Hi Hat Garage

I returned to the Hi Hat recently after a couple-​year boycott following a member of bar staff short-​changing me $ 10 after insisting my $ 20 bill was a ten. The drink was tasty, the venue had a decent atmosphere and I knew that this was probably an isolated incident with one sketchy staff member, but it still left a sour taste in my mouth.
Two years later, I ventured back in for brunch and was regretful that I’d shunned it for so long. The food isn’t mind-​blowing, but it’s a decent enough brunch option for when you’re hungry after watching an early-​morning EPL match. I had the country-​fried steak and eggs — steak was delicious albeit a little small, the potatoes were decent but the eggs were cold which put a slight damper on the meal. The menu is varied without being overdone and the service was solid.
I’m more likely to return for their happy hour ($ 2 any tap among other offers, including some local craft brews), and while they may not be my first choice for brunch on a weekend, they’ll be toward the top of the list if I’m in the area and want something convenient and above-​average.

City Tin Review #1
My bf and I stopped in for brunch yesterday, using one of the many City Tins for 2016. We were there shortly after they opened so it was nice and quiet on the Hi Hat side. I haven’t eaten here in about a year (see previous review) but with the remodel and new menu I’ve been wanting to stop in.
I like the new menu better. Although I haven’t tried more than one thing, it’s nice to see more veggie options (even a tofu scrambler for the vegans) and the prices are fair.
I had the Garage Mimosa and the bf had the Manmosa. My drink was pretty good although they skimped on the booze in my opinion.
For eats I tried the Fried Latkes with toast and eggs and let me just say, they were pretty darn good! I’ve only had latkes maybe once so I don’t have much to compare to. They are made with caramelized leeks, mushroom and zucchini and fried into this delicious little pouch (not flat). The scrambled eggs were done well and the toast, it’s toast. It also comes with a side of this creamy dijon sauce which was good but only for those who really like mustard. I was pleased and full without even finishing my food.
My bf had the Pork Enchiladas which came with 2 eggs. Here’s the thing, they aren’t really enchiladas so I don’t understand why they named them that way. What it really is is a stack of 3 tortillas with layers of cheese and pork so more like a tostada or stacked enchilada. That would be a better fit. His was tasty as well.
Our server Nick was nice, attentive and offered his recommendations.
All in all, not a bad meal and I’m happy to go back and try some other things off of the menu.

The Garage was one of the first places we discovered moving here to Milwaukee. We were lucky enough to know it before it was remodeled to what it is now. Yes the new digs work great but something has been lost from the old Garage. When your food goes downhill well everything else seems to follow suit.
My favorite night to come down to this place was Ramen bowl night. I believe it was Wednesday and I religiously came to the place to eat and drink then. Not only was the price right but the bowls were magnificent. As the remodel happened the kitchen switched up chefs and they wanted to keep the popular bowl night alive so they made attempts to keep it moving. Well to say failure would be an understatement. Not only did they raise the price, which I truly have no issue with, they also dropped the ball on the quality, taste, and quantity of food you get. To say I was disappointed is to say the least. Especially with Tochi leaving MKE. Where do I get a good noodle bowl now!
Don’t get me wrong I still love enjoying summers on the patio of the Garage but I solely come here to drink now. The food, well it just isn’t what it used to be.

«Veggie Burger is More Like Shaped Mush Burger, But Décor is Nice!»
While our first food experience at this place was disappointing, we are hopeful that the next time we go and we try something different, it will be good. They seemed to have other vegetarian/​vegan things we could try, so we’ll give them a 2^nd chance, but today’s brunch of Veggie Burgers was blah. The shaped bean «burger» had no flavor, and was just a piece of mush between the buns. The potatoes on the side were flavorful, and the Garage Mule drinks we had were flavored with cucumber so it was very refreshing on a hot day. Our server was very good! She did not write down our order so I thought for sure she was going to mess it up, but no! And then she let us change tables from the indoor air-​conditioned spot to the beautiful-​weather outdoor seating. We’ll give them another try sometime. The place had that trendy, garage-​y, reclaimed wood look, and it was not crowded at 10:45 a.m. for Sunday brunch (they opened at 10:00). By the way, the menu posted on their site is not the same as the menu that they hand you when you sit down. Our 2 burgers and 2 drinks totaled up close to $ 40.

