DanDan: A Culinary Adventure in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward

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Milwaukee is a city renowned for its beer and cheese, but its culinary scene is also worth exploring. And if you’re looking for a unique and delicious dining experience, DanDan should be at the top of your list. Located in the heart of Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, DanDan is a restaurant that takes traditional Chinese cuisine and adds a contemporary twist.

Introduction

DanDan is a must-visit restaurant in Milwaukee, known for its creative takes on Chinese cuisine. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a great dining experience, DanDan is a great choice. In this article, we’ll explore the history of DanDan, its atmosphere, menu, drinks, service, sustainability and community engagement, and how to get there.

The History of DanDan

DanDan was founded in 2016 by chefs Dan Van Rite and Dan Jacobs, both with extensive culinary backgrounds. The name “DanDan” comes from a traditional Chinese noodle dish that is a favorite of both chefs. The restaurant quickly gained a following, and was named one of the best new restaurants in America by Bon Appétit in 2017.

The Menu

DanDan’s menu is inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine, but with a modern twist. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients and incorporate bold flavors and textures. Here’s a breakdown of the menu:

  • Steamed Rice
  • Stir Fried Vegetables
  • DanDan Fried Rice
  • Sichuan Cucumber Salad
  • Green Beans with Black Bean Sauce
  • Sweet Sesame Balls
  • Chinese Donuts
  • Coconut Tapioca Pudding

The Atmosphere

DanDan’s location in the Historic Third Ward adds to its charm. The restaurant is housed in a former warehouse, and the interior features exposed brick and wooden beams. The space is modern and stylish, with an open kitchen and a large bar. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a focus on the food.

The Drinks

DanDan offers an impressive selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. The beer list features local and national craft brews, while the wine list focuses on small producers and natural wines. The cocktail menu is inventive, with drinks like the “Beijing Mule” and “Smoky Old Fashioned”.

The Service

DanDan’s service is top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are passionate about the food and drinks. The chefs are often seen interacting with diners, and the open kitchen adds to the sense of community.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

DanDan is committed to sustainability and community engagement. The restaurant sources ingredients from local farmers and producers, and uses eco-friendly products and practices. They also participate in community events and support local charities.

How to Get There

DanDan is located at 360 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States. The restaurant is easily accessible by car, public transportation, or on foot.

If you’re driving, there is ample street parking available nearby, as well as several parking garages in the area. If you’re taking public transportation, the nearest bus stop is just a few blocks away, and the restaurant is within walking distance of several popular downtown Milwaukee destinations.

Location:

360 E Erie St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, United States

Contact Number:

+14144888036

Opening Hours:

Mon-Thu 5–9 PM
Fri-Sat 5–10 PM
Sun 5–9 PM
Mark K
Mark K
Local Guide
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This was our first time here. Our server, Mariah, was very helpful in guiding us through the various menu options. She highly recommended the chicken wings and pork dumplings! Winner! The aromatic spices on the chicken were warm and inviting! There was a little kick; when accompanied with the tasty, thick sauce it made for the perfect, “I’ll have another one” bite! The dumplings were smooth, silky and filled with flavor! Once again the fragrance of the fresh herbs was incredible! We also had the shrimp toast and beet salad to round out a very flavorful dining experience! There is an automatic service charge added to the bill so pay attention to that!
Linda Franzen
Linda Franzen
Local Guide
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Excellent Chinese food in a wonderful area loaded with restaurants and shops. We like to park at the Milwaukee Public Market and walk to dinner from there. Service is always excellent. We've tried the egg rolls, crab rangoon, pork dumplings, DanDan noodles and the BBQ pork fried rice. I highly recommend every single item. They also have some unique cocktails including the golden pineapple drink! Definitely worth a visit for amazing Chinese food.
Darrell Crone
Darrell Crone
Local Guide
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What an outstanding fusion Asian restaurant! Milwaukee is lucky to have such a fine establishment our server "Wren"? Was top notch, very informative and helped us make our selections. Best Wings I've ever had, and I'm a Buffalo wings aficionado, these just knocked me out with the elegant spices and juicy LARGE wings. Bring an appetite! Also make sure you have time on your hands, food comes out fresh and hot when done, not in order. (All in order, I.e, appetizers first etc,) Dinner was a two hour relaxing experience. Will come AGAIN!
Shaan Somani
Shaan Somani
Local Guide
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I'll admit, I had my reservations going in, but I was pleasantly surprised. The Chinese fusion dishes are incredible, pairing authentic flavors with unique textures and combinations. I loved the short rib and foie gras potstickers (super chewy!), though my favorite was definitely the happy chicken. Fair warning: the happy chicken is pretty spicy and tongue numbing - definitely not for the faint of heart. The rice cakes with pork belly and general tso cauliflower were also delicious. The cocktails all looked super tasty. I selected the Golden Pineapple - the pineapple shrub really masked just how strong the cocktail is. I was pretty buzzed after one drink. Overall, I loved my meal here and look forward to trying out the chefs' fine dining experience EsterEv!
Farah Ali
Farah Ali
Local Guide
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This place is a total vibe!! One of my FAVORITE Chinese restaurants in Milwaukee. The ambience, service and a food is a solid 10/10. Came in on a Saturday night and had reservations for 11 people. We got in at 8:45 pm and the place was buzzing. Such a lively atmosphere here. The service was great, our server was extremely helpful and patient with our large group. The service is super fast and the food comes out quick and hot. Loved the presentation of each dish. The taste of each of them was exquisite. We loved the Smashed Cucumbers, Shrimp Toast, Veg Momos, Kimchee Pancake , General Tso’s Cauliflower, Salt and Pepper Fried Rice, Singapore noodles, and Kung Pao chicken. Each dish was bursting with flavors and tasted incredible. If you are visiting Milwaukee do check our Dan Dan for some authentic Chinese cuisine. Highly recommend!
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Conclusion

DanDan is a must-visit restaurant in Milwaukee for anyone looking to experience authentic Chinese-American cuisine in a chic and stylish setting. With a menu that features a mix of classic dishes and unique, modern creations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you’re in the mood for dumplings, noodles, or spicy Szechuan dishes, DanDan has got you covered. Plus, with its prime location in the heart of downtown Milwaukee, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before a night out on the town.

So if you’re looking for a top-notch dining experience in Milwaukee, be sure to check out DanDan. You won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

Yes, DanDan offers several vegetarian and vegan dishes on their menu, including stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and vegetable dumplings.

 Yes, DanDan is a family-friendly restaurant, and kids are welcome to dine there.

Yes, DanDan accepts reservations for parties of six or more. However, if you’re planning on dining with a smaller group, it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a table.

 DanDan is a casual restaurant, and there is no strict dress code. However, most diners opt for smart-casual attire.

Yes, DanDan offers both takeout and delivery options. You can place your order online or by phone, and your food will be ready for pickup or delivered straight to your door.

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