restaurant of the month - may 2008

SAZ'S STATE HOUSE
Solid reputation for ribs, sports and fun

IT'S LUNCHTIME on a Thursday and the scent of barbeque sauce is in the air. Customers are streaming into the restaurant despite the fact that the Milwaukee Brewers are on the road, while the owner is helping out behind his signature circular bar.

That's a restaurant and sports bar with a reputation. It's Saz's State House in the Miller Valley at 5539 W. State St.

For owner and founder Steve Sazama, restaurant reputations are built by "focusing on what you do best." Saz's has spent 32 years blending a warm and welcoming atmosphere with an emphasis on sports and very good, reasonably priced food, beginning with award-winning barbecued ribs.

The sports theme came naturally because of the restaurant's location at first near the old Milwaukee County Stadium and now near Miller Park. You won't find wall-to-wall television screens in Saz's, just plenty of small screens and patrons who really can talk about sports, whatever the season.

While the menu has changed over the years, you can still order a full rack of Saz's original barbecued pork ribs, with a side of sour cream and chive fries, which are festival favorites throughout the summer. Diners also can find a combination plate that brings together steak and ribs, chicken and ribs and, on Fridays, even cod and ribs.

A strong lineup of salads, "light and healthy" entrees and specials every day make both the lunch and dinner choices as varied as any in Milwaukee. Especially popular before-game appetizers are always on the menu, along with a burger lineup that leads the sports-bar league.

For many years Saz's has taken its reputation for fine food and service on the road to festivals, special events and parties. The catering division serves groups ranging in size from 20-person tailgate parties at Miller Park to corporate events for 20,000. The festivals division meets the needs of significant annual events, from Summerfest and the lakefront ethnic festivals to Harley-Davidson's homecoming celebrations and Tosa Fest, just down the street from the restaurant in Wauwatosa.

Always a favorite at the Wisconsin State Fair, Saz's this year will increase its presence and will introduce a Victory Club for guests at Milwaukee Mile races. Saz's also is expanding its presence at the U.S. Bank PGA Championship, where its Miller Light Oasis has been the featured eating and drinking spot for 14 years.

Not long after Sazama opened his restaurant, he switched from commercially produced barbeque sauce to a homemade recipe. The sauce uses real sugar, rather than corn syrup, to produce the carmelization on the grill that barbeque fans desire. Today, three varieties of Saz's barbeque sauce are available in 18-ounce bottles and a new 28-once size.

Saz's State House is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (Brunch) and 3-9 p.m. Sun. Call 453-2410 for reservations, 256-8765 for catering and special events, or visit www.sazs.com. Also ask about Saz's bus rides to and from major sports events, including Milwaukee Brewer games at Miller Park.