We stopped here after dinner at Balzac, and what a great choice! Friendly bartenders & patrons, great space, and wide drink menu. We hoped to make it back our second night in MKE, but alas, we did not. Some day…

Worst customer service I have ever received in my lifetime. Brought in about 20 friends to watch a out of state game. The store only had 9 people in it. You would imagine bringing that much business they would make you feel extremely welcome. Not even close. The manager and bartender were extremely rude. They both need fired. Treated us as an annoyance and we’re making snotty comments the whole time. I was just there visiting so I never have to worry about going back but I wouldn’t recommend that place to my worst enemy.

After moving into the neighborhood and walking past this place a few times, we decided to try it. Boy, I am so glad we did! The food has always been top notch and you can’t argue with the specials (half price burgers, happy hour specials, lunch specials). We have been there for brunch, lunch and dinner, and they have never disappointed, and the menu has such a unique twist on bar food. If you go, try the Chipolte Chicken sandwich with tots, it is soooo good, or the Mac and Cheese with pulled pork, sauteed jalapenos, mushrooms and roasted red peppers. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend trying this place.

I’ve had three experiences here. The first one for afternoon cocktails Midsummer out on their patio. The Moscow Mule’s were excellent and went down like water. I also have had brunch here on a Sunday morning. Unique menu items for brunch. I enjoyed my chicken and waffles thoroughly. Last visit was a Monday evening, if there’s a happy hour my scotch and Coke apparently don’t qualify. Had the half price burger special and to be honest I think Hardee’s has a better burger for less $$. The burgers are not fresh but fresh frozen. It is very detectable as I only ate half of my burger and spent the rest of the evening burping it up.

I am feeling this place! Stopped in on a Monday night, which happened to be half off for burgers. Winning! The interior is really dim which could mean intimate? Here, prob not! The vibe is hipster and it works. The bar is towards the rear and in the middle of the floor. It separates the opposite side which I didn’t venture to and the entrance to the patio/​outdoor space. Fellas… the bathroom set up is quite weird. The urinal is one long urinal that im guess 3 people could stand in and wiz away? No divider, no privacy. I can just imagine how that could be problematic for a bloke who has had one to many and is sharing the urinal with 3 other gents. Be warned!
Our server was really nice and accommodating. It was really busy so she did her best to stay on top of her tables. We were happy to see that the burgers were on special. We also found out that rail drinks were also on special. Double winning right? Right!
We ordered the following burgers: the brunch, the great Scott, the works, the pioneer and the Balzac substituted with a chicken breast. I don’t eat beef but hot dam those burgers smelled fire! I had the chicken which was good seasoned well and not dry at all. I also order the tater tots that reminded me of school lunch. Be honest who didn’t eat the tots at lunch and then as their friend to trade their milk for more tots?
Every one was so stuffed at our table. The fries were also on point. They were battered fries which is always welcomed in my book. I like to eat food that does not taste like its frozen thawed and then cooked. This food didn’t taste that way.
We decided that if we go out to eat on a Monday this would be the place to go. I can’t give it a 5 because I would need to try other foods and go on other nights. But for now it is a solid 4 star. I will be back for sure.

«Is that boneless?»
Me: «I don’t know. It looks too big to be boneless– it looks really good!»
That TWSS moment when you’re actually discussing the chicken that came with your chicken and waffles. (It, despite looking huge, was boneless.)
And sooo delicious! I’d yet to find a chicken and waffle keeper in the MKE but the hi hat garage’s brunch version, served with syrup, rosemary butter and sage honey (I may be getting my spice/​condiment pairings reversed but you get the general idea!) is definitely a strong contender. The (boneless) chicken breast somehow remained super juicy and the crispy breading was the kind you want to tear off, dunk in syrup and eat by itself.
There were also a number of other harder to find brunch menu items here (Monte cristo, shrimp & grits, even fried latkes!) that I’d love to come back and try.
They also (since its brunch after all) make a number of bloody Marys, beermosas, mimosas, and other specialty cock tails.
Now, regarding the interior. I know the hi hat garage was remodeled like 13 ½ years ago (kidding, but the remodel did happen quite a while ago) and I know I live pretty much literally around the block, but I hadn’t been until this weekend. IMHO, the layout is much improved. With the old layout I never knew if people were just standing around or waiting at the bar to order a drink. And either way it always seemed impossible to get in to order one myself. The tables were nice but there never seemed to be table service.
Now the whole place seems more welcoming, with the big bar in the middle. There’s still tables out in front, but also a multi level patio that the interior opens directly on to via big (one might even say, «garage,») doors.
Everyone working there (our server and others) were very friendly and greeted us as we entered and left.
I used to always like the original hi hat lounge best, but with the remodel, the garage seems like it’ll be my choice in the future.

