4. Restaurants

Three Brothers

2414 S Saint Clair St, Milwaukee, WI, 53207
  • (414) 481-7530
  • Store is closed

Three Brothers Menu

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Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

Visit below restaurant in Milwaukee for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s ( 2500 N Mayfair Rd )

  • K R.

    I love this place with all of my heart. My boyfriend and I come in regularly. It is a small restaurant with mismatched plates and lamps, and a ton of history. It feels like you're walking into your grandmothers kitchen for dinner, which I adore. It is a bit tricky to find, but the giant Schlitz globe on the top of the old building is a dead giveaway. One night we came in after going to a show at the Riverside. It was about 50 minutes until they closed and we sat down at a table in the almost empty restaurant. The waitress came over to greet us, pour us glasses of water, and tell us about the specials. We just then remembered that it was cash only and we didn't have enough cash to cover dinner. We apologized and told the waitress we would have to go somewhere else for dinner. She told us that it was not a problem and that she would give us the bill to mail in with a check when we got home. I asked how often they did it and if they ever got stiffed. Her response, "when people stop paying us, we will stop doing it." I was floored. She then asked that if either of us were going to order the burek that we tell her as soon as we could since it took an hour to cook (it is now about 45 min until closing time). We left all the cash we had for the lovely waitress and promptly mailed them a check for our dinner. This is the night that Three Brothers stole my heart... I'm going to preface this with the fact that I have never been to Serbia or the surrounding areas. Therefore I cannot claim to know if this is authentic food or not, but I do know that I think it is delicious. The kajmak (a butter-cheese hybrid) and bread is phenomenal. I generally have to force myself not to ask for more in order to save room for my actual meal. My boyfriend always orders a cup of the dumpling soup. If you order it, do not expect generic chicken dumpling soup. It is extremely unique. It consists of one, large, potato shaped dumping, which I usually liken to malt-o-meal when friends ask if they should order it. My "go to" is the goulash and dumplings. It is, by far, my favorite thing. The portion is not large, but once I've eaten my share of kajmak and bread I generally have leftovers of the goulash. There have been a few times that I went and they were out of it (you can request them to save you a serving when you make your reservation), and I have had to make an alternate decision. I thoroughly enjoy the vegetarian moussaka special when it is available. My boyfriend loves the duck and orders it about 50% of the time that we go. We have tried a myriad of things including the suckling pig, the goose, the burek, chicken paprikash, etc and have never left disappointed. One of the things I never leave without getting is the baklava. I love honey... I love carbs... I love the baklava at three brothers. Again, the serving is not large, but it is perfect for the amount of sweetness it delivers. We generally do not get anything other than the carafe of wine. We like the house red (it's a chilled red). It is the best value. They do have a full bar, and we have gotten other drinks in the past, but we found them a bit overpriced.

    (5)

  • Ivan L.

    Really phenomenal food. A genuine plateful of old world charm - both an old world Europe feel and old world 1950s America feel. Mix in a full bar where they pour a strong drink and I'm sold. I got a chance to try a number of dishes and they were all winners. Rich beef in sauce, tasty chicken, soup and dumplings. I'd like to visit 5 more times to try the rest of the menu.

    (4)

  • Kirill E.

    We heard the rave reviews and came in with our family to check it out. Pros: + The service was very good. + Cozy place. + The food was well prepared. Cons: - There were only two dishes I could choose from (because I don't eat meat), with one requiring 40 min prep time (as was indicated on the menu). - The portions (mine and three others with me who ordered) were too small for the price. For $16 I had one medium-sized tilapia filet with a spoonful of carrots / cabbage. I am not a large man, and was still hungry after clearing my plate. - I got a piece of cake for dessert. For $7 I expected a decent sized slice, but received a sliver less that half an inch thick. It was ridiculous.

    (2)

  • Jennifer M.

    What a waste! We were reading up reviews on where to dine and came upon The Three Brothers. Reviews and menu intrigued us enough to make the drive. When our party of 4 walked in, there was only one table filled but the male waiter asked us if we had reservations and then told us to sit anywhere -- we should have walked out then because he was slow and not diligent. We had to eavesdrop from what one of the female waitresses were telling the table behind us! So, aside from the lousy server and him lecturing us on what we need to do if we need cash (this is a cash or check establishment), the food we ordered (roast goose, roast duck, suckling pig, lamb) were all overcooked, greasy, and came with mysterious mushy stuff on the plate. So glad we ordered a plate of the burek or we'd be starving! However, note that a quarter of burek is pretty fulfilling and a whole plate to oneself would be too rich! Overall, unless you have a fetish for historical landmarks, I'd recommend you save your time and money.

    (1)

  • Peter C.

    I can't wait to eat more Serbian food after my great experience here. A couple weeks back, I went here with my girlfriend's family. With all of us being newbies, we collectively asked all of our friends that have ate here or are Serbian. I highly recommend this place to anyone. First things first, order a liter carafe (yes, you are reading it right- a liter of wine not just a bottle that is 750 ml) of their house red wine. If you are a wine snob, I am sure you won't agree with my statement here but heck for the money and the amount of wine you can't go wrong. This went down all too smooth for all of us and ended up ordering another when we ordered the food. My food recommendation is to get the Borek as an appetizer. Yes, it is $20 but it is HUGE. We had 5 of us and could barely finish it to start the meal off. You have to call ahead since it does take around an hour to prepare. We then ordered 4 other dishes that we all split. They were the stuffed peppers (everyone's favorite at the table along with the Borek), sausages, zucchini dish, and one other that escapes me. Regardless, you can't go wrong with any of their dishes we found out. But beware they are heavy and filling dishes so I suggest you split them with others at the table. This place has an old time feel with having a dozen tables and bar with an old Schlitz beer sign above it. They have high ceilings and bright lighting. I liked the atmosphere of the place and love that a great cocktail lounge is right down the street for after dinner drinks.

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    First time I have been back here in probably 15-20 years. Exactly the same as I remember. Nothing has changed. Some notes if you are a first time diner here. Bring cash or a check. They don't take credit cards or debit cards. Nice that they will still take a check. Make a reservation on a weekend, don't expect to be able to walk in and get a table. Very small place. Everything is made to order, so don't expect to get in and out quickly. We had a reservation and we were there about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Food - The food did not disappoint. Ordered 4 items to share, a beef burek, sarma, gulash, and musaka. All of the food was excellent. SIL loved the gulash the best, Wife and I were a fan of the burek. I have nothing bad to say about the food. If I was reviewing this for food alone it would be 5 stars.Food came out as it was done since we were sharing. All of it was piping hot. Well prepared. Sarma was also excellent. Service - Service was very good. Waitress was attentive.. Food came at a nice pace. I'd recommend sharing entrees as some of the food takes longer to prepare than others. Value - The only thing I really thought that was a good value was the beef burek and the sarma. Both were a reasonable sized portion for the price. The musaka was this TEENY TINY portion that netted two small bites for each person (at $17.50). While it was excellent, there just wasn't much there. My daughter who is NOT a big eater could have easily eaten two orders on her own. Similar with the gulash, not so much there for the money. And the dumplings included with the sarma and the gulash were again, very small. Almost a joke. Two tiny dumplings that were really too small to split. Given the excellent gravy with the gulash and the great sauce with the sarma, you really wanted more than the tiny bits of dumpling to eat with it. We ended up soaking some bread in the sarma sauce. We did have desert, the baclava and an apple strudel. Strudel was excellent. Overall, great food, not so great a value. I'd go back once in a while just due to the unique nature of the dining experience, but it might be only once every year. I just think the value is lacking a bit. Honestly had the portion sizes been more reasonable I probably would rate this place as one of my rare 5 star rating because all the food we had was excellent, but the value brought them down a star.

    (4)

  • Joelle S.

    For my husband's birthday, we treated ourselves to the Burek, and well, that's now our new favorite food! This place is the real deal. Amazing service, handcrafted food made with love, and just such a quaint old world atmosphere. We will SO be back.

    (5)

  • Courtney C.

    The food is unique here for Milwaukee. Very old school supper club feel, can be romantic or family style. All of the entrees, appetizers and desserts that we've had here are fabulous! The service is top notch as well. My only advice is that you should be willing to spend a couple hours here (since they make everything from scratch and comes out piping hot) and also it's cash only. One of my favorites in Milwaukee!!

    (5)

  • Wisco V.

    Wonderful food, terrific people, and inviting atmosphere. I'm a vegetarian, and they had a veggie musaka special that was wonderful. The others in my party all loved their entrees as well. I cannot recommend this place enough. It's a special family-owned place, and a Milwaukee tradition, and I cannot wait to return. Cash or check only, fyi.

    (5)

  • Maria S.

