Milwaukee may arguably be one of the best places to grab a burger. We are the land of meat and cheese, after all.
With so many places that serve burgers in the area, just which one is the best? Well, I can’t pick only one, so I am here to compile my top 7.
I am one of those weirdos who typically eat a vegan lifestyle, but every once in awhile, a girl just needs a good old fashion burger. It’s a bit of comfort food that I am willing to cheat my typical diet for.
Before going vegan, burgers were one of my favorite meals. Grabbing a Wisconsin burger made with cheese from THE cheese state is an overall experience.
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Dons MKE a.k.a Dons Gorcery and Liquor
Resturant Info:
1100 S. 1st St Milwaukee, WI
Phone: 414-808-0805
Hours: Sun – Wed: 11 am – 7 pm
Thur – Sat: 11am – midnight
Dons is Milwaukee’s own burger and shake shop that is run as a speakeasy. Hidden behind the storefront of “Tv and Repair”, Don’s speakeasy serves up the smash burgers and boozy shakes that made this once diner a neighborhood classic.
You can book a table on their website and they also do delivery/carryout.
My personal favorite burger is below, and the price is pretty unbeatable. It’s a classic burger that one would expect to get from an old school diner with a sauce soo good you will want to ask for some on the side!
Naughty Angel Burger* 5.95
(Single, Double +2, Triple +4)
American Cheese, Naughty Angel Sauce, Brioche Bun
+1 Works (Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions)
The sauce on this burger is something out of this world! All the ingredients are fresh and it is a must-have from the burger itself to the atmosphere of Dons. I love that they toast the bun so you get a nice crunch when you bite into it.
Burger Options:
Naughty Bacon Burger* 7.95
(Single, Double +2, Triple +4)
Bacon, American Cheese,
Naughty Angel Sauce, Brioche Bun
+1 Works (Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions)
Cream City Burger* 5.95
Whipped Cream Cheese, Double Brisket Pattie,
+1 Works (Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions)
Wisco ButterBurger* 5.95
Brisket Pattie, American Cheese, Wisconsin Butter
+1 Works (Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions)
Impossible Burger 6.95
Impossible Burger Patty, American Cheese,
Naughty Angel Sauce, Brioche Bun (vg)
+1 Works (Lettuce, Tomato, Caramelized Onions)
Need to wash it down with something? Don’t forget to grab one of their boozy shakes or crockpot old fashions.
Camino
Resturant Info:
434 S 2nd St •,Milwaukee, Wisconsin •
Phone: (414) 800-5641
Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 10pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 11pm
Before I dive into the logistics of Caminos burger and vibey atmosphere it’s important to note their burgers are only $5 on Mondays – 1/2 lb pattie served w/ American cheese & sizzled onion on a brioche bun.
I like to think of their burger as a good ol diner classic with a twist, and it is sat on top of one of my favorite buns. They cook their patty so that its big, full, and juicy. I hate when places press their burgers down so much that it resembles a patty melt.
The burger itself is giant and will leave you feeling full but not bloated. Grab your burger with one of their sides that are only $3 and can be shared by two…depending on how hungry you are. The burger is so good you don’t even need ketchup or mustard to go with it.
This is one of the few places that cook the burger temperature right EVERY SINGE TIME. I have gotten my burger done meidum rare forever and they have never messed it up here!
Their bar is located directly in the front of the restaurant with a grill you can see the cooks actually grill the burger up. There’s something so special about being able to see a cook in action that really makes this place stand out to me.
They have a big patio that is located tot he side and back of the resturant with a vine fence that makes you forget this place is located in the city.
Camino is an American craft beer bar and eatery, located in Milwaukee’s historic Walker’s Point. They strive to bring in the freshest, local products available for a unique pub menu. For the beer enthusiasts good news, you’ll be able to find a beer you’ll love on their well-curated draft beer menu.
Growlers are also available for home enjoyment. Stop by soon to check out our great daily specials! They offer din in, delivery and carryout!
All of the sides are amazing and even those who aren’t big veggie fans should give the Brussel sprouts a try! I promise you’ll love them.
If you are a true fry fan than you HAVE to grab one of their sauces to pair with the frys. They have 14 to choose from.
Soblemans Pub & Grill
Resturant Info:
1900 W St Paul Ave Milwaukee, WI (this is the OG location)
Phone: (414) 931-1919
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 am – 10 pm*
Fri: 11 am – 11 pm*
Sat: 10 am – 11 pm*
Sun: 10 am – 9 pm
*Closing hours are flexible, please call (414) 931-1919 to check times.
