October is the third annual Dining Month on OnMilwaukee.com. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, delicious features, chef profiles, unique articles on everything food, as well as the winners of our "Best of Dining 2009."
Conejito's Place
539 W. Virginia St., (414) 278-9106
Authenticity? Check. Taste? Check. Affordability? Double check. Since 1972 Conejito's has been a Walker's Point mainstay that has developed an almost cult-like following among its fans. There's nothing fancy about it -- you're served on paper plates and the bar area gets pretty smoky, but if you're looking for a quality Mexican meal and a kickin' Margarita for well under $10, this is the place to be.
Menu: Mexican.
Price: Cheap.
When to go: Conejito's is open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and with the powerful combination of two large dining areas and extremely speedy service, you're almost always guaranteed a quick seat. If you're really looking to get in and out in under half an hour, aim for a weeknight rather than a weekend.
Dress: Come as you are.
Don't miss: The interesting, eclectic mix of random decor items in the bar area. We recommend you take a moment to take it all in, from the framed portraits of Cheech Marin, owner José Garza's close friend, to the kitschy mix of stuffed bunnies, framed photos, blinking, electric wall hangings and empty pots hanging in plant holders from the ceiling.
Parking: There is plenty of street parking spots right out in front of the restaurant along Virginia Street.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
