Best Soup across Milwaukee's North Shore: The ultimate guide
Milwaukee's North Shore suburbs offer a remarkable diversity of soup destinations, from award-winning matzo ball at century-old delis to steaming bowls of authentic Tom Yum at family-run Thai restaurants. This comprehensive guide identifies 60+ establishments serving notable soups across Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, Glendale, Wauwatosa, Fox Point, Bayside, and Brown Deer—organized geographically for easy trip planning. Whether you're craving a quick cup of comfort or a destination-worthy French onion soup experience, the North Shore delivers surprising depth for soup enthusiasts of all ages.
Whitefish Bay
Whitefish Bay's Silver Spring Drive corridor anchors the village's dining scene, offering soup options ranging from German-American classics to health-conscious contemporary fare.
Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn
Address: 1319 East Henry Clay Street, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 964-3800
Hours: Tue-Thu 11:30am-8:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-9:30pm; Sun 10:30am-8pm; Closed Monday
Soups: Farina Dumpling Soup (German specialty), Soup du Jour, Garden Vegetable Soup—all homemade from scratch
Pricing: $$-$$$ (soup included with many entrées)
Family-Friendly: Yes—dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, traditional family atmosphere
Parking: Free on-site lot
Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable or phone
Special Notes: Operating since 1915, this historic landmark is Whitefish Bay's oldest restaurant; soup comes with brunch and dinner selections
Forage Kitchen
Address: 103 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 212-8360
Hours: Daily 10:30am-9pm
Soups: Carrot Ginger Soup (GF, Vegan)—Cup $5.00/Bowl $7.50; Butternut Squash Soup with roasted pepitas—Cup $5.00/Bowl $7.50; Forage Chili
Pricing: $-$$ (soups $5-7.50)
Family-Friendly: Yes—healthy kid-friendly options, casual atmosphere
Parking: Street parking, dedicated pickup spots
Reservations: Walk-in; online ordering available
Special Notes: All soups clearly marked for dietary restrictions; delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubHub
Fitzy's Cafe (at Fitzgerald Pharmacy)
Address: 424 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 356-1424
Hours: Daily 7am-8pm
Soups: Seasonal scratch-made soups including Tomato Basil (customer favorite)
Pricing: $$ ($11-$19 entrées)
Family-Friendly: Yes—ice cream counter with Purple Door and Scratch brands, candy shop atmosphere
Parking: Street parking, ADA-compliant entrance
Reservations: Walk-in
Special Notes: Located inside historic Fitzgerald Pharmacy; nostalgic soda fountain atmosphere
Moxie Food + Drink
Address: 501 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 204-8980
Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-9pm; Sun Brunch 10am-2pm; Closed Monday
Soups: Chef's daily specials including Cream of Broccoli (praised in reviews as "amazing")
Pricing: $$$ (soup included with entrées)
Family-Friendly: Moderate—more date-night oriented; early seatings better for families
Parking: Street parking
Reservations: Highly recommended via OpenTable
Special Notes: Women-owned, LGBTQIA+-owned; patio seating in warm weather
The Bay Restaurant
Address: 342 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 455-3045
Hours: Daily 11am-9pm
Soups: Daily homemade soup specials (soup substitute with sandwiches for $2.50)
Pricing: $$ ($9-$15 sandwiches/burgers)
Family-Friendly: Yes—welcoming neighborhood atmosphere
Parking: Free off-street parking, dedicated pickup spots
Reservations: Call to reserve
Special Notes: Sources bread from Breadsmith next door, beef from Sendik's; live music Thu/Fri
Sendik's Food Market Deli
Address: 500 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 962-9525
Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
Soups: Rotating daily soups, seasonal offerings, hot bar soup selections—all made from scratch
Pricing: $-$$ (deli pricing)
Family-Friendly: Yes—convenient prepared meals
Parking: On-site lot
Special Notes: Family-owned since 1926; expanded bistro bar planned for 2026
Breadsmith of Whitefish Bay
Address: 420 E Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 962-6203
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm; Closed Sunday
Soups: Daily soup served with artisan bread—perfect pairing for soup meals
Pricing: $-$$ (combo pricing)
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual, quick service
Parking: Street parking
Special Notes: Sourdough starter dating to 1993; donates day-old bread to local soup kitchens
Shorewood: Oakland Avenue's eclectic soup corridor
Shorewood's walkable Oakland Avenue offers the North Shore's densest concentration of diverse soup options, from 60-year-old Jewish deli classics to French boulangerie fare.
