When we first walked in, the man and woman at the desk were very welcoming! Thought about ordering the tomahawk, but they were out, so ended up ordering the bottleneck and it was really chewy, very hard to cut through and did not have much flavor. The loaded hash browns.. were a ok and looked good, but for the price and place, we expected much more. Same for the Brussels sprouts. The food took a while, had to ask twice for a water refill, sat around before having to ask for the check at the end and still waited a while to get it, then to pay. I was disappointed to spend over $250 for mediocre experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Elyse O
Phenomenal food, great staff, and a great experience over all. I highly recommend their Japanese Wagyu and Lobster Bisque!
Rare is one of my favorite places to eat in mke. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff really make the experience. There’s so many little touches rare does that you get to experience at each dinner. 10/10 would recommend for a nice dinner or even bar food and a drink.
Beautiful restaurant. Very good food. Raj, our waiter, was completely lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The raspberry creme brulee was amazing. I highly recommend Rare if you are looking for an awesome steak house experience here in Milwaukee. This place rates right up there with some of the best in the country.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Créme Brulée
Erin Gross
On my 2024 Tour of Steakhouses, this was at the top of the list. Where do I even begin? First I have to say we were well taken care of by the General Manager Devante and our server Alex. Both individuals made the experience a 10/10.The location is easy to find right off of Michigan, near the lake. There is a garage across the street with affordable parking by the hour but Ubering is a safer bet because the cocktail menu is amazing.We sat in one of their gorgeous booths in the back by their library. Although their dining room isn't enormous, there are plenty of seats and two private rooms. I think they utilize them as general seating when they aren't booked for parties, but again, plenty of room in the dining area. The bar was also large with a decent amount of seating.We started with martinis and calamari. The calamari comes with a spicy and a sweet dipping sauce. Per Alex's recommendation, we split the chopped salad. It's full of vegetables that compliment each other perfectly. They also bring enormous flaky popovers with a honey butter. You'll start with half because they're so big, but you'll finish the whole thing because addicting. For dinner I had the NY Strip and my friend had the Bottleneck. Both were cooked perfectly. We went with creamed corn (very strong smoky flavor), broccolini, and lobster mac. The lobster mac had a generous amount of lobster so I was very happy. For dinner we split their crème brûlée special, which was s'more flavored. Yum! We each also got some espresso because all of that eating had us exhausted.Alex and Devante stopped by the table periodically to chat. We had such a great time making small talk and learning about the establishment. After dinner we explore their library which is full of vintage books. It's hard to choose a highlight to our trip because everything was perfection. We haven't stopped talking about our visit and are recommending everyone try out this top tier steakhouse!!
On my 2024 Tour of Steakhouses, this was at the top of the list. Where do I even begin? First I have to say we were well taken care of by the General Manager Devante and our server Alex. Both individuals made the experience a 10/10. The location is easy to find right off of Michigan, near the lake. There is a garage across the street with affordable parking by the hour but Ubering is a safer bet because the cocktail menu is amazing. We sat in one of their gorgeous booths in the back by their library. Although their dining room isn't enormous, there are plenty of seats and two private rooms. I think they utilize them as general seating when they aren't booked for parties, but again, plenty of room in the dining area. The bar was also large with a decent amount of seating. We started with martinis and calamari. The calamari comes with a spicy and a sweet dipping sauce. Per Alex's recommendation, we split the chopped salad. It's full of vegetables that compliment each other perfectly. They also bring enormous flaky popovers with a honey butter. You'll start with half because they're so big, but you'll finish the whole thing because addicting. For dinner I had the NY Strip and my friend had the Bottleneck. Both were cooked perfectly. We went with creamed corn (very strong smoky flavor), broccolini, and lobster mac. The lobster mac had a generous amount of lobster so I was very happy. For dinner we split their crème brûlée special, which was s'more flavored. Yum! We each also got some espresso because all of that eating had us exhausted. Alex and Devante stopped by the table periodically to chat. We had such a great time making small talk and learning about the establishment. After dinner we explore their library which is full of vintage books. It's hard to choose a highlight to our trip because everything was perfection. We haven't stopped talking about our visit and are recommending everyone try out this top tier steakhouse!!
BillyShears
This one was a bummer because the food was sooooo good. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. If that's all you're looking for then you'll be ecstatic. That being said, we sat at our booth for 10 mins before we got water from one of the runners and it was another 5 mins before our waitress came to the table. The service was ok. But that's it, just ok. For a place that I'm about to drop $300 bucks on a meal, my expectation is MUCH higher on the service side. And yes, that is part of the experience I'm expecting at a place like this. I also ended the night with no water refills for the last half hour, which didn't surprise me. Top end the night on just the most expected note, there was no one at the front when we left, so we waited for 5 mins (as staff walked right by us) before just digging in the coat closet ourselves for our jackets. Overall a disappointment, especially considering how incredible the food was.
