By Chris Barlow

Lion's Tail

Lion’s Tail Brewing Co.

Lion’s Tail Brewing Company began in Neenah, Wisconsin and opened a Wauwatosa taproom in 2022. They are in the completely remodeled Wisconsin Garden & Pet Supply building at 8520 W North Avenue.

The company was founded in 2016 by three friends who shared a passion for craft beer and a desire to create a unique space for the community to gather and enjoy great beer. The Tosa location features a 15-barrel brewhouse, a taproom, an event space available for rental, and a partially covered, outdoor Biergarten. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany patrons. 

The brewery offers a range of year-round and seasonal beers, with something to suit every palate. Their flagship beers include the Golden Ale, an easy-drinking ale with a crisp, clean finish, and the IPA, a hop-forward beer with citrus and pine notes. They also offer a rotating selection of specialty and limited-release beers, such as the Peanut Butter Cup Porter and the Blood Orange Sour.

They do not have a kitchen but have partnered with the nearby Sendik’s to provide customers with hot food options. They often have a local food truck on-site in the Biergarten, with a rotating variety of trucks. Customers are welcome to carry-in their own food as well. 

The hours of operation are Monday – Thursday: 3pm – 10pm; Friday – Saturday: Noon – 11pm and Sunday: Noon – 7pm

If you have or will soon be opening a new service business in or near Tosa and would like to submit information for possibly appearing in a future edition of Tosa Connection please reach out to barlow@tosaconnection.com. Please note a submission does not guarantee inclusion but will be up for consideration.

mex ave picture

Mex Avenue

Located in the Mayfair collection at 11200 West Burleigh Street, Mex Avenue uses only fresh ingredients with bold flavors, served up in a friendly atmosphere. They feature $2 tacos every Tuesday as a part of their menu, a menu that features a range of classic Mexican dishes that includes tacos, burritos, and fajitas. They also have some more unique offerings, such as the Bistec a la Mexicana, a grilled steak dish finished with jalapeno, onion, and tomato. There is a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options on the menu, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

In addition to their food, Mex Avenue also has a full bar, serving up a range of specialty cocktails and margaritas, as well as a selection of beers and wines. Thursdays the bar offer buy 2 get 1 free on all 16oz margaritas, palomas & piña coladas. 

Hours of operation are 10:00am – 9:00pm, seven days a week.

Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads Coffee Roasters opened in March 2023 at 8807 West North Avenue. They have two floors of seating both inside and outside. They have a warm and cozy atmosphere with an excellent selection of beverages and sandwiches. 

Fiddleheads sources its coffee beans from all over the world, and the staff carefully roasts and brews each cup to perfection. Customers can choose from a variety of espresso drinks, pour-overs, and cold brews, as well as tea and a variety of delicious baked goods. 

In addition to its incredible coffee selection, Fiddleheads is also known for its commitment to sustainability and community involvement. The shop uses eco-friendly cups and utensils and partners with local organizations to donate a portion of its profits to support various causes. 

The hours of operation are Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 7:00 pm, and Saturday – Sunday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.

Delicious Bites

Delicious Bites

Delicious Bites Gastropub opened in February 2023 at 6538 W. North Avenue and offers an innovative twist on classic pub fare. The restaurant features grab and go items such as “Pork Belly Tacos,” “Bacon-Wrapped Dates,” and “Fried Chicken and Waffles.” The pub also offers an extensive selection of craft beers and cocktails, as well as a carefully curated wine list.

“We have a standard list of items that are always available,” owner Tomira White said. “We also offer family meals that can be picked-up and reheated at home.”

In addition to its delicious food and drinks, Delicious Bites Gastropub also hosts events such as trivia nights and live music, making it a fun and lively spot to hang-out any evening.

Hours of operation are Closed Sun-Tue; Wed-Thurs 8am-6pm; Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 8am-2pm

Maggio's Restaurant

Maggio's Pizza

Maggio’s Pizza set up in the former Tosa Bowl and Bun at 7212 W North Ave in February of this year. The restaurant is known for its traditional thin crust pizzas, always cooked to perfection in a Valoriani brick pizza oven owner Jeremy Maggio built from a kit. Maggios has been making their wood fired pizza since 2015 with a mobile oven that is used mainly for catering jobs. 

Maggio’s also offers a variety of specialty pizzas, including their popular “Pesto Chicken” and “Meatball” pizzas, as well as salads, sandwiches, and appetizers. 

Owner Jeremy Maggio said: “Opening this restaurant has only been possible because of an incredible amount of support from our family and friends. I am grateful beyond words for their belief in us. I need to especially thank my wife Emily, who has been nothing but supportive from day one, and even gave up her weekends for three long summers to help work catering events. This dream would have ended very early on if not for her.” 

Monday – Closed; Tuesday- Thursday: 4pm – 8pm; Friday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm & Sunday: 11am – 8pm