Cafe Vocar

Café Vocar

932 E Wright St

Milwaukee WI 53212

414-264-1465

I had the opportunity to visit a new and possibly great Café Vocar.  It is a nice little spot in an out of the way neighborhood in river west (North side).  The place is cozy, friendly, well staffed and an enjoyable place to have dinner.

            Now for the heart of the matter: The Menu.  Let’s start with the drinks.  The beer list is the same as any other place in Milwaukee.  It would do this place good to call a local brew pub and get something a little more unique.  Call Central Waters, or 3 Sheep’s or any one of a hundred small places just like them.

            The first impression on the food menu – Scattered.  There is an Italian salad (just a house salad with Italian dressing) Burek, Crepes, and three types of schnitzel.  Pick a theme or region and do it well.  Own it, embrace it, be known for it.  The breaded veal cutlet is just that.  Wienner Schnitzel it is not.  It comes with cold dry mashed potatoes and unseasoned rice with peas.  You cannot fake German.  NOT in this town.   The mushroom pasta was good.  The sauce to pasta ratio was perfect.  Have a side of ratatouille for an added touch.

            Want something spicy, or prefer it sweet; no problem the goulash comes either way.  The egg noodles are done to perfection and you will not run out.  There is more than enough noodles for the amount of sauce.  Going for lighter, get the mushroom crepes.  But eat them fast they get cold quickly, or may-be they just come that way.

            There is no doubt that everything is fresh and made to order in house.  It is just made when you order it.  Certain elements had been reheated.  This is standard in most restaurants, but most hide the practice better.

            It would be great if this café did well.  It is so close to being really cool.  It is just not there yet.  With just a few little things here and there it can be the perfect hidden jewel in the neighborhood.

            Keeping my finger crossed **