CarlC
Outstanding food at a great steakhouse. Many choices on the menu. Steaks were done to perfection. Lobster bisque was very tasty, and the Caesar salad was delicious. We really enjoyed the bone marrow appetizer. Raj helped to make our experience enjoyable.
Edmund F.
Can't go wrong with this steakhouse. Delicious food, wonderful service, and a very classic steakhouse ambiance. Thumbs up!
Raj was a great server and helped make our special night better. The food was great as always, the atmosphere was perfect and the photographer (also Raj!) was great! Another perfect dinner at Rare!
Karmali
Was very much looking forward to this for my 40th bday dinner. Unfortunately it wasn't on par for a high end steakhouse. The celebration was noted in the reso- never acknowledged by our server until we had to remind them half way through our meal. Restaurant was pretty dead but service was hit or miss, our pre app drinks took a very long time for a dead bar and restaurant, had to ask for a wine menu after sitting idle for 15min. Food quality was outstanding, no question. Price is slightly over priced. I would choose Carnevor every time over Rare but willing to give it another shot
SeanW
Overall it was a good experience. Went there to celebrate a birthday and sadly there was no mention of that or a desert for the person whose birthday it was. Service was a little slow, but that allowed more discussion. Our steaks and sides were really good with lots of flavor.
ScottB
It has been a while since we have been there. The food was ok but nothing special. I had made a reservation, and they have a space for any special reason for coming that night and I had put down a special occasion. Normally the host would ask what the event was that we were celebrating, and she didn't ask what the event was. The evening was ok but it was not as good from service to the food as good as we have had in the past.
JillG
We have enjoyed Rare before and wanted to celebrate 2 birthdays so made it a point to come back. The meal was very good- steaks were done to our liking and cocktails were fantastic. The popovers were a bit overcooked unfortunately and our table was in the middle of the traffic pattern. Next time we will request something not in the middle.
When we first walked in, the man and woman at the desk were very welcoming! Thought about ordering the tomahawk, but they were out, so ended up ordering the bottleneck and it was really chewy, very hard to cut through and did not have much flavor. The loaded hash browns.. were a ok and looked good, but for the price and place, we expected much more. Same for the Brussels sprouts. The food took a while, had to ask twice for a water refill, sat around before having to ask for the check at the end and still waited a while to get it, then to pay. I was disappointed to spend over $250 for mediocre experience.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 3
Phenomenal food, great staff, and a great experience over all. I highly recommend their Japanese Wagyu and Lobster Bisque!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Bisque, Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye, Lobster Tail, Oysters Rockefeller
Rare is one of my favorite places to eat in mke. Not only is the food amazing, but the staff really make the experience. There’s so many little touches rare does that you get to experience at each dinner. 10/10 would recommend for a nice dinner or even bar food and a drink.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bananas Foster, Lobster Bisque, Lobster Tail, Beef Fat Fries, Lobster Mac & Cheese, 4-Oz Prime Manhattan Filet, Braised Pork Belly, Bottleneck Steak, Oysters Rockefeller
Excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful restaurant. Very good food. Raj, our waiter, was completely lovely. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The raspberry creme brulee was amazing. I highly recommend Rare if you are looking for an awesome steak house experience here in Milwaukee. This place rates right up there with some of the best in the country.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Seasonal Créme Brulée
On my 2024 Tour of Steakhouses, this was at the top of the list. Where do I even begin? First I have to say we were well taken care of by the General Manager Devante and our server Alex. Both individuals made the experience a 10/10.The location is easy to find right off of Michigan, near the lake. There is a garage across the street with affordable parking by the hour but Ubering is a safer bet because the cocktail menu is amazing.We sat in one of their gorgeous booths in the back by their library. Although their dining room isn't enormous, there are plenty of seats and two private rooms. I think they utilize them as general seating when they aren't booked for parties, but again, plenty of room in the dining area. The bar was also large with a decent amount of seating.We started with martinis and calamari. The calamari comes with a spicy and a sweet dipping sauce. Per Alex's recommendation, we split the chopped salad. It's full of vegetables that compliment each other perfectly. They also bring enormous flaky popovers with a honey butter. You'll start with half because they're so big, but you'll finish the whole thing because addicting. For dinner I had the NY Strip and my friend had the Bottleneck. Both were cooked perfectly. We went with creamed corn (very strong smoky flavor), broccolini, and lobster mac. The lobster mac had a generous amount of lobster so I was very happy. For dinner we split their crème brûlée special, which was s'more flavored. Yum! We each also got some espresso because all of that eating had us exhausted.Alex and Devante stopped by the table periodically to chat. We had such a great time making small talk and learning about the establishment. After dinner we explore their library which is full of vintage books. It's hard to choose a highlight to our trip because everything was perfection. We haven't stopped talking about our visit and are recommending everyone try out this top tier steakhouse!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lobster Mac & Cheese, Rib Cap, Seasonal Créme Brulée, Bottleneck Steak