Benji's Deli & Restaurant ⭐ SIGNATURE DESTINATION
Address: 4156 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 332-7777
Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm; Sat 8am-7pm; Sun 8am-3pm
Soups: Homemade Matzo Ball Soup (signature), Chicken in a Pot (large bowl with half-chicken, matzoh balls, noodles & vegetables), Cabbage Borscht (traditional Eastern European), daily specials
Pricing: $ (under $12-15)
Family-Friendly: Yes—large family groups welcome, generous portions
Parking: Street parking, some lot parking nearby
Reservations: Accepted; call ahead recommended for weekends
Special Notes: Shorewood landmark since 1963; featured on Travel Channel's "Man vs Food"
The City Market Café & Bakehouse
Address: 2205 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 962-0100
Hours: Mon 7am-7pm; Tue 7am-2pm; Wed-Sat 7am-7pm; Sun 8am-2pm
Soups: French Onion Soup (house specialty), Soup of the Day made fresh from scratch, 3 Bean Vegetable Chili (VG), Chicken Butternut Mushroom Soup
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—dedicated kids' menu with noodles, sandwiches
Parking: On-site lot
Reservations: Walk-ins welcome
Special Notes: Scratch-made bakery; indoor and outdoor patio seating
North Shore Boulangerie
Address: 4401 N. Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 963-2153
Hours: Daily 7am-6pm; Lunch 11am-2:30pm
Soups: Daily French-inspired soup selections served with artisan breads
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—children's menu available
Parking: Street parking on Oakland Ave
Special Notes: Authentic French boulangerie; coffee from Paris's Cafés Richard; wholesale bakery to area restaurants
No. 1 Chinese Restaurant
Address: 4501 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 332-2222
Hours: Daily 11am-10pm
Soups: Hot & Sour Soup, Egg Drop Soup, Wonton Soup (9 soup varieties total)
Pricing: $ (lunch specials $6-8)
Family-Friendly: Yes—generous portions
Parking: Street parking
Reservations: Not needed; primarily takeout focused
Special Notes: Family-run; Hunan, Sichuan & Mongolian fare
Harry's Bar and Grill
Address: 3549 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 964-6800
Hours: Mon-Tue 11am-10pm; Wed-Sat 11am-12am; Sun 10am-10pm
Soups: House Chili (signature warming dish), daily soup features
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—diverse menu for all ages
Parking: Street parking and nearby lots
Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable
Special Notes: Beautiful heated patio; contemporary American menu
C-Viche (Peruvian)
Address: 4330 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 485-6383
Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm; Sun 12pm-8pm; Closed Monday
Soups: Traditional Peruvian soup specialties when available
Pricing: $$-$$$
Family-Friendly: Yes—outdoor seating available
Parking: Street parking
Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Special Notes: Known for authentic ceviche, papa a la huancaina
Colectivo Coffee
Address: 4500 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 312-8295
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6pm; Sat-Sun 6:30am-6pm
Soups: Daily soup selection made by Troubadour Bakery, rotating seasonal options
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual, welcoming atmosphere
Parking: Street parking
Special Notes: Popular Milwaukee-based roaster; all food scratch-made at Troubadour Bakery
Culver's of Shorewood
Address: 1325 E Capitol Dr, Shorewood, WI 53211
Phone: (414) 962-4444
Hours: Daily 10am-10pm
Soups: George's® Chili (signature), George's® Chili Supreme
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Excellent—kids' menu with free custard scoop ("scoopie token")
Parking: Ample parking on west and south sides
Special Notes: Wisconsin institution; supports local school programs
Glendale: Bayshore dining hub plus hidden gems
Glendale offers two distinct soup scenes: the Bayshore Town Center cluster with casual chains and upscale options, and the Silver Spring Drive corridor featuring excellent Thai and Asian cuisines.
