Bonobo American Bistro

Everything I tried here is amazing! I can’t recommend it enough. Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Milwaukee!

This place is a hidden gem. Spoke with the owner before our meal and he was extremely friendly and caring. The staff takes pride in making excellent cocktails and food as well. Went with a group of friends and we all split various dinners and all were fantastic. I especially enjoyed the salmon salad, blackened chicken sandwich, and the braised short ribs. Atmosphere is clean and a fresh feel. Highly recommend!

Awesome! Hosted a private event. Henry was our host for the evening. He did an amazing job. The crab cakes were delicious. I had the salmon substituted the risotto for mash potatoes. The salmon was perfect and seasoned very well. Other party dishes included the Chicken Piccata, and Braised Short Ribs. Every thing was delicious. Compliments to the Spencer(Chef/Owner).

Food was delicious and the portion sizes were perfect! We didn’t leave anything behind but also left completely full- I love seeing no food waste so props to the kitchen! Drinks were delicious, I had the mango habanero and it was spicy, highly recommend. Shorewood definitely needs dining establishments like this, happy to see it!

Food was wonderful; service (Samantha) was exceptional! All five of us ordered the short ribs -- no one was disappointed! Servers wore masks and at no time did I feel crowded.
Great experience. Will certainly be back!

Wonderful evening. Elegant yet inviting. Enjoyed a night out with a friend yet felt ok bringing our older kids. The brussel sprout app was amazing and big enough to share. The meat ball app was great as well. Salman salad and dinner entree were both amazing and the celery root was unique and tasty, though I'd do the salmon next time myself. Service was friendly and attentive. Can't believe it has been over a year since we visited. That was the only mistake, we won't make again. See them again soon.

Had a work meeting last night with a party of 13 and our server did such a good job handling us all on her own. Food and drinks were great. Had the mother may I drink and impossible burger.

We went on a busy Saturday night. The food and service were outstanding. The walleye special was the best I’ve ever had. My wife and daughter had scallops and the filet. Both were excellent and prepared perfectly. I highly recommend this restaurant.

We had a wonderful Valentines day dinner! Crab cakes were amazing - real crab! Delish cocktails - we had the el chapo and a couple varieties of the old fashioneds. Our steak was cooked perfectly, fries are fresh cut and well seasoned. Mushroom risotto hit the spot! I love how there's a separate family-oriented area -- we'll be back with our little one soon!

Can't speak highly enough of my experience at Bonobo. I went with a large group and everyone was blown away. The food is absolutely delicious (I went with the Braised Short Rib), and the cocktails (specifically and Barrel Aged Old Fashion and the El Chapo) were to die for. I've also ordered takeout and it was somehow just as good. The owner is meticulous and appears to genuinely care about his customers and staff. Can't wait to return!

My family booked the room at the back for a family gathering. We had a great time! The staff was super friendly and the food was all delicious. I had a salmon salad that I really enjoyed.

My favorite restaurant in Milwaukee. The new owners and the new head chef have revitalized the menu and it's great. The deep fried mushrooms are one of a kind if you got time for appetizers.

Excellent cocktails! We tried the “El Chapo,” Maple Bourbon and Honey Cinnamon Old Fashioned’s - highly recommended. Nice choice of appetizers also, my favorite was the Baked Burrata and Prosciutto. The main menu has a combo of unique entrees and a spin on some casual favorites. Love the renovations and overall atmosphere. We will be back!

Wow.... just came into what used to be the North Star bistro... now bonobo American bistro. Pretty disappointing so far. Service is lacking... we sat at our table in the bar area watching about 6 staff members hanging out at the bar chatting while we waited to be greeted. Finally just went up to the bar myself and ordered our drinks. Build your own bloody bar was not well stocked. Bacon was cold and sitting in white grease. Major bummer... we always enjoyed this place before. Will need to look elsewhere now for brunch options

Update- I reached out to the owner. He sent me a very nice reply apologizing for our experience. He is working to correct and has invited us back. I’ve asked him to let me know when he feels things are up and running per the standards he has envisioned. We will be happy to return and give it another try. We live in Shorewood and want to see Bonobo successful. We will give another update after our next visit.

7/17/20. An update. Have not been able to do brunch but have been to dinner a couple of times. In a word... awesome! Great food and service. The el Chapo cocktail is fantastic. Well worth the effort to visit during these tough times!!

Joe

Great food, ambiance, service, and experience every time and that's why I always plan to visit Bonobo when I'm in town. Their barrel-aged brandy old fashioned is one of the best and the menu has great options that my whole family can enjoy. 10 out of 10 restaurant!

Came here for a birthday dinner. It was excellent. Had great service from our waiter Geordie. The salad I had was delicious. We will be back.

Went in since they had an interesting seasonal item, skate fin. If that's anything to go by this place is top tier. Feels like a wine bar, take that as you will

Enjoyed the updates. Food was fabulous as well as our service. So happy to have a new restaurant in Shorewood!
Look forward to returning for future meals!

Had a great time at Bonobo, there was a light crowd but steady. Really nice staff and very good bevs and food too. Nice outdoor patio for those that don't like AC. Stop in and enjoy!!!

This was my first visit. Everything about my experience was excellent...drinks, food, service, atmosphere. I will definitely be back for the short ribs!