Business Details
14 Years
experience
Experience Globally Inspired Small Plates in Milwaukee
Odd Duck was founded in 2012 by Milwaukee restaurant industry veterans Ross Bachhuber and Melissa Buchholz, who combined their expertise to create a dynamic dining experience centered on creativity and collaboration. Our ever-evolving menu features globally inspired small plates and shareable dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients, catering to omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. After a decade in the Bay View neighborhood, we relocated to Walkers Point in 2022, occupying a historic space beneath the iconic Allen-Bradley Clocktower.Our team, led by Chef Ross in the kitchen and Melissa in the dining room, remains committed to delivering innovative cuisine and exceptional service. With accolades like Milwaukee's Happiest Happy Hour, we continue to push culinary boundaries while maintaining our reputation as a beloved local institution.
Services
Small plates
Shareable menu
Happy hour
Wine list
Event hosting
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer an ever-evolving menu of creative small plates with local ingredients
- Our team includes Milwaukee restaurant veterans with decades of industry experience
- We operate from a historic venue beneath the iconic Allen-Bradley Clocktower
- We maintain a commitment to sustainability through local sourcing practices
- Our beverage program features curated wine lists and award-winning happy hour specials
Services
Small plates
Our small plates feature globally inspired flavors crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is designed for sharing and showcases seasonal produce, meats, and cheeses from Wisconsin purveyors. The rotating menu ensures fresh culinary experiences with every visit.
Happy hour
Enjoy Milwaukee's Happiest Happy Hour featuring $5 draft beers and $8 glasses of wine daily from 3-6 PM. The special menu includes exclusive drink offerings and discounted small plates in our lively bar area.
Wine list
Our curated wine list features international selections paired with seasonal menus. The program includes both classic varietals and unique discoveries, with options available by the glass or bottle to complement every dish.
Event hosting
Host special occasions in our historic venue beneath the Allen-Bradley Clocktower. We offer private dining spaces and customized menus for weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of all sizes.
Shareable menu
Designed for communal enjoyment, our shareable menu features larger portions of signature dishes. Perfect for groups wanting to experience multiple offerings, with options that cater to various dietary preferences and occasions.
People
Melissa Buchholz
Owner
Co-founder Melissa Buchholz brings decades of Milwaukee restaurant experience, overseeing dining room operations and customer experience while maintaining the restaurant's creative vision since its 2012 inception.
Ross Bachhuber
Owner
Chef Ross Bachhuber, co-founder and culinary mastermind, has led kitchen operations since opening in 2012, developing the ever-changing menu that earned Odd Duck its reputation as a Milwaukee dining institution.
Silas Sellnow
General Manager / Beverage Director
Silas Sellnow manages daily operations and curates beverage programs, combining hospitality expertise with creative cocktail development to enhance the dining experience through thoughtful drink pairings.
Samuel Ek
Executive Chef / Resident Prankster
Executive Chef Samuel Ek leads kitchen operations with culinary innovation, balancing technical expertise and playful creativity to maintain the restaurant's reputation for exceptional, imaginative small plate offerings.
Nadya Diaz
Assistant Manager / Most Valuable Player
Nadya Diaz oversees front-of-house operations with exceptional service standards, ensuring seamless guest experiences while managing staff training and daily restaurant logistics as key operational leader.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Odd Duck serve?
We serve globally inspired small plates and shareable dishes featuring locally sourced ingredients with seasonal menu changes.
Do you offer vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, our menu includes options for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans with multiple plant-based dishes available daily.
What are your happy hour specials?
Happy Hour features $5 draft beers and $8 glasses of wine daily from 3-6 PM in our bar area.
Can I host private events at Odd Duck?
Yes, we offer private dining spaces and customized menus for weddings, corporate events, and special celebrations.
Where is your restaurant located?
We're located at 939 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204 in the historic Walkers Point neighborhood.
Do you have outdoor seating available?
Yes, we offer sidewalk dining during warmer months for guests to enjoy our small plates in an al fresco setting.
