they don't care what I think because they know they're great. Can anyone tell me whatever happened to customer service?? Had I not gotten a reply, or had gotten an apologetic one, I may have given this place another chance sometime. Now? No way. And I will be sure to tell everyone I know exactly why. RUDE and no idea of what customer service is all about.
(2)Jon A.
Ate here earlier in the summer and still vividly remember the mediocre food and service and how painfully underwhelmed I was. We sat out on their back patio in the late afternoon, which was very quaint and peaceful. That, however, was the only thing that was overly positive. Quite frankly, for the menu prices, I had expected a little more out of the food and service. The menu is priced in the same range as places like Roots or Crazy Water. I had the mussels, which were the best part of the meal. I also had a strip steak that was not very good. It was soggy, flavorless and seemed like it was a re-fire of something that had been cooked the night before. I couldn't even finish it. There wasn't even the slightest attempt at any sort of presentation in the food. It just came out to you splat on the plate. As for the service, it was adequate at best. Our server came to our table only to take orders and give us the check. She was around, but not quite focusing on anything or any tables in particular. I came here because of rave reviews from friends, but don't see myself coming back, at least for dinner. Maybe some apps, but that would be all. Based on the other reviews, I'm going to chalk it up as an off night for them, but they seriously need to do something to stand out more.
(2)Stan H.
I noticed I only write reviews for restaurants I hate so I thought it was time to balance things. Maybe I'm afraid I'll jinx things. I love Tess. This is my favorite hidden gem in Milwaukee. Great staff, great atmosphere and a seasonal menu keeps things interesting on every visit. The backyard patio is great in the summer.
(5)Colin C.
We went to dinner early, around 5 pm and got seated right away. It was recommended by a friend and we loved it! Got a bit noisy, but the wait staff was very kind. Definitely returning next time we're in town!
(5)Dave G.
We celebrated a wonderful evening with a visit to Tess and what a treat it was! The place is cute and charming. The food was delightful and the presentation was gorgeous. My husband had the trout and loved it. It had a nice sauce that complimented but didn't overwhelm the dish. I had the chopino and it was terrific with just the right amount of kick.
(5)Megan W.
Great atmosphere and great service. For dessert, try the flourless chocolate cake with alterra coffee ice cream. It's amazing!
(4)Lara H.
Best gluten free food I have had yet!! I found this restaurant on yelp and decided to give it a try. The waiter, Justin, was great. The walnut chicken entree was excellent. I also had the Wisconsin cider which did not disappoint. Coming from a Celiac... This is a great place to go to get tasty gluten free food!
(5)Kirk E.
The wife took me here for my birthday dinner. Happy birthday to me! This was the first time we have been to Tess after moving to Milwaukee a few months ago. It will DEFINITELY not be the last time we go there! We had the crab cake for an app. Another poster said it perfectly; it's about the size of a fat hamburger. It had great flavor and the sauce on it was a nice change for your typical crab crake. They also serve warm bread prior to the meal that we both extremely enjoyed. As for entrees, I had the home made ravioli and the wife the beef tenderloin. The ravioli was excellent. Really enjoyed the creamy cheese filling and the sausage in the sauce was a nice addition that didn't dominate the dish. I would definitely order again. The beef tenderloin was perfectly perfectly cooked. It was extremely tender and covered in an amazing "heaven sauce" is how my wife described it with mushrooms. Green beans and mashed potatoes were the perfect addition to the beef. I would have to say that Tess may be our favorite restaurant in Milwaukee!
(5)Geoff S.
I have heard some mixed feeling about Tess, but I'm a big fan. I've had dinner here twice and it has been excellent both times. The last time was the end of November and we sat in the back part of the restaurant with about 4 or 5 other tables all seated and full. It was warm, cozy and not too noisy back there at all. My main meal was a steak with green beans and mashed potato - absolutely divine! Dessert was a vanilla creme brulee - equally as heavenly. I can't remember what our appetizer was, but it was great too! Oh and I forgot to mention the bread - superb. Their wine list is also very well stocked and the by-the-glass selection will not leave you wanting. For a great meal in a really nice little restaurant, look no further. I'm confident that you won't be disappointed with Tess.
(5)Marshall S.
I have been here twice, once in the summer and once in the winter. Definitely better to visit in the summer so that you can sit on their great patio. Small place, so make reservations. Both times the food was excellent. They have an extensive wine list and offer 1/2 bottles, which are great if you don't want as much. Large portions for the price with fresh ingredients. The sides with the entrees change with what is in season, so the menu always changes a little. Appetizers (First and Second Course): We've tried the crab cakes, squash ravioli, and fig salad. Crab cake was very large, and I've had better, but it was pretty good. Squash ravioli was excellent. Very light, perfect blend of sweet in the squash and salt from the butter and light amount of cheese. Fig salad was also excellent. Entrees: . Sea scallops were done to perfection. Excellent forbidden rice on the side. Short ribs had a great flavor that was perfectly complimented by the wasabi mashed potatoes. Ravioli was a classic cheese-filled, and delicious. Desserts: Their molten chocolate cake is amazing. Large portion that is great for sharing. Ours wasn't quite heated enough and wasn't molten in the middle, but still good. The best part is the homemade salted caramel custard. Compliments the cake, but even better by itself. It has a perfect amount of salt, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. They have quite a selection of desserts, with a different creme brûlée each week, so always something new.
(5)Kyna Z.
