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# Pajé Restaurant & Lounge – Soul Food Dining Experience in Milwaukee
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge, located in Milwaukee, WI, is a soul food restaurant that aims to provide a unique dining experience with a blend of Southern culinary traditions. Established with a vision to create a welcoming space for the community, Pajé has garnered attention for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu offerings. However, the restaurant has faced challenges in service and food quality, as reflected in various customer reviews. Despite these hurdles, Pajé continues to strive for improvement and aims to be a staple in the local dining scene, offering a taste of home-cooked soul food.

## History
### The story of Pajé Restaurant & Lounge
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge was founded with the intention of bringing authentic soul food to Milwaukee, creating a space where the community could gather and enjoy traditional Southern dishes. The restaurant's vision was rooted in the desire to celebrate African American culinary heritage while providing a modern dining experience. The name "Pajé" reflects a cultural connection, aiming to resonate with the local community.

### Milestones and growth
- **Founding Year**: Pajé was established to fill a gap in the Milwaukee dining scene for soul food.
- **Menu Development**: The restaurant has evolved its menu over time, incorporating seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes.
- **Community Engagement**: Pajé has participated in local events and festivals, promoting its offerings and connecting with residents.
- **Challenges**: The restaurant has faced operational challenges, particularly in service speed and food consistency, impacting its reputation.

### Cultural and local influence
Pajé has sought to become a cultural hub in Milwaukee, emphasizing the importance of soul food in African American culture. The restaurant has aimed to create an environment that celebrates community, family, and tradition. By hosting events and collaborating with local artists, Pajé has worked to strengthen its ties to the neighborhood and foster a sense of belonging.

### Continuing the tradition
Despite facing criticism, Pajé remains committed to its mission of serving soul food with a modern twist. The restaurant continues to adapt its menu and service model based on customer feedback, striving to honor the culinary traditions it represents while appealing to a diverse clientele. Pajé's ongoing efforts to improve reflect its dedication to becoming a cherished establishment in Milwaukee.

## Community
### Community involvement
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge actively engages with the Milwaukee community through various initiatives. The restaurant has participated in local food festivals, charity events, and community gatherings, showcasing its commitment to supporting local causes. By collaborating with nearby businesses and organizations, Pajé aims to foster a sense of unity and pride within the neighborhood.

### Community notion about the place
The community's perception of Pajé is mixed, with some patrons appreciating its unique offerings and others expressing concerns about service and food quality. Many locals recognize the restaurant's potential and express hope for its growth and improvement. The establishment is seen as a valuable addition to the local dining scene, particularly for those seeking authentic soul food.

### Events and gatherings
Pajé has hosted various events, including themed nights and live music, to attract a diverse crowd and create a lively atmosphere. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also serve as a platform for local artists and musicians, further embedding Pajé into the fabric of the community. The restaurant's efforts to host events reflect its desire to be more than just a dining destination, aiming to create memorable experiences for its patrons.

## Offerings
### What Pajé offers
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge offers a diverse menu that highlights traditional soul food dishes, aiming to provide a comforting and satisfying dining experience. The restaurant features a range of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, all crafted to celebrate the flavors of Southern cuisine. Pajé's offerings are designed to cater to a variety of tastes, making it an appealing choice for both locals and visitors.

### Dining and food experience
The dining experience at Pajé is intended to be warm and inviting, with a focus on comfort food that evokes nostalgia. The menu includes items such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and red velvet waffles, each prepared with care to reflect traditional recipes. However, customer reviews indicate that the execution of these dishes has been inconsistent, with some patrons expressing disappointment in the quality and presentation of their meals.

### Events and packages
Pajé has explored various event packages to attract groups and special occasions. The restaurant offers catering services and customizable menus for private events, aiming to accommodate different needs and preferences. These offerings are designed to enhance the dining experience and provide a unique option for celebrations within the community.

### Facilities and features
- **Vibrant Atmosphere**: The restaurant features a lively decor that reflects its cultural roots.
- **Live Music**: Pajé often hosts live music events to enhance the dining experience.
- **Private Dining Options**: Available for special occasions and gatherings.
- **Bar Area**: A selection of beverages to complement the dining experience.

