Where to find the best scallops across Greater Milwaukee

The Milwaukee area offers an impressive selection of scallop destinations, from lakefront fine dining rooms with sweeping Lake Michigan views to cozy neighborhood bistros and historic Wisconsin supper clubs. Whether you're craving butter-kissed pan-seared scallops at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant or bacon-wrapped appetizers at a family-friendly brewpub, this guide covers 55+ restaurants across Milwaukee County, the North Shore, and Lake Country—organized by neighborhood to help you plan the perfect scallop adventure.

Pan-seared preparations dominate local menus, with restaurants sourcing premium Hudson Canyon and Georges Bank sea scallops, though you'll also find creative preparations including Peruvian-style scallop tacos, Japanese garlic-steamed presentations, and classic Italian seafood pastas. Prices range from $17 for small plates at trendy Walker's Point spots to $68 for chef's signature dishes at Brookfield steakhouses. Most upscale venues strongly recommend reservations, especially on weekends.

Downtown Milwaukee and the Third Ward

The downtown core concentrates Milwaukee's finest seafood dining, anchored by the acclaimed Bartolotta Restaurant Group's flagship properties. This area offers the highest density of upscale scallop preparations within walking distance.

Harbor House

550 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 395-4900 | bartolottas.com/harbor-house

Harbor House commands the most enviable location in Milwaukee dining—perched on the lakefront with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the Milwaukee Art Museum's iconic Calatrava wings. Their Pan-Seared Hudson Canyon Scallops ($34) arrive with roasted cauliflower, fried Brussels sprout leaves, and maple-apple cider reduction. You can also add scallops ($24) to any pasta or risotto dish.

Hours: Monday-Friday 5-9 PM; Saturday-Sunday 11 AM-2 PM brunch and 5-9 PM dinner Style: Upscale casual, seafood-focused | Reservations highly recommended | Family-friendly with outdoor patio and Adirondack seating

Bacchus — A Bartolotta Restaurant

925 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 765-1166 | bartolottas.com/bacchus

Located in the historic 1907 Cudahy Tower, Bacchus holds Milwaukee's largest wine selection and a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence since 2006. Their Hudson Canyon Sea Scallops ($50) feature pan-seared scallops with fried black rice and red curry-coconut broth. Scallops also appear in the 3-course ($65) and 7-course tasting menus.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Closed Sunday Style: Fine dining, contemporary American | Reservations required | Best for special occasions with adults

The Capital Grille

310 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203 | (414) 223-0600 | thecapitalgrille.com

This nationally acclaimed steakhouse pairs Seared Sea Scallops with Maine Lobster and Asparagus Risotto (market price) in their elegant dining room featuring African mahogany paneling, Art Deco chandeliers, and a floor-to-ceiling wine kiosk housing 3,500 bottles.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM-9 PM; Friday 11:30 AM-10 PM; Saturday 4-10 PM; Sunday 4-9 PM Style: Fine dining steakhouse | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly for special occasions

Third Coast Provisions

724 N. Milwaukee Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 323-7434 | thirdcoastprovisions.com

Chef Andrew Miller's Midwestern-inspired seafood restaurant offers Roasted Sea Scallops (market price) with lemon-ricotta risotto and heirloom tomatoes, plus a raw bar featuring Sea Scallop Crudo with blood orange, fennel, and pistachio.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-9 PM; Friday 4-10 PM; Saturday 5-10 PM Style: Upscale casual, modern American seafood | Happy hour Monday-Friday 4-6 PM | Reservations recommended

Carnevor Steakhouse Moderne

718 N. Milwaukee Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 223-2200 | carnevor.com

Executive Chef Mario Giuliani's premier steakhouse offers 2 Sea Scallops ($24) as a surf addition to any steak, plus composed scallop plates at market price. Features USDA Prime dry-aged beef and Japanese A-5 Wagyu alongside 785+ wine selections.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5-10 PM; Friday-Saturday 5-11 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Fine dining steakhouse | Reservations required | Upscale adult atmosphere