Tess - the restaurant that inspired my love for crab cakes! Who knew that you could teach a native New Englander about seafood in the Midwest? Tess is a small place, good for dates, and I would recommend getting reservations during peak hours. The food comes neatly presented, in good portions, and is, of course, delicious. We've been twice, getting Crab Cakes both times! (Love the little flag of potato, excuse me, the Idaho Window Pane Chip, that adorns the crab cake.) Other dishes we've tried included the Strawberry Rocket Salad (arugala, candied walnuts, bleu cheese, vinaigrette, and the namesake strawberries), San Francisco Cioppino (salmon, scallops, and shrimp in pasta with marinara sauce), Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin (truffled mushroom trio with a red wine sauce, sautéed green beans, and mashed potato), and their grilled salmon (with horseradish cream sauce, demi sec tomatoes, mashed potato, and sautéed shiitake mushrooms.) All these dishes have been a delight to try, though in the future I think I will stay away from the salads and instead order other appetizers. For dessert we've tried the Peanut Butter S'mores Tart and Molten Flourless Chocolate Cake - both rich enough to be satisfying split between two people. Can't wait to go back! Will need to find a deal or special occasion though as it is a bit pricey for my budget.
(4)Toni W.
Delicious! Best meal we've had in awhile. The pork tenderloin dish is perfect. We'll be back soon.
(5)Kevin T.
Tess has a great patio, a nice wine list, and fresh seafood. The service can be a little slow, but I personally prefer that to the "hover method" that seems so pervasive. I like to be left alone--especially on the patio in the summertime--and won't fault Tess if my water glass sits empty for two minutes. The food is decent, but not exceptional.
(4)Mead M.
Fish was delicious... The string found in my cole slaw was a surprise. The wait staff was unresponsive to the foreign ingredient. Cute patio.
(2)Mj E.
Called on Monday to make 7:30 reservations for Thursday and was told that they had a big party at 7:00pm so 8:30pm or 5:00pm were my options. Reluctantly took the 8:30. Arrived at 8:15 to a packed house; ordered a drink from bar, was seated by 8:40. Since we had already had 25 minutes to peruse menu we ordered IMMEDIATELY. Our server suggested an appetizer "since the kitchen was behind". No thanks, we just wanted dinner, it was already late. At 9:00 we had been served a loaf of bread (no olive oil on our table) and water. The party of 8 next to us and the party of 6 behind us had not received their food so we knew we were in trouble. At 9:15 I asked if I could have my dessert first since it was clear we wouldn't be eating soon. No problem, had some Elvis cake which was delicious!! At 10:00 I decided enough was enough, our waiter was apologetic but hearing "I'm sorry" 10 times does not correct the problem. Asked to speak with the owner. A brunette, dressed like a waiter, (safe to assume not really the owner) came and said "all she could do was apologize" that the kitchen was overwhelmed because it was the last night of their Groupon offering. REALLY?!?! That was the BEST the person in charge could do? How about being forthcoming when we sat down and saying "hey it's going to be 90 minutes before you see any food...do you still want to order"; that would have been a start. Or how about offering a free drink or appetizer or dessert to make up for the OBSCENE wait for our meal?! Oh, and let's talk about the meal...we were likely one of the last 2 tables to be served and the scallops that we waited 90 MINUTES for (at $25 a plate) amounted to 3, YES, 3 average to small size scallops. In my disbelief, I called the waiter over to say "REALLY? for 25 dollars you serve 3 teeny scallops? Are you KIDDING me? What a debacle. What POOR, POOR service from top to bottom. This place may have been a gem once upon a time, but something is definitely wrong. Save your dollars and go eat somewhere that does not depend upon Groupons to generate business (or in this case their Groupon caused them to lose business). Downtown and East side Milwaukee have many other better choices than Tess. We will never go back and as evidenced by their lack of customer service tonight; they likely do not care.
(1)Becky H.
Though the menu is small, everything we had here was superb. The outdoor patio they have feels very private and quiet, even though it's barely a block away from a major street, and it's got a very romantic feel on a warm summer evening. I arrived with my date on a Tuesday night, so obviously not their busiest day, but the food and service were still exemplary. The walnut-and-gorgonzola chicken is absolutely excellent, and the sweet potato mash is smooth and perfect. I was blown away by the sheer creaminess of their home-made ravioli. They also have a wonderful selection of wines. It's definitely a little bit more on the expensive side, but this is one restaurant that I feel is absolutely worth the price.
(5)TL M.
I had been wanting to try Tess for a long time, and my sister's visit to town gave me the perfect excuse -- I wanted to take her someplace nice, but she requires a gluten-free diet. Not to worry: the menu at Tess provides many delicious gluten-free (and of course many yummy gluten-filled) options! At some restaurants, she feels like she's rolling the dice when she asks the kitchen to prepare a gluten-free meal, especially if the servers look at her quizzically and ask her what that means. Not so at Tess! From the labeling on the menu to the response from the server, and the quality of the meal itself, she ate with confidence. (For those like me who don't have to eat gluten-free meals, let me assure you that my meal was delicious as well!)
(4)Mark M.
I have not been to Tess for some time, yet I salivate when I think about the 'homey' creative dishes. The venue is small in positive sense. In warmer times there is a patio that is wonderful to sit out and have a great meal. Also note that those with Celiac, or like myself with family members, Tess provides a wonderful bevy of gluten free options.
(5)Babs H.
So this place was recommended by a bartender down the street, raving that they had the best food in Milwaukee. He even called them and placed an order for two of their crab cakes and told them to "take care of us". Now, not being from the area at all we didn't know what to expect, but seeing as we just stumbled down the street from a local dive it wasn't really white table cloths, romantic lighting, and Enya. Also, there was not a thing on this menu under $10! We were hoping for a quick and cheap dinner to absorb some of the alcohol already and soon to be consumed, but we had to just stick with the already ordered crab cakes because they were $14 each! Now don't get me wrong, it seemed like a nice place to take someone out on a date, the menu sounded enticing, the service was great, but it was just not what we were looking for that night!
