Cafe Twenty-Eight

10/31/2007 Posted by hungryinsw

My experience at Cafe 28 was quite pleasing. We stuck with mostly Latin cuisine despite the fact that there was a very good looking Lamb dish on the menu along with some other tempting choices. The tacos we had were awesome. The flavors were there and they were huge! Two tacos was more than enough. They were perfectly garnished and loaded with juicy chicken, tasty avocado and a refreshing and cooling queso fresco. The tortillas, although thin and a bit easy to break, were the most authentic I've tasted since I left Guatemala. I hade the adobo braised Pork and it was everything it needed to be. Smoky, and just the right amount of spice for a truly latin signature. My only criticism would be the sheer amount of sauce that accompanied the perfectly cooked meat (I will say that I would rather have too much sauce than rubbery, dry meat)This is a flavor profile that is often missed if even offered around most local restaurants. I will without a doubt come back to Cafe 28 and am looking forward to exploring other menu options. Try it, you'll like it.

Pros: Well executed food at an affordable price, great beverage list

Cons: Tough toget a tablesometimes , call ahead or go on a non-peak night!

10/26/2007 Posted by uradel

My husband and I came here with another couple and we were all impressed with our selections. I had a crusted walleye that was cooked to perfection. My dining companions had steaks/fish and we were all quite pleased. Even though it was a busy Friday night when owner Linda Haug does her Wisconsin fish fry, she graciously accepted our last minute reservation. The atmosphere is warm and cozy & they have an impressive wine menu and wonderful Belgian brews. Our waiter was witty and charming and it was a great evening. I am very supportive of unique one of a kind restaurants that have great food, service, wine and a philosophy that supports sustainable farming & organic methods. I wish the owner great success. We will definitely return.

Pros: Supports organic farming, great menu diversity, good wines/brews, cozy atmosphere

Cons: none

09/17/2007 Posted by pj3261

I couldn't tell what it was. Is it a McD's for the snobby? Could be with all the kids running around and the fried food on the menu. Is it a casually elegant bistro? I think it wants to be but again the kids hanging off the walls isn't art work you know what I mean? is it fine dining? Parts of the menu tries but fails. I tried what looked to be great on paper. A gnochi dish with fresh summer vegetables. It was hands down teh worst gnochi I have ever put in my mouth. Tough and chewy texture. The flavor of the dish was rather bland too. The only good part of it was the few green beans around the rim that were fresh and very good. My wife had a snapper special that she liked but I didn't care for it. Very good "sweet and sour cucs" with it but lacked flavor and texture in teh dish otherwise. Two things make this a 2 star rather than 1 star for me- the vino was great and the Guac is excellent!

Pros: location, guac

Cons: Food, atmosphere

11/17/2006 Posted by moml12

The first time I visited I was alone and turned away. The couple behind me got seated. Must have been a decision made on potential profit with limited seating left at that time. I was dressed well and clean. The matre d was somewhat condescending about it to boot. Somehow I mustered up courage to return and was pleasantly delighted by a Sunday salmon brunch with goumet hash. My husband and I subsequently enjoyed a fine walleye dinner as well as returning for the salmon dish. And then on another visit I made the mistake of ordering the "organically grown beef," the most expensive item on the menu. (Which is continually new and different) And when I mentioned to the waiter that the grizzle in the steak was so massive that I almost choked he left and came back with a tough luck statement of the manager said "that's the way organic beef is". I would have been happy with a coupon for an appetizer on the next visit or at very least some sort of apology. My husband explained the "organic" meant grass fed instead of corn fed. It was horrible. Stay with the gourmet items of the house and you'll be fine. They have sides like a potatoe that is layed like lasagna, unique and tasty. On the gourmet side the dishes are exquisate but stay away from beef. And be prepared to deal with the snobbishness of the management and the help.

Pros: High brow and truly gourmet

Cons: You have to know what to select or you can get burned

05/24/2006 Posted by tonyaandthorsten

When I lived nearby in Uptown, I always wanted to eat here when it used to be D'Amico's. But this is so much better! My sweetheart lives in Germany and we were looking for a cozy, romantic, intimate and quiet spot. Something non-loud, an anti-"be seen" place. This is IT. We now go here everytime he is in town and think of it as "our" restaurant. Monday morning I told everyone about this place. The service is great and the food is excellent (try the pear salad, the quiche and Larry Schulz chicken). We have had the best waiter in the world -- the fellow with hair like Harvey Pecar) The ambience is so relaxing. The prices are very reasonable. My only complaint is that it is not open later in the evenings.

Pros: quiet, delicious food, price

Cons: Needs extended hours

05/16/2006 Posted by mcpamela

We went to Cafe 28. Seated a large group at two tiny tables pushed together even though the restaurant was open. The server accidentally hit me while we were ordering and didn't apologize. Rude at best. Gentleman that brought our food was the only redeeming quality. Witty and outdid the tasteless food. Salsa tasted like air, tuna sandwich has no cilantro as advertised. Everyone's food was bland. None of the hungry guests could finish the underaverage food. Even the coffee was bad! Uninspired dishes, not worth the price. I was surprised to find such rave reviews here. I wouldn't recommend this place. Overpriced for Denny's style food.

07/30/2005 Posted by emoclaba

This place hasn't gotten a review in awhile, I still love it, I went there years ago, and just had lunch there last thursday, They split everything beautifully, my girlfriend and I loved it, Its so cute and charming, with awesome food. I have one complaint though, not of the restaurant.. but of restaurant reviews in general.. this might be the only industry in the world where people are allowed to talk trash about a darling perfect little restaurant because they don't brew iced tea, I'm over it, everyone I know in the business strive to do their best and often do, why not relax a little people. It's just food.. on a plate. They really do want to make you happy.

Pros: great service, delicious food, charming atmosphere

Cons: not a single thing

07/29/2005 Posted by fatherbill

Cafe 28 was everything my dear friend, Nancy Gormley said it would be and more. Service was outstanding. The food and drink were wonderful. Mr. Cory Carlson sang at my request, and no one was disappointed. This young man is truly an asset to Cafe 28. I will return with friends.

Pros: Food, Wine, Music

Cons: A tad expensive

08/18/2003 Posted by ruththompson

Cafe 28 is perfect! The dining room, as well as restrooms, are beautiful and inviting. The atmosphere is romantic as well as family friendly. The food is fresh, interesting, and delicious. The wine list is extensive and yet understandable. Cafe 28 is the kind of restaurant I wish I owned, or at least dined at a few times a week! I love it!

Pros: Beautiful Dining room, Perfect for families, Incrediable food

04/03/2003 Posted by zoolie

Cafe 28 is a great place for a salad and an even better place for a Friday night Fish Fry. My only complaint is that they don't serve fresh brewed iced tea. They only have the fake, disgusting Nestea fountain version. Other than that, this is a great restaurant.

Pros: location, atmosphere, variety

Cons: Fake iced tea