    Holy Flipping Phyllo Dough Batman... this place is awesome!. Great vibe with old metal tables, lamps, plants, music on cassette - love the feel. When you go to the restrooms peak in the kitchen, there is table in the middle just like you are at home. The service was AMAZING. Our waitress suggested great options and didn't push us to get two entrees when we decided one was enough. 1st course - Rye bread with melt-in-your-mouth goat cream spread --yum yum 2nd course - Serbian Salad (this didn't stick out on the menu -- I was so thankful for the suggestion) Tomatos,Onions and Green Pepper chopped and topped with serbian cheese which is like feta, but better. 3rd course - Grape Leaf appetizer - I have never had fresher, lighter, and tastier stuffed grape leaves. It was served with a lamb cheese - wow, so good! 4th course - Burek (the beef one) - this is a PERFECT pick for a cold winters night. It was yummy, hearty, comfort food, and mmmm mmm good. Layers of Phyllo, Beef, Onion - delish! We ended up only eating half of this. Tip: it takes an hour to make so don't come too hungry if you aren't ordering apps. Finally, they only take cash... we found that out late but figured we should have assumed just by looking around. No big thing we just ran to At Random for some cash quick. This is a MUST VISIT in Milwaukee!

    (5)

  • Sabrina E.

    We found this little gem on Yelp while planning our annual Gluttonfest to Milwaukee. This restaurant is situated in a very interesting location. It appeared as though it was the old Schlitz brewery? Not sure, but very cool old building. We had a reservation for 5 on a Saturday night at 7, I had called ahead to see if we could get in earlier and they were very accommodating. We got in at 5:45 and were seated at our table immediately. I had been oogling yelp pictures of the famous spinach and cheese burek so it took no time to decide what I wanted. Downside was that this beast of a pie took 45 mins to make. My husband ordered the braised lamb which was absolutely delicious. The meat was tender and came served with a side of cooked vegetables and rice. Actually, everyone's food that came out had a very homey feel and taste. The portions are more than generous, especially the pie! I had one slice and was full, make some friends and share! Here are a few tips when going to Three Brothers: 1) Make Reservations! 2) Bring Cash 3) If you plan on ordering the Burek, the waiter told me that some people actually call in ahead to let them know to get a pie started before they arrive for their reservations. This is genius, I wish we had known about that prior to our trip!

    (4)

  • Merete M.

    A teeny-tiny interior with maybe 7 or 8 tables and the matron of the family in the kitchen making everything should add up to an intimate, decadent evening. I ordered the roast duck, and really enjoyed it, but didn't enjoy fighting through half a duck skeleton. (That being said, if you like duck, it's worth it. Paired with the stuffing, it's quite tasty) Our server was knowledgeable and friendly. We were warned before arrival that this place takes only cash (seriously. and their bills are hand-written, and there's no ATM inside) and that the food isn't fast. I've seen the reviews that say the plate of food is meager in comparison to the prices - I don't know what they're talking about. I was dang full.

    (3)

  • Luka E.

    Let's start with the good. The restaurant ambiance is old school. Retro tables and chairs bring back memories of growing up on the East Side of Chicago in the 70's. The small space and decoration gives it a feel that someone's aunt or grandmother is in the kitchen making the food and you can't wait to try it. That it for the good. Let me preface that I have traveled all over former Yugo and one of my favorites is ćevapčići. When I saw the price for a single order at $18, I thought this was either imported from the old country each day or the recipe was the same as Mujo from Banja Luka (who was the best in the world). Mind you, that price does not come with flatbread (lepinje). That is an extra $2. I go for the full experience at $20 and wait to see what comes. First, I got a small plate of salad. Not a traditional Šopska salata, but a very small amount of lettuce and chopped tomatoes. Also a few slices of sandwich bread and a scoop of kajmak. The kajmak was actually decent. When the main course arrived, I could not see the ćevape from the mountain of chopped onions. I get it, the tradition is to have onions, but not to the amount that you can't see your food. The ćevap had no taste. I asked what meat it is made of and it was confirmed that it is only beef. Last I checked, ćevapčići is made of two or three meats, not one. It tasted like overdone hamburger with no seasoning. I really wanted to like this place as I am not working in Milwaukee. But in Chicago, decent ćevapčići with lepinje will cost $8 at most. Maybe the other items are decent, but still overpriced.

    (1)

  • Lala E.

    An absolute must when im visiting Milwaukee. Simple, no frills, straight up comfort food. My go to dishes are the Serbian Salad, Burek, and Stuffed Peppers. Only downsides are SLOW service, and CASH ONLY. But, traveling all the way from Hawaii, which has no Serbian restaurants..I pretty much put up with it.

    (4)

  • Grace H.

    Absolutely wonderful. Came on Saturday night. They didn't have Sarma (no cabbage leaves) but the "Sarma casserole" substitute was fantastic, as was the duck and the lamb. Serioudly, one of the best meals I've had in ages. Zivoli!

    (5)

  • Jannis M.

    We decided to try 3 Brothers with some friends after visiting the MAM. I had heard rave reviews from a number of people. The ambiance is charming in a historical and old world kind of way. Our dishes were good but took a very long time to come out. The food is expensive and for what we got, imho, not worth it. My chicken parikash came with two small dumplings on the plate. That's it. Our apple strudel was excellent. My other major quibble is that they do not take credit cards and we were not informed until the check arrived. When I made a comment I got "We tell most people when they call to make reservations". Oh well. Glad I tried it but I won't be going back.

    (3)

  • Cassie D.

    I hadn't been in Three Brothers since I was a little girl growing up in Bay View! I made it back in the other day as a grown up....With a slightly more sophisticated palette... All I can say is if you've been and haven't meet Branko you haven't been. He owns the place and when he's there he makes the rounds, stopping at each table and checking in on you. I am in love with him. Make reservations, or at least call ahead, they're small and make everything by hand so they can only handle a set number of guests per night. You can also pre-order your Burek (Takes 45 mins). It's huge so plan to split it! The waitstaff is genuine, the sexiest accents I've heard in awhile. They won't hesitate to give their recommendations. I had the Serbian Salad and the Goulash (Both recommended by the waitress). Everything was so fresh, the Serbian style cheese is amazing. You could hear and smell them cooking in the kitchen, my eyes were even burning as they were chopping the onions! You have to get dessert, Baklava was very fresh. It's a multi-course experience. The ambiance is very family. Mismatched lamps, plates, chairs. Like being in someone's house for a big family meal. It's pricey and they only take cash. Come prepared to hang out, drop some money, and be full for a week!

    (4)

  • rekha r.

    Went for a farewell dinner this evening with another couple who was moving out of town. Let's just say that this was the farthest thing from a relaxing dinner and the farewell that we were hoping for. Let me break it down: 1. Seated next to door - required that we ate in our winter coats and still shivered through the entire evening. 2. No credit cards. What the heck? 3. Took 10 minutes to be approached for first drink 4. Ran out of Serbian beer, grey goose and stuffed cabbage. Did I mention it was only 6pm on a Saturday? 5. One item on the menu indicated it would take up to an hour to prepare. However, two other options that were requested we're also going to take an hour so the one item indicated to take extra time to prepare was ordered early and came out 20 minutes early before the other entrees. 6. Dinner for four - drinks, one appetizer and three entrees (consensus on quality of entrees 5.5/10) including tip was $220!!! We will not be back....

    (1)

  • Tracy V.

    Don't expect typical. It's a small, family owned, intimate. I was deciding to go here or to Old Town, but since I'd never been to 3 Brothers, that's where I went. The service was good. The salad, Burek, desert, and wine were all excellent. I had such a romantic evening here in the back corner of a candle lit table.

    (4)

  • Mary D.

    Went here on a whim, looking for somewhere unique to take visiting family. We were not disappointed. The service was superb, and the food is spot on. It's made when you order it and can definitely take a while, but it's well worth the wait. After reading so many great recommendations for the Burek, I opted for the spinach and cheese version of this and was seriously impressed. Huge portion. Very tasty. This place is a gem for those looking for something unique.

    (4)

  • August B.

    wow...a culinary shocker if one ever existed. Had the burek and it was dreamy. This is old school, like it belongs on the set of "Boardwalk empire." Just cash money though...it's old school. Seven tables...old school. Interior and exterior, old school. It's vibe and food sit with you for awhile...check it out but bring cash.

    (5)

  • Stephen M.

    This is not a place to walk into with more than two people and have any hope of getting a table. There's no such thing as "knowing" someone here, unless you're family. And I am not. I still waited for 45 minutes for a table because I'd heard how awesome this place was. Two visits later and I agreed. Having spent some time now in Eastern Europe, I appreciate. There's something to be said about cooking that represents a nationality. We take for granted labels like Mexican or Italian. We've seen enough on Food Network or dining out on our own that we have some semblance of an understanding (whether accurate or not) of the people that food represents. The food of the Balkans, however, isn't something you find in a chain or featured by Giada or Rachel Ray. It's a culture and style that we are pretty oblivious to, short of the occasions where someone creates a thing so good that people are drawn to it, boosting it's appeal and position in the common collective of what we know. Three Brothers is possibly the best representation of this idea that I've seen in Milwaukee. Items like the spinach and cheese borek, a feat of phyllo dough and slow baking, or the Serbian salad (which is a staple I've found all over the place out here in Kosova) are not without some familiarity to us when compared to a spanikopita or our own traditional salads. Greek influences, which are probably the most easy to recognize in American dining, do abound, as evidenced in the stuffed grape leaves and the moussaka. The best cheeses that I've had here are variations on what we'd recognize as feta or more spreadable goat cheeses. Other items like the roasted duck or the extremely slow roasted lamb are awesome. While I do like the skin to be a bit crispier on the duck than they do here, they do an awesome job of rendering the fat so that it doesn't come out greasy. And the lamb, for all of you who may shy at eating cute, cuddly things, is awesome. Their treatment of this tasty meat leaves it tender and juicy. Add that to the flavor of whatever they baste it with, and I think you're trying the best lamb in the city. The Cevapi plate, while good, was the only thing that I feel suffers in comparison to what I'm eating over here right now. Maybe it's the meat, or the stringency of US food rules, but the sausages here are AWESOME. Desserts include a pretty outstanding baklava, as well as the palachinke (think of a doughy crepe filled with Nutella). Drinking here never really seems to be a bad idea, either, with a selection of Serbian aperitifs and beer, and the coffee, whether you want to label it Serbian or Turkish, is strong and tastes great. The drawbacks would be the crowd. Not a lot of leg room or walking space for the servers. The room fills constantly, and the acoustics aren't softened at all. Lots of hard surfaces echo the noise, so you're not going to have a quiet romantic dinner. I don't really mind that though, as this is a place that makes me think more of small groups for a family style dinner. The portions are definitely big enough. Do bring cash. And, as a sidenote, I read another review below that had issue with a $2 soda with no refills. Drink water. It's a healthier choice for you than giving up meat.