## Pros and Cons
### Key insights from reviews
Customer reviews of Pajé Restaurant & Lounge highlight a range of experiences, with some diners praising the atmosphere and certain dishes while others express dissatisfaction with service and food quality. The mixed feedback indicates that while Pajé has potential, there are areas that require significant improvement.

### Compliments and strengths
Many patrons appreciate the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and the effort to provide a unique dining experience. Some dishes, such as fried green tomatoes and certain entrees, have received positive mentions for their flavor and presentation. Additionally, the friendly staff has been noted as a strength, with many customers acknowledging their efforts to provide good service despite challenges.

### Contrasts and notable mentions
Conversely, several reviews point out issues with service speed and food consistency. Customers have reported long wait times for food and drinks, as well as instances of menu items being unavailable. The inconsistency in food quality has led to disappointment among diners, particularly those expecting authentic soul food experiences. These contrasts highlight the need for Pajé to address operational challenges to enhance customer satisfaction.

### Summary evaluation
Overall, Pajé Restaurant & Lounge presents a promising concept with its focus on soul food and community engagement. However, the restaurant faces significant challenges that need to be addressed to fulfill its potential. By focusing on improving service efficiency and ensuring consistent food quality, Pajé can work towards becoming a beloved dining destination in Milwaukee.

## Location & Nearby Attractions
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge is situated at 2213 N Martin Luther King Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53212. This location places it in a vibrant neighborhood known for its cultural diversity and community spirit. The area is home to various attractions, including local parks, art galleries, and community centers, making it a convenient stop for both locals and visitors exploring Milwaukee. The restaurant's proximity to these attractions enhances its appeal as a dining destination in the city.

## FAQs
**What type of cuisine does Pajé offer** Pajé specializes in soul food, featuring traditional Southern dishes.
**Is Pajé family-friendly** The restaurant has received feedback indicating it may not be suitable for young children due to limited menu options.
**Do I need a reservation** Reservations are recommended, especially for special events or busy nights.

## Visit Pajé Restaurant & Lounge Today
Pajé Restaurant & Lounge invites you to experience its unique blend of soul food and community spirit in Milwaukee. With a focus on traditional dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, Pajé aims to create memorable dining experiences for all. Despite some challenges, the restaurant is committed to improving and serving the community. Come and discover what Pajé has to offer, and be part of its journey towards becoming a cherished local establishment.

1aeb211e-ecf6-49a2-83f5-5e4dfa0c2c7a

Lots of potential, but I'm not quite sold yet. Service was molasses style slow. I wasn't in the mood for their menu when I was there, but tried the Red Velvet Waffles. It came out cold and it wasn't anything too special other than red. I'm not sure if they want to be a high end restaurant or night club or what. I'll give them another try though.

f93f5754-b436-45fe-a263-a719e293f6c5

Like other reviewers, we purchased a $40 Groupon, and given we live only a few blocks away, decided to try it. My Girlfriend is from West Virginia, so the idea of grits and fried green tomatoes sounding very appealing. From the moment we got there, we felt out of place. We brought our 2 year old daughter, and were surprised to find they did not have a high chair, nor did they have a kids menu, so this is definitely not a child friendly place, more on that in a second. We sat down, ordered a few High Life's, and at the same time ordered their wings for an appetizer, and a fried chicken sandwich with a aide of fries and yams for our two year old.. W e would have ordered the fried green tomatoes, but were told they were out of season. Most restaurants that serve seasonal food also have a seasonal menu. Given the lack of overall menu items anyway, when our server mentioned they were out a few items, it really reduced our menu options. It took about 15 minutes for our beers to arrive, and then took another 40 minutes before we saw any food on our table. All told, we waited about an hour for our initial appetizer and plate for our daughter. Not cool if you have a hungry 2 year old. The wings were very bland, not sauced, and not even close to what the menu described. My daughters chicken sandwich was a bone-in breast on a soggy bun with lettuce and tomatoes. No mayo or ketchup were brought out for the sandwich or fires. That was a little surprising, but even more so is that they would serve a fried piece of bone-in chicken on a sandwich like that, let alone, to a toddler. The chicken was pretty tasty though, but it didn't make up for the wait, or the general issues with having a gone-in piece of meat on a sandwich. While we were waiting for our appetizer and sandwich we put an order in tor our meals - TO GO. My girlfriend ordered the shrimp and grits and I ordered the Chicken and Stuffing. I was told when they were about ready to bring us our food that they were out of dressing, and they were going to sub Mac and Cheese, which for a person who has lactose issues, that wasn't a good option. So they gave me yams and greens, which is what my meal was supposed come with anyway. After waiting another 30 minutes for our food, we finally were out the door with our food. Once we got home, I would like to say we were surprised, but after being jacked around for the past 130 minutes, nothing about this restaurant should come as a surprise. The Shrimp and Grits smelled horrible. They grits were supposed to be seasoned with 'special seasoning,' and the shrimp were supposed to be grilled cajun shrimp. The grits were described as tasting like microwave grits with no flavor, let alone seasoning, and the shrimp were fried popcorn shrimp . Anyone from the south would have done what my girlfriend did - throw the crap in the trash. Plus we found shells in the grits. hmmm.. My dish wasn't much better. There was no gravy, and as I said before, there was no dressing. The greens were horrible, and really, I could have done without the yams. Even our two year old didn't like the yams. I know I have written some negative reviews about other places. but this may be the worst food and dining experience ever. Our server was nice, and tried to make it up to us with a few free beverages, but waiting for close to 2 yours for food, and not having the food be any good just sucks. It's sad, because I was hoping this would be a good joint for our neighborhood, but it just sucks. STAY AWAY, and tell your friends.