About six weeks ago I called HiHat to see if a surprise birthday party could be handled for my wife on ⁸⁄₃₁.
I must say, from the moment I met Jeff he was super accommodating. From the venue arrangement, the food menu selection/​pricing process, the decorating help, to the texting minute by minute before are arrival the day of the event, as well as the front of the house oversight during most of the event was over the top excellent!
When Jeff’s shift ended he introduced me to Chris who didn’t miss a step with attentiveness and kindness.
Erin, our server for the entire event, handled the 30+ guests like she was floating on a cloud. Seemed effortless and relaxed.
Everyone on your team always had a smile and the phrase «yes we can» seemed to be the mantra!
Great people.
Great place.
Thanks so much for making the event perfect.

There is something about this place I just love! It is, without a doubt, my go-​to place on Brady when I am looking to grab a beer and/​or eat outside during the warmer months.
They have a ton of outdoor seating — a private, fenced-​in patio and some street seating. The inside is nice and well-​done, nothing crazy special. They have a few TVs to catch some games. A good amount of stools around their bar. Some high-​tops in the bar area. And, then seating inside that is good for grabbing a bite.
Their food is seriously amazing. I have never had a bad meal here. I’ve done their brunch once, and cannot wait to go back. Their burgers are top-​notch. Bruschetta is to die for. Salads look good (I’ve never got one, but my friends rave about them).
They have a decent on-​tap beer menu. What do I consider decent? Carrying other beers on tap besides your typical domestics, spotted cow, things you can find almost anywhere.

I usually spend my time on the hi hat side. They make a delicious dirty martini. It is dark and wine cellar like in the basement. I’ve never eaten here, so I can’t comment on the food. I’ve always had nice friendly service. I wouldn’t recommend coming with a large group, but with a group of 2 – 4 people is just right. Today it was a nice cool break from the Brady Street Festival.

Meh.
Hmmmm.
Okay.
Brunch is alright. I might come back again.
I ordered the fried latkes, which I was particularly pleased about seeing on the menu. Upon arrival, I was slightly confused. These were not the potato pancakes I was accustomed to. They were more of the shape of meatballs. Very strange. BUT they were amazing and I want to eat, like, eight more of them. I got the mustard cream sauce on the side to accommodate my lactose intolerant tummy, and I’m glad. There are two foods I really despise: raw red onions and horseradish. This sauce tasted like horseradish. It also came with eggs, which I got sunny side up (as per usual), but they were greasy. I didn’t really feel like eggs of any style would have paired well with the latkes. Whatever.
$ 5 bloodies! Not the strongest, but they’re $ 5.
Service was okay. Our waitress was friendly, but not very attentive. We tried to get the bill, but it took about 20 minutes.
As for the bar, I liked it better before they remodeled. Now it’s a bunch of Brady Street Bros and while they expanded the bar, it’s constantly crowded. I’m usually reluctant to go.
Major points for the beautiful patio. It really made the difference between 2 and 3 stars.

Classic 3.5 rating. Good food, frustratingly slow friendly service. Nice tap beer prices. Brunch BLT much smaller than old picture of normal hours one. Once the lake breeze made it through the garage door, comfortable seating, dang hot prebreeze.
Methinks should have had extra bartender for The 4^th brunch service. Rough for them, and they made sure to treat the regulars well, where I haven’t eaten here, well, ever, though did Hi-​Hat a bunch in the early years. And post-​brunch, the place went from damn near full, to damn near empty, so need flexible work hours for young single employee down the street needed.
BLT and potatoes were very much to my liking. So I thing if I make a normal service soon, will get 4 stars, but didn’t earn it quite yet.

I think the theme is unique.
Have a mimosa — first and foremost. It’s different — it’s better.
TA-​Chos, jalapeño curds… unique…
For the love of God even the vegetarian burger is different and better!!!
Place is cool inside and out and the beer list is flipping amazing.

Some friends and I went to the Garage to watch the Badgers make it to the Final Four for the second year in a row (what whaaaaat!!). The space is cool and had adequate televisions for not being a sports bar, per se. Drinks were decently priced as was the food. Jalapeño cheese curds were definitely a new experience!
Issue with the place: service. It was beyond slow. I know it was a busy Saturday evening with semi-​rowdy Badger fans, but our waitress seemed to just come by once every hour. We never got a food menu even though we were there from 4p to 7:30p, so we had to beg a food menu off a neighboring table and then track down our waitress to order.
Overall, it was a fine experience to watch my beloved Badgers take down Arizona. I’m not craving to get back, but I wouldn’t be avoiding it by any means.
Also of note, parking in the area is difficult, so plan ahead or be prepared to walk!