    (4)

  • James D.

    Very nice atmosphere and staff. I always get the spinach cheese burke which you ain't gonna find many other places. It's about 2 meals in one, so good to share with your partner. Tasty house salad and interesting beer selection. Take a look at the kitchen to witness what home cooking is all about!

    (5)

  • Ericka A.

    Yelp classifies Three Brothers as "Modern European," which I've found to mean anything that isn't Western European. There is nothing modern about it. Don't let the label fool you! Upon first bite you will swear up and down that they have a Serbian grandmother chained to the stove and slaving away at your meal. The food is THAT good. I have to admit, though. There were a few discrepancies that kept this from being the top of the chart on my list of must-eat Eastern European places. First of all, the décor is all wrong. I know this isn't their fault as they occupy a historic building, but it feels much more like an old German cultural center dive bar than a Slavic culinary destination. The only hint of the motherland is a few small paintings. The tables and chairs scream antique shop or 70's cafeteria. There just doesn't seem to be a theme other than old and worn. However, it's quite cozy if you aren't seated near the drafty door and the waitresses are pretty friendly. As far as food is concerned, as I said before, it would pass the baka-test. You can taste that it was house made and not frozen or sitting around for any length of time. People make reservations just to get in here, so they know they'll have a packed restaurant. The clientele appears to be mostly middle-aged or older, and enters in groups of four or more. We were the youngest people there and felt a little out of place. I attribute that to the fact that although the place seems really low key, people had dressed quite nicely and the menu is that of a much fancier place. Burek and Cevapi, which normally go for about $7 down here in Chicagoland, were shockingly overpriced. Most items were between $15-25. Furthermore, while the food was outrageously delicious, there just wasn't enough to justify the price tag. Again, Cevapi down here costs less than $10 and you typically get ten sausage links, a side of freshly chopped onion, some ajvar or kajmak, and it's served with lepinja bread. The Cevapi at Three Brothers only had eight links and some onion on top. That was it. We felt the same way about the Gulash. It was amazingly good, but there were less than a dozen bites of meat and it was served on a flat plate with some potatoes instead of in a ginormous bowl, like a hearty stew. And the Chicken Paprikash? Super yummy! However, overpriced and served as a whole piece instead of chicken medallions with pepper stew or atop a bed of noodles, like stroganoff. Do I recommend you try this place? Of course! The food is very good. Milwaukee doesn't have the ex-Yu population that Chicago does, so I'm sure up there this is a rarity and they can justify everything they do. I'm glad I tried it, because it honestly was some of the best Balkan food I've had in the US. Unfortunately, my wallet is having phantom pains from the money Three Brothers extracted in one evening.

    (4)

  • Brad S.

    Though I can no longer truly call Milwaukee home, I've only really begun to appreciate it once I became a visitor. My current enamoredness is towards the conflux of Eastern European cultures in the Milwaukee area. German, Polish, Serbian, whatever, but despite all of these cultural influences, there's not a lot that many restaurants still attempting to preserve the food of the old country. Three Brothers is an exception, and as a bonus it doubles as a historic look at a super old Schlitz tavern (because back in the pre-Prohibition days, breweries use to have exclusivity agreements with tavern owners). It's fitting that the last refuge from the modernization of Bay View comes by driving all the way into the corner of Saint Clair by 794 where skinny jeans can't find it. And non-trendy is certainly how I would describe the crowd at Three Brothers. Though we visited on a weekday, the population was a bit more low-key, with the dinner crowd populated by either a few large groups or 2 or 3-tops looking to spend a little quality time together. Because you WILL be spending a good deal of time together - this is definitely a "slow food" type of place. I wished I had called ahead and placed an order for the burek, but I didn't, so I staved off hunger while waiting for my main with some stuffed grape leaves. Heavy on the lemon, and not exactly unique to Serbia, they were still more than good enough to hit the spot, though for those with small appetites the complimentary bread and salad would have probably sufficed, too. I'll go out on a limb and say that any restaurant that has a braised leg of lamb on the menu probably isn't going to screw it up, and indeed the fork-tender meat was excellent, and together with the kraut and soft chunks of vegetables, didn't need to worry about anything but the joy of eating something that tastes good. There was nothing, in fact, that was so distinctly Serbian that it stood out as something that would make my stop and comment. Something like "Wow, that's really Serbian," I would imagine. Perhaps that's by design, to show that at the end of the day we all like mostly the same things - braised meat, for instance. And though it may be probably more expensive than it's worth, and you definitely need reservations, Three Brothers is an absolute delight.

    (5)

  • Kristina L.

    Oh Three Brothers, how I love thee... it is my absolute favorite. Reservations are basically required and if you are ordering a burek, it's best to call it in with your reservation or the day of your res. I could eat the spinach and cheese burek every day and not get sick of it. I can't vouch for anything else on the menu because my fiance just go there for the burek every time. It is plenty big for the 2 of us to share, the phyllo dough is buttered and flaky to perfection. It's amazing. I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

    (5)

  • Veronica Z.

    Food is really good. Service is UNBELIEVABLY SLOW. And they only take cash and checks. Expect to wait for an hour for your food at dinner time.

    (3)

  • Peter M.

    Awesome food in an awesome old building. One tip, they don't accept credit cards.

    (5)

  • Heather V.

    I feel obligated to leave a review for Three Brothers, just to equal out the rating on this restaurant and to help my fellow Yelpers have a more realistic view of what to expect. I feel it is my duty (how the hell did this place get nearly 5 stars?!). Disappointed is an understatement. I would've given one star, but the food was OK -- it was reminiscent of something you'd get at your Grandma's house. If that's what you're looking for, great, but spending $80 without tip for two people without desert and two drinks each -- me thinks not. The biggest issues -- the decor is shabby at best (and I'm not opposed to a shabby diner-esque atmosphere either -- consider how great Honeypie and Comet are!) and the cost is VERY overpriced ($18 for a piece of moussaka on a mismatched plate with NO sides?! Same went for our other dish, $18.50 for potatoes layered in filo dough, no sides and hardly any flavor..). Consider that we're vegetarian and we had limited options, but the meat dishes were considerably priced higher. I didn't once feel comfortable or home-y here and the acoustics were awful (think small place, noise bouncing all around, cannot hear your date AT ALL and cheap, uncomfortable chairs and tables). The server was very sweet, can't say a bad thing there, but I'm still at a loss why you'd come here to pay this much for mediocrity..?? If this place was reasonably priced and you missed eating at your Granny's house, I could recommend this restaurant with probably 3 1/2 stars. Instead, save your cash from two dinners here and fly your Granny in for the weekend.

    (2)

  • Marcos R.

    My second visit to Three Brothers served to reaffirm my previous five-star review. I made a reservation for two and was reminded that the restaurant accepts cash and check only. It is much appreciated when the staff is mindful of these minor details that have the potential to cause inconvenience/embarrassment if they are not clarified. When Mrs. GPS Navigator announces that you have arrived at your destination, your date is confused as to whether your so-glorified restaurant find is actually your aunt's house, given that this is the only business on this cul-de-sac. Upon our arrival, the table was quickly set, and we notice that the other patrons seem to be regulars. Good sign. We exchange pleasantries with the waitress, and she later imparts her knowledge on the different dishes; some good black bread is brought. As a starter, the date is having the Serbian salad (which I had had before), and I, the walnut, decide to try the Chicken Dumpling Soup. As expected, the Serbian salad was a major success, particularly the Serbian cheese content of it, and the Chicken Dumpling Soup delivered the sober, light natural chicken bouillon taste I wanted. We share a half carafe of the house red wine, which was fruity and good enough for the price. The stars of the evening were the main courses. We were roasting for each other, so, understandably, we ordered roasted versions of lamb, for her, and free-range goose, for me. The lamb was cooked to perfection, and threw me off a bit in a good way, as it tasted more like goat (which I like more than lamb), but not gamy at all. The color, texture, temperature, juiciness and flavor of the goose were heavenly, and all worked together to have me justify the use of my hands to reach for those parts of the goose hidden by the bone. To close a delectable dinner, we shared a cherry strudel craftily prepared to feature fine filo leaves; the quality of the cherry compote leads me to think that fresh fruit was used. This is a lengthy review even for my verbose standard. I must be in love with Three Brothers, as gay as that sounds.

