Balzac - Milwaukee

The menu offers a wide variety of options, from hearty entrees to delightful desserts, sure to satisfy any appetite. The quality and presentation exceed what one might expect from a cozy wine bar. The service is excellent—efficient and friendly—with a staff that's well-informed. The prices for wines and beers are reasonable, with a fantastic selection available. While the cocktails are good, they are a bit on the pricier side. Overall, this place is a hidden gem.

The food was overly salty and the portions were quite small. The ahi tuna consisted of just three pieces accompanied by four blueberries. The skirt steak was an acceptable portion, but I could only enjoy one piece due to its excessive saltiness. On a positive note, the wine and cocktails were good, and the ambiance was nice too.

As for the food, it was a bit hit or miss. Most of the dishes are served as small plates, so I recommend ordering three or four to share between two people. I really enjoyed the sisig; it was surprisingly better than many I've had, even at traditional Filipino restaurants. The pork pappardelle had great texture but definitely needed more seasoning. The carrots and parsnips were disappointing, particularly the parsnips, which were too fibrous, and the flavors of the honey and salsa were barely noticeable. For dessert, we shared the chocolate mousse, which I found delightful—it wasn't overly rich and was beautifully presented. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and will definitely return on a Wednesday night to take advantage of the great wine deal. Next time, though, I might just stick to drinks.

Thank you for the kind service. Two thumbs up to Thomas. We tried the Proxies NA wine, Corn Fritters, Tuna Tartare, Mushroom Ragout, and Roasted Carrots and Parsnips. Delightfully decadent

Balzac has a very pleasant atmosphere. The servers are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. The ambience inside is cozy and intimate. On the patio, it is bright and airy. Their food is delicious and there is a good variety of dishes inspired by manycultures. I've tried several dishes in the couple times I've been here and they've all been delicious!