Soblemans is one of the legendary burger places in Milwaukee. It went up against AJ bombers in a food network challenge and while it lost, it is still considered number one in most people’s hearts.
Soblmeans is the type of place with a great sense of humor and even labeled the burger that lost to AJ Bombers as “the loser” to which I really call the winner because it is AMAZING – made with colby-jack cheese, smoked bacon, buttery fried onions. (As featured on Food Wars).
Soblemans is THE place to go for a burger in Milwaukee, and they have so many amazing ones to choose from there is a burger for everyone!
Soblemans is one of those establishments that is great for taking friends, family, and co-workers from out of town when you want to impress them or show them a good time. It is an experience from the atmosphere to the menu and the type of place that will leave a forever lasting impression on people.
Burger Options
DOUBLE SOBELMAN
American, Swiss, cheddar cheese, with bacon, fried onions and diced jalapeños // $12
BIG SOB
The Sobelman with three patties // $14
THE HANGOVER
Colby-jack cheese, smoked bacon, buttery fried onions, topped with a fried egg // $10
THE FRESCO
Habanero cheese, tomato, guacamole, raw onion, fresh pico de gallo // $9.50
WIDMER MELT
Featuring Widmer Specialty Brick Cheese // $9.25
THE BOMB
Bacon, fried onions, mushrooms, and blue cheese // $10
THE COOL RANCH
Habanero cheese, lettuce, tomato, raw onions, smoked bacon and a southwest ranch sauce // $10
THE CALI
Sweet yellow onions, tomato, lettuce, American cheese, and thousand island dressing // $9
MUSHROOM & SWISS
Fresh mushrooms & Swiss cheese // $9
CHEESEBURGER
Traditional hamburger with American cheese. // $8.50 Make it a double add $1.50
THE LOSER
Colby-jack cheese, smoked bacon, buttery fried onions. (As featured on Food Wars) // $9.50
AL PASTOR
Habanero Cheese, Pastor Meat (Seasoned Pork from El Rey), Caramelized Onions, Mayo with Pico de Gallo // $11
MELTS
Marble rye bread and fried onions. Choose your cheese: Swiss, cheddar or colby-jack // $8.50
THE SOBELMAN
American, Swiss, and Cheddar Cheese, with bacon, fried onions and diced jalapeños // $10 Make it a Double add $2.00
THE DINO
Feta cheese, Kalamata olive spread // $9.50
DAVE’S FAVE
Cheddar cheese with Pico De Gallo and mayo // $9.50
HAMBURGER
Traditional hamburger // $8.00 Make it a double add $1.50
The burgers are so famous here they even put them on top of bloody marys (which is arguably the best bloody mary I have ever had).
Soblemans is one of those establishments that is great for taking friends, family, and co-workers from out of town when you want to impress them. It is an experience from the atmosphere to the menu and the type of place that will leave a forever lasting impression on people.
If you are looking for a different side beside the classic french fry to pair with a burger I highly reccomend the jalempeno cheese balls.
Oscar’s Pub & Grill
Restaurant Info
Oscar’s Pub & Grill
1712 W Pierce St,
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Phone: (414) 810-1820
Hours:
Mon. – Sat. 11am / 11pm
Sunday 11am / 10pm
Oscar’s smash their burgers to create a rich and intense taste and to keep all the juiciness inside the patties. The burgers are made with TLC.
Compliment your burger with extensive side orders: All kinds of fries, potatoes, cheese, and dip sauces. As with any great Milwaukee establishment, they have a HUGE selection of craft beer.
Oscars establishment is a place I grew up going to, and it is a place that doesn’t just have a burger as a single menu option, it’s literally what they do!
They have the best burger weight to prie ratio with most of the burgers being around just $7.50.
Oscar’s is the type of place you can come to if you are in the mood for a classic burger with a twist! They have come up with some really cool flavor combinations that I haven’t seen at other burger establishments.
Don’t worry, they offer a good old classic style as well if you aren’t feeling adventurous and want an old comfort classic
Burger Options
The Tailgate Burger
$7.75Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, melted smoked sharp cheddar, haystack onions.
The MKE Burger
$7.75Bacon, fried cheese curds, fried pickle, melted smoked sharp cheddar, egg.