I kind of hate this place… I’ve been here so many times and given so many chances and I’m always so disappointed. We always get this one waitress who clearly hates her job, i actually feel bad saying that cause she’s nice i guess but just so clearly could care less about anything, or on another occasion we had a girl who just had no idea what was going on, it was actually really funny.
However what really gets me is the food. I honestly don’t know where all the good reviews are from, the bruschetta = awful (and c’mon, its’ bruschetta, it’s pretty simple) pulled pork = mediocre at best, fish fry = mushy and guaranteed stomach ache, basic breakfast plate = seriously basic, could’ve made a better version at home and saved myself $ 10. Ugh and the rest of the menu is just too trendy and limited for my taste.
I do like the décor and the vibe, the remodel was a good call, also some of the beer-​cocktails were surprisingly good, but last time i went they were out of a lot of stuff cause i guess they were changing the drink menu…
At this point i think I’ve finally accepted that I’m not a fan of this place, next time it’s suggested i will confidently so no.

I try to get over the fact that the service sucks here, but each time I go, I’m reminded how awful it really is. The atmosphere is quite redeeming, but overall, it’s not enough to win me over. Since the revamp, it’s almost been worse. (Hint: if you’re going to double the size of the bar, I suggest you staff it with twice as many bartenders for a Saturday night. Let alone, ones that don’t work at a snail’s pace!)
I’ve previously worked in the service industry, and also know the importance of manners, and it seems like a lot of the employees lack that knowledge. For instance, I approached the host stand and said hello, only to get no response (not sure if the blank stare counted as a response) from the three hostesses. When I asked for a table for two, a hostess grabbed menus and took us to an outdoor table nearby. (Still no verbal communication at this point.)
Our waitress wasn’t much better. She looked like she hated her life and acted like it, too. I get it, it’s hard to be chipper ²⁴⁄₇ when you’ve probably been working a really long shift, but there’s no reason to be rude and snippy. Perhaps the service industry isn’t for you then, sweetheart.
The food was mediocre. I ordered the build-​you-​own-​burger and got the veggie burger. It had lots of flavor and a slight kick to it, but you could tell it was slapped together in 2 seconds. The cheese wasn’t even completely melted, the browning lettuce looked like it was out of a bag, and I got 2 small pieces of onion for the whole burger. I also ordered avocado on it, which was the brownish-​green mush on top of the burger. The fries were hot and crispy, though, so thumbs up!
Needless to say (for real this time!), I don’t think I’ll be returning for the food and/​or if I want standard service. The only time I’d come here is for a casual Fri/​Sat night sitting on the patio. I hear so many people complaining about the service at Garage, so hopefully they’ll be responsive to reviews.

Revamp? Yup, they’ve recently remodeled the space, so I think an update is (finally) in order!
The space is now brighter and cleaner and is more conducive to groups. I like it! It’s sort of like a more grown-​up version of the old Garage.
We visited just two days after they re-​opened after being closed for six weeks for a solid overhaul/​remodel. Good on you for doing that, ownership. The Garage has been around for a long time, and in order to stay relevant, sometimes you need to reinvent yourself.
Not that the Garage has reinvented itself per se; it hasn’t, really, as best I can tell. It’s still concrete cool, but the layout’s a little different. The bar’s been moved. Windows have been added. It’s so fresh and so clean, a la Outkast.
Happy hour specials seemed pretty decent: half priced taps and five dollar wings. (I opted for a Lakefront IPA, which has become my go to as of late.)
I didn’t partake on the food tip, so I can’t speak to that… though it was surprisingly crowded for a Tuesday happy hour, but given that they’ve been closed for awhile and have a great location (and great patio) on Brady, the busy makes sense.
I can’t, in good faith, throw down more than three stars for now, but I will return and spend more money (and order food!) in order to formulate a more accurate opinion. In fact, I’ll be there again soon… my friend’s got a going away party there this weekend!
Maybe part of my hesitation to be a true «fan» of the Hi Hat and Garage has to do with the fact that it seems cool in this sort of generic way that’s just cool enough but still caters to everyone… bros and pros, top 40 lovers, hipsters, punks, and higher than high heel-​clad ladies. It’s 21 year-​olds to 51 year-​olds… not that I care one way or another, I guess what I’m saying is that I just can’t get a beat on this establishment’s collective identity.
I think, maybe, that three star reviews (wherein you like a place and don’t mind going there when a friend suggests it but don’t necessarily seek it out) really are the hardest ones to write!