(3)Annie M.
I was very excited to eat out of the bread basket here because they offer gluten free bread. A majority of their dishes are gluten free but not dairy free which was disappointing. The grilled scallops were delicious. The atmosphere is inviting and feels warm and sophisticated. I love the location! The wait staff were friendly and willing to answer questions. It is pricier than I'd like but the quality is worth it. I'll definitely be going back.
(4)Dan S.
This restaurant kind of flies under the radar, but it is worthy of real praise. Nice menu with multiple gluten free options. Thoughtful options, not just standard sans bread. Small but varied wine list. Solid spirits selection and good staff. Great place to dine at the bar.
(4)Joe R.
This place is the Eastside's answer to.... well another really great place to eat in a casual atmosphere. Everyhtings good, so the only thing i'd recommend is one their Long Island Ice Teas!
(5)Hanna J.
Yum! Just came back from a lovely dinner at Tess and my tummy was not disappointed. I made reservations ahead and was seated in the outdoor area with a tent type coverage and heaters. It was cozy and intimate. Apart from the food, something that stood out to me was the service. I need a no nonsense waitress that is welcoming, checks on the guests regularly and makes sure water/ drinks are being attended to. My waitress, name is slipping my mind, was phenomenal. Constantly checking on my table, refilling water without being asked and making sure the food met expectations. The food was drop dead scrumptious. I am in heaven just thinking about it now. My date ordered the fish fry and dubs it the best he has ever had. I sampled it and can concur with this. I ordered the San Francisco Cioppino. It was divine and resembled more of a seafood sampler but dressed with a marinara sauce. Even though I was stuffed from my meal, I couldn't leave Tess without ordering the flourless chocolate cake. Please, if you do anything at Tess, order this dessert. Not for the chocolate cake but for the salted caramel custard that comes a top it. I feel highly confident in my rating of Tess! It deserves well over five stars.
(5)Mary B.
First visit to Tess tonight. Will admit we had a Groupon, so that helped in our decision making. had a crab cake for an appetizer - Awesome!!! Spinach Salad was excellent. I had ordered the special - a broiled Red Snapper. I could have swore t the server said came with sauteed asparagus, which is why I ordered it. I love Red Snapper & Asparagus. My meal came with the Red Snapper and Green Beans. Both were delicious so i didn't comment. Service was very good. I will definitely go back.
(4)Fred S.
We had a very nice meal on the patio, though I think we would have preferred sitting indoors. It seemed to have a nicer ambiance. The service was excellent. The food was very good, as was the beverage selection.
(4)Brandi C.
We took a short drive up from Chicago for an overnight stay, so I purchased a deal from Travelzoo for Tess. And I'm SOOOOO glad that I did. Every bite was deeeelish and they had a very good wine selection. The sweet and smokey flat bread was yummy and absolutely my favorite dish. The calamari was surprisingly good. And the scallops were also very good. I also appreciate the waitstaff being very knowledgeable about their wine and menu. Next time we visit, I'll certainly be stopping by!
(4)Harima S.
Good stuff! I had never been to Tess and was looking for something different for my date and I to experience (so tired of chain restaurants). Tess did not disappoint. The waiter, gosh I wish I could remember his name, was very attentive and knowledgeable with everything on the menu. I like the setup in that it is quaint, with white linens but not uber fancy smansy. Food was great on flavor and prepared appropriately. I'm not a fan of everyone's clam chowder but their's was AWESOME! As soon as we left I started telling my friends about how they should give this hidden gem a shot. I definitely will be back!
(4)Michael H.
This place is off the beaten path, but worth it! Had some of the most delicious scallops I've ever had here the other night. Great service, cute location, and an amazing back garden/patio area for nice summer nights. I love this place!
(5)Kelly R.
I really enjoy this cozy, homey, delicious dining spot tucked away on the East Side. I've visited once of my own volition and once to use a Groupon deal - both experiences were equally lovely. The restaurant is quiet with a warm ambiance from candlelight in the evening - great for chatting with a date or a friend. Every item I've tried here has been solid - standouts for me include the steamed mussels (with some AMAZING warm bread) and a special crab cake croquette that was served on Fat Tuesday. The menu seems to lean toward seafood but has a decent variety of other options, as well. Nice service, good wine list, tasty food - I'm definitely a fan. I hear they have a great patio in the summer, too! Looking forward to my return.
(4)Violet P.
What a great little restaurant. Made our reservations for 6:30 PM on a Saturday night about 1 week in advance. We were seated immediately. The bison tostada app is a definite must try. It did have a little kick for those that don't like that, but not overwhelming at all. The basket of very warm bread a nice bonus. Olive oil on the table for dipping. I had the Mahi Mahi special that included a side of Brussel sprouts, tempura mushrooms, and small purple potatoes. Absolutely delicious! My boyfriend had the beef tenderloin. Definitely lived up to previous rave reviews. Dessert was the caramel creme brûlée and I made a comment that if I could like the plate, I would. The waitress was very pleasant and everything came out in a very timely fashion. Not too into wine but looked like a pretty wide array of wines, spirits, and specialty martinis. Overheard someone talking about their "great" patio. Will definitely be back to try that out.
(5)Jonathan D.
Tess, How I do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Tucked away in a pleasant residential neighborhood on the east side of the river, we chatted the night away without a care in the world! Till we meet again...
(5)Shannon C.