Bistro on the Glen ⭐ LOCAL FAVORITE
Address: 6823 N Green Bay Ave, Glendale, WI 53209
Phone: (414) 352-1940
Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-9pm; Sun 7am-3pm; Closed Monday
Soups: Award-winning homemade matzo ball soup (signature), Soup of the Day—Cup $3.50/Bowl $4.50, French Onion Soup (baked, +$1.50), White Bean Soup
Pricing: $-$$ ($12-25 entrées; all entrées include soup or salad)
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' menu, booths and bar seating
Parking: Strip mall parking (can be limited during busy times)
Reservations: Accepted for groups up to 14
Special Notes: Live jazz some nights; free wine tasting first Wednesday of month
Thai Boat Noodles
Address: 430 W Silver Spring Dr, Suite 110, Glendale, WI 53217
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-9pm
Soups: Tom Yum Soup (hot and sour with Thai herbs), Tom Kha Soup (creamy coconut), Wonton Soup, Thai Boat Noodles in Tom Yum broth
Pricing: $-$$ (Pad Thai ~$10.70)
Family-Friendly: Yes—validated parking available
Parking: Validated parking
Special Notes: Authentic Thai; spice levels adjustable; multiple protein options
Kawa Japanese Restaurant
Address: 325 W Silver Spring Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
Hours: Online ordering 11:30am-8:35pm
Soups: Miso Soup (with many entrées), Udon Soup, Soba Soup with chicken, beef, or shrimp
Pricing: $$-$$$
Family-Friendly: Yes—great for families with kids
Parking: Street/lot parking near Bayshore
Reservations: Recommended for larger groups
Special Notes: Contemporary Japanese bistro; miso soup and salad included with many entrées
Royal Garden Chinese / Everest Cafe (Dual Concept)
Address: 206 W Silver Spring Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 906-0998
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-8:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm; Sun 12pm-8:30pm
Soups: Chinese: Egg Drop, Hot and Sour, Wonton Soup | Nepalese/Indian: Daal (lentil soup) ~$9.99, curry soups
Pricing: $-$$ (~$10-15 entrées)
Family-Friendly: Yes—spacious layout, vegetarian-friendly
Parking: Plenty of free parking near Bayshore
Reservations: Accepted
Special Notes: Unique dual-concept—Chinese AND Nepalese/Indian under one roof; employee-owned
The Cheesecake Factory
Address: 5799 N Bayshore Dr, Ste L100, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 906-8550
Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 10am-10pm
Soups: Cup of Soup (various rotating options ~$3-6), Half Sandwich + Cup of Soup + Small Salad combo
Pricing: $$-$$$
Family-Friendly: Yes—extensive menu, portions for sharing
Parking: Bayshore Mall parking (free)
Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Address: 5725 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 963-9032
Hours: Daily ~10am-8:30pm
Soups: Chicken Pot Pie Soup (~$6.29-6.49, 94-96% approval rating), Broccoli Cheddar (~$6.49), Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Hearty Beef Chili
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' meals with applesauce and cookie
Parking: Bayshore Mall parking
Special Notes: Soups topped with premium toppings (bacon, hot peppers, mushrooms)
Mallards Restaurant & Lounge
Address: 5689 N Bayshore Dr, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 509-5555
Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 10am-9pm
Soups: Cajun-style soups, soup & salad menu section
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' menu, Sunday brunch
Parking: Bayshore parking
Reservations: Accepted via OpenTable; private rooms for 10-100+ people
Special Notes: Newly opened 2025; Cajun & American; specialties include Lobster Rolls, Jambalaya
Panera Bread
Address: 5595 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 962-4775
Hours: Mon 7am-9pm; Tue-Sun 6am-9pm
Soups: Broccoli Cheddar (~$7.79), Chicken Noodle (~$7.69), Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice (~$7.69), combos with bread bowls
Pricing: $ (~$10-20/person)
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' menu, high chairs
Parking: Free lot, easy access
Special Notes: Fresh-baked bread served with soups; Rapid Pick-Up available
Noodles & Company
Address: 5333 N Port Washington Rd, Glendale, WI 53217
Soups: Signature Chicken Noodle Soup (chicken breast, celery, carrots, onion, wavy egg noodles)
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' meals, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free options
Parking: Free parking
Special Notes: Indoor and patio seating, free WiFi
Wauwatosa: The North Shore's soup capital
Wauwatosa offers the region's most diverse and concentrated soup scene, anchored by Loup—Milwaukee's dedicated soup shop—plus outstanding Thai restaurants, French bistros, and upscale Italian options.