Mason Street Grill

425 E. Mason Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 298-3131 | masonstreetgrill.com

Inside the historic Pfister Hotel since 2007, this wood-fired grill serves Seared Scallops (market price) with creamed spinach, smoked tomato cream, and roasted corn. Live jazz nightly creates an elegant supper club atmosphere.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 4-9 PM; Sunday 4-8 PM Style: Upscale casual, classic American grill | Validated parking available | Family accommodating

St. Paul Fish Company — Third Ward

400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 220-8383 | stpaulfish.com

Located inside the Milwaukee Public Market, this beloved seafood counter serves Pan-Seared Jumbo Dry Pack Scallops (market price) with jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, and choice of beurre blanc or fruit salsa. Fresh dry-pack scallops also available at the fish counter for home preparation.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM-8 PM; Sunday 10 AM-6 PM Style: Casual seafood market and restaurant | Walk-in only with buzzer system | Very family-friendly

Milwaukee Sail Loft

649 E. Erie Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 988-0400 | milwaukeesailloft.com

This hidden gem near Summerfest grounds offers scallop dishes on a rotating seasonal menu, with seating for 100+ on the waterfront patio. Maritime industrial meets modern luxury inside.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 4-9 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Casual seafood with creative twist | Riverside outdoor seating | Family-friendly

Bavette La Boucherie

217 N. Broadway, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 273-3375

Chef Karen Bell's modern farmhouse butcher shop restaurant features Seared Bay Scallops (market price) among rotating seasonal specials, alongside coal-fired butcher's cuts and acclaimed charcuterie.

Hours: Check OpenTable for current hours Style: Upscale casual, American butcher shop | Reservations strongly encouraged | Families welcome

Walker's Point restaurant row

Walker's Point has emerged as Milwaukee's most exciting dining district, with chef-driven restaurants emphasizing local sourcing and creative preparations.

Odd Duck

939 S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53207 | (414) 763-5881 | oddduckrestaurant.com

A James Beard Award Semifinalist (2022, 2024, 2025), Odd Duck's ever-changing small plates menu frequently features Seared Sea Scallops (~$17) with preparations like wilted chrysanthemum greens, oyster sauce, green chili condiment, and toasted peanuts. The restaurant occupies a former United Electrical Workers union hall beneath the iconic Allen-Bradley Clocktower.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday bar 3 PM-midnight, kitchen 5-10 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Upscale casual small plates | Reservations via Tock highly recommended | Better for adults

Morel

430 S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | (414) 897-0747 | morelmke.com

Chef-owner Jonathan Manyo sources nearly 100% of ingredients from Wisconsin's 400+ farms. Scallops appear on the rotating seasonal menu as part of the farm-to-table philosophy that has sustained this Walker's Point pioneer since 2014.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5-9 PM; Friday-Saturday 5-10 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Upscale casual, farm-to-table | Reservations required for parties of 5+ ($25 deposit) | Families welcome

Ash Hearth & Bar

500 W. Florida Street, Suite 102, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | (414) 374-4766 | theironhorsehotel.com

Inside the Iron Horse Hotel, Executive Chef Franklin Perdue's open-hearth kitchen produces Seared Scallops (market price) praised by diners as "perfectly cooked." The wood-fire cooking creates exceptional caramelization.

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5-10 PM; Sunday brunch 10 AM-2 PM; Closed Monday-Tuesday Style: Upscale casual, hearth-fired | Reservations recommended | Better for date nights

Braise

1101 S. 2nd Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204 | (414) 212-8843 | braiselocalfood.com

This farm-to-table pioneer with an on-site culinary school and rooftop garden features seasonal scallop preparations that change daily based on local farm availability. Communal tables encourage conversation.