Last night, we decided to brave the cold weather and visit Tess for the first time in over a year. Drinks: Burbon Old Fashioned [sour] Whisky Old Fashioned [sour] The drinks were excellent and very reasonably priced -- $4.50 each! Appetizer: Sautéed calamari Unfortunately, we really hated this dish. The calamari didn't look sautéed, it looked steamed, and instead of being a variety of shapes and cuts (little squids, rings, etc.), the pieces were long and about an inch and a half wide. The taste and texture were just not good. And it seemed a little too ambitious -- pistachios, corn, edamame, pickled onions... It was too much. Meals: Blackened tilapia [him] Crab cake [moi] Our meals were fantastic. Yes, I did order an appetizer as a meal, but the crab cake was HUGE! Like the size of a fat hamburger. The tilapia was also excellent -- the green sauce was to. die. for. Such good flavors. I'd definitely eat at Tess again. Our service was exceptional, and the interior design of the space is very relaxing. They even had a crackling fireplace playing on the TV above the bar. Very good ambiance. Can't wait to go back.
(4)Natalie N.
All the years that I lived in Milwaukee and I didn't hear of this place until I moved away. We were here recently, and it was such a great surprising visit. I didn't really expect anything because I had never heard of this place. We were wowed. The intimate setting made for a great experience. The food was divine. I will definitely be coming back! (the pear tart is to die for!)
(4)Lesley W.
I finally tried Tess for the first time a few weeks back and was super excited to find a unique Friday fish fry. All the traditional elements of a Milwaukee fish fry were there -- the fish, the coleslaw, the potato side (usually fries or a pancake), the rye bread. But Tess put a unique spin on just about every element. The fish fry was really good -- a tight crumb on the breading and perfectly cooked. Most importantly, not too greasy. The sweet potato fries, aioli and asian slaw were nice spins on the usually accompaniments. And price was comparable to what I've paid at other fish fries -- with out the nice presentation or atmosphere. The service was great. I ordered an unusual beer -- a stout with a cherry overtone -- and the waitress was kind enough to bring me a sample just to make sure I liked it before she put in my order, which I really appreciated because it was definitely not a beer for everyone. Good experience. I look forward to going back and trying some of their other dishes.
(4)Ronny D.
Accommodated a wedding rehearsal dinner for 40 very well. Friendly service, good food, great selection of beers and whiskey. I just wish the portions were a little bigger.
(4)Anna P.
Went to this first place for my 23rd birthday dinner with my parents. According to the waiter it has been around for about 10 years but no one in my family has heard of it. However, it is a great find! Located in a neighborhood, the building is a reno-ed house & it's a very comfortable and quaint atmosphere. Great music, easy converse, and warm. Full bar to sit at if you're waiting for a table. Fresh and flavorful food, good wine choices, and they included a candle for my dessert cake! I would recommend this place to a friend and would go again. Cheers!
(4)Kelsey P.
I've tried making a reservation here a few times in the past on a Saturday and have always been told they have nothing open so when I finally scored a table, I was pretty excited. We walked in at 7 and I'd say the place was maybe half full. It stayed that way the entire time we were there. Maybe a slow weekend for them? We started with the mussels for an appetizer. They were the perfect complement for the warm crusty bread they brought out when we were first seated. For an appetizer, it's a huge portion and we enjoyed every bit of it. For dinner, I ordered the cioppino and the man got the beef tenderloin (of course). My entree was delightful. Lots of seafood and they clearly put a lot of time into the sauce. My one critique is that the mini shrimp they put in the sauce were quickly wayyyy overcooked because the sauce was so hot. They were almost crispy by the time I got to them. I stole a bite of the tenderloin and it was cook perfectly. Melt in your mouth tender. Food - 5 stars. Service: 3 stars. It took at least 10 minutes for our waitress to show up even though another server brought us water right away. After we got our food, she disappeared again for the length of the meal. When we finished out dinner, we sat there with empty plates for a good 10 minutes until another server cleared our plates when she noticed us sitting there. While I appreciate the team effort when it comes to the service here, I'm not sure where the server could disappear for so long when the restaurant has maybe 15 tables? Ambiance definitely is a bit on the stuffy side. There were a few younger couples there but a mostly older professional crowd. The food was outstanding but not sure I'd return because there are so many other places in Milwaukee where I can get great food AND service with a better ambiance.
(4)Rick R.
I finally made it in to visit Tess thanks to a Groupon. The place was full on a Tuesday night. Luckily I found a spot at the bar, so I didn't have to wait for a table. I started with the shrimp ceviche and plantain chips. The chips were perfectly cooked and seasoned, and they had a light and crisp texture. The ceviche was made with a tomato sauce and was much sweeter than I expected, but I still enjoyed the fresh flavors. The ceviche came out quickly but I waited around 45 minutes before the entree came out. Yikes! The Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin was inconsistently prepared which surprised me. I ordered it medium. One end of the tenderloin was cut a little thinner than the opposite end. As a result, the thinner side was cooked to medium well and a bit dry. The thicker side was cooked medium and had the tender and juicy texture I was looking for. I don't blame the cook. I blame the butcher for cutting an uneven piece of meat causing the different results. The flavor of the red wine sauce was solid and I loved the mashed potatoes. For dessert, I ordered the Elvis Cake. Three layers of banana cake surrounded by peanut butter frosting and topped with a warm chocolate ganache and crispy bits of bacon. Yes, this was very good. The cake wasn't super moist but moist enough. I didn't taste the bacon flavor in the bits but it didn't matter. The chocolate, banana, and peanut butter flavors provided the party in my mouth that I expected. For a busy night, the kitchen did a good job with execution. My experience was solid and worthy of a future visit for appetizers and maybe an entree, which seem to be heavy on seafood options. I would like to see more meat options to get me excited about going back sooner than later.
(4)Craig A.