Loup - Soup with a Local Twist ⭐ SPECIALTY SOUP SHOP
Address: 7505 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (Tosa Village)
Phone: (414) 988-0044
Hours: Counter service; check website for daily hours
Soups: Mom's Chili (signature—free-range ground beef, kidney beans, house chili seasoning, GF), rotating daily soups including mulligatawny, broccoli cheddar, spicy chorizo loco, lobster bisque, cream of asparagus, rustic vegetable, blackened chicken & rice
Pricing: $-$$ (Cup, Bowl, or Quart sizes; Soup Flight to sample multiple)
Family-Friendly: Yes—high chairs, casual counter-service
Parking: Street parking in Tosa Village
Reservations: No—counter service only
Special Notes: THE destination for soup lovers; frozen quarts to take home; many vegan and GF options; fresh bread and whipped butter with every order
Le Rêve Patisserie & Café ⭐ BEST FRENCH ONION
Address: 7610 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (Tosa Village)
Phone: (414) 778-3333
Hours: Mon 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm; Wed-Thu 11am-2pm & 5pm-9pm; Fri 11am-2pm & 5pm-10pm; Sat 9am-2pm & 5pm-10pm; Closed Tue & Sun
Soups: Soupe à L'Oignon Gratinée (French Onion)—$6.95, caramelized onions, rich stock, Saxon Farm cheese (not available for carryout—eat in only!), Mushroom Soup (seasonal), Bouillabaisse, Moules Marinière
Pricing: $$-$$$
Family-Friendly: Simple kids' menu; dressy casual atmosphere
Parking: Street parking
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially weekends
Special Notes: Authentic French bistro; classically trained pastry chefs; iconic local favorite for French onion
Kin by Rice N Roll
Address: 7484 W State Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 524-9056
Soups: Tom Kha Soup (signature—GF coconut milk broth with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, lime juice, Thai herbs; tofu/chicken/shrimp protein options), Tom Yum Soup, Ramen varieties
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual family dining
Parking: Street parking on State Street
Special Notes: Family-run by Rice N Roll Bistro family; Chef JJ creates authentic Thai from family recipes
Bangkok Kaizen
Address: 11200 West Burleigh Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun 11am-3:30pm & 5pm-9pm; Closed Tuesday
Soups: Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken), Tom Yum Soup (nuanced hot and sour), Miso Soup, Sukiyaki, various ramen
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes
Parking: Plaza parking lot
Special Notes: Thai and Japanese cuisine blend; all-you-can-eat sushi option (highest quality for AYCE)
Thai-namite Wauwatosa
Address: 8725 W. North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Phone: (414) 837-6281
Soups: Thai curry soups, Tom Yum, Tom Kha, Thai-namite Curry (coconut milk, cashews, fresh veggies)
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—charming atmosphere
Parking: Street and lot parking
Special Notes: Many gluten-free options; small outdoor patio
Café Hollander Tosa Village
Address: 7677 W State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Phone: (414) 475-6771
Hours: Mon-Thu 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11pm; Sun 8am-10pm
Soups: Cream of Mushroom Soup, cup of soup option (+$2 with burgers/sandwiches), steamed mussels in various broths (Classic white wine/garlic/cream, Ginger Bier, High Speed Wit)
Pricing: $$-$$$
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' menu, GF options, high chairs (can be noisy)
Parking: Challenging—public street parking
Reservations: Recommended via OpenTable
Special Notes: European/Belgian grand café; two dining floors with Menomonee River views; Winter Globes seasonal outdoor dining
Maxie's Southern Comfort
Address: 6732 W Fairview Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
Soups: Maxie's Mighty-Mighty Gumbo—12oz Southern delight with chicken, andouille sausage, crawfish, rice, scallions
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes
Parking: Street parking
Special Notes: Low Country cooking from Carolinas, Creole, and Cajun traditions
Mo's Irish Pub
Address: 10842 W Bluemound Rd, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Soups: Oven-Roasted Tomato Soup—silky, creamy with vine-ripened tomatoes, pureed onions, heavy cream, Swiss cheese, spices (cup or bowl)
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes
Parking: Lot parking available
Special Notes: Lively Irish pub atmosphere
India Garden
Address: 2930 N 117th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53222
Phone: (414) 235-9220
Hours: Lunch buffet daily 11:30am-3pm; Dinner Sun-Thu 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Soups: Traditional Indian soup selections, Dal varieties, Rasam, curry-based soups with lunch buffet
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—good for groups, outdoor seating (dogs allowed)