    (5)

  • alan w.

    I'll start out by saying that this was not my first choice for dinner on the night in question. I had in mind a taste for something very different. When that didn't pan out we decided to give Three Brothers a try. I don't think I had ever had authentic Serbian food before. I asked a very friendly and helpful waiter to assist in the menu choices and took his recommendation with the Goulash. Again, I had a very different taste in mind when starting out for the evening, so I don't think my experience with the meal is 100% fair to Three Brothers. It was very flavorful with a home cooked touch. The portions were generous and presented attractively. The staff was busy but very attentive. In the end I think I came away with a good experience, but not a full appreciation for the food. I feel it's more a "cold weather" dinner than spring. Nice, heavy, comforting food that makes you glad to be with friends. We'll be going back, that's for sure. I promise to be in a better frame of, and more open, mind.

    (4)

  • Ben S.

    Pretty good place but our experience didn't quite match some of the 5-star reviews we read before deciding to dine there. A few general comments - the spinach and cheese burek is their specialty and it shows. It is simply delicious. Be forewarned...it is extremely rich and really constitutes a meal for 2 or more people. Yummy. The salad and bread - both were very plain but quite good. The rye bread with butter was yummy and the salad was fresh, albeit boring (lettuce and a couple of teaspoons of chopped tomato with a vinegar & oil dressing). The stuffed grape leaves...give them a few minutes to cool or you'll be peeling the skin off the roof of your mouth with your tongue later (don't ask how I know this). They have a good flavor but it would be a stretch to say they were a fantastic dish. The dessert crepes - skip them. You can make better at home with very little effort. In my opinion, a restaurant dessert should be sufficiently complex that it can't be whipped up by the average home chef in 5-10 minutes. Wish we hadn't ordered these. A few other observations - a little neighborhood place like this should not charge $2 for a 10-oz soda without free refills. Seriously!?! Also, I get the check or cash policy but it is behind the times. A few other yelpers commented on the decor. It was as described but I certainly didn't deduct any stars because of it.

    (3)

  • Amy L.

    Seriously, this place has not changed at all since I was a kid. I was a kid about four decades ago. It is a formula that does not need changing. Good, hearty serbian food....the prices were much better four decades ago but the quality remains the same. If you love meat you will love three brothers. If you love cheese, you will love three brothers, If you love reasonably priced house red wine, you will love three brothers. In other words if the restaurant need not have cleverly named appetizers, a hip clientele (although, I am sure hipsters have ventured here on a field trip), and a cutting edge interior but it is really a good meal you are after then three brothers is the place for you. A little piece of Bay View history remains and it is in residence at three brothers...

    (4)

  • Gerrit R.

    Love this place, great food & great service. We always order a carafe of the House wine, the Serbian Salad and the Spinach Burek.

    (5)

  • Aaron F.

    Decided to try this place with some friends last night and I wish I had done it sooner! You can tell this quaint family business has been cranking out homemade meals from their small kitchen for years. My table had tried a little bit of everything and we weren't disappointed. The meat burek was the star of the show but everything else was a close second. The stuffed zucchini, goulash, and lamb chops are all recommended choices. The homemade chicken dumpling soup was also a winner. Service was also spot-on. I also recommend the house wine. 4 of us grown men shared stories and before we knew it we had downed 3 carafes of wine and closed the place down. We had a great meal though and rest assured I'll be back.

    (5)

  • Sarah H.

    CASH ONLY - and there is no ATM around (aka you have to drive to the gas station). The service was on par and the staff very friendly and accommodating. We ordered the burek which was in fact quite delicious and HUGE (shareable). I guess this is their signature dish. Tip: if you are trying it, order as soon as you sit down as it takes a loooong time to cook (at least they let you know). I'll be back to try another burek (maybe cheese next time?), but I wasn't super impressed with the food/ambiance in general on my first visit.

    (3)

  • Tim H.

    Service was quick and friendly, food was great, prices reasonable at 15-25 a dish. They only take cash! I would have all the dishes I tried on a return visit: -spinach and cheese burek - delicious and takes 45 minutes to cook, but you can call in to preorder -suckling pig -stuffed cabbage -sausage Lots of free street parking nearby. I was surprised it was relatively empty for an early Saturday dinner. By the time I left, the place had filled up. I had a reservation and I think they recommend you make a reservation.

    (4)

  • Larry P.

    This is the restaurant that time forgot. It is a unique experience - and may not be for everyone - but gets 5 stars in my book, because it is one of a kind, and what they do, they do very well. If you want to go back to 1950s Eastern Europe, this is your place. The food and drink is tasty, but very much old school Serbian. You must try the Burek - an amazing plate-sized philo dough meat and cheese pie - enough to easily feed two. We also had a delicious roast loin of pork. True to Eastern European tradition, the side dishes and vegetables are average, boiled, boring. Everything is made fresh by the family owners in the back room, and the dining room is rather small - so call ahead for a reservation, particularly if you have a group. The drink selection is interesting - beers from Europe that are not normally distributed in the US, as well as some interesting signature drinks.

    (5)

  • Tony C.

    I don't see anything exceptional about this restaurant. Maybe it's because I didn't have any exposure to this type of food. This place is very crowded and you are packed into a bar-like area which doesn't seem like an active bar. The tables are within inches of each other. The waitresses have to navigate very small corridors to get to you. I had some sort of stew-like dish which I was told is very popular. I can't really see why - I would've preferred a "marquette special" at Real Chili instead.

    (2)

  • raynard p.

    If you are ever in Milwaukee, this is a must for dinner! A Serbian restaurant frequented by Serbians and locals alike, in a blue collar working class neighborhood, a little hard to find, but totally and completely worth the drive! Three Brothers is a great place to go for a romantic dinner for two or a large group of cherished friends. My partner had been here over 25 years ago and we were so excited that they are still going strong.The place was packed when we arrived for our 9:00pm reservation! The atmoshpere is loud and the crowd friendly, so plan on staying a good 2 hours to enjoy yourself, the music and the food! The restaurant is in a circa 1897 historical building that is listed in the National Historic Registry and feels and looks Old World- very cool. This is the 3rd generation of running the business and you can tell they take great pride in the business and the satisfaction of their customers! Order what the locals are ordering: Serbian Hors d'Oeuvre Salad and Burek. The Salad consists of salami, black olives, tomato, green pepper, Serbian cheese and Russian Dressing. The proportions of the ingredients are perfect. Take your time eating this, enjoy the loud din of the establishment and wait for your Burek to arrive at your table! $7 and $8 for small and large sizes. Burek is a creaton of layers and layers of paper-thin phyllo dough and your choice of filling - Beef, Cheese or Spinach/ Cheese. These tasty dishes take 45 minutes to an hour to bake in the oven are well worth the wait. They are huge and delicious - $17.50 If you are feeling more daring, they also offer Sarma ($15.50) which consists of pickled cabbage leaves filled with beef and rice and come with potato dumplings. Tempting to see on the menu is Roast Suckling Pig ($15-$18) which comes with home pickled cabbage and rice - served with pumpernickel bread. Other options include Goulash, Moussaka, Stuffed Grape Leaves and Roast Lamb. Should you have room for dessert, offerings include apple or cherry strudel, baklava with honey and walnuts, along with a layered torte dessert. YUM. What I didn't mention that Three Brothers has been named Best Restaurant and won a James Beard Award for excellance - this should impress you "foodies" out there, as it did with Julia Child, who has dined there as well as Jerry Lewis and others! Plan ahead and make reservations, which I assume are always needed, especially on the weekends. After spending time in Milwaukee on a day trip, we didn't call until mid-afternoon and barely got in! Service is very good and quite personable. Our waitress, Kim, had been there 5 years and was so nice. She described Three Brothers as being "wrapped in a big, warm blanket". I couldn't agree with her more!

    (5)

  • Danielle B.

    You can't go wrong at Three Brothers. Eating here is not just a meal, it's an experience... and an excellent one. The food is out of this world. I have no idea where they get their ingredients, but I ate some amazing, ripe, flavorful, delicious tomatoes at the beginning of April. How is that possible?! The service is fun, authentic and improves the experience. The decor is classic and historic. It's an intimate dining experience, but since everyone is so happy to be there, it's no big deal to bump elbows or chairs. If you're looking for someplace special to enjoy a long and delicious meal, Three Brothers is the place to be. It's certainly pricey, but worth it for a special occasion. You won't be disappointed. But plan ahead - it's cash only and you'll want to have plenty!

    (5)

  • Jennifer W.