On my 2024 Tour of Steakhouses, this was at the top of the list. Where do I even begin? First I have to say we were well taken care of by the General Manager Devante and our server Alex. Both individuals made the experience a 10/10. The location is easy to find right off of Michigan, near the lake. There is a garage across the street with affordable parking by the hour but Ubering is a safer bet because the cocktail menu is amazing. We sat in one of their gorgeous booths in the back by their library. Although their dining room isn't enormous, there are plenty of seats and two private rooms. I think they utilize them as general seating when they aren't booked for parties, but again, plenty of room in the dining area. The bar was also large with a decent amount of seating. We started with martinis and calamari. The calamari comes with a spicy and a sweet dipping sauce. Per Alex's recommendation, we split the chopped salad. It's full of vegetables that compliment each other perfectly. They also bring enormous flaky popovers with a honey butter. You'll start with half because they're so big, but you'll finish the whole thing because addicting. For dinner I had the NY Strip and my friend had the Bottleneck. Both were cooked perfectly. We went with creamed corn (very strong smoky flavor), broccolini, and lobster mac. The lobster mac had a generous amount of lobster so I was very happy. For dinner we split their crème brûlée special, which was s'more flavored. Yum! We each also got some espresso because all of that eating had us exhausted. Alex and Devante stopped by the table periodically to chat. We had such a great time making small talk and learning about the establishment. After dinner we explore their library which is full of vintage books. It's hard to choose a highlight to our trip because everything was perfection. We haven't stopped talking about our visit and are recommending everyone try out this top tier steakhouse!!
This one was a bummer because the food was sooooo good. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted amazing. If that's all you're looking for then you'll be ecstatic. That being said, we sat at our booth for 10 mins before we got water from one of the runners and it was another 5 mins before our waitress came to the table. The service was ok. But that's it, just ok. For a place that I'm about to drop $300 bucks on a meal, my expectation is MUCH higher on the service side. And yes, that is part of the experience I'm expecting at a place like this. I also ended the night with no water refills for the last half hour, which didn't surprise me. Top end the night on just the most expected note, there was no one at the front when we left, so we waited for 5 mins (as staff walked right by us) before just digging in the coat closet ourselves for our jackets. Overall a disappointment, especially considering how incredible the food was.
Outstanding food at a great steakhouse. Many choices on the menu. Steaks were done to perfection. Lobster bisque was very tasty, and the Caesar salad was delicious. We really enjoyed the bone marrow appetizer. Raj helped to make our experience enjoyable.
Can't go wrong with this steakhouse. Delicious food, wonderful service, and a very classic steakhouse ambiance. Thumbs up!
Restaurantji Recommends
Raj was a great server and helped make our special night better. The food was great as always, the atmosphere was perfect and the photographer (also Raj!) was great! Another perfect dinner at Rare!
Was very much looking forward to this for my 40th bday dinner. Unfortunately it wasn't on par for a high end steakhouse. The celebration was noted in the reso- never acknowledged by our server until we had to remind them half way through our meal. Restaurant was pretty dead but service was hit or miss, our pre app drinks took a very long time for a dead bar and restaurant, had to ask for a wine menu after sitting idle for 15min. Food quality was outstanding, no question. Price is slightly over priced. I would choose Carnevor every time over Rare but willing to give it another shot
Overall it was a good experience. Went there to celebrate a birthday and sadly there was no mention of that or a desert for the person whose birthday it was. Service was a little slow, but that allowed more discussion. Our steaks and sides were really good with lots of flavor.
It has been a while since we have been there. The food was ok but nothing special. I had made a reservation, and they have a space for any special reason for coming that night and I had put down a special occasion. Normally the host would ask what the event was that we were celebrating, and she didn't ask what the event was. The evening was ok but it was not as good from service to the food as good as we have had in the past.
We have enjoyed Rare before and wanted to celebrate 2 birthdays so made it a point to come back. The meal was very good- steaks were done to our liking and cocktails were fantastic. The popovers were a bit overcooked unfortunately and our table was in the middle of the traffic pattern. Next time we will request something not in the middle.