We've been meaning to go to Tess for a long time and finally had a chance to go tonight. The highlight was the garbanzo bean bisque soup that was quite good. Unfortunately, our entrees took an hour to arrive, so be prepared to wait. (We wish our server would have let us know about this!) My salmon entree was okay, but the wild shrimp entree for our second diner came out cold. The tenderloin steak entree was a bit small for our other diner who said it is usually larger at other east side restaurants. But, he was really hungry and has a healthy appetite :) Tess is a nice, intimate restaurant on the east side, but I'm not sure we'll be back due to the wait on our entrees. We have some better choices (Sala da Pranzo, Cafe Hollander) on the east side.
(3)Jeff Y.
We came to this restaurant as a result of a groupon deal but I must say I would come back again even sans deal. The service and food was excellent. The presentation, mixture of seasonal ingredients, freshness of the food, and the outdoor seating was perfect. This place is great for casual dinners, dates, etc. Excellent seafood options and my wife and I were going out for just that. The inside decore seems a bit cold but the food more than makes up for it. The location is in a neighborhood on the east side of MKE and the area is pretty safe to walk through. The outside facade is very low key.
(4)Sara F.
Had been wanting to try this place forever. Had a City Tin about to expire so tonight was the night. Got there around 7 without a reso so decided to eat and enjoy cocktails at the bar. The bartenders were really friendly and the bar was stocked with choice Bottles. I got the Huck Fin because I hadn't indulged in 44 North in awhile. My boyfriend was impressed by their tequila selection. The bartender even let him try a sip of some top shelf stuff he'd ask about free of charge. We weren't too hungry so we each got the Red potato soup and shared the goat cheese gratin. Everything was wonderful. Will def. go back with a bigger appetite next time.
(4)Kenneth M.
I live within walking distance and always meant to make it there but never did. Finally made it there and am a little peeved at myself for waiting that long. Service was excellent, seated right away. Waitress was helpful and knowledgeable. Food was solid all around. Yes there was an item or two that we did not love; but that was purely a matter of taste/preference and nothing to do with their preparation or presentation. Will definitely be back around. As soon as it is warmer we will finally walk our lazy selves over there to get fat & happy.
(4)Sarah -.
GLUTEN-FREE in MILWAUKEE @ TESS -majority of the menu is naturally gluten-free -gluten-free beer and cider options (and extensive wine and drink list) -you get a GF bread basket! -kitchen staff is knowledgeable about cross contamination *One of my favorite places in Milwaukee, even before going gluten-free! You know a restaurant is good when you can keep eating almost everything there, even after being diagnosed with celiac disease. The chef goes out of her way to cater to you -- including making fried calamari in a pan (instead of the fryer, where other breaded items go) and other accommodations to feed me safely. A hidden gem on the eastside. Grab a seat on the patio if you can!
(5)Bradbury P.
Oh, Tess. What a disappointment this place was. We went for a Valentine's day dinner after me wanting to check Tess out for quite some time. Did a full three course meal, got some wine & spirits. The waitstaff awkwardly lingered after we gave our orders, which made both my boyfriend and me feel a little strange. For the first course, we got mussels and a crab cake. The mussels were tasty and had a nice bit of heat, but were served without so much as perfunctory crostini. We asked for extra bread. The crab cake was decent but smothered in remoulade. Second course salads were tasty, but his salad was iceberg lettuce dressed with something that made it look oxidized and rather unappealable. My salad was door county cherries and arugula, which was definitely tasty. Last course was by far the most disappointing. I had grilled rainbow trout, which was fairly bland for trout, and slightly overdone. It was served with an assortment of sides that didn't seem to have any cohesion, including a chèvre potato cake which was far too heavy for the dish and didn't really seem to go well with the rest of it. My boyfriend got the wild shrimp, which overall were good, but definitely overdone. To upset matters more, the last shrimp he had was BAD, which just got us an "oh...I'm sorry" from the waiter. Won't be going back, quite a letdown after wanting to try Tess for months.
(2)Michael S.
Looking for a date spot? This hidden east side gem is amazing. They pride themselves on delicious dishes and gluten free options. The owner Mitchell is one of the nicest guys you will meet and takes great pride in his restaurant and it shows. Good wine list also. Go to Tess!!!
(5)Tania N.
Went for Dinner in a Saturday night. The food was very good as well as the waitstaff. I would eat there again but probably in the summer. Four stars for the damp, musty smell in the bar area. Down to three stars because we had a dinner reservation and our table wasn't ready. To make matters worse there was no where to sit at the bar (at a glance seats perhaps 10-12). We stood for about 5 mins, then found a seat at the bar and ordered drinks. We received our drinks promptly, but still waited for our table for another 10-15 mins. The Good: Great good, great service, intimate setting. The Bad: The bar smells...musty, bad and at one point like boiled eggs. The Yuke Log on the TV is cheesy. They failed to meet our reservation.
(3)Sirius L.
Had a great time - lovely menu, very tasty food, server was so nice and accommodated our late dining, did not feel rushed at all tho we tried to hurry so we didn't hold them up for the night. Very happy and will most definitely return!
(5)Mike C.
To you, my dear friends, this must I confess... for fine food and drink you should go to Tess. The draught beers are local served foamy and fine they've even got two that are brewed in Pembine! To start our nice meal we shared a light app Lumpia it was mmm, pork fried in a wrap! Then came a salad spinach and crisp bacon I devoured it whole. Did I mention the bacon? I went with the special To end the day's famine potatoes with crab aside roasted salmon. Delicious it was recommended quite highly I left stuffed and happy and really quite smiley. So friends let me say, this is not in jest if you'd like to eat well like STAT, go to Tess!
(5)Wayne C.