    My family, - which on this night consisted of my sister Jess, her hubby David, Matt (our brother from another mother) and his partner Fernando - decided to enjoy a nice meal out for Christmas Eve instead of slaving over the stove. That was two days ago, and my car still smells like Burek. But that is my only complaint. Situated in an historic and charming building, Three Brothers really delivers. Yes, the place is cramped and so humid you get an unintended facial while waiting for your food. Yes, you really need a reservation, and the place is so familiar to some that they not only make a reservation but they actually reserve a specific table. But the food is out of this world and in ample portions, to boot. Being the modern-day version of family that we are, we shared everything. Even Matt's Brandy Old-Fashioned. We shared stuffed grape leaves and a serbian appetizer plate of meats, cheeses and olives. But before that we ordered two bureks - one meat and one spinach - because they take an hour. When the food arrived, we had five entrees, which was probably two too many for five people. We stuffed ourselves and reveled in the ambiance and lulled ourselves into a food coma with the din of a happy and comfortable crowd in the backdrop. All told, the whole shebang was only $30 per person. Which, we had to pay in cash so don't forget that little tidbit if you ever visit Three Brothers. I mean, WHEN you visit Three Brothers, because you must. Enjoy.

    (4)

  • Kimmy T.

    Holy s*@t!! Even after stuffing my belly to its fullest capacity, I wanted to eat more from Three Brothers!! I went there with my wife, her parents, her sister and her sister's BF. The building is historical building and when you go inside, it's like you're in an old eastern European house. It's very quaint and inviting. Several people ordered the chicken dumpling soup which every person raved about with every bite. My wife and I did not order the soup and were surprisingly given complimentary side salads to eat while everyone enjoyed their soups. Two people in our party ordered the Burek - one spinach and cheese, and the other was meat. The burek takes about 45 minutes to make, so we did wait for some time. But you're too busy spending time with your family, that you don't even notice! Other dishes ordered: pork, a couple roasted pepper dishes, and I had the roasted duck. I was excited when I received half a duck!! Everything on my plate was delicious!!! I can still taste it now... Not one person was disappointed in their meal and we were all sufficiently stuffed afterwards. Of course we still indulged in dessert though - 2 crepes. The staff was very friendly and inviting and seemed genuinely happy to be feeding us! I can't say I've ever had Serbian food prior to Three Brothers. I even searched for Serbian restaurants in LA and there are a couple nearby. Sadly, a lot of those reviews say it's nothing compared to Three Brothers!! But we'll still give them a try considering MKE is now 1700 miles away! Three Brothers takes reservations and I suggest doing so on weekends and holidays as the restaurant is small. Plenty of street parking is available too. Come hungry though!!! Your taste buds and stomach will thank you later!!

    (5)

  • Scott S.

    Split the stuffed pepper between two which was more than satisfying. Couldn't be happier with our selection and presentation. HAd never eaten hear before, but very happy we did. Only downside is that they only except cash. had to run out 12 blocks to nearest atm.

    (4)

  • Badger B.

    The food was outstanding but the service was lousy. I had a friend who came into town from California and was dying to check out Three Brothers because of what he saw on TV. We arrived to an empty restaurant only to be seated deep in the corner where we had to squeeze through chairs to get to. It just seemed like they kept forgetting about us. I ordered a glass of wine that was never brought out. Basically had to wave them down just to approach our table. The only other bright side about our experience was the bus boy that came around to water our glasses(he was on it). We probably would've sat around for a couple more drinks but decided to call it a night due to our experience. I usually tip around 30% but still left a 15% tip, I hope the servers give it to the kitchen because they do not deserve it. And finally, invest in a credit card machine for your customers it's 2013.

    (2)

  • Christina R.

    A historical landmark, this restaurant has been open since 1905! This place has been passed down from generation to generation and you can't help but say that this is an AUTHENTIC experience. It's a great Serbian homecooked meal and I promise you WON'T be disappointed! When my family and I dined here for my Birthday dinner the current owner was sitting behind us sharing a meal with his family. One of my best friends from high school is Serbian and her family invited me over plenty of times for me to know that I like the food so when I found out about Three Brothers I jumped at the opportunity! My family and I decided to do a family style dinner and ordered 5 entrees to share: the lamb, pork,, duck and cheese and spinach borek. The lamb and duck would have to be my favorite dishes of the night but if I had one complaint, I found the pork to be a little dry and the SPINACH & CHEESE was ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS. It's one of those dishes that seem so simple yet filled with a lot of flavor. You do need to wait 45 mins but it is absolutely worth the wait. If anything, I would call ahead and have this as an appetizer since it is a large plated dish. There were 6 of us and there were plenty for us to share. I wish I got to try more, especially the goose (they were out) because the dinner was overall filling and satisfying. We tried two desserts, the chocolate mousee and the tarte. I thought the tarte was TOO sweet and didn't enjoy it as much as the chocolate cake. The dessert were small portioned so maybe each get one and pass it around the table to share. Seriously, if you wish to try something new and authentic i would DEFINITELY give this place a shot!! Remember to bring cash since they don't accept credit cards!!!!

    (4)

  • Lauren D.

    Tips for enjoying Three Brothers: 1) Bring cash, as the restaurant is cash only 2) Call ahead for reservations 3) Go with company that you have plenty to discuss with, as you will wait a while for the made-to-order food--this is a good thing! Loved the service, burek, dumplings and fact that this truly is a Milwaukee landmark to see!

    (4)

  • Matthew R.

    I have no idea what makes this place so popular. Other than good service, and that is a rarity these days, this place is a pass. This is a third generation family restaurant serving Serbian/Hungarian traditional meals. The dining room has not been updated since the 70s. Some thought it was kichy and charming. I thought it was dingy and depressing. Rows of dishes and glasses flood the bar and I couldn't tell if they were old or dirty, but they were certainly not appealing to look at all night. The mural behind the bar is dingy with 75 years of smoke damage. The tables are remnants from 1960s kitchens - Formica and aluminum. The chairs are classic and worn to the nubbins and certainly not comfortable. CASH ONLY - this place accepts CASH ONLY and at an average of $43 a person for dinner and drink, carry lots of cash. (forget looking for an ATM near by) It is over-priced for bland, beige food. I have had both excellent and mediocre Serbian and Hungarian food. This fell into the latter category. If you go - try the Serbian Long Island Iced Tea - 3 fruit brandies make this a nice cocktail. For food, bite the bullet and pay the $20 and hour wait for the Burek - its the only interesting thing on the menu and that's not a compliment. Noise level is very loud. You can not easily hear the person next to you.

    (2)

  • Tom C.

    I anticipated my visit to Three Brothers because of its excellent Yelp rating, but this restaurant doesn't live up to the hype. The dining room is an old Schlitz barroom, with many of its smoke-stained remnants still on display, crammed with worn tables and chairs. The food is ethnic home-cooking, the kind one might find at a potluck church social. Be advised: their much-acclaimed burek is HUGE, easily feeding two. Also, BRING CASH.

    (3)

  • Jess O.

    Simply my favorite restaurant and it has been for years. I even had my rehearsal dinner here. Here's the low down. Don't go in a hurry. They make the food from scratch. It is a family run places and they always remember us when we come in (which is not that often now that I live in NY). I love the soup and the Serbian salad, which is made with a special sharp yet creamy cheese. I don't like raw onions so I get mine without. My favorite favorite entree is the cheese burek. i have tried to make this myself but it is never as good. The stuffed peppers are also good. I am not crazy about the duck and while the fish is good, it is not the best thing there. I am usually too full for dessert but like to finish off with some slivovitz.

    (5)

  • Alison H.

    It was an interesting experience. It was my first experience with Serbian food and it definitely seemed like home cooking. There is more I would like to try at another time, so I hope I have a chance to go back.

    (3)

  • Sarah Z.

    Sorry, but I'm not a fan. I love the decor and atmosphere... very up my alley. But the food is all heavy and seriously lacks any creativity or varied selection. There was a good salad we enjoyed, but I barely touched my entree and the dessert portion was so incredibly small that I actually took a picture of it for laughs and sent it to my friend asking him how many bites he thought I had already taken out of it. Won't ever be back.

    (3)

  • Sudipto G.

    Amazing serbian place.. very homely ambiance, and great food..we tried the Cheese and Spinach Burek (which is sort of their house specialty) and the Roast Duck..both dishes were amazing! On the flip side, be prepared to wait ~1 hr for your food to arrive..but they make everything from scratch and it is well worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Richard S.

    This is a great place to go when you want to escape modern society for an hour or two! Old School food in an old school environment. My favorites are the Spinach and Cheese Burek, the Leg of Lamb or the Cevapcici (Serbian Sausage). Service is Fantastic and friendly. They treat you like you're a long lost Cousin! They are wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind the space is really tight. One last suggestion. Every visit here should end (or start) with a shot of Slivovitz.

    (4)

  • Erin L.

    The best of the best ethnic experience. I feel like if I had a Serbian grandma. She just cooked me a meal and I am at her house. Don't pass up the Russian salad and the stuffed peppers. Glad we got those along with our pastry thing so we could dip it in the left over sauce.

    (5)

  • Brian H.

    This place is awesome! Old world charm to the max! There interior makes you feel like you went back in time to the 40's or 50's. Gotta make a reservation, the place is a little small. The food is amazing! Comfort food feel with the homemade old world past!

    (5)

  • Meredith S.

    Woke up this morning with Three Brothers on my mind! Have not eaten there in almost ten years but still miss it! When I meet someone in Kansas City heading up to Milwaukee, I always tell them not to miss this place. The food was always so good (I ate there several times while based at MKE with Midx) but I don't recall the names of the dishes...just can't get the flavors out of my mind. Possibly a contributor to their success is no credit cards, cash only? Three Brothers...the jewel restaurant of Milwaukee!