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Closed Sunday-Tuesday Style: Farm-to-table, new American | Reservations via Tock | Family-welcoming casual atmosphere

Milwaukee's East Side and Bay View neighborhoods

These residential neighborhoods offer intimate dining rooms favored by locals, including several James Beard-recognized establishments.

Sanford Restaurant

1547 N. Jackson Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202 | (414) 276-9608 | sanfordrestaurant.com

Milwaukee's most acclaimed fine dining destination occupies a historic 1880s family grocery store and has produced two James Beard Award-winning chefs. Seared Sea Scallops with tomato broccoli purée, cherry tomatoes, scalded kale, and honey balsamic vinaigrette appear as part of the $95 four-course menu or $125 seven-course surprise tasting.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:30-9 PM; Friday 5:30-10 PM; Saturday 5-10 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Fine dining | Reservations essential, especially weekends | Best for adults seeking elegant experience

Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro

3133 E. Newberry Boulevard, Milwaukee, WI 53211 | (414) 962-6300 | bartolottas.com/lake-park-bistro

Perched in a historic pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan, this French bistro from James Beard Award-winner Paul Bartolotta serves Coquilles St-Jacques ($26)—pan-seared sea scallops and shrimp with sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomato, shallot cream sauce, and leek-brioche breadcrumbs. Add black truffles for $45-$65. Also offers Seared Sea Scallops (entrée) with puréed celery root, braised kale, and Bayonne ham.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Sunday 11 AM-2 PM brunch and 5-9 PM dinner Style: Casual elegant French | Wine Spectator Award since 1998 | Reservations strongly recommended | Sunday brunch family-friendly

EsterEv

2165 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207 | (414) 312-8606 | esterev.com

"Top Chef" alumni Dan Jacobs and Dan Van Rite recently reopened this intimate 40-seat fine dining room with a new à la carte format. Creative seasonal seafood dishes including scallops range from $18-$44. The signature bread and broth welcome course sets the tone for an exceptional evening.

Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Closed Sunday-Tuesday Style: Fine dining, contemporary American | Reservations required via OpenTable, $40/person cancellation fee | Not recommended for young children

Goodkind

2457 S. Wentworth Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53207 | (414) 763-4706 | goodkindbayview.com

A James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program, this cozy Bay View spot changes menus daily based on market availability. Seafood preparations typically range $18-$32, with the kitchen serving full menu until 1 AM.

Hours: Monday-Tuesday 5-10 PM; Friday-Sunday 5-10 PM; Closed Wednesday-Thursday Style: Upscale casual neighborhood restaurant | Reservations via Tock, walk-ins at bar | Moderate family-friendliness

Maxie's Southern Comfort

6732 W. Fairview Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53213 | (414) 292-3969 | maxiesmke.com

This Cajun-Creole spot features Seared Scallops (~$12-15) with orange-arugula salad and buttermilk tabasco sauce, plus an oyster bar with $1 oyster happy hour daily 4-6 PM. Located in a converted two-story butcher shop.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 4-9 PM; Closed Sunday Style: Casual Southern/Cajun-Creole | Walk-in priority; Yelp waitlist for parties 11+ | Very family-friendly

Story Hill BKC

5100 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53208 | (414) 539-4424 | storyhillbkc.com

Named among OnMilwaukee's Top 52 Restaurants 2025 and Thrillist's 24 Best Brunch Spots in America, this Upper Midwest-inspired wine bar features seasonal seafood on rotating menus. The attached bottle shop holds a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence (2020-2024).

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 AM-2 PM lunch, 5-9 PM dinner; Saturday 9 AM-2 PM brunch, 5-9 PM dinner; Sunday 9 AM-2 PM brunch; Closed Monday Style: Contemporary American wine bar | Reservations via Tock | Family-friendly, especially brunch

North Shore communities

The communities stretching north along Lake Michigan provide diverse dining options from historic German restaurants to contemporary gastropubs.