I ran into a guy at a hotel bar (I know, this sounds like a joke) and we got to talking about "real foodie" restaurants in the Milwaukee area. Well, low-and-behold - his friend happens to own Tess. With an endorsement like that - I had to go. Let me tell you - this place does not disappoint. The atmosphere is really "midwest" (sorry if that sounds offensive - I mean no disrespect), as it inhabits an old corner bar in a rather nondescript neighborhood. The menu and range of wine/beer and cocktail selections is outstanding - although I would really prefer a better selection of red pours. The food is really unique - with a nice mix of pan-Asian, nuevo-Americana and a smattering of midwest comfort. I had the pork cutlets. The starch accompaniment was GF gnocchi (wow - nice! A little dry - but very nicely paired with the pork and the mole). Speaking of mole - the sauce was a mole, prepared with a slight Asian flavor palette. The one criticism I have - the heavy handedness that went into garnishing the pork, there was just too much sauce. It actually overwhelmed the flavor of the meat and distracted me from the meal. I was not, however, distracted to enjoy the meal and overall experience! When I am back in Milwaukee I will go back to Tess.
(4)Allyson U.
I lived on the eastside only a few blocks from Tess for 4 years and did not even know this place existed, what a great hidden gem. The place is small and quaint, I would say better for smaller groups than large ones. We went on Friday night at around 9pm, without a reservation and the wait for 45 min so we sat at the bar instead, and I'm glad we did. The bartender serving us, Tyler, was fantastic. He was polite and funny without being unprofessional. Unfortunately his shift was over before we left, so the owner took over the bar. It was nice seeing an owner actually serving and do some work behind the bar, he was very nice as well. The food was amazing! We got the mussels to start- we had to ask for more bread to soak up the broth with, so yummy. I ordered the scallops, which were cooked perfectly. My boyfriend got the beef tenderloin which was also perfectly cooked and had the most amazing sauce. For dessert the owner recommended the butterscotch budino- this was one of the best desserts I've had in a long time. They put salt on top of the dessert that brings it to perfection. I would definitely come back just to order this again. I think with a few more visits Tess will become one of my 5-star places.
(4)Megan S.
Great atmosphere and excellent food. Our waitress was newer but recommended some great options. They have a good happy hour, so if you go early it is definitely a plus! Our food was a little pricy but was worth it and would definitely go back again. Good date night place.
(5)Mike D.
Snooty. I went to Tess with my girlfriend for drinks and appetizers. I was excited because they had Lumpia which I hadn't had since I lived in Cuba which is highly populated by Filipinos. Though edible, the lumpia was overly greasy and lacked veggies which were present in the traditional Lumpia I had. We also had Crab Cake which paled in comparison to the $1 Crab cakes that I normally buy at the store, and was over saturated with sauces. On the bright side, the bread was good and the salad dressing was tasty. We got a half bottle of Cabernet wine which though unremarkable was fine. As for the service, our waitress felt very cold and sterile. She also made no attempt to smile which made us feel uncomfortable. Underwhelming food for overwhelming prices. If you want better food, better atmosphere and better prices I'd suggest Tochi in Shorewood.
(2)Kelly B.
After many a night poutine-ing myself at Red Dot across the street and longingly gazing at the cute bistro across the street, the food gods provided me with an undeniable reason to go - a groupon. I made a reservation on Friday and finally ventured inside. We were seated right away. The scenery in the front of the restaurant was a little disjointed, and the tables were very close (intimate I spose). We were watered right away which was nice. I asked for wine recommendations, and he did not just suggest the most expensive ones! We were happy with our selection. The complimentary bread they serve was PHENOMENAL. It was hot and soft and yeasty and delicious. I was shocked when he said they didn't make it in house. I wish there had been parmesan on the table as well as OO and pepper, but it didn't need anything else. We started with the Samosas. I definitely could have gone without them. The description made them seem like the peas and carrots and potatoes were chunky in a curry sauce and some cucumber yogurt on the side, but really there were 5 won-ton wrapped things. It was sort of off-putting and flat in my opinion. My companion ordered the scallop dish. She said the rice wasn't very good, but that the scallops were cooked to perfection. For $25.00 it was nice to see more than three on the plate. I got the homemade ravioli. It came covered in a homemade tomato sauce, which was great. The raviolis themselves were also homemade, they were huge! The pasta was so fresh that it melted in my mouth. The only thing I didn't care for in this dish was the filling - it tasted and had the consistency of cream cheese. Maybe if I liked cream cheese it wouldn't have bothered me, but I hate cream cheese. Our server was great - he was attentive without being annoying, and very knowledgeable. I will definitely be back!
(4)Kelsey S.
I definitely have a food crush on Tess. Having seen such great reviews, we opted to celebrate our anniversary with dinner here. Despite it being a Tuesday, we figured we'd make a reservation - and we're so glad we did because its 15ish tables filled up quickly. We started with the steamed mussels (awesome), followed with the beef tenderloin (more awesome), and finished with the butterscotch budino (still awesome). Seriously, everything was so good. And the bread! Complimentary, but worth ordering even if it wasn't. It's such an intimate little space that the staff does an excellent job tending to each table and making you feel welcome. This is a great space for date nights, connecting with a friend, or informal business meetings -- we seemed to see each of these things happening while we were there. The total came to around $82 for the above dishes and two sodas, which seemed reasonable for the quality of food and experience. Highly recommended.
(5)Janet T.
Fabulous experience at Tess. We sat out on the patio, so I can't speak for the interior dining atmosphere, but the patio was inviting, charming and perfect for a warm evening. Services was exceptional, very attentive, but not annoying. All four of us enjoyed the fish fry specials and the clam chowder (delish!). We will be back.
(4)Casey C.
I give it 4/5 only because I didn't give myself the full experience. Excellent range of micro brews on tap.. The menu is creative and seasonal. One page. Not overwhelming. With only like 10 tables it is a very intimate setting. The grilled salmon was good but not exceptional. I will be going back for something a little more adventurous. A real Milwaukee gem!
