Las Gardenias Mexican Cuisine specializes in elevated home cooking from the Guadalajara, Jalisco region. Full bar with craft cocktails, Mexican wines and beers, frozen margaritas, and a large list of tequila, mezcal, raicilla and sotol. Lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. A beautiful patio during the summer and fall. Happy Hour from 4-5 pm T-F with $8 drinks and food! We can’t wait to see you!
Address and Contact Information
Address: 305 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
Phone: (414) 249-3738
Menu Photos
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Las Gardenias, Milwaukee, WI, Mexican Food
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Las Gardenias, 305 N Plankinton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203, US
Reviews
The service was top-tier. Our server, Erik, was absolutely fantastic. He was super attentive without hovering, incredibly helpful with the menu, and really made us feel taken care of throughout the entire meal.
As for the food—wow. It was simply amazing. I ordered the carne en su jugo and it was outstanding, rich, and flavorful. We also had the birria de pollo, which was just as incredible. You can really taste the quality and authenticity in every bite.
We will definitely be coming back soon. Highly recommended to anyone looking for great food and great service!
The tortas, tacos (tinga and carnitas), chips and salsa and guacamole all went well beyond our expectations. The meats were so flavorful and perfectly cooked. The salsa is velvety smooth and smoky, and the guacamole was so good, my baby, who has refused to eat avocados for months now, stole the dish and finished it off.
The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated making it a great place for a business meal or date night. The staff was very nice and gave great recommendations. I can’t recommend Las Gardenias enough!
The service was good & courteous. The decor was fun & lovely. I would go again & highly recommend it for you.
But what really stood out was the service—so kind, thoughtful, and attentive. I felt genuinely cared for, not rushed or overlooked. It’s the kind of place that fills both your belly and your heart. A true hidden gem she’ll be telling all her friends about.
That said, this place checked all the boxes for me:
• Cuisine: authentic and creative
• Cocktails: inventive and well-executed
• Ambiance: warm, stylish, and intentional
• Service: top-notch
Let’s be clear—this is definitely an upscale dining experience, and it shows. I noticed a reviewer complaining about prices, which felt frankly unfair. If you understand the craftsmanship and care behind quality dining, this place delivers real value.
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Cocktails
The cocktail menu is eclectic and intriguing, with lots of bold flavor profiles. I asked for something spicy, and our server created a custom drink on the spot. It was spot-on, and based on what I saw and tasted, I doubt anything on the menu would disappoint.
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Cuisine
We started with the basics: chips and salsa, a few à la carte tacos, and the bone marrow appetizer. The tortillas—and therefore the chips—are homemade, and it shows. We asked for a salsa sampler and were completely blown away. The roasted molcajete salsa was a standout for me.
The bone marrow appetizer came with fresh tortillas and that same roasted salsa—absolutely perfect. We tried the bisteca taco and the house-made beef chorizo taco. Both were bursting with flavor. The chorizo wasn’t greasy at all (a rarity), and the steak was tender and juicy. The portions were generous, and every bite felt like a celebration.
My only regret? Not having the stomach space to try more.
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✨ Vibe & Ambiance
Located in the same building as Aperitivo, the space blends modern, rustic, and industrial design elements seamlessly. It’s clear that no corners were cut—everything feels intentional. The music was also on point: emotive, romantic Spanish ballads that deepened the experience.
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Service
Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout. She answered all of our questions and kept the experience flowing smoothly. Patricia, one of the owners, also came out to speak with us, and she’s an absolute gem. Her passion for the restaurant is infectious, and we’re already looking forward to our next visit.
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Final Thoughts
This is more than just a meal—it’s a thoughtfully curated experience that celebrates the richness of Mexican cuisine in a way that feels both elevated and heartfelt. If you’re longing for something special, don’t sleep on this place.
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My mezcalita was served up with no rim no ice and tasted unremarkable for the price ($14) and zero smoke from the mezcal. The food was the biggest let down. Tiny enchiladas with sauce that seemed like it was sitting out and had a surprising lack of taste. Truly tasted like just shredded chicken in a tortilla – I expect more spice from a Mexican restaurant. And for $26, I should be quite impressed by the dish – at the very least not let down.
Thought about if I would return and the answer is no. There is better quality food and margaritas for way better price too near to justify returning. Opinions are my own, go try for yourself and form your own!