• Banner 1
  • Banner 2
  • Banner 3

Welcome to Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant

Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant, nestled in Milwaukee, has been a beloved local gem for over 50 years, blending Southern warmth with hearty soul food. The restaurant's rustic atmosphere invites diners to feel at home, while the menu boasts a diverse selection, from crispy fried chicken to satisfying catfish. Renowned for its comforting breakfast and brunch options, Mr. Perkins also excels in vegetarian dishes and offers various takeout and delivery choices. The attentive staff ensures a welcoming experience, making each meal memorable. With every bite, you can taste the heartfelt passion that has kept this establishment thriving through generations.

Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings

Eric T.
Eric T.

Southern cooking at its best. Can't say enough good stuff about this place. The catfish is the best I've had

Ed L.
Ed L.

I just wanted to let you know I featured Mr. Perkins Family Restaurant in my latest Donald Trump parody TikTok video. I'm bigdog3604 on TikTok. Feel free to check it out. I think it'll make you laugh. Here is the link if you can't find me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigdog3604/video/6895549640788184326?lang=en I wish your business well and hope you'll have everything back to normal in early 2021. BTW, BEST chitterlings in town! -Ed-

Mario J.
Mario J.

I have been to Mr Perkins many times, oddly enough this is the first time I've been here since they've reduced their menu and hours. Me and my Frat Brother came her after a funeral, we were hungry for breakfast. It wasn't too busy, so we stopped in. The service has always been pretty good, it's not a big place so it's easy to get assistance. I ordered the 2 fried pork chop meal with grits and eggs, over easy, toast and coffee. The meal was good as usual, my big issue is I've got to get used to their reduced hours. Every time I get a inkling to go, the restaurant is closed. Once I figure the schedule out, I'll definitely will come more often.

T C.
T C.

Mr. Perkins in short is a great place! It's clean, the staff is friendly and hospitable. Most importantly the food is top notch. You can tell they put their heart into every dish that leaves the kitchen. This establishment has been in business for 50 years so you know the my know what their doing. I can go on and on. Even the customer base is nice. It feels like you're at a family members house for breakfast. Definitely have to check it out!!!

Rick R.
Rick R.

It only took me over 5 years, but I did finally make it to Mr. Perkins. The place was smaller than I expected it to be, the ambiance was different than I expected it to be, but the food was exactly what I expected it to be. The restaurant has a vintage, divey diner look and feel to it. There is plenty of counter seating and a few booths scattered around the other half of the floor space. On my visit, I'd say the place was less than half full, with a few diners at the counter and several booths taken. I expected more diners since it was just before Noon. However, the carry-out traffic was constant from when I arrived to when I left. The carry-out orders must have been what delayed my food from coming out sooner than I expected. I asked the woman for a recommendation since it was my first visit. She suggested the fried chicken dinner with greens and yams as the most popular items. I took her suggestion but substituted the yams for mac-n-cheese. The chicken dinner comes with two sides and corn bread for $10.95. It was a feast! I saw an order of homemade biscuits get served to another diner and had to order some for myself, too. The greens and mac-n-cheese were good but not great. The mac-n-cheese had a slightly grainy texture and wasn't creamy at all. The flavor was decent for both. The corn bread arrived in the form of small pancakes as I seem to find in soul food restaurants in MIlwaukee (this was my third). They were also good, but nothing special. I don't think they were meant to be, anyway. If you want butter or jelly for your corn bread or biscuits, you might have to ask for it. I did, but but I think she expected me to just borrow some from the guy sitting next to me. So I did. The biscuits arrived as an order of 2 and they were sliced with butter already in them. That could be why my request for butter wasn't tended to. They were light and fluffy and not dense, among the best I've had anywhere. The star of my meal was the fried chicken, as it should be. The chicken skin was very crispy and well-seasoned. The meat itself was moist and hot. This was served very fresh. In fact, the chicken breast came out separately, a few minutes after the other pieces. I'm guessing there are capacity issues. This was the best fried chicken I've had in Milwaukee! Overall, I think I waited 40 minute for the food to come out, but it was worth the wait. I would definitely go back again and recommend that others visit Mr. Perkins. I felt like an outsider because everyone there seemed to be a regular with one exception (other than me). A salesman wearing a white shirt and tie was sitting to my right and was in town from Texas. I asked him how he knew about Mr. Perkins. He said he just went on the internet to find a place to eat nearby and it popped up. He liked the name. He ordered the pork chops and loved every bite. I informed him he was dining in a locally famous establishment with a long history in Milwaukee, which made him even happier about his choice. It took me over 5 years to get here. He made it on his first day in town. He shared some of his BBQ tips with me and another diner sitting to his right. I felt like I was in a scene from a movie. Different people with different backgrounds converge on a place to grab a bite to eat and end up exchanging BBQ tips and business cards. One guy gave me his card for projects on my house that he can help with. You won't just find good food at Mr. Perkins. You'll find good people, too.

Rebecca R.
Rebecca R.