Jack Pandl's Whitefish Bay Inn

1319 E. Henry Clay Street, Whitefish Bay, WI 53211 | (414) 964-3800 | jackpandls.com

A fourth-generation family landmark since 1915, Jack Pandl's serves Pan-Seared Jumbo Sea Scallops—$36 lunch / $45 dinner—seared in olive oil until golden brown, with fresh lemon, choice of two sides, and warm dinner roll. Famous for their German pancake.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday lunch 11:30 AM-3:30 PM, dinner from 4 PM; Sunday 10 AM-2 PM brunch with dinner available; Friday fish fry all day; Closed Monday Style: Upscale casual, classic American-German | Reservations via OpenTable | Excellent for families, children's portions available

Mr. B's — A Bartolotta Steakhouse (Mequon)

11120 N. Cedarburg Road, Mequon, WI 53092 | (262) 518-5500 | bartolottas.com/mr-b-s-steakhouse/mequon

This North Shore outpost of the popular steakhouse serves Pan-Seared Sea Scallops ($52) with sweet potato puree, crispy Brussels sprouts, pecan brown butter, and brandy-cider reduction from a high-heat wood-burning oven.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Sunday 4-8 PM; Closed Monday Style: Upscale steakhouse | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly with kids menu

St. Paul Fish Company — Mequon

6200 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, WI 53092 | (262) 200-9909 | stpaulfish.com/mequon

The suburban sibling to the Third Ward original offers Bay Scallops and Scallop Dinners in various preparations including pan-fried and sautéed. Fresh fish flown in daily and available at the retail counter.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-9 PM; Sunday 11 AM-8 PM; Happy hour 3-6 PM daily Style: Casual seafood restaurant and market | Reservations via OpenTable; expect waits at peak times | Very family-friendly

Stilt House Gastro Bar

W62N630 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg, WI 53012 | (262) 618-4889 | stilthousegastrobar.com

Named for its building literally raised on stilts in the early 1900s, this Cedarburg gastropub serves Seared Scallops with preparations like pineapple salsa and creamed sauce. The riverside patio overlooks Cedar Creek.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-10 PM; Friday-Saturday 11 AM-11 PM; Sunday 11 AM-10 PM Style: Gastropub, upscale casual | 30 craft beers on tap, 30+ wines | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly with kids menu

Pastiche Bistro & Wine Bar

4313 W. River Lane, Brown Deer, WI 53223 | (414) 354-1995 | pastichebistro.com

Chef-owner Mike Engel creates French, Spanish, and Italian preparations that earn rave reviews. Scallops appear on the seasonal menu with French-style preparations. In-house pastry chef Angela creates all breads and desserts.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday; Some Sunday brunches Style: Fine dining French bistro | Reservations strongly recommended (books 2-3 weeks out) | Better for adults and older children

C-Viche — Shorewood

4330 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood, WI 53211 | (414) 485-6383 | c-viche.com

This Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) fusion spot offers Nikkei Sushi Roll with Sautéed Scallops ($28)—panko shrimp, avocado, and sautéed scallops in Nikkei butter wine sauce—plus Scallop Tacos prepared Peruvian-style.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 AM-3 PM lunch, dinner hours vary; Closed Monday Style: Casual Ibero-American, Peruvian | Reservations via Tock | Family-friendly

Mallards — Bayshore

5689 N. Bayshore Drive, Glendale, WI 53217 | (414) 509-5555 | mallardsmn.com

This family-owned Southern kitchen at Bayshore offers Cajun and Lowcountry seafood including Surf & Turf and Seafood Boil with various shellfish combinations. Sunday brunch is particularly popular with families.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday 10 AM-9 PM; Happy hour Mon-Fri 2-6 PM and 9 PM-close, Sunday all day Style: Upscale casual, Southern | Reservations via OpenTable | Very family-friendly with kids menu

Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa bridges Milwaukee's urban core with western suburbs, offering everything from legendary steakhouses to family-owned Italian trattorias.

