BotanasEst. 2000 · Milwaukee
A Milwaukee Tradition Since 2000

Authentic Mexican, the way the South Side remembers it.

For more than two decades, Botanas has been more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors seeking genuine hospitality and food made with pride.

Order Food To Go Plan Catering Call to Reserve
25+Years Serving
3Generations Welcomed
1South Side Home
Botanas Restaurant exterior signs framed by a leafy tree on Milwaukee's South Side
816 South 5th StreetThe original Botanas, proudly rooted in the neighborhood since 2000.
From a Dream to a Milwaukee Favorite

A gathering place, one guest at a time.

Located in the heart of Milwaukee's historic South Side, Botanas has earned a reputation for consistently serving fresh, authentic dishes in an atmosphere where every guest feels welcome.

What began as a dream has grown into one of the city's most recognized Mexican restaurants, welcoming generations of diners back time and time again. Consistency, hospitality, and authentic flavor remain at the heart of everything we do.

Today that vision continues through a dedicated team that takes pride in every plate, every margarita, and every conversation with guests.

Serve authentic Mexican food with exceptional service — and make every guest feel like family.

JG
Jaime GonzalezOwner · Opened Botanas in 2000
Our Legacy

More than two decades in the making.

Success isn't built in a single meal. It's built one warm welcome, one perfectly prepared entrée, and one memorable celebration at a time.

2000
The Doors Open

Jaime Gonzalez opens Botanas on Milwaukee's South Side with a simple vision and generations of restaurant experience behind him.

2000–Today
Thousands of Celebrations

First dates, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and family reunions — shared with families, friends, and visitors year after year.

Recognized
A Community Favorite

Voted among Milwaukee's favorite Mexican restaurants by local readers and publications across southeastern Wisconsin.

Today
The Tradition Continues

Still serving authentic cuisine and warm hospitality — a tradition many Milwaukee families now pass from one generation to the next.

Why Milwaukee Keeps Choosing Botanas

Guests return for more than the food.

Local Recognition

Voted among Milwaukee's favorite Mexican restaurants by local readers and publications.

Warm Hospitality

Attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere that make every guest feel like family.

Consistent Quality

Fresh, authentic dishes prepared the same way, plate after plate, year after year.

A South Side Home

Proud to be part of Milwaukee's rich culture, community, and vibrant food scene.

More Than a Restaurant

Where the best conversations happen.

Botanas has been the setting for countless gatherings that bring people together over exceptional food. For many Milwaukee families, dining here has become a tradition passed from one generation to the next.

First Dates Birthdays Graduations Anniversaries Family Reunions Business Lunches Celebrations

Success isn't built in a single meal. It's built one guest at a time — one warm welcome, one perfectly prepared entrée, one memorable celebration.

Catering & Large Parties

Bring Botanas to your celebration.

From backyard birthdays to office lunches, quinceañeras, and weddings — we cater the same authentic dishes we've served the South Side since 2000. Choose a package to get started, or tell us about your event and we'll build a custom menu and quote.

Taco & Fajita Bar

$16per guest

Build-your-own tacos and sizzling fajitas — grilled steak & chicken, warm tortillas, rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, and all the fixings.

The Botanas Feast

$22per guest

A full spread of enchiladas de mole, house tacos, chile rellenos, rice, beans, chips & salsa, and guacamole — our most popular dishes, served family style.

Appetizers & Botanas

$12per guest

Perfect for cocktail hours and office gatherings: choriqueso, firecrackers, chicken flautas, nachos, quesadillas, and fresh guacamole with chips.

Custom Menu

By quote

Have something specific in mind — shrimp platters, margaritas, dessert trays, or dietary needs? We'll tailor a menu to your headcount and budget.

Package pricing is a starting estimate and varies with headcount, menu, and service style. We'll confirm a final quote after we talk. A 72-hour notice is appreciated for large orders.

Request Catering

Tell us about your event. We'll follow up within one business day with a menu and quote — no payment due now.

Prefer to talk it through? Call (414) 672-3755.

Plan Your Visit

Come see us on 5th Street.

Contact

(414) 672-3755

theoriginalbotanas@gmail.com

Call Now

Address

816 S 5th St

Milwaukee, WI 53204

Get Directions

Hours

Sunday – Thursday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM

Friday – Saturday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM

Lunch specials weekdays, 11 AM – 2 PM