Let's just get this out of the way: Best fried catfish EVER. It is my favorite thing on the menu here - and I'd make a special trip from Madison to eat it. Seriously. Crunchy outside, but the fish isn't overcooked. And the seasoning is amazing. I am usually a tartar sauce hound, but I wouldn't even THINK of befouling such perfection. Mr. Perkins' serves soul food at its most real. Fried (or boiled) okra, greens, mac-n-cheese, fried chicken and catfish, black-eyed peas, banana pudding. Orders can take awhile - not because service is slow, but because every order is cooked to perfection. I've been here several times - and have never had food that was less than wonderful. The portions are generous, too. Funniest moment on our latest visit: On the dessert menu, it says they serve cake. No modifiers (like chocolate or angel food). Just..."cake." We didn't ask (mostly because we were too full). Next time (and there WILL be a next time). Be prepared - the place is not fancy (understatement of the year) and they only accept cash. But it is so, so worth stopping at an ATM ahead of time to eat here.

Liza S.
Liza S.

Agreed that this is the best fried chicken in the city as well as the best "soul food" restaurant in the area. The fried okra and collard greens are also out of this world and they have my favorite dessert in the city, lemon ice box pie. I like to sit at the counter as the servers are super nice and entertaining. This is one of those authentic hole-in-the-walls that not many people know about. Don't let the neighborhood stop you from giving this place a try. It is in my top five for restaurants in the city! Make sure you check out their hours before coming as they sometimes change.

Stephen M.
Stephen M.

Freakin Awesome! By far, the best fried chicken in the city. It'll take a little longer than you're used to, but they make every order from scratch. That said, this place is phenomenal. The menu is straight south, reminding me of living in Mississippi. Between the greens, the chicken, the sweet potato pie, the mac 'n cheese, the pork chops, the cornbread, the fried okra...oh god, I know where I'm going for dinner tonight. The service is uber friendly, as have been every interaction I've had with others seated at the counter with me. Conversations are easy, the cooks in the back will trash talk you throught the window, and everyone that works there takes a lot of pride in the legacy that this restaurant displays. Easily one of my favorite five places in Milwaukee to eat.

Marco T.
Marco T.

Owned and operated through my family (father's side) in BREW CITY MILWAUKEE this restaurant's delicious food has brought some famous names in, such names like Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry, Eric Benet, and more than I can name off top through its doors. My late father (Joe Bonds) always talked about Mr. and Mrs. Perkins and how good the food was at their restaurant and the hype just couldn't match the goodness of MR. PERKINS dishes. PURE SOUL FOOD at it's finest with YEARS AND YEARS of service its belt. CHICKEN, MAC N' CHEESE (homemade), CORNBREAD, GREENS (mustard, collard and turnip), CHITTERLINGS (chitlins), PERCH, CATFISH, NECK BONES, BLACK EYED PEAS... you name it, they have it. In NO WAY is this privately owned restaurant affiliated with Perkins the restaurant chain for MR. PERKINS is in a league of its own. GET YOURSELF A PLATE, 5 STARS.

Location

Welcome to Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant, a beloved cornerstone of soul food in Milwaukee that invites you to indulge in traditional American comfort meals. Situated at 2001 W Atkinson Ave, this unassuming haven has been serving hearty breakfasts and brunch delights for over 50 years, creating a community feel that rivals a family gathering. As you step through the door, you're greeted by the aromatic embrace of Southern cuisine—a perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant offers a variety of options catering to everyone's palate. The dining space is warm and casual, perfect for families and groups, complete with outdoor seating. The restaurant prides itself on its hospitality and genuinely friendly staff, ready to recommend their best dishes.

Let's dive into the menu highlights:

  • Starters: The Perkins Sampler is a must-try, featuring a delightful combination of dixie dippers, fried green beans, and mini chimis, served with an array of tasty dipping sauces. The Onion Rings Basket delivers crispy perfection that has patrons raving.
  • Soups: You cannot go wrong with the Perkins Famous Chicken Noodle Soup; it’s a homestyle classic that warms the soul and perfectly complements any meal.
  • Salads: For a lighter choice, the Chicken & Spinach salad garners praise with its fresh ingredients, while the Honey Mustard Chicken Crunch pleases those craving a burst of flavor.

But the real stars at Mr. Perkins are the entrées. Many guests rave about the Fried Chicken Dinner, celebrated for its perfectly crispy skin and moist meat that keeps diners coming back. Another highlight is the 2 Fried Pork Chop Meal served with creamy grits and eggs—rich, satisfying, and a true indulgence.

Don't forget to ask for their homestyle corn bread and fluffy biscuits that are often regarded as the highlight of the meal, either served on the side or enjoyed as extra goodness. The combination of warm, approachable dishes keeps patrons returning to share in the family vibe.

Moreover, Mr. Perkins ensures that all diners, including vegetarians, have ample choices without compromising on flavor. With takeout, delivery, and catering options available, it's easy to see why this restaurant is a local favorite.

In a world that feels ever-changing, Mr. Perkins' Family Restaurant remains a steadfast supplier of comfort and joy. From mouthwatering dishes to the sense of community amongst customers, this establishment is more than just a place to eat; it’s a cherished experience that nourishes both body and soul.

Whether you're a long-time patron or a first-time visitor, your journey at Mr. Perkins promises warmth, flavor, and promising memories—proof that good food can truly bring people together.

For reservations or inquiries, feel free to call them at (414) 447-6660. Enjoy your meal at this Milwaukee gem!