Eddie Martini's

8612 W. Watertown Plank Road, Wauwatosa, WI 53226 | (414) 771-6680 | eddiemartinis.com

Milwaukee's premier 1940s-style supper club serves Tamarind-Glazed Sea Scallops ($39) with jasmine rice, sautéed vegetables, red curry tomato broth, coconut, and macadamia, plus Seafood Pasta ($52) combining lobster tail, sea scallops, shrimp, asparagus, wild mushrooms, and lobster cream sauce. Over one-third of staff has 10+ years tenure.

Hours: Monday-Saturday bar 4:30 PM, dinner 5 PM, last seating 8-9 PM; Closed Sunday Style: Fine dining supper club | Call-ahead required (no online booking) | Gluten-free options | Upscale atmosphere better for special occasions

Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993

7616 W. State Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | (414) 771-7910 | bartolottas.com/ristorante-bartolotta

The flagship Bartolotta restaurant in Tosa Village occupies a historic brewery building. Grigliata di Mare (seasonal pricing) showcases grilled seaside-style scallops alongside shrimp, calamari, baby octopus, and fish of the day with spinach, lemon, and olive oil.

Hours: Daily 5-9 PM Style: Fine dining Italian | Outdoor terrace (La Terrazza) | Reservations strongly recommended | Intimate special occasion dining

Balistreri's Italian American Ristorante

812 N. 68th Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53213 | (414) 475-1414 | balistreris.com

Family-owned since 1968, this neighborhood favorite offers multiple scallop preparations: Frutti di Mare (Sicilian Style) with shrimp and scallops sautéed in marinara with capers, olives, and anchovies over mostaccioli, plus Cioppino featuring mussels, prawns, sea scallops, clams, and cod in marinara. Famous for thin-crust pizza and ice cream drinks.

Hours: Monday, Wednesday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM; Friday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday 2-9 PM; Closed Tuesday Style: Casual Italian | Reservations recommended weekends | Very family-friendly

Balistreri's Bluemound Inn

6501 W. Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213 | (414) 348-5183 | balistreris.com

The sister location offers expanded scallop options including Scallops Scampi (pan-seared with spinach, red onion, white bean, salsa verde, crispy prosciutto), Seafood Pasta (shrimp and scallops in garlic butter with white wine, herbs, tomato pesto over linguine), Frutti di Mare (bay scallops and shrimp in feta Alfredo), and Seafood Marinara.

Hours: Daily 4-10 PM (Sun-Thu), 4-11 PM (Fri-Sat); Sunday brunch available Style: Upscale casual Italian | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly

Western suburbs and Hales Corners

Sandra's on the Park

10049 W. Forest Home Avenue, Hales Corners, WI 53130 | (414) 235-8889 | sandrasonthepark.com

This family-owned supper club since 2015 offers the most extensive scallop menu in the metro area with five preparations: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops (appetizer—jumbo scallops in applewood bacon), Pan-Seared Scallops (entrée with mashed potatoes, lemon garlic butter, seasonal vegetables), Bacon-Wrapped Scallops in Fettuccine Vodka Sauce, Fettuccine Pesto Scallops, and Cioppino ($39.95) with cod, lobster, mussels, scallops, and shrimp over bucatini.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-8 PM; Friday 11 AM-9 PM (fish fry); Saturday 4-9 PM; Closed Sunday-Monday Style: Upscale casual supper club | Reservations via Toast or phone | Family-friendly

Henry Flach's

9140 W. National Avenue, West Allis, WI 53227 | (414) 543-1060 | henryflach.com

This value-oriented West Allis supper club serves Shrimp & Scallop Pasta ($24) in vodka sauce with pappardelle and parmesan. Scallops (~$20) can be added to steaks. Prime rib Wednesdays and fish fry Fridays ($17.95).

Hours: Check locally; Closed Tuesdays Style: Casual neighborhood steakhouse | No reservations—first come, first served | Kid-friendly, reasonably priced

ZA Restaurant

13300 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122 | (262) 289-9335 | za-elmgrove.com

From the creators of Zisters/Hermanas, this intimate Elm Grove spot offers Scallops Pasta (~$26-28)—pan-seared scallops with angel hair in lemon garlic white wine sauce. Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta round out the menu.

