Allie Boy’s Is Not Just a Bagel Shop
You go to Allie Boy’s for the bagels. Everybody does. In my opinion these are the best bagels in Milwaukee. But spend a little time with the full menu and you realize the bagels are not the most interesting thing happening there.
It’s the specials that are approachable yet sophisticated. Always allowing something exciting & fresh to add to the regular items.
Two locations in Milwaukee — one on National Ave, one on Farwell Ave. Full details and hours at allieboysmke.com
My Favorites
Deviled Eggs with Smoked Salmon
These are not your mom’s deviled eggs. Respectfully.
The yolk filling is silky and creamy and properly emulsified, not dense, not grainy. There’s a warmth underneath from five spice and a subtle sesame note that grounds it. It’s restrained. Intentional.
On top: smoked salmon. It adds a layer of oily richness and a whisper of smoke that plays beautifully against the creamy filling. The fish brings a slight slickness but is not greasy, just lush. Then fresh herbs like onion and lemon that finish it clean, cutting through the richness right when you need it. The chili oil drizzle ties it all together.
Tempura Sweet Potato & Squash
Thin-cut and fried with a crispy, clean tempura batter. The kind that doesn’t overwhelm what’s underneath. The sweet potato and squash stayed crisp, which is harder than it sounds. You get the actual vegetable flavor coming through, not just batter. The batter is so light and airy that it is wonderful.
Sesame and a spicy aioli brought the heat and depth. The thin cut made it easy to get all the fresh flavors in one bite, and the mouthfeel was exceptionally good. So light, satisfying, zero greasiness. This is the dish that makes you realize how good the kitchen knows their techniques.
Buffalo Chicken Bialy
A bialy is not a bagel it has no hole, softer texture, baked rather than boiled. It’s an underrated item and Allie Boy’s uses it well.
The filling had creamy Alfredo-like notes with rich, smooth, coating. The chicken was well-seasoned with real flavor (not just protein filler). Light celery gave it that classic buffalo wing reference without being heavy-handed. The buffalo spice was mild and present but not aggressive. It’s comfort food made with actual skill.
Crab Rangoon Sandwich
No photo, but this one deserves a mention.
It’s incredibly, faithfully crab rangoon with light spices, herbs, deep-fried character, stuffed with cheese and crab-like flavors. I’m still not entirely sure how they pulled it off in sandwich form, but they did. It’s one of those dishes that sounds gimmicky on paper and then completely delivers. If you see it on the menu, get it.
The Verdict
Allie Boy’s is doing something genuinely interesting: taking simple foods like bagels, bialys, global street food influences and executing them with fine dining precision in an accessible, weekend-brunch format.
Every dish we tried over the last year showed restraint and technique. Nothing was overcomplicated. Nothing was underdone. The flavors were confident.
If you’re in Milwaukee and find yourself near either location on a weekend morning, go. Order more than you think you need.
Allie Boy’s Bagelry & Luncheonette allieboysmke.com · Instagram: @allieboysmke Thu–Sun only · Two Milwaukee locations (National Ave & Farwell Ave)