(4)Chad C.
I feel kinda bad because the service was some of the best I've ever experienced. We walked in, told them our name and were seated immediately. Then we had one of the best waiters I've ever had up until the end of the meal where it got a little slow to get the check... but the food just didn't deliver here. The appetizers were good enough - we tried the crab cake and lumpia - a type of spring roll they serve here. Both were decent, and if the main entrees were an improvement upon them I would've considered giving this place another shot in the future. Unfortunately, they weren't. I got the fish fry and the 3 pieces of lake perch I received were TINY. And THIN. No flaky delicious white fish... just breading. I am not a big fried food fan and this is why... there was no substance to this fish at all. The most disappointing piece of fish I've probably ever eaten. The side-slaw and fries were not very good either, so I really have nothing positive to say about my entree. My girlfriend felt the same about her Tilapia... and at $21 that is an expensive mistake. Didn't even entertain the thought of dessert because there was nothing up to that point that gave me any indication that it'd be any good. Very disappointing. Like I said, really nice place and people - but the food was not good at all... especially considering the $75ish dollars we spend on it. Did we catch them on a bad night? Maybe... but I can't afford to find out.
(2)Puja B.
We had a groupon for this place and so we gave it a try! I was actually impressed. We started off with the pepper glaze goat cheese gratin. It was like cheese dip with pita chips on the side. It was a bit on the heavier side and it was okay. I got the wild caught shrimp which I really enjoyed but could use more sauce a flavor. My boyfriend got the red sorghum pesto which was a bit chewy but it was good and flavorful. The dessert was amazing! you have to try the flourless chocolate cake! The ice cream has bits of coffee beans in it that make it delicious!
(4)Sarah W.
One of the best meals I have ever had! Wonderful ambiance great service just a great dining experience all together. I highly recommend it. The fish was excellent especially the crab cakes starter. I really enjoyed the walnut Gorgonzola chicken as well. Definitely a great place for a date, or just a nice evening out.
(5)Lisa E.
I am embarrassed to say this was my first time eating at this place. I used to live next to Tess about 2 years ago. I really liked the warm and cozy ambience. Tess had a great beer and wine selection to choose from. The waiter also did an excellent job recommending wines. We were first served warm fresh bread that was immediately devoured. I ended up ordering the Chopino and my friend ordered the salmon. Both meals were delicious. My only regret is not ordering an appetizer despite how full I was from the entrée. The staff was very friendly and attentive. I would say this place is a little classy and good for a date or meeting up with close friends.
(4)Sadie T.
Great experience at Tess. We called ahead for a reservation and were told they couldn't fit us in until 7:45. When we arrived, 75% of tables were empty. I found this very confusing. The outside patio area looks like the best place to be. It was very cool, like an urban get away. They have a little garden and a brick wall enclosing the patio. Our server was very friendly but not overbearing. I ordered a fish fish made in parchment paper. When it arrived, the texture was very odd. I mentioned this to the server and he insisted on correcting it and asked me if I would like something else. I ordered the blackened tilapia. Delicious fish. Some of the best I've had in the Midwest. Nice green beans too. We also shared a flourless chocolate cake with caramel ice cream from Purple Door. Wow. Try it. They offer one vegetarian option and most their dishes are gluten free. A small menu but overall very nice. Higher end for sure. Good place for a fancy date, semi-casual environment (don't wear ripped jeans, and you'd be comfortable in a suit but not uncomfortable in nice jeans)
(5)K E.
Great find! We came because of a groupon deal but definitely plan to come again. We were able to sit on the enclosed heated patio, which was nice this time of year. The presentation of food was beautiful, and the food was unique and delicious. Looking forward to coming back!
(5)Jennifer A.
I've enjoyed the food of Tess at events like the Best of Milwaukee Beer Dinner series, however I had not had the opportunity to dine in for something "normal". I decided to venture out on a dark and rainy October evening and it brightened things up. There were only a few other diners, thanks to the gloomy weather, however it made for a cozy dining experience on the heated outdoor patio listening to the sound of the rain. The meal started with one of the best glasses of Pinot Noir ($9) I've had out in a long time. I am still kicking myself for not writing down the name of the winery, but I will update once I find out the information I seek! In any case, it smelled almost more wonderful than it tasted. The last sip was almost like sweet cigar smoke (in a good way)...but onto the food. First off, the bread. At first I was a little put off that butter was not offered with the bread. I then noticed the olive oil and calmed down a bit. The bread itself was baked to perfection with a crispy cracked outer layer and soft on the inside, presumably right out of the oven. The olive oil was also some of the best I've had. It was rich and buttery with an infusion of garlic and rosemary. My meal arrived and I was pleased again. I chose the special of the night - pork tenderloin, served medium, with blue corn gnocchi, mole sauce and seasonal vegetables ($25). It was the last portion left that night, but it was not dried out. The sauce may have been on the precipice of overcooking but everything else on the plate really distracted me too much to be concerned - especially the blue corn gnocchi. I was also happy that the vegetables were cut into pasta shapes, allowing me to twirl my zucchini around my fork. (The other half of my entree also made a fantastic dinner the following day.) There was a little confusion over the final total when using a City Tins dining coupon but the server did correct the issue and provided the correct change before we left. Aside from that, the service was average at best. I also was surprised that I could not find a website. Facebook is a good backup but I often direct people to menus online for business and that site is not easily accessed at work or in some cases, blocked. It makes it harder to share, and I really would like to. The food certainly elevated the experience. If Tess can match the service to the level their wine list and menu are it, they would knock it out of the park. I'm really rooting for them too...
(4)Jamie Z.