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-9 PM; Friday-Saturday 4-10 PM; Sunday 4-8:30 PM; Closed Monday Style: Casual Italian | Reservations strongly recommended | Warm family-friendly setting

Jin's Sushi Seafood & Bar

8625 W. Sura Lane, Greenfield, WI 53228 | jinssushiseafood.com

This modern 6,200-square-foot Japanese restaurant features live seafood tanks with scallops available. Steamed Scallops in Garlic Sauce arrive in the shell over glass noodles. All-you-can-eat option available.

Hours: Call for current hours Style: Casual Japanese seafood | Live tanks with fresh scallops | Family-friendly

Brookfield anchors Waukesha County dining

Brookfield's restaurant row along Bluemound Road and Capitol Drive provides the suburban area's highest concentration of upscale dining.

Mr. B's — A Bartolotta Steakhouse (Brookfield)

18380 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53045 | (262) 790-7005 | bartolottas.com/mr-b-s-steakhouse/brookfield

The original suburban Mr. B's location serves Pan-Seared Sea Scallops ($52) with sweet potato puree, crispy Brussels sprouts, pecan brown butter, and brandy-cider reduction, plus a Filet & Scallops Combo ($76) for the ultimate surf and turf.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Closed Sunday Style: Upscale steakhouse | Wood-burning oven | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly with kids menu

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

15665 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 782-9463 | flemingssteakhouse.com

This national chain's Brookfield location offers the area's most luxurious scallop preparation: Jumbo Scallops with Wild Mushroom Risotto ($68)—part of the Chef's Signature Series—with truffle butter, shaved parmesan, and scallion oil. Features USDA Prime beef and A5 Japanese Wagyu.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 AM-10 PM; Sunday 11 AM-9 PM Style: Fine dining steakhouse | 100+ wine selections | Reservations highly recommended | Kids meals available

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant

15 S. Moorland Road, Brookfield, WI 53005 | (262) 785-9463 | chwinery.com/locations/brookfield

This Napa-style concept combines winery tasting room with from-scratch kitchen. Potato-Crusted Scallops ($28.99) with Brussels sprouts salad, candied applewood bacon, grainy Dijon mustard butter, shaved parmesan, and toasted pistachios pairs perfectly with their Lux Chardonnay. Also offers Shrimp & Scallop Risotto ($27.99) with sweet corn, asparagus, peas, spinach, and white truffle oil.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 AM-9 PM; Friday 11 AM-10 PM; Saturday 10 AM-10 PM; Sunday 10 AM-9 PM Style: Upscale casual wine bar | Heated enclosed patio | Reservations highly recommended | Family-friendly with kids menu

Bonefish Grill

18355 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield, WI 53045 | (262) 796-0885 | bonefishgrill.com

This seafood-focused chain serves Scallops and Shrimp Scampi Pasta ($26.90) with linguine and garlic butter sauce. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops (6 large scallops with mango salsa) available off-menu by request.

Hours: Open daily for dinner Style: Upscale casual seafood | Wood-grilled specialties | Reservations recommended | Family-friendly

Lake Country delivers waterfront dining and historic charm

The lakes west of Milwaukee offer some of the region's most scenic dining, including Wisconsin's oldest restaurant and a stunning new Bartolotta lakefront property.