Parking: Lot parking
Reservations: Accepted
Special Notes: Extensive lunch buffet with soup options; North and South Indian cuisine
Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993
Address: 7616 W State St, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 (Tosa Village)
Hours: Daily 5pm-9pm
Soups: Traditional Italian soups rotating with monthly "Un Viaggio in Italia" menu series highlighting different Italian regions
Pricing: $$$-$$$$ (Fine Dining)
Family-Friendly: Dressy casual; more suited for adults
Parking: Several convenient options in Tosa Village
Reservations: Recommended
Special Notes: Flagship of Bartolotta Restaurants; historic brewery building; Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification
Ono Kine Grindz
Address: Wauwatosa (North Avenue area)
Soups: Saimin—Hawaiian-style ramen noodle soup
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes
Parking: Lot parking
Special Notes: Won "Best Takeout" in Milwaukee; Hawaiian market with grocery selection
Additional Wauwatosa Options
Noodles & Company (7700 W State St): Wisconsin Chicken Noodle Soup, Thai noodle options—$
Panera Bread (850 N Mayfair Rd): Chicken & Wild Rice, Broccoli Cheddar, bread bowls—$
Maggiano's Little Italy (2500 N Mayfair Rd): Italian Wedding Soup, Minestrone—$$-$$$
Eldr + Rime (2300 N Mayfair Rd, Renaissance Hotel): Seasonal soup selections—$$-$$$
Fox Point & Bayside: North Shore's hidden soup gems
These quieter residential communities harbor some outstanding soup destinations, particularly Benji's Fox Point for deli soups and Ginza for authentic Japanese ramen.
Benji's Deli (Fox Point) ⭐ EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION
Address: 8683 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 228-5130
Hours: Daily, breakfast through dinner
Soups: Matzoh Ball Soup (homemade daily—choice of matzoh ball, noodle, rice, kreplach, or kasha), Mish-Mosh Soup ("the works"), Cabbage Borscht (signature tomato-based, sweet/sour—"very irresistible"), Chicken in a Pot (half chicken in broth), Mushroom Barley, New England Clam Chowder, Turkey Soup, Beef Chili
Pricing: $ (under $12; entrées include cup of soup or salad)
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual, dogs allowed outside
Parking: Strip mall parking
Reservations: Accepted; delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats
Special Notes: Operating since 1963; cabbage borscht available daily (limited days at Shorewood location)
Ginza Japanese Restaurant ⭐ RAMEN DESTINATION
Address: 333 W Brown Deer Rd, Bayside, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 540-9669
Hours: Mon 11am-8:50pm; Wed-Thu 11am-8:50pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9:50pm; Sun 2:30pm-8:50pm; Closed Tuesday
Soups: Miso Soup $3.00, Clear Soup $3.00, Clam Soup $7.00, Seafood Soup $8.00 | Ramen: Tonkotsu Noodle Soup $16 (egg noodle, rich pork broth, BBQ pork belly, boiled egg, bok choy, bamboo shoots), Beef Noodle Soup $16, Seafood Ramen $18, Vegetable Ramen $15
Pricing: $$ (Sushi $5-34, Ramen $15-18)
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual, friendly
Parking: Strip mall parking
Reservations: Accepted
Special Notes: Authentic Japanese with fresh, high-quality ingredients; specialty rolls include "Fox Point Roll" and "Green Bay Roll"
Calderone Club Foxpoint
Address: 8001 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 352-9303
Hours: Tue-Thu 4pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 4pm-8pm; Closed Monday
Soups: Daily Italian-style soup selections (reviews praise "creamy and smooth" quality)
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes—family-owned
Parking: Front of restaurant
Reservations: Recommended; 90-minute table limit; stops seating 30 min before closing
Special Notes: Authentic Italian family recipes, homemade from scratch
Friendship Cafe & Bakery
Address: 8649 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 755-5855
Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30am-4:30pm; Fri 7:30am-3pm; Sun 9am-4:30pm; Closed Saturday
Soups: Seasonal soup options
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Excellent—inclusive environment, nut-free and Kosher, gluten-friendly options
Parking: Strip mall parking
Special Notes: Social enterprise providing vocational training for adults with disabilities
Noodles & Company (Fox Point)
Address: 8781 N Port Washington Rd, Fox Point, WI 53217
Phone: (414) 540-6601
Soups: Chicken Noodle Soup, Thai Chicken Soup (seasonal), "Delicious Duos" pairings
Pricing: $
Family-Friendly: Yes—kids' meals
Parking: Strip mall parking
Special Notes: Free WiFi, patio seating, online ordering
Brown Deer: Comfort food and ethnic discoveries
Brown Deer offers an intriguing mix of longtime family restaurants, a destination-worthy French bistro, and some of the area's best Thai cuisine.