Wife and I had dinner here last month. We have been wanting to try this place for a long time and I have to say it was well worth the wait. She is gluten free and I am a beer snob so we were both in our element. I would say 75% of the entree choices were gluten free. And the beer list is one of the best in town. Clearly some thought went into creating these selections. It is more about the quality than the quantity of beer choices. We both had a salad to start and they were both excellent. My wife had the tenderloin and she said the garlic mashed potatoes were some of the best she ever had. I had the scallops and they were very good. If I had a knock against the dish it was the couscous that came with it. But it would be a minor complaint. Too full for dessert unless you consider my 2nd beer dessert (I do is I am a one beer kind of guy). Very much looking forward to coming back.
(4)Diana D.
This is a charming little place and I've never had a bad experience here. They also turned me onto my new favorite wine! I absolutely recommend the Sole if they have it, but you really can't go wrong and the menu is very creative. Very quaint very quiet very friendly I highly recommend this place.
(4)Maureen F.
Oh Tess. Tess Tess Tess. You lovely lovely restaurant. Tess, you are just so good to me. (End dramatics) I had a powerhouse of a meal here recently. It is just a delightful spot nestled in the heart of the East Side. Tess is so nondescript that one might pass right by if they did not know what they were looking for. Upon entering, you really feel as though you have stepped into an entirely new environment. Intimate. Cozy. Just delightful. I felt like I was back in the West Village of Manhattan. We waited for a few moments to get our table but the bartender was so kind to let us sample a few of their special beers on tap. Upon being seated, my friend and I shared a delicious crab cake while sipping on Old Fashioned cocktails as we selected our dinner entrees. I enjoyed the Gorgonzola Walnut Chicken. (grilled chicken breast, gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, sweet potato puree, sauteed vegetables, balsamic reduction.) The sweet potato puree was just divine. My friend had the Grilled Salmon with green pea horseradish cream sauce, demi sec tomatoes, mashed potato, and sauteed shiitake mushrooms. We were both deliriously happy with our choices. I definitely will go back to Tess. The clientele skewed a bit older when I was there. It was a nice change from the upper 20 something yuppie ville environments that I usually find myself in.
(5)Maria S.
I like this place, I like it a lot! I highly suggest it in fact! Good Service Warm crispy bread with an amazing soft center Best beef tenderloin I have EVER, EVER had, perfect flavoring with the truffle oil Decent wine list with good pricing Innovative specials (basil ice cream caprese the night I visited) Great seafood and quality seafood selection Cute backyard patio
(4)Stephanie L.
I added Tess to my list of stops for mussels. I knew they were on the menu, so I had to give them a whirl. They were nicely done, and I would at least carry them in my top 10. Their chipotle broth is one that I rank higher than most, because it adds a nice smoky element to the dish. However, besides a tasty go 'round with the mollusks, I did not find service to be that complimentary. The bartender who waited on us was very indifferent. It was nice that we were able to dine there without a reservation, but I felt as though we were putting him out. I like my mussels with a side of manners, and the latter was seriously lacking.
(3)Bill R.
We dine out in the Milwaukee and Chicago areas quite a bit. TESS was a rare treat. We had 4 unique and deliciously prepared entrees. The trout was superb and had a quinoa (which I don't typically like) that was sautéed and then pan fried which was an incredible complement to the trout. This, coupled with oyster mushrooms and carrots made it a spectacular dish - tons of flavors. We also had the chicken breast with gorgonzola mashed potatoes - again superb. Our third entree was the homemade italian sausage ravioli with a tomato sauce that was rich and hearty. Our fourth entree was the beef tenderloin which was prepared to perfection, juicy, tender and tasty and came with delicious mashed potatoes and out of the garden green beans. The chef here has a rare talent of preparing and including complimentary sides that make every entree even more special. Had the flourless chocolate cake for dessert with homemade coffee ice cream - spectacular dessert. Highly recommend this restaurant - great service with pleasant and knowledgeable staff - will definitely return.
(5)Kathryn S.
I had one of the top 5 best meals of my life here. No joke. Tess is an intimate (veeerrry intimate - about 20 tables total) restaurant snuggled into an East Side residential neighborhood. When we called to make reservations, we were told there were two time slots open (called on Weds for Fri rez): 5:15 and 8pm. Wow! So we came with pretty high expectations...and were not disappointed in the least. We were greeted by a friendly hostess who led us a to a table that shared a comfortable bench seating among 2 other tables. The place was immaculately clean; linens starched, glassware sparkling...yet none of it seemed pretentious or overdone. Our waitress was a very pleasant woman with a delightful accent that we couldn't quite place...she was attentive without being overbearing and gave us wonderful suggestions. Then she brought out the BEST BREAD - it was warm when it arrived, with a perfect hearty crust and soft yeasty inside. Paired with their whipped butter = divine. We tried the corn gnocchi as a starter - delicious! Main courses were the Friday Fish Fry, which my partner said was as tasty as it was pleasing to the eye...and it's not an easy feat to get creative with fish fry and not lose the heart and flavor of the meal. I had paella with shrimp and mussels. Although I would have preferred a bit larger prawn (these were cocktail-sized), the fish and grain were both cooked PERFECTLY. The flavor was unreal. Everything was exceedingly fresh. We were too full to enjoy dessert and coffee after dinner, but decided to take home with us the Elvis PB cake and the flourless chocolate cake. Our waitress also packed the desserts with care and included all the toppings: ganache, ice cream, the candied bacon...(yes, you read that right - for the Elvis cake, of course!). When we finally got over the "too full" hump and tried them, they were both outstanding. End to end a perfect meal, and I use that word sparingly. We will most definitely return. They set the standard of how slow food dining should be done in Milwaukee and all other restaurants should take note and learn something from them. Until next time, Tess...thanks for the memory!
(5)