Know the North Shore: MOXIE Food + Drink

When Tamela Greene and Anne Marie Arroyo lost their corporate jobs at Harley-Davidson in December 2015, they transformed career adversity into culinary opportunity.

One year later, on December 16, 2016, the married couple opened MOXIE Food + Drink in Whitefish Bay, bringing New York-inspired design and inspired American comfort food to Milwaukee's North Shore. Today, this LGBT- and women-owned neighborhood gem maintains 4.4-4.8 star ratings across major platforms, celebrated for its warm service, standout seafood, and intimate atmosphere that reflects the owners' passion for bringing diverse communities together over great food.

The MOXIE origin story begins in a Harley-Davidson cubicle. Greene and Arroyo met at the company's corporate headquarters on Juneau Avenue when their workspaces happened to be side by side. After a combined 30+ years at Harley-Davidson, both positions were eliminated in a December 2015 downsizing that affected over 500 employees. Rather than seeking new corporate roles, the couple—who have been together for 14 years—decided to pursue a long-held dream.

Before construction began, they surveyed 35 North Shore friends about what they wanted in a local restaurant. That email was forwarded repeatedly, eventually generating 150-200 responses that shaped MOXIE's direction: contemporary American comfort food, locally sourced ingredients, and a serious cocktail program. The owners then traveled to New York City to study the design of popular "long restaurants," taking detailed notes that inspired MOXIE's cozy, bistro-style layout. The walls now display photographs from their travels to Europe and their wedding in Massachusetts, creating an intimate, personal atmosphere.

Arroyo brought particular expertise to the venture. Before her corporate career, she spent 15 years as a server and bartender at Milwaukee establishments including The Packing House and Harwood's. Greene's background in customer experience programming for Harley Owner's Group events at Daytona and Sturgis informed their hospitality philosophy. Their mission statement reflects their Harley roots: "To be warm and welcoming places to share a meal and share a moment, over great food and drink, with people you enjoy."

The menu

MOXIE serves dinner Monday through Saturday from 5-9 PM, Friday-Saturday lunch from 11 AM-2 PM, and Sunday brunch from 10 AM-2 PM. The cuisine falls into the "inspired American comfort food" category, with strong seafood offerings and menus that change seasonally.

Starters range from $17-25 and showcase the kitchen's strengths. The seared sea scallops ($25) with bacon, white wine butter sauce, and bourbon honey-roasted sweet potatoes consistently earn reviewer praise—one diner wrote they would "dream of the scallops for weeks." The short-rib medallions ($22) pair braised beef with bourbon-marinated peaches and Cambozola cheese over polenta, while the Wisconsin cheese board ($22) highlights local producers. The mushroom bruschetta ($18) offers a vegetarian and vegan-friendly option.

Entrees span $28-48, anchored by the signature braised bone-in short ribs ($34) with cremini mushroom demi-glace and mashed potato. The pasta del mare ($36) combines mussels, shrimp, and scallops in spicy tomato sauce over linguini. The butternut squash ravioli ($28) in sage brown butter provides a popular vegetarian choice. The hand-cut 12 oz ribeye ($48) with gremolata butter represents the high end, though reviewers note occasional inconsistency with steak preparation.

Sandwiches include the beloved MOXIE Burger ($20)—Certified Angus beef with Hooks aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and remoulade on brioche—and a grilled cajun-spiced salmon sandwich ($23). Both come with soup, salad, or potato wedges.

Sunday brunch (relaunched January 7, 2024 after a pandemic hiatus) features the bourbon peach short rib sliders ($18), three eggs Benedict options ($16-20 including salmon and cajun shrimp cake versions), Belgian Elvis waffles with peanut butter, bacon, and bananas ($16), and chicken and waffles ($18). Country fried steak with biscuits and gravy runs $22.

The bar program reflects Arroyo's bartending background. "Since day one, we built our bar according to what our guests want," she told OnMilwaukee. "Our goal is to have things you don't normally see on a drink menu." The full bar offers wines, craft beers, martinis, and creative cocktails alongside zero-proof options. The French 75 and pear martini receive particular mention in reviews. Specific drink prices aren't published, but reviewers note cocktails are generously poured.

Dietary accommodations are thoughtful: numerous items are marked gluten-free or gluten-free upon request, and staff willingly discuss modifications. Vegetarian options include the butternut squash ravioli, mushroom bruschetta, and veggie egg scramble. Vegan diners should call ahead, as options require modification.

Intimate ambiance

MOXIE occupies the former Placesetters gift shop space, transformed into what reviewers describe as "cozy niches in a bistro style rectangle adjacent to a stunning bar." The long, narrow layout features approximately 40 seats with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Silver Spring Drive. Art and personal photographs adorn the walls, creating what one reviewer called a "speakeasy aesthetic" with mood lighting and old-timey charm.