Family Table Restaurant
Address: 6598 W Brown Deer Rd, Brown Deer, WI 53223
Phone: (414) 354-5494
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-7pm; Closed Sunday
Soups: Soup of the Day—Cup $3.50/Bowl $4.50, Homemade Chili—Cup $4.00/Bowl $5.00, Bowl of Soup & Salad Combo $9.00
Pricing: $-$$ (Burgers $7.50-15; Dinners $14-33)
Family-Friendly: Excellent—dedicated kids' menu (pancakes $2.95, chicken tenders $5.50), seniors' menu
Parking: On-site lot
Reservations: Not needed
Special Notes: Family-owned since 1988; all soups homemade daily
Kurt Schulz Delicatessen & Pastry Shoppe ⭐ BEST CHILI
Address: 8752 N Deerwood Drive, Brown Deer, WI 53209 (Historic Brown Deer Village)
Phone: (414) 354-1004
Hours: Tue-Sat 6:30am-3pm; Closed Sun/Mon
Soups: Daily Hot Soup Specials, Beef and Barley Soup (highly praised), Chicken Soup with crackers, Homemade Chili (reviews call it "amazing and quite possibly the best ever")
Pricing: $-$$ (~$8-12 sandwiches)
Family-Friendly: Yes—casual atmosphere
Parking: On-site
Special Notes: All soups made fresh in-house; excellent soup/sandwich combos; custom cakes available
AppeThai ⭐ AUTHENTIC THAI
Address: 3900 W Brown Deer Rd, Suite 110, Brown Deer, WI 53209
Phone: (414) 362-4264
Hours: Tue-Fri 11am-2pm & 4:30pm-8pm; Sat 4:30pm-8pm; Closed Sun/Mon
Soups: Tom Yum, Tom Kha (highly praised), Guay Tiew Nua (rice noodle soup with beef tenderloin, meatballs, house-made beef broth), Guay Tiew Gai (rice noodles in chicken broth with crispy chicken), Guay Tiew Ruea (boat noodle soup with umami pork broth), Yellow/Red/Green/Massaman/Panang curries
Pricing: $$ (Entrées $17-20+)
Family-Friendly: Yes—good for kids and groups
Parking: On-site
Reservations: Accepted
Special Notes: Over 30 years of authentic Thai cooking experience; house-made broths; spice levels from mild to "We Dare You"
Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar ⭐ FINE DINING
Address: 4313 W River Lane, Brown Deer, WI 53223
Phone: (414) 354-1994
Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-9pm; Closed Sun/Mon
Soups: Pastiche Onion Soup (French Onion with baguette crouton and melted Gruyère—signature dish with excellent reviews), Mushroom Bisque, seasonally changing selections
Pricing: $$$ (Entrées $25-40+)
Family-Friendly: Upscale; better for adults
Parking: On-site lot
Reservations: Highly recommended
Special Notes: French bistro preparations; freshest fish, wild game, farm-raised birds; in-house pastry chef; wine pairings; cooking classes offered
Poco Loco Cantina
Address: 4134 W River Lane, Brown Deer, WI 53209 (Historic Brown Deer Village)
Phone: (414) 355-9550
Soups: Tortilla Soup (special), Pozole (traditional Mexican, seasonal)
Pricing: $$ (Tacos $8-14, average meal $10-20)
Family-Friendly: Yes—kid-friendly, dogs on patio
Parking: Convenient lot; bike parking available
Reservations: Accepted; walk-in friendly
Special Notes: Charming outdoor patio (highly praised); extensive tequila selection
Café Corazón
Address: 4102 W Bradley Road, Brown Deer, WI 53209
Phone: (920) 932-3062
Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm
Soups: Sopa del Día when available, Pozole (seasonal)
Pricing: $$ ($12-18 entrées)
Family-Friendly: Very—extensive vegan/vegetarian/GF options (dedicated fryer for chips at Brown Deer)
Parking: On-site
Special Notes: Farm-to-table since 2009; sources beef from Redeker Farms; produce from Corazón's urban garden
8900 Bar & Bistro
Address: 8900 N Kildeer Ct, Brown Deer, WI 53209 (Four Points by Sheraton)
Phone: (414) 357-1648
Soups: Soup of the Day, Wisconsin Cheese Soup (occasional special)
Pricing: $$
Family-Friendly: Yes
Parking: Free large lot
