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Swig Reviews List

Swig

Please join us in our new location in the 3rd Ward, on North Broadway between Buffalo and Chicago streets. The new Swig has added Lunch, Entrees, Salads, Sandwiches, Fireside dining and a large outdoor patio. In 2005 Swig was Milwaukee's first and only small plate dining restaurant. It's meant to be a fun, shared experience where guests can choose from a variety of flavors and sample several menu items each visit. Start with just a couple of choices and see where our menu takes you. The menu also features 20 martinis, an eclectic array of wines and champagnes as well as award-winning deserts. Swig's earthy tones offer a warm and cozy environment that makes for perfect place to spend your evening and experience a classy, big-city atmosphere in Milwaukee's Third Ward.
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70 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(70 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 70 reviews
5 stars
(25)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(7)
2 stars
(4)
1 star
(1)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(36)
  • neighborhood gem(29)
  • good for groups(19)
  • hot spot(17)
  • romantic(17)
  • special occasion(16)
Swig Reviews List
Review 1 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Always good. The Grilled Watermelon Salad is awsome. They have great infused vodka combos....changes through out the year."
Dined on 6/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find
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Review 2 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great night

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Brought 2 friends who haven't been there before. We had a fantastic diner and a wonderful evening overall. We'll be back!"
Dined on 6/08/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 3 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Downtown dining week

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 6/09/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We enjoyed Swig during downtown dining week. The food was outstanding. The black bean cakes are not to be missed."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 4 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Nice Lunch Break

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/23/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a nice table looking out at the street, and enjoyed a light and relaxing lunch. The small plates are well suited to share a little variety and yet still not make a big meal. Tasty!"
Dined on 5/23/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 5 for Swig
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Slow, disappointing

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/31/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our party of 3 ordered several small plates and the evening's special entree. The food was fine but the pacing and overall service was sub standard. I don't necessarily blame our server for this, but it took an inordinate time for the wine to be delivered followed by a wait of over 20 minutes for the first small plates. Overall, our dinner took nearly 2 hours and didn't include coffee or desert (who knows how long that would have taken?). By the end, we were flat out ready to leave.
Also, the restaurant was uncomfortably humid. The front doors were open but with the humidity outside, it was uncomfortable inside. Maybe it didn't help that we were seated near the kitchen....
Overall, 2 stars is right. We had higher hopes."
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good Anniversary Spot

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My wife and I drove from Illinois to visit Swig based on a recommendation from family who live in Wisconsin and we enjoyed every minute of it. We went during the week late night so it was not busy but they had the garage door open which allowed for a beautiful night view of the street and the food was excellent. The crab stuffed pepper appetizer was excellent and our waitress was vry kind and attentive. We hope to revisit Swig during a busy night over the weekend and enjoy the experience of Milwaukee nightlife."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 7 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/13/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a table of six vegetarians, each of us had something different, and everything was delicious. We'll be back."
Dined on 5/13/2013
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Review 8 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great place to take an out of towne

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My best friend was visiting from DC to help me with a recital I was organizing for my music students. After a very successful performance, we wanted to celebrate with dinner. Swig was the perfect choice. She was impressed and we both loved the food (smoked salmon stack and tenderloin crosrini)."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 9 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Sunny day lunch

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Swig is great on a sunny, breezy day for lunch! We sat near the giant garagedoor-like windows - we felt the breeze and got to enjoy the sunlight. I ordered the blackened tilapia sandwich and a side salad. It's was a great choice! The tilapia was cooked perfectly and the sandwich was truly delicious! I would order it again. Swig is one of my favorite places in Milwaukee - and this lunch just proved my love for it once again."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 10 for Swig
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

It was so noisy that we could

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was so noisy that we could not converse or even enjoy our food. We were told this was unusual as there were people waiting to go to a party upstairs."
Dined on 04/27/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 11 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great service and the food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great service and the food is always excellent!"
Dined on 04/24/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Swig
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

