Woodside Pub & Eatery Replaces Greco's

Francisco Montiel only planned to stay in the Milwaukee area for a few months when he moved here from New York in the mid-1990s.

But then he met his future wife, Leslie, while she worked as a waitress and he as a chef at a Milwaukee restaurant.

Thirteen years later, not only are they are still here, they are living their dream: they have opened their own restaurant, Woodside Pub & Eatery, at 10166 S. 27th St. in Oak Creek (across from Wheaton Franciscan Hospital).

"We're trying to live the American dream," Montiel said with a laugh.

Woodside is in the same building as the former Greco's Pub & Eatery. Montiel said they purchased the business in April, but the name change happened just last week. The name came with the help of the couple's four children. It was inspired by the Woodside neighborhood in which Montiel grew up as well as the woods to the east and south of the restaurant.

The name is not the only difference from Greco's.

Leslie, a Greendale native, and her husband said they wanted to get away from the stereotypical bar food and atmosphere. So they gave the menu more variety, with new pasta and Mexican dishes among the changes.

The most popular dish so far, Francisco Montiel says, is his Jumbo Chimichanga.

They also made the atmosphere more family-oriented. A sand volleyball court and a kickball field are in the back, and the owners say families shouldn't hesitate to bring their kids - they'll even switch a TV to cartoons for you.

"We wanted to change the image," Montiel said.

That said, the business also has a bar area and closes at the traditional bar time (2 a.m.). It opens at 11 a.m.

Woodside is off to a good start as Francisco and Leslie alternate between feeling excited and scared in their first business venture. They receive a lot of business from golfers, with Oakwood Golf Course nearby, and have retained a number of Greco's customers.

They hope residents in the area can make the trip to the southern end of 27th Street and see what they are all about.

"Come and give us a chance," Montiel said.