Reservations: Via OpenTable
Special Notes: Famous Friday Fish Fry with live music; complimentary local beers Mon-Thu; Wisconsin comfort food focus
Additional Brown Deer Options
Culver's (W Schroeder Dr): George's® Chili, daily soups—$
Denny's (8001 W Brown Deer Rd): Chicken Noodle, Vegetable Beef, 24/7—$
Wok 2 Go (7979 N Sherman Blvd): Egg Drop, Hot & Sour, Wonton—$ (excellent fresh takeout)
Wendy's (8331 Brown Deer Rd): Signature chili—$
Trip planning by soup type
For families planning North Shore soup outings, here's a quick-reference guide organized by cuisine and soup style:
Jewish Deli Classics (Matzo Ball, Chicken Soup, Borscht)
Benji's Deli Fox Point or Shorewood—iconic 60+ year tradition
Bistro on the Glen (Glendale)—award-winning matzo ball
French Onion Soup
Le Rêve Patisserie (Wauwatosa)—$6.95, cannot order for carryout
Pastiche Bistro (Brown Deer)—fine dining with Gruyère
City Market Café (Shorewood)—house specialty
Thai Soups (Tom Yum, Tom Kha, Boat Noodles)
AppeThai (Brown Deer)—most authentic, 30+ years experience
Thai Boat Noodles (Glendale)—excellent variety
Kin by Rice N Roll (Wauwatosa)—GF coconut broth
Bangkok Kaizen (Wauwatosa)—nuanced flavors
Japanese (Ramen, Miso, Udon)
Ginza (Bayside)—Tonkotsu Ramen $16, extensive selection
Kawa (Glendale)—Udon and Soba soups
Chinese (Hot & Sour, Wonton, Egg Drop)
No. 1 Chinese (Shorewood)—9 soup varieties
Royal Garden/Everest Cafe (Glendale)—combo Chinese/Nepalese
Wok 2 Go (Brown Deer)—fresh made-to-order
Southern/Cajun (Gumbo, Chili)
Maxie's Southern Comfort (Wauwatosa)—Mighty-Mighty Gumbo
Mallards (Glendale)—Cajun-style soups
Best for Dedicated Soup Experience
Loup (Wauwatosa)—Milwaukee's only specialty soup shop, Soup Flight available
Best Budget Family Options
Culver's (multiple locations)—George's Chili, kids eat with custard reward
Panera Bread (Glendale, Wauwatosa)—bread bowls, consistent quality
Potbelly (Glendale)—Chicken Pot Pie Soup 94%+ rated
Planning tips for families
Parking considerations: Most North Shore establishments offer free lot parking. Exceptions include Wauwatosa Village (street parking only, can be challenging on weekends) and Shorewood's Oakland Avenue (street parking).
Reservations guidance: Fine dining spots (Le Rêve, Pastiche Bistro, Ristorante Bartolotta, Calderone Club) require advance reservations. Casual spots and chains operate walk-in only.
Best kid-friendly chains: Culver's locations offer "scoopie tokens" for free custard with kids' meals. Noodles & Company and Panera provide consistent, wholesome kids' options across all locations.
Seasonal soup notes: Many establishments rotate soups seasonally—call ahead to confirm specific offerings, especially for specialty items like lobster bisque at Loup or pozole at Poco Loco Cantina.
Geographic clusters: For efficient soup crawls, consider these concentrated areas:
Tosa Village (Harwood Ave/State St): Loup, Le Rêve, Café Hollander, Kin, Noodles & Company within walking distance
Shorewood Oakland Ave: Benji's, North Shore Boulangerie, No. 1 Chinese, Harry's, Colectivo walkable
Glendale Bayshore: Cheesecake Factory, Potbelly, Mallards, Kawa clustered at mall
Historic Brown Deer Village (River Lane): Pastiche Bistro, Poco Loco, Kurt Schulz within one block
This guide encompasses 60+ establishments across Milwaukee's North Shore communities—a testament to the region's unexpected depth of soup culture. From century-old German-American traditions at Jack Pandl's to the contemporary scratch-made soups at Loup, the North Shore rewards adventurous soup seekers with remarkable diversity concentrated in family-friendly neighborhoods.