a66dd4b5-f5bf-4534-a1db-faf9bf9493bc

In reading all the previous reviews, we were a little leary about using our groupon for Paje'. Surprisingly, it wasn't half bad. First off though, they should offer a wine, beer, & cocktail menu. We started off w the fried green tomatoes, which we both could have eaten more of. For entrees, I had the lobster Mac n cheese which was delicious. Update: IT IS CLOSED!

4a213dbe-c829-47e1-9ddd-286b65f36028

Great food! I went on a Thursday evening at 6:00pm in mid March'2013. The other reviews do not compare with my experience. I enjoyed the food. Service, atmosphere, and food preparation was excellent. Prices were also reasonable. My husband , Mike also enjoyed his meal. We will be back again soon.

f20e6b99-ab63-4700-bada-47adf5575f9f

I paid $16.29 for lobster mac n cheese that had no lobster or cheese in it. Rather, it was surimi (those frozen logs of fish bait) and cheese food, all over some overcooked, soggy noodles. Ick! I really wanted to like this place, but it was hands down the worst meal I have ever had in a restaurant... ever. And since I eat (and write) for a living... that's saying quite a bit.

27c2ead3-a6e5-4d23-9b2f-ad6f3e18f605

I don't know quite where to start??? We went to Paje on a Sunday for Soul Food Brunch. We had reservations; however, the table was not ready for at least 15-20 minutes. Once we sat at the table, we did have nice, black dinner napkins but we didn't have any silverware. However, I like the aesthetic response of the place. After waiting about 30 additional minutes, our server was ready to serve water to the table. We were given these cute 6 oz mug style glasses with barely enough water for my 8 year old. However, tried to go to bar to get full size glasses and was told they would bring a pitcher to table. I have never been told I could not have a different size glass of water before in a restaurant. WOW After waiting about an hour, we still have not placed a food order. The lady whom we believe to be part of management, was kind enough to offer two whole pies to our table for the inconvenience. We were so hungry, we devoured those pies, some without silverware, on our drink napkins. Our small plates did show up later but the pies were gone. After an hour and half has past since our reservations, we were told they have complimentary salads. The salads that came out were not uniform and some had too much lettuce - no vegetables while others had no lettuce - only vegetables. We waited an additional 10 minutes for the salad dressing. Several people in our party did not receive a salad until 15-20 minutes after the initial serving of salads. Now 2 hours have passed. Our waitress was ready to take the food orders. When we initially sat at the table, there were menus for everyone to order, and some did order from the menu. However, 10 minutes after order was taken, we were told we could not order from menu and the only food available was on the buffet. As you can imagine, we are totally disgusted at this point. The small children with us did not have any food unless they ate from our plate. After the complaints about the menu, and after food started to slowly come out, we were told the children could have a $5.00 plate. TOO LITTLE TOO LATE!!! Now the food is another story, the smothered pork chops and fried catfish were the only items to come to the table hot. The dressing, mac n cheese and yams were all cold. After 2 and half hours, some in our party never received their food. They eventually left the establishment frustrated and angry. The last slap in the face was when a different individual whom we assume was part of management finally stated they would take a discount on the bill, however, they still took out for gratuity. The manager stood by while all this happened and never once came to our table to apologize even after we requested to speak with him. He just stood there and looked on. We questioned a waiter about his behavior and it was stated he was upset because he thought we were leaving without paying for our food. The nerve of him, some of the party never received any food besides the water and salad. Although the waitress was doing the best she could with the given situation and stayed very nice and pleasant, the cooks and the manager need to be FIRED!!!