    (5)

  • Chad C.

    I love this place. The appetizers are great and so is the burek - but make sure you call in advance to order the burek if you don't have a lot of time - they take 30+ minutes to bake. This is a quaint little authentic restaurant with really kind people running it. Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Carri H.

    This unassuming restaurant was really a treat! I had dinner with a party of 8 people and everyone loved their food. The burek is a lovely way to start the meal, but don't let it spoil your appetite! My stuffed cabbage had well-seasoned meat and the pickled cabbage gave the broth a complex and unique flavor. The dumplings were just dumplings. They would have been better with more time to soak up the broth. My friends raved about the goulash also. We enjoyed the full bar and the earthy atmosphere. If we didn't have places to go, I'd sit there much longer and maybe try out the dessert menu.

    (4)

  • Michael O.

    We went here for dinner last Saturday, and it was a very enjoyable time. First off, we had a reservation for 6, and we came with 8. They were very accommodating to us, and squeezed us into a table until a larger one opened up. I was right in the way of the service isle, and even then, everyone working there was so nice. Its rare to see people almost grateful for you to be at their restaurant. Our server was very nice, and she answered a lot of questions we had. She gave us the recommendations based on the number of people we had, and she was very patient. This was not my first Serbian food experience, but it was much for formal than the past meals I had at friends' houses. I am in love with Burek! I also had stuffed zucchini which was in a wonderful red sauce and served with 2 large dumplings. I tried the lamb, and it was the best lamb I ever had. I want to go back and try a few other things. They don't take cash, which is a pet-peeve of mine. Besides that, they have a great thing going.

    (4)

  • Jon H.

    Tasty and different than any other restaurant in Milwaukee. Fun atmosphere, really good food, and the whole experience is good for a date night. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Onur U.

    We stopped into Three Brothers for some Serbian food over the weekend. They were written up in the NY Times a while ago, and it sounded pretty good. It's located on a residential street and the parking is all street parking in front of houses so it has the feel of visiting a friend's house for a dinner party. The space has a very charming old-school tavern feel and formica tables. (Reservations are highly recommended) The menu promotes the burek that takes 45 minutes to cook. So of course we ordered two. We started with a couple orders of chicken dumpling soup. The entire meal had a very home-cooked quality to it, especially the soup. The broth had a bold, hearty chicken flavor and the dumplings were soft and crumbly. They also brought a simple salad of fresh lettuce and tomatoes topped with a vinaigrette. The two courses held us over while we waited for the bureks to cook. And they were definitely worth the wait. We ordered both the spinach and cheese and the beef and both were excellent. The top of the burek was well browned and the inside very gooey and rich. We also ordered the roasted free range goose and the stuffed grape leaves. They warned us when we ordered the goose that they could not get the skin crispy without drying out the meat. The meat was very full-flavored and moist so we didn't mind at all. It was served with a big spoonful of stuffing. The grape leaves were stuffed with ground beef and served with a side of spongy dumplings and gravy made from what I assume is the cooking water. The stuffed grape leaves were nice and sour and not overcooked at all which can be a problem with dolmas. This was an excellent meal top to bottom. It's a pretty unique setting with a laid-back atmosphere and huge servings of Eastern European comfort food.

    (5)

  • Barbara D.

    A cute little place in Bay View. Been around for years so that says a lot about the quality of their food. Staff was friendly and helpful. Branko, the owner made the rounds of each table. I was glad we had reservations since the place was full. My daughter and I had the Burek. It was the whole reason we went there. It takes a while since this is not the frozen stuff but is worth the wait. Meanwhile I ate more bread than I should have eaten. It was great!! We should have ordered one burek since it was so big we each ate less than half. They wrapped the rest to-go but after eating it again the next night, I was not delighted to eat it again on a third night. I prefer the Cheese Burek (not on their menu) altho I do like spinach but just not as much. Meals here are not cheap (which makes it hard not to eat all the leftovers.) However, it certainly is perfect for a special meal and a memorable evening.

    (4)

  • Rohan D.

    Authentic Serbian food, friendly Old World service, beautiful old building, a tad overpriced I think. We heard about this place from friends who grew up in Milwaukee in the 1950s. Yes, "Happy Days" came and went and this place is still the same. In a world of anonymous, forgettable corporate chain restaurants, it's nice to find a restaurant that recalls a time when Brew City was the best city to live in America, built by hard working Eastern and Southern European immigrants, and you were more likely to hear Slavic or German languages than English in this part of town. Forget your diet for a night out here, this is a meat and potatoes place, and take a cab or a designated driver so you can have both their Serbian wines and after dinner brandies, maybe a good vodka before it all.

    (4)

  • Stephen M.

    I try to get to Three Brothers a few times a year, whenever I am in Milwaukee. There are good reasons why this restaurant should be a staple, and for why it is my favorite restaurant of all time (yes, it is that good). Located in an historic building in South Milwaukee with a Schlitz globe perched precariously on top, the space itself is welcoming and warm. The mismatched tables, chairs, and dishes give this place the feeling of eating in grandma's dining room. It's not all that large and it fills up fast, so a reservation is a good idea. The staff are also friendly and helpful, and of course they are very knowledgeable about the food, since it is a family-run place. The food is simply amazing. I've tried at least half of the items on the menu and none were a disappointment. The highlight is the burek, which comes with meat, cheese, or spinach and cheese. The burek takes 45 minutes to bake, so it is a good idea to put that order in as soon as you sit down. The meat burek is especially tasty--savory meat layered between flaky sheets of phyllo dough--I'm almost drooling as I write about it. The appetizers are a slightly pricey, but worth it. The entrees are all fairly ample--nobody could leave this place hungry after a regular meal. The sarma is very popular and sometimes sells out quickly. The stuffed peppers are incredible--the rich red sauce they come in tastes like it has been simmering over a flame of pure love of food for an entire day. For something less heavy, the Tilapia is a light, tasty alternative to the more beef-heavy dishes. A real surprise is the grape leaves entree, which have a perky, almost citrus flavor and a surprising complexity of taste. The roasted suckling pig that I had on my last visit had a perfectly crispy skin with surprisingly flavorful and juicy meat--even more delicious than I expected. My only regret is that I rarely have room for dessert and serbian coffee. *note that cards are not accepted. Cash and checks only.

    (5)

  • Mike C.

    I had never had Serbian food before, so I decided it was well worth a try. Our waitress was Hannah, who was very patient with us in explaining food styles, menu options, and personal recommendations. The food was top-notch. It did take a little time to get it, but seeing as it is all homemade it was understandable. I would highly recommend here to anyone in the area. Definitely a gem in the food world

    (5)

  • Cardinal S.

    3.5 stars overall, but I'm rounding up to 4 because of the grape leaf appetizers! Grape leaf appetizers - 5 stars. Wonderful flavor, not too sour or soggy, went well with the cheese they paired it with. Spinach burek - 3.5 stars. It was good, but not amazing. Beef gulash - 3.5 stars. The beef was tender, but it tastes like something my mom can make. Baklava- 3.5 stars. A solid choice. Drenched in honey, with the usual nutty flavor and texture. Suzette crepes- 3.5 stars. The apricot filling made it a bit too sweet and artificial tasting, but the crepes themselves were very good. Oh, and the tomatoes on our salad were very fresh and sweet!

    (4)

  • A W.

    Tucked away in a neighborhood of south Milwaukee, this place is about as delicious as you can get. The atmosphere is cozy/homey, the servers are always friendly and prompt, and the food is so delicious. My husband and I have been here about three or four times--we come every time we are in Milwaukee! Last time we split a tasty cheese plate, but in the past we've also enjoyed stuffed grape leaves. We always get a burek, which is probably the best I've ever tasted, and we can usually save half of it for lunch the next day. Honestly, everything here is delicious. We've tried the different entrees: cabbage rolls, meat and dumpling dishes. It's all fabulous.

    (5)

  • Tracy E.

    In an old Schlitz bar you will find European charm and delicious Serbian food. Yup, this place is awesome.

    (5)

  • Debby S.

    Great atmosphere, fun - prepare to relax and don't go when you are in a hurry. Definite must see.

    (4)

  • Bob A.

    Three Brothers Restaurant (2414 S Saint Clair St) should be called Grandmas Best Home Made With Old World Charm. Great Serbian food, burek, roast pig, veal saddle, and lamb. Great! Try the house wine!

    (4)

  • Katherine K.

