We caved and joined Milwaukee’s hottest food influencers for the grand opening of Cassis. Opening night jitters are real, so yes, we were a little skeptical. Spoiler: they crushed it.
From the team behind Birch, James Beard–nominated chef Kyle Knall and Meghan Knall just opened Cassis, a French bistro named after the black currant liqueur. It seats nearly 200 and sits right under 333 Water in the Third Ward, with river views that almost make you forget about the parking. Almost. Show up early.
The space feels cozy without being cramped, layered with vintage chandeliers, mosaic tile, thoughtful art, and wood floors that do not loudly announce your heels. A win.
Alright, down to business. Here’s what we ordered.
Cocktails
- Cassis Royale: Bright, bubbly, and dangerously refreshing.
- Rendez-Vous: A grown-up root beer float with rye, vanilla, and root beer bitters.
Food
- Bread & Butter: Simple, necessary, and absolutely worth the $4.
- Soup du Jour: A smokey tomato soup with bacon-fat-caramelized onions and croutons on top. Possibly life-changing.
- Ravioli Dauphine: Rich, fresh, perfectly al dente, especially paired with a Chardonnay.
- Steak Frites: Tender, buttery steak and an aggressive amount of fries. No notes.
Drinks and food were a solid 10/10, but the service sealed it. Our server knew every dish (which is fantastic for someone who doesn’t speak French), and offered wine recommendations with samples. We felt guided, not rushed.
First night open and already dialed in. Cassis is the real deal.