556a2630-d450-4107-8541-1df6022889ef

Like many folks, I bought a Groupon. But, I digress... I came in with my heart set on the chicken, dressing, and greens. BUT, get this...THEY WERE OUT OF DRESSING AND GREENS! A soul food restaurant out of these staples? Unacceptable (especially because a friend of mine ran into the same issue a few months prior). In any case, I then decided on the t-bone steak, garlic mashed potatoes, and grilled veggies. My steak was nothing but a thin, overcooked (I ordered it medium), fatty piece of (barely edible) meat. But almost worse, the MASHED POTATOES WERE INSTANT, and STALE AT THAT. Instant mashed potatoes paired with a $16+ meal at a "high end" establishment is unacceptable (to say the least). The veggies were good, though. Stepping back a bit, we ordered the fried green tomatoes for an appetizer. They were tasty, but super oily. They were also overpriced. $6 for four thin slices of tomato is kind of ridiculous (in my opinion). Luckily, my companion's entree was pretty good. She ordered the red velvet waffles & wings. Unfortunately for her, I had to eat half of her food, as mine was...barely edible. I had high hopes for this restaurant. Our waiter was super friendly, and the ambiance was very trendy and classy (and the music was on point). That said, though, given my food experience, I will not be back. And I requested a refund from Groupon.

d4b5ba7e-3539-45bf-b4d2-f9387fed1098

As an African American woman, I really wanted to like this place because there aren't a lot of black owned upscale restaurants in this area. I will start with the positive and end with my constructive criticism. The food that they DID have was pretty good. Nothing too special, but it was well seasoned, and my food did taste good. Plus my waiter was trying. He visited our table often to address our request. Plus, the restaurant looked pretty decent w/ first glance (could use more lights above booth tables and the upholstery needs some repair) but for the most part it was cool. OK that's about it on things I did like. Here is my constructive critique. 1, Who ever is responsible for ordering food should be fired. They were out of ALL sides except french friends. As stated above, there were out a lot of items, and as we were selecting things that weren't crossed off, our waiter was stating "oh we are out of that too." They were having a Friday fish special and they were out of catfish and perch. The part that annoyed me most was I ordered my food, my friend ordered her food, 30 minutes later the waiter comes out with my food and THEN tells my friend they are out of the food she ordered. 2, They need more experienced staff members. There were a number of times I asked the waiter or host a simple question that they didn't know. For example, I asked what time the kitchen closed, the hostess had to go ask. I asked the waiter if they had a drink menu and he went to the bar, only to come back and say no. When we asked if there were any drink special he had to ask the bartender and then had to go back 2x because he kept forgetting what she said. 3, If you are stating you are and upscale restaurant, I come in w/ certain expectations. For instance, my flowers at my table were completely dead. The menu had a large number of items crossed out with a pen and my friend's menu had written in in the margins a "Kid's menu" list 4, I think they opened prematurely. They still have the Soche sign up and a Paje' banner over the old sign. 5, I guess they turn into a club at night because around 9:30 they began to play club music at club volume. Hard to enjoy conversation with friends when you are screaming over your dinner and saying "Huh? What you say?" The whole time. Even the waiter was having a hard time understanding what were asking because of the volume of the music downstairs. I was SO disappointed. And the sad part, I purchased a Groupon, there wasn't enough food to total $40, so I couldn't use my Groupon without losing the value. So now I'm forced to go back so I finally use my Groupon. I hope the 2nd time will be better. Wishful Thinking!!!

