Waukesha, located between Madison and Milwaukee, has many great restaurants and has a scene that is great for a romantic evening out. There are all types of different cuisines at various locations for you to consider.
Voted the most romantic restaurant in the area for 2009, Heaven City is just south of Waukesha. The building is registered as a Wisconsin Historical Site. The history alone draws in a crowd, with stories of ghosts and the days Al Capone and other gangsters would stop in. The food is amazing. They have everything from Tapas Tuesdays to excellent meats and seafood. If you come with a group of 6 or more, you have the option of sitting at the Chef’s table with a specially prepared menu, different than that of the rest of the restaurant. During the summer, what could be more romantic than sitting outside on their patio with entertainment? The restaurant is outside of town, down a country road, which allows for a quiet and dark atmosphere to enjoy. For more information about Heaven City, photos and their menu, see their website: www.heavencity.com
New to the area, The Black Trumpet is an upscale restaurantt in downtown Waukesha at the Five Points intersection. It was built along with The Clarke Hotel which is located above the restaurant. The owner, Andy Ruggeri, who has owned several hotels and restaurants in the area, wanted to bring some higher-end places to go in Waukesha. The Black Trumpet is a beautiful place and very much a romantic place to go out for dinner or to catch some drinks during a stroll through town. You have several seating options, from a private table, to wine cellar view, to a view out to the street. The boutique-style Clarke Hotel above is a place to consider if you want to stay downtown all night and have a place you can walk back to at the end of your night. If you want to spend more time in the room, The Black Trumpet will deliver food from the restaurant to your room. Truly private dining. They are also happy to fulfill any requests you have to set the mood perfectly, including music, candlelight or flowers. The food selection is of Italian or American fare, and they have great specials throughout the week. Friday nights they feature an All-You-Can-Eat Fish Fry with baked or fried Cod. Visit their website to see photos, the menu and more information about the restaurant and the hotel: www.theclarkehotel.com
If you are looking for a true steak joint for your night out, Eric’s Porter Haus is the place to go. The building is from the 19th century and used to be the American Legion. It is a mansion built with Greek inspiration, as you will notice by the very tall pillars in the front. The rooms are dark, quiet and cozy and makes for a perfect setting for romance. If you are able to arrive before your reservation time, stop at the bar for a drink or two before dinner. Beyond the steaks, their main specialty, they also have Old World Specialties, as well as duck and seafood that are worth trying. This restaurant is located in downtown Waukesha, within walking distance of the main strip. For additional information or to make reservations, visit their website: www.ericsporterhaus.com
La Estacion is located near downtown Waukesha and is truly a unique experience. This restaurant is located in an old train station and has train cars that are used as part of the restaurant for parties and larger gatherings. This clean and beautiful atmosphere, along with mariachi music, allow you to relax and enjoy your company in a romantic setting. La Estacion provides excellent Mexican dishes, anything from old favorites like Fajitas to other various specialties. Their menu is quite substantial, so there is bound to be something you and your date would enjoy. Outdoor seating is also provided for the warmer months, which is always a great romantic option. They have more information and their menu online: www.laestacionrestaurant.com
Waukesha has a lot of romantic restaurant options, along with many activities to partake in after dinner, such as seeing a play or visiting clubs to hear some music to make a great date night. The pace of the city is much slower and quieter than if you were to go into Milwaukee for a similar dinner. It is worth considering if you want an evening that is truly just about you and your date.
