Lucky Ginger in the 3rd Ward is a fantastic spot for delicious vegan food. I tried the drunken noodles and curry fried rice, and both dishes were full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Our server, Delayne, was super attentive and kind, which made the whole experience even better. I’m already looking forward to coming back and trying more of their tasty vegetarian-friendly dishes. Definitely a place to keep on your radar if you’re in the neighborhood.
Elise
Very yummy food. We got the drunken noodles and fried rice and both were delicious. We ordered spice level 1 which wasn't spicy at all, I'd go for level 2 next time. The only downside was the atmospheric heat- it was HOT in there. Not sure if their A/C was out or if it's always like that.
Tony Skeans
If you’re on the hunt for a chill, fuss‑free spot near the downtown arena, Lucky Ginger is a solid pick. This fusion Asian restaurant—part of Milwaukee’s lively Water Street scene—has a bright, comfortable space with cream‑city brick walls and big windows overlooking the river . The front houses a cozy bar with stools, and seating toward the back gives that relaxed, intimate vibe. Overall, it’s unapologetically casual.
Now, the food. The drunken noodles hit the mark and the perfect fortifying dish for any night on the town. The pho was also a standout: fragrant star‑anise broth, beautifully textured noodles, and tender cuts of beef—authentic enough to get you saying, “this is real pho”
But the MVP of the meal? The dumplings. These house‑made gems boast thick, chewy skins with a flavorful pork filling, served with standout gingery and side sauces that elevate each bite.
Service and atmosphere add to its charm—friendly staff, bar‑vibes without pretension, and a casual, upbeat tone throughout . If you want something authentic that doesn’t feel pretentious, this is your go‑to. Just know that for to‑go orders, some reviewers mention inconsistent portion sizes—best to dine in for full value .
Carl Perpich
great downtown spot in the ward. hot and fresh and friendly
Jay Alan Ungart
The pho was so mid. The pho broth was thin and flavorless The meat was too thick. But mostly it was just ok.
The beef skewers were excellent in flavor but the portion is small.
I recommend going someplace else. You can get way more at a vietnamese place.
Service was absolutely great, and the vibe is good. Which is a shame.
citsa Owens
Atmosphere was weird. Jonas brother’s playing in a Thai place. Protein was dry. Peanut butter sauce was flavorless. Wasn’t given much protein. Meatballs were bland and tasted frozen. They skimped on bamboo shoots. Arnold Palmer was too lemony even after being asked to make one with more tea. We just wanted to eat and leave but it took an hour plus during lunch. 200 for 5 people to eat, and a 20% gratuity was automatically added.
Egg rolls were good, but they give you only two small ones. They give you three small dry pieces of chicken for one of the appetizers with bland peanut sauce.
Marilyn Besasie
Ordered takeout for my birthday meal and this was the first Thai restaurant we found that was open on a Monday evening. Can't comment on the service or atmosphere since we ate at home, but we'll definitely be going back to check those things out because our Massaman Curry and Red Curry with Tofu were really, really good. This was the second-best tasting Red Curry I've had in Milwaukee, hence the four-star rating. The tofu was fried, which gave it a nice texture. I wish it had more vegetables in it, but there were a few red peppers, green peppers and bamboo shoots. It definitely could have used way more veggies. The rice was cooked perfectly and we both enjoyed our dishes immensely. This dish was recommended to me by my fellow vegans and they were right on the money. Looking at the menu I didn't see much in the way of vegan entrees, but a vegan can certainly get this dish and be happy and satisfied.
David Drager
Best people ever, owners and staff are amazing. Will be back! Appreciate the hospitality and kindness.
catnip box
Took a looong time for our food. And we were disappointed.
The egg rolls were decent, though slightly overcooked. I found the Massaman curry enjoyable, and the portions were quite generous. However, the service was slow, as I waited 15 minutes before being greeted after sitting down. I would be open to trying this place again, but it didn't leave the best first impression.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Egg Roll, Massaman Curry
Lindsey Humphrey
Great food great service great atmosphere you'll be sad if you don't stop in and grab food while you're in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
M L.
Pad Thai looks great, but tastes boring, lack of flavor to it. Also ordered the red curry, the curry was nice but the rice was way too hard. The restaurant was empty when we got there but the server insisted we sit in the middle row because the side rows are for 3 or more people… but the restaurant was empty…
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai, Red Curry
LEVAR H
Please be aware that despite the high reviews, whenever you order something here you will be nickel and dimed until your meal is over $20 for very poor service. After you pay six dollars for three cubes of chicken on any dish feel free to enjoy this highly rated joke that is apparently frequented by people who couldn't care less where their money goes lol...the more you know. ?
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Sporadic Travels
Absolute favs were the Massaman Curry and the Drunken Noodles. We also got the Tom Kha soup, pork belly and maybe egg/veg rolls. Staff is super friendly. This is a small, locally owned family establishment. Food is made per order not mass produced. Everything tastes gourmet, fresh ingredients, made with love and absolutely delicious. This was our first time in Milwaukee and if we ever return, we will be sure to visit again.. and tell all of our family and friends about them!!!
Parking: Good luck finding street parking. We picked up our food to go and were lucky to get a space right in front.