6aeb9c9b-6292-4d8a-90d8-f9e3a1495188

THE ONLY REASON THIS MERITS ONE STAR IS THAT MR DYES PIES WERE GIVING FREE SAMPLES OF THEIR DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIES. CHECK HIM OUT ON FACEBOOK. OTHERWISE, Ha! This place is an absolute joke. Typically, I am very nice and compassionate with my ratings. This place does not merit any type of compassion. I bought a groupon for this place, and decided to take a gamble on a new Southern Comfort-type of restaurant. I lost that gamble. We made a reservation, and arrived to Paje. Following was literally the worst restaurant experience I have ever had. There was no host, so we waited a couple of minutes before a person who was eating, got up, and sat us right by the door when there was 1/4 of the entire restaurant filled. No biggie, so even if it was cold, we shrugged that off. It took 15-20 minutes before a server came and took our drink order (beer and martini) and an order of Fried Green Tomatoes. Followed by the order, it took 15 minutes for me to get my beer, and the bartender did not know how to make a martini, so asked if my girlfriend would like wine, she agreed. Took another 15 minutes before I went up to the bar and asked for the glass of wine. The server said sure, and then, it took 10 minutes before the server came back and said that the cork fell in the white wine, would you like red instead? Yes, sure, fine. We are now at 45 minutes of being in the restaurant before I tracked down the server and asked if the order of appetizers was coming. He said I'm not sure. I asked can we put in our actual order. After placing our actual order, it was now an hour and 20 minutes, we ordered another round of drinks, but never received them. Never got our appetizers, and decided to cancel our order and leave. Never got any sort of recognition or indication of when our food was coming or if the order had been placed. Furthermore, there were 2 other couples that never got to place their order after sitting there for about 45 minutes, they got up and left as well. This place was an absolute disaster. I was really looking forward to having some Soul Food, but this place utterly tanked in every department. Do yourself a favor and do not give this restaurant a try. Normally, I will give a restaurant a second shot, but this was absolutely embarrassing. Really thought I was on MTV's Boiling Points, and was being played the entire time. Nope.

8a490fbd-adfe-4957-aa51-a9b8250c3bad

I visited this restaurant on 6/18/13 (my birthday), but dinner was far from a party. No one was there to greet us at the door, so we (my cousin and I) asked the bartender and waitress if we could seat ourselves. They both said yes. The waitress was very nice. I ordered the red velvet waffles & wings and my cousin ordered the chicken and dressing dinner. It took at least an hour for our food to be served. There was one couple in the restaurant and they left shortly after we ordered. Too long of a wait. Then two djs came in to set up for karaoke night, but no one else was there but my cousin and I. They started playing loud music while we talked. We were only given 10-15 minutes to eat our food before we were asked if we were done. I had only eaten two wings! My cousin thought she was getting chicken and dressing, not chicken in dressing. The drinks were taken off of the table in the process. My cousin asked for to-go boxes, but the waitress said they didn't have any but she could wrap up our food. Our food was put onto paper saucers (small plates), wrapped in saran wrap, and put into a Pick N Save Bag. This place has beautiful decoration and layout. I hope they read these comments and make improvements. When I got home I tried the red velvet waffles...they tasted like red mud!! My cousin said her food was pretty good.

Discover Pajé Restaurant & Lounge in Milwaukee for an unforgettable dining experience. Savor unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere. Book your table now.

Pajé Restaurant & Lounge in Milwaukee - Unique Dining Experience

Milwaukee

Pajé Restaurant & Lounge

Wisconsin

Explore the full menu at Pajé Restaurant & Lounge in Milwaukee. Discover signature dishes, drinks & must-try items. Visit us at 2213 N Martin Luther King Dr.

Pajé Restaurant & Lounge Menu – Food & Drinks in Milwaukee

Learn about Pajé Restaurant & Lounge in Milwaukee. Experience vibrant cuisine, cozy ambiance, and friendly service at 2213 N Martin Luther King Dr.

About Pajé Restaurant & Lounge, Milwaukee

Opening hours for Pajé Restaurant & Lounge, Milwaukee. Find opening hours for Pajé Restaurant & Lounge on 2213 N Martin Luther King Dr.

Pajé Restaurant & Lounge Menu Overview

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Experience the Menu at Pajé Restaurant & Lounge

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