Dan Jacobs

Milwaukee’s Dan Jacobs won the hearts of viewers — and did the state proud — as a runner-up this year on Bravo’s Top Chef Wisconsin season. He was one of three finalists on the 21st season of the popular cooking competition series, making it all the way to the end without hearing those fateful words, “Please pack your knives and go.”

Jacobs is the head chef and co-owner of acclaimed Milwaukee restaurants EsterEv, a globally inspired tasting menu concept, and Dandan, a modern Chinese American concept with Midwest sensibility. Jacobs and his business partner, Dan Van Rite, are five-time James Beard Best Chef Midwest semi-finalists, and 2024 James Beard Best Chef Midwest nominees.

On Top Chef, Jacobs spoke openly about his challenges with Kennedy’s Disease, a genetic neuromuscular ailment commonly mistaken for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He was diagnosed in 2016. Jacobs said he applied to be on the show in part to encourage people with disabilities to pursue their passions.

Jacobs has had an impact far beyond the kitchen. He has raised more than $90,000 for Kennedy’s Disease awareness and is an active member of the Independent Restaurant Coalition. He is deeply involved in many charitable efforts, including the Main Street Alliance, World Central Kitchen, No Kid Hungry, and the James Beard Foundation’s Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival Campaign.

A Chicago native, Jacobs began building strong ties to Wisconsin early in his career. A summer job as a cook in Door County led to a position at the Inn at Cedar Crossing in Sturgeon Bay. Jacobs has said the position convinced him to pursue a career as a professional chef. He took a few courses at the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago, then began cooking at many top-tier Chicago restaurants. He and his wife, Kate, moved to Milwaukee in 2011.