What should I order at Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante?
Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante
Pizza
Most frequently recommended item by far. Reviewers repeatedly praise the thin, cracker-style crust, great sauce, generous toppings, and large portions, with many calling it the best or one of the best in Milwaukee.
Fried eggplant
Recommended multiple times for its crispy coating, great flavor, and generous portions. Several reviews call it delicious and even a meal on its own.
Tiramisu
Mentioned as a standout dessert, with reviewers saying it has great texture and flavor and is 'to die for.'
Eggplant fries
Praised for being very good and a memorable side dish, with one reviewer specifically saying they are 'so so good.'
Cheese bread
Recommended for being phenomenal, especially when ordered extra crispy.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 2 to 9 PM |
About Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante
Casual operation serving thin-crust pizza & other Italian fare, plus wine & draft beers.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante known for?
It is best known for thin-crust pizza, especially the cracker-thin tavern-style pies cut into squares or rectangles, plus fried eggplant and a well-liked red sauce. Reviewers repeatedly mention the crispy crust, generous toppings, and the local Milwaukee-style pizza experience.
What dishes are most recommended at Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante?
The most recommended items include the Works pizza, cheese, sausage, and mushroom pizza, pepperoni supreme, fried or breaded eggplant, baked ravioli, bolognese, and tiramisu. Reviewers also call out the marinara sauce, eggplant strips, and cheese bread, especially when ordered extra crispy.
What is the atmosphere like at Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante?
The vibe is cozy, historic, and old-school Italian, with a homey neighborhood feel and holiday decorations often mentioned in reviews. It works well for groups, families, dates, or solo diners, though the seating is tight and the dining room can fill up fast.
Is Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante good value?
Yes, the $10 to $20 price range is generally seen as a strong value because portions are large and pizzas are big enough to share. Reviewers frequently mention massive pizzas, generous eggplant portions, and food that feels worth the wait and the price.
When is the best time to go to Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante?
Going earlier in the day is a smart choice because reviewers say evenings are usually crowded and the restaurant is often packed. The place can seat people quickly once they arrive, but there is usually a wait during busy times, especially for dinner.
Is parking available at Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante have vegetarian options?
Yes, Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante offers vegetarian options.
Is Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante kid-friendly?
Yes, Balistreri's Italian-American Ristorante is good for kids.
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