Lucky Ginger in the 3rd Ward is a fantastic spot for delicious vegan food. I tried the drunken noodles and curry fried rice, and both dishes were full of flavor and perfectly cooked. Our server, Delayne, was super attentive and kind, which made the whole experience even better. I’m already looking forward to coming back and trying more of their tasty vegetarian-friendly dishes. Definitely a place to keep on your radar if you’re in the neighborhood.
Very yummy food. We got the drunken noodles and fried rice and both were delicious. We ordered spice level 1 which wasn't spicy at all, I'd go for level 2 next time. The only downside was the atmospheric heat- it was HOT in there. Not sure if their A/C was out or if it's always like that.
If you’re on the hunt for a chill, fuss‑free spot near the downtown arena, Lucky Ginger is a solid pick. This fusion Asian restaurant—part of Milwaukee’s lively Water Street scene—has a bright, comfortable space with cream‑city brick walls and big windows overlooking the river . The front houses a cozy bar with stools, and seating toward the back gives that relaxed, intimate vibe. Overall, it’s unapologetically casual.
Now, the food. The drunken noodles hit the mark and the perfect fortifying dish for any night on the town. The pho was also a standout: fragrant star‑anise broth, beautifully textured noodles, and tender cuts of beef—authentic enough to get you saying, “this is real pho”
But the MVP of the meal? The dumplings. These house‑made gems boast thick, chewy skins with a flavorful pork filling, served with standout gingery and side sauces that elevate each bite.
Service and atmosphere add to its charm—friendly staff, bar‑vibes without pretension, and a casual, upbeat tone throughout . If you want something authentic that doesn’t feel pretentious, this is your go‑to. Just know that for to‑go orders, some reviewers mention inconsistent portion sizes—best to dine in for full value .
great downtown spot in the ward. hot and fresh and friendly
The pho was so mid.
The pho broth was thin and flavorless
The meat was too thick.
But mostly it was just ok.
The beef skewers were excellent in flavor but the portion is small.
I recommend going someplace else. You can get way more at a vietnamese place.
Service was absolutely great, and the vibe is good. Which is a shame.
Atmosphere was weird. Jonas brother’s playing in a Thai place. Protein was dry. Peanut butter sauce was flavorless. Wasn’t given much protein. Meatballs were bland and tasted frozen. They skimped on bamboo shoots. Arnold Palmer was too lemony even after being asked to make one with more tea. We just wanted to eat and leave but it took an hour plus during lunch. 200 for 5 people to eat, and a 20% gratuity was automatically added.
Egg rolls were good, but they give you only two small ones. They give you three small dry pieces of chicken for one of the appetizers with bland peanut sauce.
Ordered takeout for my birthday meal and this was the first Thai restaurant we found that was open on a Monday evening. Can't comment on the service or atmosphere since we ate at home, but we'll definitely be going back to check those things out because our Massaman Curry and Red Curry with Tofu were really, really good. This was the second-best tasting Red Curry I've had in Milwaukee, hence the four-star rating. The tofu was fried, which gave it a nice texture. I wish it had more vegetables in it, but there were a few red peppers, green peppers and bamboo shoots. It definitely could have used way more veggies. The rice was cooked perfectly and we both enjoyed our dishes immensely. This dish was recommended to me by my fellow vegans and they were right on the money. Looking at the menu I didn't see much in the way of vegan entrees, but a vegan can certainly get this dish and be happy and satisfied.
Best people ever, owners and staff are amazing. Will be back! Appreciate the hospitality and kindness.
Took a looong time for our food. And we were disappointed.
The Basil fried rice was delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Basil Fried Rice
Restaurantji Recommends
The egg rolls were decent, though slightly overcooked. I found the Massaman curry enjoyable, and the portions were quite generous. However, the service was slow, as I waited 15 minutes before being greeted after sitting down. I would be open to trying this place again, but it didn't leave the best first impression.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Egg Roll, Massaman Curry
Great food great service great atmosphere you'll be sad if you don't stop in and grab food while you're in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pad Thai looks great, but tastes boring, lack of flavor to it. Also ordered the red curry, the curry was nice but the rice was way too hard. The restaurant was empty when we got there but the server insisted we sit in the middle row because the side rows are for 3 or more people… but the restaurant was empty…
Food: 2
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Pad Thai, Red Curry
Please be aware that despite the high reviews, whenever you order something here you will be nickel and dimed until your meal is over $20 for very poor service. After you pay six dollars for three cubes of chicken on any dish feel free to enjoy this highly rated joke that is apparently frequented by people who couldn't care less where their money goes lol...the more you know. ?
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 1
Absolute favs were the Massaman Curry and the Drunken Noodles. We also got the Tom Kha soup, pork belly and maybe egg/veg rolls. Staff is super friendly. This is a small, locally owned family establishment. Food is made per order not mass produced. Everything tastes gourmet, fresh ingredients, made with love and absolutely delicious. This was our first time in Milwaukee and if we ever return, we will be sure to visit again.. and tell all of our family and friends about them!!!
Parking: Good luck finding street parking. We picked up our food to go and were lucky to get a space right in front.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tom Kha, Massaman Curry
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