We have been here for lunch

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We have been here for lunch and were looking forward to having dinner. The dinner was disappointing. The salmon portion was only 1/2 inch wide and the deconstructed beef wellington was tough and tasted only of wine. We will stick to lunch at Swig."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2008
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 13 for Swig
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

nice spot, disappointing food

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The restaurant is very nice but the food was disappointing. I had a salad with scallops. Two, yes just two scallops on a bed of greens with a raspberry dressing that was way to thick to mix with the greens."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2013
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Review 14 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our table stopped here because

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Our table stopped here because we had reservations at Splash Studios painting bar after and Swig was nearby. None of us had ever been to Swig before and were pleasantly surprised with our experience. We decided to go the small plate route and split 6 small plates which were all amazing. Our server was also great and the atmosphere was fun and swanky. It seemed to be a bit of an older crowd, but that didn't bother us. We all left with smiles on our faces and full bellies! I will definitely be back."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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Review 15 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Swig continues to provide

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Swig continues to provide excellent variety - special drinks, wine & beer; first course appetizers with plenty to share; great salads and entrees. Love the chocolate fondue - homemade marshmallows, fruit & cookies are great. Nice way to end a lovely evening with friends. Recommend it for your next outing!"
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list
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Review 16 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Nice place for date night.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great spot for a nice Saturday date. We were Seated by the window with a nice view.
Small plates menu was a great idea. Atmosphere was lively and not overbearing.
Will definitely return.
"
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 18 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Have been there many times

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Have been there many times and have always had great food and service. I highly recommend it."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for Swig
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Smoked salmon on the best

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Smoked salmon on the best crunchy baguette! Nice to have the option of a side salad as well.....service was fantastic! There are lots of great places to eat in the Thiird Ward....this is one of the best."
Dined on 03/10/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Mmmmm...

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Had the mussels and toasted ravioli for a starter, both were good. Split a salad with friend-still a big salad. Really enjoyed the champagne peppercorn dressing. Sea bass was PERFECTLY cooked! Tried some of my fellow diners' risotto, stuffed chicken, and asparagus. All were delicious. Wish I would have saved room for dessert. Our server(Michelle?) was super nice and knowledgable. One in our group has Celiac's, Swig is very good at accommodating gluten allergies. Loved it, would definately go back and recommend to anyone looking for a good meal, good service, and lovely atmosphere."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 21 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fun Saturday dinner before a play

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We seem to have gone in more for small plates recently, because you can try many things- a smoked fish tower, gnocchi, salad, baked brie, snap peas and one other that escapes me this second were all excellent and the wine flights are an excellent idea. Staff apologized for a wedding party in the bar and their noise level, but it happens."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 22 for Swig
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We loved it. Can't wait to

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We loved it. Can't wait to go back. Our waiter Eric was amazing. My choice for my birthday dinner. The kids are going back for their graduation. Food was so great."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 23 for Swig
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

This place is lousy.

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The interior looks nice. That's the best I can say about Swig. The service was awful- my date and I were seated promptly, but then didn't see a waiter for 15 minutes. The toasted ravioli appetizer was the best part of the meal, as Swig was out of, or unable to make, several of their menu options for various reasons. When our order was brought out (by someone other than our waiter), it was partially wrong. The tomato soup was mediocre, and the gnocchi were just awful and left uneaten. When the waiter finally returned to our table, 35 minutes later, he was indifferent about the quality of the food and the service. Needless to say, I can only recommend that nobody eat here."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2013
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Review 24 for Swig
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The small plates were tasty.

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The small plates were tasty. but the main course (Sea Bass) tasted off, and we did not care to finish it. Would take care when ordering main courses here; stick to the small plates."
Dined on 02/17/2013
 2005
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Swig
Based on the average of (46) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
10 out of 12 recommend this product
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
2.3 / 3
Energetic