Two nights in Milwaukee with 9-year-old

I had a few thoughts that may be fun for a 9-year-old.

Downtown Milwaukee:

The Safe House (www.safe-house.com/) just reopened. I haven't been to the newly refurbished place yet, but the original (fun spy theme!) was legendary. For kids, it would be more suitable for lunch. The last time I ate there, I had a hamburger and it was very good.

Another lunch place: Café Calatrava in the Milwaukee Art Museum (http://mam.org/visit/cafe-dining.php) is not a place people think of immediately, but if you are visiting the museum the view of the lake is wonderful. Today's menu might be more upscale than you are looking for, but last time I was there I had a croque monsieur which would be kid friendly.

For dinner and for a Milwaukee experience, Mader's for German (www.madersrestaurant.com). The restaurant is 100 years old, and the history of its famous visitors is insane. It is full to the brim of interesting antiquities, including a medieval suit of armor. Would German be new for him? How adventurous is he? Personally, I'm not fond of German food, but, I love their rouladen and I can imagine that a kid could enjoy a beef roll-up with a pickle inside.

Outside of the downtown:

Kopps for frozen custard. (www.kopps.com) 'Nuff said there.

Ok, this is a chain so some Hounds will slaughter me for this suggestion. But, for a Milwaukee experience I love this ambiance: If the Brewers aren't in town, have lunch or dinner at the TGIFriday's at Miller Park (www.frontrowmilwaukee.com). Get a table overlooking the field. I love looking out at the quiet ballpark and watching the preparations that the grounds crew does when the players aren't around. The food is surprisingly pretty good; Hubby likes their salmon. However, don't eat there during a home game; the menu changes to bar food.

If I figured your dates right, you'll be in town the weekend of August 20? Irish Fest will be downtown on the Summerfest grounds (irishfest.com/Irishfest.htm). And, Milwaukee Ala Carte (Feast with the Beasts) will be at the Milwaukee Public Zoo (www.milwaukeezoo.org/events/alacarte/).

Definitely second the suggestion of hitting up Kopp's and checking out Mader's. I can't comment on the food at the Safe House, but think kids would get a kick out of the place.

AJ Bombers would be another spot to look up.
http://www.hospitalitydemocracy.com/a...

We have a food tour company that does a pizza bus tour on Saturdays that I have actually done before and would recommend if they have availability. http://www.milwaukeefoodtours.com/pub...
Otherwise, I found this good article on Milwaukee pizza that you might want to look at.
http://ediblemilwaukee.com/on-the-roa...
You might not expect to be looking for pizza in Milwaukee, but a place like Zaffiros or Balestreri's Italian American Restaurant on 68th definitely give off old school Milwaukee vibes and I know most kids LOVE pizza.

Engine Co. #3 in Walker's Point would be a breakfast option. Consider reservations. My first meal there was a little hit or miss, but we went again and really liked it. Another breakfast option-- I love the Lake Geneva location of Simple Cafe, but have not been to the MKE location, but have heard it is very good.
http://www.enginecompany3.com/
http://simplecafemilwaukee.com/

There is a place in Bay View called the Vanguard that is more of a bar, but I have seen kids there during the day. I would consider for a lunch. They make great sausages from basic house made hot dogs to asian inspired ones loaded with various toppings.
http://www.vanguardbar.com/

Downtown Waukesha has a few nice coffee shops serving food if you want to grab a light breakfast or stay for lunch.
http://thesteamingcup.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Rootswaukesha/

I do really enjoy lunch at the Rochester Deli in Waukesha as well. Great sandwiches, soup, salads, and baked goods.
http://www.rochesterdeli.com/

If you do have any further thoughts on foods you or your son really like, let us know!