Halal Restaurant Week Set for Second Year Return in Milwaukee

The second annual Halal Restaurant Week is scheduled to return next month, following its successful launch in 2022. Featuring an array of global cuisine, new additions, and an assortment of halal dishes from some of Milwaukee’s prominent chefs, this year’s event is sponsored by Hayat Pharmacy and the Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition. The festivities are set to take place from July 7 to 17.

Over 17 restaurants from the Milwaukee area are set to participate, showcasing fully halal menu items and offering discounts and specials throughout the week. The culinary line-up caters to a broad spectrum of tastes, spanning pub fare, steak, sweet treats, and a variety of international cuisines like Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, and Argentinian.

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Milwaukee-based participants include notable establishments such as Bacchus, Canela Cafe, Hue, Crafty Cow, Heaven’s Table BBQ, Ninja MKE, Top Corned Beef, Onesto, and Five O’Clock Steakhouse. Establishments are outside of Milwaukee proper, including the Brookfield location of Chubby’s Cheesesteaks, Cuppa Tosa, El Gaucho Grill, Joey Gerard’s, Mr. B’s, Romero’s Tacos, Texas de Brazil, and Tomken’s, are also participating. The list of participants may expand as the event date approaches.

Bushra Zaibak, the event organizer, highlights that Halal Restaurant Week is a unique initiative with Milwaukee setting the standard. Zaibak noted that the inaugural event had drawn attendees from across the Midwest and beyond.

Zaibak, who spearheaded the first Halal Restaurant Week after noticing a dearth of diverse halal dining options, hopes to continue the event’s momentum in future years — a benefit for both the Muslim community and the city.

Post the inaugural event, some participating restaurants have started offering halal options part or full-time throughout the year.

Halal, an Arabic word meaning permissible, prescribes certain methods for preparing ingredients, especially meats. The most noteworthy prohibitions are pork and alcohol.

This year, Halal Restaurant Week will feature a new respite dining event on July 8, providing an opportunity for families and caregivers to enjoy an evening of halal dining. At the ISM Brookfield, volunteers, including certified caregivers and CNAs, will be present, hosting activities like games, a pizza meal, and a movie night. Online registration for this event is available and is required by July 5.

For more details, including restaurant descriptions, locations, menus, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the Eat Halal Milwaukee website. Information will also be shared via Facebook. The website also provides a list of Milwaukee restaurants offering fully or partially halal options year-round.