    I've been a Milwaukee resident for 8 months now and absolutely love it--the only thing that seems lacking is the restaurant scene. My home town, Chicago, has all sorts of gems in every price point, but we're still searching for gems in Milwaukee. We found one tonight at Three Brothers. This is the first restaurant that has truly knocked our socks off, and it knocked our socks off in the true Milwaukee way--with a total lack of pretension. (Milwaukee: I love your lack of pretension. Love it.) As everyone before me has said, this restaurant is in an old Schlitz bar. The tables are vintage formica, the chairs look crappy (but were comfortable), and the wall behind the bar is papered with a giant Nature/Mountain photo scene from the seventies. The food and the service are OUTSTANDING. We ordered/shared the Serbian salad, the Serbian hors d'oeuvres, lamb, and the spinach and cheese burek. The food was wonderful--the ingredients in the appetizers were fresh and crisp, the lamb tasted like it had been slow cooked all afternoon, and the burek, well the burek was a decadent concoction of phyllo dough, spinach, cheese. We took home 2/3 of our entrees and can't wait to eat them tomorrow. Part of me wishes we had ordered dessert, but we probably would have gone into a food coma and died right there. While we were there, we had two waitresses checking on us as well as the owner, and someone who we suspected was his son. They were all charming--particularly the owner who seemed genuinely grateful that we chose to spend Valentine's Day in his establishment. As it turns out, this restaurant is only a mile or so from our home--I look forward to becoming a regular.

    (5)

  • Mike G.

    This is a quintessential Milwaukee dining experience. Located in a lovely old building on quiet Bay View side street, the family run Serbian restaurant has a wonderful old Milwaukee atmosphere. The food is hearty and delicious. Standout dishes are the Serbian salad, the burek (45 minute wait but worth it) and the chicken paprikash. The prices are a bit high but one burek is enough for three. A great place to spend a cold winter evening. Warning: They don't accept credit cards.

    (5)

  • Joe P.

    Easily as good as the food I ate in Former Yugoslavia when traveling there a couple years ago. The pljeskavice and cevapcici were savory, succulent, and sublime. The burek was a chunk of heaven! Branko (the owner) was a delightful host and we left feeling like we'd stepped back in time and had an old world fantasy in Belgrade!

    (5)

  • Karen J.

    Burek is worth the wait! We usually order one meat and one spinach. Other main courses are good too. I believe it is cash only and reservations are highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Stephanie L.

    I was introduced to this Serbian treasure--hidden around a bend in Bay View--by two, dear friends. I am amazed that I didn't [try to] stumble upon it before. I feel like I have been jipped all of these years. I grew up on the south side, and had never been to this great spot. I have a 50% Croatian mother, but she never made us dishes inspired by the region. It's too bad. Although, I'm glad I waited to experience the region for the first time when I went to Three Brothers. I opted for the Serbian salad and the beef burek. I also tasted the fruity "house" red that is reminiscent of the Dalmatian Coast wines. Perfectly sweet and slightly jammy. The evening was cool this past Saturday, so this european comfort food was just what the doctor ordered. We had an 8:00 p.m. reservation, and found, upon arrival, that not one open seat was available. All of the tables were filled, with no one appearing to "finish up." We waited for about 15 minutes, with the host approaching us periodically to make sure we were okay and to give us a time check. They asked us if we wanted some wine while we waited. Very obliging. The atmosphere is very european. The speed reminds me of the many cafes and restaurants I frequented in Warsaw as a student. You take your time. You savor the wine, the food, and the company. I did not mind waiting the 15 minutes, because I was already relaxed, just being there. There was a carafe of wine on the table when we were seated, and four glasses already in their appropriate spots. We were ready to look at the menu. The specialty plates (on the back of the menu) are grand, but I highly recommend going traditional: burek--choose the beef. It does not disappoint, and you will more than likely leave with leftovers. I will be making a return visit, so I may try the goulash. Chicken livers is another possibility. You really cannot find menu options like that just anywhere. Three Brothers is special, eclectic, and truly romantic. It is romantic in the way it makes you feel while you dine (it's cozy) and in the intimate vibe it emits.

    (4)

  • Christine J.

    My first trip to Three Brothers was an A+. My second trip, not so much. Three Brothers is good, but if you do it a very special way. You have to go at peak time and order the Burek. The burek is special, and just about every table gets it. It's a fluffy phyllo dough pie with meat inside. I was very impressed after my first trip. The second time I went, I went just after opening on a Saturday afternoon, just before 5 PM. I swear, they must have had their B team. We were in somewhat of a rush, so I passed on the burek so I didn't have to wait 45 minutes. I ordered the pljeskavica instead. I looked it up on wikipedia before ordering it and it looked like a large hamburger patty cooked with vegetables. It had a nice pan browning on it too. But when I got my pljeskavica, I was disappointed. It was basically a well done burger. The meat wasn't browned, it was practically steamed. Juicy due to the onions, but altogether lackluster. Worst part of this whole experience is that it took 45 minutes to get my food. You mean I could've gotten the burek?!!! We finished up around 6 PM and noticed that a lot of kitchen and wait staff were just arriving to work. So my suspicion is that I didn't get their best effort the second time around. I may be back, but only on a peak night and with reservations.

    (3)

  • David K.

    Great Serbian cuisine. I really love this restaurant and go there often when visiting Milwaukee. I love the antique, eclectic decor of the place almost as much as I enjoy the food. My particular favorite is their burek, both the beef and the spinach and cheese versions. It's almost as good as my own family recipe for burek. One of my friends enjoys the roasted duck entree, and their Serbian salad makes an excellent appetizer, although I don't think I would order their goulash again. The waitstaff is both friendly and attentive, so, when in Milwaukee, make a point to go to Three Brothers, order a plate of burek, have a shot of slivovitz, pear liquor, or Serbian tea, and just relax. Be sure to make a reservation. They might be quiet if you arrive just after they open, but you'll be surprised by how quickly the restaurant fills up. The only issue I have with Three Brothers, and one that most likely cannot be helped, is its location, which is at a considerable distance from downtown Milwaukee. On the one hand, it's good because it makes the restaurant feel more authentically local as a neighborhood establishment and less touristy (even though the restaurant is well-known); on the other hand, it does require a somewhat significant commute, making it really out of the way for visitors.

    (5)

  • H C.

    I was a bit nervous about trying Serbian food, especially since I tried Turkish the night before and found that it wasn't my thing. But, I was pleasantly surprised by Three Brothers. Reservations are highly recommended. It was a Thursday evening and the place was completely filled with reserved tables. The building is an old Schlitz tavern and with the old school decor it feels like you are walking back in time. The server was extremely friendly, and spent time offering suggestions on the menu. I am a sucker for dumplings, so I had the chicken dumpling soup and stuffed peppers with dumplings on the side. Yes, that is an awful lot of dumplings, but I loved them! The soup was a very thin flavorful chicken broth with a huge whole wheat dumpling. Exactly what I would need if I was feeling sick. The stuffed peppers were Amazing! Stuffed with ground beef and rice covered in a red sauce. They tasted like they had been cooking in the oven all day. The peppers were so soft and the flavor with the tomato sauce was over the top! I cleaned my plate. As we were eating an old man in his 80's (we soon discovered was the owner) shuffled over to us with his cane to Thank us for coming and hoped we enjoyed our food. They take only Cash and don't bother looking for a website, they don't have one. But, it seems they have no problem filling the seats with word of mouth. The prices were a bit high, but I am always happy to pay a bit more for a meal that is made especially for me, and not mass produced.

    (4)

  • Kathryn G.

    This place feels like a hidden gem because it is a hidden gem. It's what I imagine restaurants to be 100 years ago. The menu items, the service, the atmosphere, everything about it says old world, old fashioned, take-your-time-style cooking. Whenever I go back home, I have to go here. Such a great place.

    (5)

  • Jane K.

    i'm giving this place 5 stars because ambiance, personality and vibe can take food to another level. don't get me wrong about the food it is fantastic! it is a special and unique place in milwaukee and i encourage you to bring out of town guests here as the chance they have ever even had serbian food before is remote. it will help them realize that milwaukee is actually a pretty cool place. first the space: the schlitz globe atop the roof is a beacon once you cross the hoan bridge and the former bar is as quaint as it gets. the space is intimate and casual and foreshadows the comforting home-cooked serbian food about to come your way. you even get that feeling from the thrift store plates and the 50s chrome tables. the dark wood is warm and inviting. it is obvious that this is a family run establishment. the food: you might a well be at home in your kitchen with your serbian mother making you dinner -- because that is what it is! every dish has that personal touch to it that gives it extra charm and flavor. as everyone mentions order your burek immediately upon sitting down and then read the menu carefully. another must have is the serbian salad. i've always been perplexed at how branko (the owner) manages to get the best tomatoes even in the dead of winter. this simple salad has so much flavor. there is no dressing and it doesn't need it. the flavors meld together perfectly. one of my favorite dishes on the menu is the raznici -- i know i'm spelling it wrong but close enough. the skewered pork is delectable on a bed of finely chopped onions. the duck and goose are fantastic and as a lover of rare lamb i LOVE their lamb -- which is quite well done. but the way it is prepared makes it so flavorful and moist. if you are looking for vegetables or light food don't bother coming. this is stick to your ribs, wrap you in a food coma blanket heaven. oh, and did i mention that if you don't eat family style at this place you are a loser? seriously. you will miss out on so much. if you are like many locals who have never been here you must experience this wonderful restaurant that is in your own backyard. if you are traveling on business or pleasure make it a point to have it on your list of things to do. highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Richard N.

    Absolutely banging food, and a fantastic place. It feels like you are eating in someone's home - no overhead lighting, only lamps. I had the suckling pig and it was fantastic. Next time I will get the burek. Can't wait!

    (5)

  • Laura S.