The trade-off for intimacy is space. Tables sit roughly 18 inches apart, which multiple reviewers note can feel crowded during peak hours. OpenTable classifies noise levels as "moderate," while Yelp tags the space as "loud." Reviewers recommend early weekday evenings for quieter conversation.

The restaurant offers full table service with owners frequently greeting guests personally. Staff members including bartender Michael, Ron, Tim, Julia, and Michelle receive specific praise. OpenTable diners rate service 4.8/5, noting servers "remember you and graciously engage with you."

Outdoor patio seating is available seasonally on a first-come, first-served basis—no reservations accepted for patio tables.

Families welcome, though better suited for adult occasions

MOXIE lacks a dedicated children's menu, and OpenTable advises parents of younger children to "consider an earlier seating and call ahead to discuss menu flexibility." High chair availability isn't confirmed in reviews. That said, the restaurant is described as a "neighborhood spot where families and groups dine," and birthday celebrations are common—staff creates personalized chalk signs for celebrations.

Sunday brunch emerges as the most family-appropriate time, with a more casual atmosphere and dishes like waffles and French toast that appeal to children. MenuPix lists the restaurant as "Good for Kids," and one reviewer called it an "Up Scale Family Place in the Heart of Whitefish Bay." However, most reviewers recommend MOXIE for date nights, couples, and adult gatherings rather than family dinners with young children.

Reviews reflect consistent quality

Across platforms, MOXIE maintains strong ratings:

• OpenTable: 4.8/5 stars (1,384 reviews) — Food 4.7, Service 4.8, Ambience 4.8, Value 4.6

• Google: 4.4/5 stars

• TripAdvisor: 4.4/5 stars, ranked #3 of restaurants in Whitefish Bay, Travelers' Choice award

• Yelp: 119 reviews with 96/100 health score

Positive themes center on the scallops, short ribs, warm service, and intimate atmosphere. Negative feedback occasionally cites cramped seating, peak-hour noise, and isolated food inconsistencies (one March 2025 reviewer reported an overcooked ribeye). Management actively responds to TripAdvisor criticism. The price point—$31-50 per person—draws occasional "expensive" comments, though most reviewers consider it fair value.

Community roots

MOXIE holds certification as an LGBT Business Enterprise through the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce and maintains membership in the Merchants of Whitefish Bay. The restaurant's giving philosophy focuses on "local children's theater" along with their children's school and club affiliations—Greene and Arroyo have two sons in the Whitefish Bay community.

The owners demonstrated their commitment to Silver Spring Drive when they opened a second concept, Trouble and Sons Pizzeria, in October 2018 at a nearby location. Though that venture permanently closed in 2023 due to pandemic challenges and staffing shortages, it reflected their investment in the neighborhood's dining ecosystem.

MOXIE's Harley-Davidson heritage surfaced during the 115th Anniversary celebration in 2018, when the restaurant hosted iconic motorcyclist Gloria Struck for a book signing. "During our years on the road working for Harley, we met passionate motorcycle enthusiasts daily," Arroyo explained. "We are thrilled at the prospect of seeing old friends again and hosting them in our restaurant."

The restaurant has been featured in TMJ4's Pride Month coverage, OnMilwaukee's guide to Milwaukee LGBTQ-owned restaurants, and FOX6's Small Business Saturday segment.

Practical details for planning your visit

Location: 501 East Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 (corner of Diversey Boulevard, across from Sendik's)

Contact: (414) 204-8980 | info@eatatmoxie.com | eatatmoxie.com

Social media: @eatatmoxie on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

Hours: Dinner Monday-Saturday 5-9 PM; Lunch Friday-Saturday 11 AM-2 PM; Sunday Brunch 10 AM-2 PM

Reservations: Strongly recommended via OpenTable or phone. Maximum party size of 6 for dining room; groups up to 20 can be accommodated for private events.

Parking: Street parking only along Silver Spring Drive

Private events and catering: Available Monday-Saturday during daytime hours

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, restroom, and seating

Payment note: A 3% credit card convenience fee applies; cash payments welcomed

Conclusion

MOXIE Food + Drink succeeds precisely because Greene and Arroyo built the restaurant their community asked for. Seven years after opening, it remains a North Shore anchor—intimate enough for romance, polished enough for celebration, and consistent enough to become a regular spot. The scallops genuinely merit their reputation. The service reflects owners who spent decades studying hospitality from both sides of the experience. And the space, while cozy to a fault on busy nights, delivers the New York bistro energy the founders sought during their pre-opening research trip. For families, try Sunday brunch. For everyone else, reserve a weeknight dinner and let Michael behind the bar surprise you.