The Commodore — A Bartolotta Restaurant

1807 Nagawicka Road, Hartland, WI 53029 | bartolottas.com/commodore

The newest Bartolotta property occupies a historic 1902 lakefront site on Lake Nagawicka (most recently home to Seven Seas for nearly 40 years). Seared Georges Bank Sea Scallops (approximately $52-59) honors classic American seafood preparations. The stunning property features multiple patios, a lakeside terrace with sunset views, and private dining rooms. Named a 2024 HD Project Awards nominee.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 5 PM; Happy hour available Style: Fine dining lakefront | Reservations highly recommended | Special occasion destination

I.D. at The Delafield Hotel

415 Genesee Street, Suite 1, Delafield, WI 53018 | (262) 646-1620 | iddelafield.com

Named "One of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America" by People Magazine and OpenTable, this eclectic shared-plates concept serves Dayboat Scallops (one of their most-ordered items) with kimchi beurre blanc and broccoli, plus Seared Scallop Nigiri with yuzu kosho marmalade. Six consecutive Wine Spectator Awards.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5-8:30 PM; Friday-Saturday 5-9:30 PM; Sunday brunch 9:30 AM-2 PM Style: Upscale contemporary, shared plates | Open kitchen with bar seating | Reservations highly recommended | Upscale adult-oriented

Red Circle Inn

N44W33013 Watertown Plank Road, Nashotah, WI 53058 | (262) 367-4883 | redcircleinn.com

Wisconsin's oldest restaurant, established 1848—the same year as Wisconsin statehood—and historically connected to Captain Fred C. Pabst of Pabst Brewing. Recently renovated by Geronimo Hospitality Group. Offers Brown Butter Scallops (pan-seared), Bacon-Wrapped Scallops (six panko-breaded appetizer scallops with cocktail sauce), and Scallops Sautéed with spinach, basil, diced tomato, and champagne-pernod sauce in fillo flower.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:30-9 PM; Friday-Saturday 4:30-10 PM; Sunday 3-8 PM Style: Historic supper club | Recently renovated | Reservations highly recommended | Family-friendly though no dedicated kids menu

Butler Inn of Pewaukee

742 Glacier Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072 | (262) 691-0840 | butlerinnofpewaukee.com

Family-owned for over 36 years near Pewaukee Lake, this classic Wisconsin supper club serves Sautéed Sea Scallops and South African Lobster Tail & Scallops surf and turf. Features flaming Saganaki tableside, live entertainment, and banquet facilities for up to 100 guests.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 4-8 PM; Friday-Saturday 4-9 PM; Closed Sunday Style: Classic supper club | Dress nicer on Saturdays | Reservations recommended | Family celebrations welcome

Delafield Brewhaus

3832 Hillside Drive, Delafield, WI 53018 | (262) 646-7821 | delafieldbrewhaus.com

The most casual Lake Country option, this craft brewpub serves Seafood Basket ($21.50)—cod, shrimp, and scallops breaded and deep-fried with french fries—on Fridays only. On-site brewery, house burgers, and State Fair-famous pickle pizza.

Hours: Daily Style: Casual brewpub | Walk-ins welcome | Very family-friendly with kids menu

Planning your scallop adventure

For special occasions and celebrations, consider Bacchus, Sanford, Fleming's, or The Commodore for the most elevated experiences. Date night favorites include Lake Park Bistro (sunset views), I.D. at The Delafield Hotel (beautiful design), and Eddie Martini's (classic cocktails).

Family-friendly standouts with welcoming atmospheres include Jack Pandl's (100+ year tradition), St. Paul Fish Company locations (casual and accommodating), Cooper's Hawk (kids menu, wine for parents), Sandra's on the Park (multiple scallop preparations), and Balistreri's (thin-crust pizza for kids, scallops for adults).

Budget-conscious diners will find excellent value at Henry Flach's ($24 pasta), Delafield Brewhaus ($21.50 seafood basket), ZA ($26-28), and Bonefish Grill ($26.90). Splurge-worthy preparations reaching $50-68 include Fleming's wild mushroom risotto, Bacchus Hudson Canyon scallops, and Mr. B's locations.

Most fine dining establishments strongly recommend reservations, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings. Call ahead for current scallop availability at restaurants with rotating seasonal menus—Odd Duck, Morel, Goodkind, and EsterEv change offerings frequently based on market availability.