    Yes, genuine Serbian food (and a good selection of Serbian liquor), in a setting that is authentic, sentimental Milwaukee. It's tough to find an entree that ISN'T served with dumplings, a major 'plus' in my book. Although theirs aren't fried in bacon grease like my granny's. After dining here, you'll feel that you really took a trip into Milwaukee's ethnic past. Stroll around this neighborhood, too. There's a lot to love, including a good view of Lake Michigan, and a spot for foo-foo drinks called 'At Random'.

    (4)

  • Denise L.

    Wow! I can't believe this place is in Milwaukee. Not that there's anything wrong with Milwaukee, but every time I each here, it's either a chain restaurant or "fast" food. Three Brother's is a little, quaint homey Serbian restaurant. Yes, Serbian. I've never had this before, but I loved it! My friend and I started off with the Serbian sampler. It was a platter full of bread, cheese, salami, olives, and tomatoes. Great way to start off a meal. We were warned that the portions were very large, so we decided to share the Burek. I'm SO glad we did. It looked like a large round calzone! Instead dough it was sheets of phyllo formed into a large pie. Inside the crisp, flaky phyllo were tons of beef filling. It was delicious!!! SO unique and tasty. After a quarter piece of it, I was stuffed. For dessert, we shared the apple strudel. The cinnamon apples were baked warm and also wrapped in the crispy phyllo dough. Very good. I highly recommend coming here if you're in Wisconsin. It's right by the MKE airport and it's definitely better than going to some typical "American" restaurant here in the Midwest. Note: They only accept cash or check. I didn't have either, but they were nice enough to tell me to send the check in the mail! Wow, what trustworthy people!

    (4)

  • Alex B.

    We read the review in the New York Times and made the trip from Chicago to see what the fuss was about. We were charmed by the cute room (a historic landmark I hear?), quaint, odds-and-ends lighting and attentive service. I felt as if I were eating in someones home. The food also delivered, although I was not floored. The quail was tremendous, served with an assortment of buttery sides. I found the spinach pastry dish (their signature) too rich and overpriced. However, all the food was hearty and perfect for a cold winter's night, and I left stuffed to the gills and with leftovers to spare. If I'm ever again in Milwaukee I'd surely go back to Three Brothers..

    (4)

  • bill s.

    Gets 5 stars simply because of its uniqueness. Housed in an old neighborhood Schlitz bar it is like having dinner at your gratnt-aunt's or grandmother's house. Formica tables, mismatched silverware, etc. A great place to go with friends because you can sample lots of different items. Be prepared to spend most of the eening there because everything is made when you order it. Serbian salad (green pepper, onion, tomato, feta cheese, no lettuce), burek (layers and layers of paper thin phyllo dough with kmeat or spinach), a pork and onion dish that I just love, sarma, stuffed grape leaves, etc. Drink the Prokupac (Yugoslavian red wine) and finish it up with pear or plum brandy. As previously noted--no credit cards. For any sailors out there--walking distance of the South Shore Yacht Club, just about the friendliest club on the west shore of Lake Michigan, and no, I'm not a member.

    (5)

  • Eric X.

    I just ate here last night for the first time in my life despite living in Milwaukee most of my life. I can't believe I overlooked this place. Since this is the only Serbian place I ever ate at, I can't discuss authenticity, but man it was tasty. They have this special salad that is awfully good for a starter. They also have this flakey filo dough baked thing that can be stuffed with beef or cheese or spinach and cheese. It's huge and takes an hour to bake, but a good thing to share with 3-4 people. I ordered the whitefish which was tialapia. It was cooked to perfection with garlic and drawn butter and served with carrots, pickled cabbage, and dumplings. *DROOLS* The serbian coffee was a bit thick for me. I'm not sure if I was supposed to stir it, but it got VERY silty. Afterwards, we went to Culver's for a turtle sundae. Stupid Californians need to figure that one out. Oh wait I'm reviewing 3 Bros. It's a Milwaukee Institution; therefore, a required experience. Entrees in the $15 range.

    (4)

  • Jane M.

    What a fantastic restaurant. The atmosphere is great. I went with my Dad and SO this weekend. I had the chicken dumpling soup as an appetizer and my Dad had the Serbian salad. Both were excellent. I had the pickled cabbage as an entree and it was great. My SO had the Chicken paprikash. The sauce was so good and the chicken was cooked perfectly. My Dad had the raznici and cevapcici and it was delicious. For dessert we tried the cherry palacinka and cherry and apple strudel. They were all so good. I highly recommend this place.

    (5)

  • Andrea P.

    This place is Fabulous! One of those places I will go back to when visiting Mikwaukee. My best friends are Serbian and I've experienced the flavors before but nothing beats this place. Give it a try! You will love it. Also read about the history of the restaurant. It's also very interesting! What a gem!

    (5)

  • Anne H.

    I'm not real daring when it comes to different foods but was so pleased with this food! I think I had a chicken paprakash (cannot spell that) and it was delish! Have been meaning to go back!

    (4)

  • sasha b.

    my personal favorite on many levels. a beauty in the heart of bay view; this has been a constant in my life for well over 15 years. from the beautiful historic Schlitz building, to the old world and eclectic feel once inside. don't go there thinking you'll be in and out in an hour...take your time, relax, enjoy the atmosphere the Serbian host and more importantly the AMAZING food. as a starter, their simple, but fantastic Serbian salad: on top is a light cheese that practically melts in your mouth. simple, light and refreshing. another starter is their stuffed grape leaves. be sure to squeeze the lemon wedge that accompanies the dish and yowzers! good. the finale - the spinach burek - there is nothing like it, it takes about an hour to bake, but once you get it..the light, buttery and flaky filo dough layers of cheese and spinach in between is perfection. enjoy it all with a traditional serbian pivo or czech beer. cash only.

    (5)

  • Kate Z.

    We took 8 people to this quaint and adorable restaurant where the Serbian and the Americana blend together. Since we were so many we were able to try almost everything on the menu and it was all spectacular. The mural above the bar is precious and the food was tasty and comforting. It's a perfect Sunday night spot.

    (5)

  • jane m.

    Well, this is one special place. I've been going there since I was a little kid and it never changes: always great and always a special experience. One of my friends put it best by saying it feels like the safest place in the world. Nothing ever changes, the lights are nice and low, the ambiance is great, and the food is consistently fantastic. It's in an old historic beautiful building in the Bay View. There are so many highlights: burek (filo pie filled with spinach, beef or cheese), sarma (stuffed cabbage - to die for), stuffed peppers or zucchini (equally good!), cevapcici (small hand rolled sausages-the best!), roast lamb, roast goose, Serbian salad (tomatoes, green peppers, onion, Serbian cheese). The deserts are great too. Tortes and crepes = Yum! You'll be full when you leave for sure. The portions are pretty good sized and prices are really low for the quality. I always try to bring a bunch of people with me so I can try as many different things as possible. The food comes out on mismatched old china probably from sets they had when they opened in the 50's. One of the coolest things about the place is when the owner Branko is around. He's in his mid-80's and is quite a character. He holds court with a generous sense of spirit and pride and will regale you with tales of WWll that will keep you riveted to your cane chair seat. The history of his family and the restaurant is pretty awesome. A true American immigrant success story. They even got a James Beard award for being an American Classic a few years ago that sits out on a table by the bar. After you're done eating having a shot of Slivovitz is the thing to do. It's super strong plum brandy that will knock your socks off. But it's great and hard to find so try it. They also make this drink called Serbian Tea that is a warm shot of brandy that is sweetened. My kind of tea!!! I moved away from Milwaukee years ago, but every trip I go back and it's as if I never left. What a place!! You Milwaukeeans are lucky!! Cash only so bring some green! And maybe a map if you don't know the Bay View...Russell Street is the one that will take you under the freeway to get there. Once you've been there it'll be easy to remember.

    (5)

  • Ken M.

    restaurant rave: hope all my milwaukee-area friends know about three brothers in bayview. 2414 s. saint clair. it's kind of out-of the way in a residential area, but it's easy to find. it's in an old schlitz tavern ... a little serbian eatery with formica tables, etchings on the walls and great food. we enjoyed a belated birthday dinner there last night ... after sharing a spinach and cheese burek and serbian salad, the four of us picked four meats for entrees ... (with apologies to all vegans) roast sucking pig, roast duck, stuffed breast of veal and i had the leg of lamb. all were great, but the lamb, IMHO, was the best. fall-off-the-bone with peppers, onions and mushrooms and sides of sauerkraut, carrots and rice. just "wow" falls way short. i'm not a food writer, but i've eaten in a few restaurants over the years and this is just about as good as it gets. i also tried the serbian take on a long island ice tea ... a little fruitier, but good ... and later a serbian beer. the ambience is great too ... a cafe experience like maybe you'd imagine somewhere in old-world eastern europe. they used to have a jukebox in the corner that could play "vesti la guibba," but that's gone, and sweet branko radisevic was a no-show (he's 88 now). but when a desert with a candle on top was delivered to one table and the wait staff started singing, the whole crowd joined in for a rousing "happy birthday dear whoever-you-are." the service was just right ... we weren't in a hurry but were never wanting for attention. just a great dining experience.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : No
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : No
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Intimate
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Three Brothers

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