AN OX CAFE - 7411 W Hampton Ave | Milwaukee, WI
- Uptown Eaton
- Mar 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 17
Milwaukee’s northwest side is entering an exciting new era of dining, with a rising wave of Southeast Asian flavors reshaping the local food scene. An Ox Café quickly captured our attention as a promising spot to experience this shift firsthand, and we were eager to discover what it had to offer.
FOOD
An Ox Café's menu presents a balanced mix of appetizers, salads, soups, entrées, cocktails, boba teas, and desserts. Though concise, it provides a diverse selection that caters to meat lovers and vegetarians.
We began with the crispy squid, and it was a fantastic choice. The batter was perfectly balanced—light yet crisp—allowing the squid to shine without being overwhelmed. Paired with the house special sauce, which blended sweetness and spice, each bite was elevated.
For our entrées, the Beef Jerky dish caught our attention. Typically a road trip snack, this freshly marinated version brought new depth to the table. It delivered all the bold, umami-rich flavors one would hope for, enhanced by a spicy jeow sauce. The only letdown was the purple sticky rice; while it was visually striking, it lacked the flavor depth to match the dish's intensity.
The Red Snapper was the true standout. Served whole instead of as a fillet, it arrived perfectly crisp and well-seasoned. A squeeze of lime enhanced the flavors, making each bite even more enjoyable. While navigating the delicate bones took some effort, the reward was absolutely worth it.
The sugar snap pea stir-fry was an unexpected highlight among the vegetable dishes. The peas had a caramelized, slightly smoky sweetness that complemented the oyster sauce wonderfully. We added shrimp for protein, although they didn't quite match the vibrancy of the peas—perhaps we’ll consider a different option next time.
For drinks, we sampled the Strawberry Refresher and hot jasmine tea. The refresher, essentially a spicy margarita, was heavily focused on heat, overshadowing the other flavors. In contrast, the jasmine tea was a soothing option, beautifully served in a crisp white teapot with a matching cup and saucer, adding a sophisticated touch to the meal.
Overall, An Ox Café offers thoughtfully prepared dishes with bold flavors and impressive execution. A few minor tweaks could make certain elements stand out even more, but the overall experience is one we would gladly revisit.
SERVICE
Our experience with the service was fairly standard—neither remarkable nor disappointing. The food arrived impressively fast after we placed our order, which was a plus. However, everything was served at once, catching us off guard. Had we known, we might have ordered in increments to better pace our meal. Consequently, some dishes sat longer than ideal, resulting in some sogginess and cooling before we could fully enjoy them.
The timing of the drinks felt slightly off, arriving just after the food. A more staggered approach—beverages first, followed by appetizers, and then mains with a few mindful pauses—would have created a more relaxed dining experience. Instead, we felt a little rushed with everything landing on the table at once.
Our server was polite, but the bartender who brought over the Strawberry Refresher truly stood out with his warm smile and engaging energy. His welcoming presence made us wish for more opportunities to interact.
With some slight adjustments in pacing and engagement, the overall experience could be enhanced, though there were still enjoyable moments during our visit.
MEMORABILITY
An Ox Café truly excels in flavor. Even days later, the bold flavors of the red snapper, beef jerky, and grilled snap peas still linger in our minds. The dishes made such a strong impression that we’re already excited to explore their noodle and soup offerings—and honestly, we would gladly reorder everything from our first visit.
The restaurant features an intriguing layout. It appears cozy from the outside, but it’s surprisingly spacious inside, with sections giving off a club-like ambiance. We couldn’t help but wonder how the atmosphere shifts in the evening—does it lean more toward a bar scene, or does it maintain its dining focus?
The space is ideal for all types of diners, whether they are solo guests, small groups, or larger parties. There’s also a charming patio decorated with twinkle lights, making it a lovely spot as the weather warms up.
With a bit of fine-tuning in service and an added touch of warmth in the ambiance, An Ox Café has the potential to become a true go-to dining destination. One thing is already certain: if you’re looking for a flavorful and exciting way to experience Thai and Laotian cuisine, this spot should be at the top of your list!
AN OX CAFE - OVERALL RATING: 4 / 5
Website: anoxcafe.com
Facebook: facebook.com/anoxcafe
apparently the lady who posted this on TikTok tried to say that sticky rice is bland and because she’s been to many Asian countries, she apparently thinks “rice shouldn’t be that bland” Well all my Asian life, we’ve never had to season sticky rice because it’s supposed to be dipped into the food or sauce that is provided. She told me my opinion did not matter when I tried to tell her that’s how you’re supposed to eat it and that I’m pressed about food that is part of my own culture. How about next time search on TikTok as to how we eat sticky rice?