1022 S. First St.

Jacques’ Café is roomy with a sunny barroom and a series of intimate dining rooms. The restaurant opens at 10 a.m.—a good time to sample the crepes. The tables near the bar are the place for a glass of wine followed with escargot or perhaps a charcuterie plate with pâté and prosciutto. The onion soup is a classic topped with bubbling gruyere cheese. For dinner it is hard to go wrong with jumbo sea scallops or duck in orange sauce. (J.B.) $$-$$$ CC: MC, VS. FB. Handicap access. 672-1040

Coquette Cafe

316 N. Milwaukee St.

Milwaukee’s most authentic French menu is filled with standards such as coq au vin, pomme frites, croque monsieur and a fine onion soup. Sample appetizers with wine or try the locally produced Biere du garde, a fine beer. Good food needn’t be painfully expensive. (J.B.) $$-$$$. CC: All major. OD, FB. 291-2655

Lake Park Bistro

3133 E. Newberry Blvd.

A park setting with unbeatable Lake Michigan views. The menu is mainly French, ranging from foie gras to steak au poivre. Good wines are available here. It’s a popular lunch spot and a bit pricey for dinner, but worth the splurge. (J.B.) $$$-$$$$. CC: All major. RS, FF, FB. Handicap access. 962-6300