The Macho Burger
$7.75Marinated pork, pineapple chunks, cilantro & fried onions, melted Chihuahua, sliced avocado, sprinkled queso fresco.
The Gordo Burger
$7.99Chicharron in salsa verde, bacon, melted Chihuahua, sliced avocado, cilantro & onions.
The Winner’s Burger
$8.25Ham, bacon, chorizo, peppers, jalapeños, onions, chipotle jack, cilantro, side of house guacamole.
The Flaca Burger
$8.00Vegetarian Impossible burger patty, arugula, sliced tomatoes, pickled red onions. Add any cheese for $1 – list of: American, White cheddar, Yellow cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, Crumbled blue cheese, Boursin, Chipotle jack, Smoked gouda
The Bahn Mi Burger
$7.75Sesame garlic sauce, melted Fontina cheese, sliced cucumber, pickled radish, pickled carrots, pickled red onions, cilantro.
The Big O – $8.25 chipotle jack, smoked gouda, hickory bacon, chorizo, fried onion, jalapenos, side of house guac
If you come in the summer, I highly suggest you take advantage of the outside patio!
Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Restaurant Info:
5373 N. Port Washington Rd.
Glendale, WI 53217
PHONE:414-961-3288
FLAVOR LINE:414-961-2006
HOURS:Mon-Sun 10:30am – 11:00pm
Kopp’s is another Wisconsin staple I grew up eating at. The burgers are super unique to the restaurant, and they are giant in terms of circumference vs. width.
I personally like them more because I’m not always a huge fan of biting down onto a giant patty of beef. Instead, I prefer to bite down onto a thinner patty, almost like a patty melt.
This comes down to burger style because don’t let the thinner patty fool you; they pack a mean flavor punch.
THey specialize in frozen custard and large “jumbo” hamburgers, and they have established itself with a distinct reputation and standard which competitors continue to chase.
Another feature I love about Kopp’s is the focus is on the patty and not a giant bun. I have a tiny tummy, and when I get a burger, I rather eat the good stuff inside than having the focus be on the bread or the bun. Buns typically fill me up super fast, and I end up taking lots of meals home.
- HAMBURGER$4.40
- DOUBLE HAMBURGER$6.40
- CHEESEBURGER$5.05
- DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER$7.15
History:
Founded by Elsa Kopp in 1950, our restaurants continue to be heralded by local publications for their quality food.
The Kopp’s Frozen Custard stand rose in popularity quickly during the 1950s and was soon seen as a Milwaukee staple.
By 1960 the Kopp’s stand was successful enough that Elsa felt comfortable experimenting with more exotic frozen custard recipes.
Flavor of The Day
I know this article is all about burgers, but nothing goes better with burgers than ice cream; it is the oldest love story of all time.
Kopp’s was the first custard stand to offer a special “Flavor of the Day” in addition to the more traditional chocolate and vanilla flavors.
The featured flavors are often related to events for that day or month. Each ice cream dish is served with a cute little triangle wafer.
Solly’s Grille
Restaurant Info
4629 N. Port Washington Rd.
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Phone: 414.332.8808
Hours:
Mon: 10:30 am – 7:00 pm
Tues – Closed
Wed – Sat 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
Sun Closed
Solly’s Grille is a place I wasn’t aware of until a few years ago, and I apologized to my tummy for not feeding it with these burgers sooner.
This place has been family owned and operated since 1936. It has been voted “Best Burger in Wisconsin” and one of the “Best Burgers in America”.
This place is the OG butter burger spot, and they really don’t mess around. You can order the burger three ways – regular butter, easy butter, or no butter. You will literally see and taste the butter melting over the burger onto the plate and into your mouth!
They have over 15 burgers to choose from, including veggie burgers. Prices range from $5 to $12 dollars!
Make sure you wear pants with a nice and stretchy waistband, or you’ll be billowing out the sides after eating here! It is a rich, and full meal that will leave no person hungry.
From the esrablishment: “We use high quality 100% sirloin beef (no fillers) delivered FRESH daily from a local butcher. We use only REAL Wisconsin creamery butter. Our French fries, onion rings and hand-breaded Alaskan Cod are made using only cholesterol-free frying oil.”
They are no stranger when it comes to press, and you may have seen them on the foot network, travel channel, USA Today, National Geographic, and more!
Stack’d Burger Bar
Restaurant Info
170 S FIRST STREET MILWAUKEE, WI
Phone: 414-273-7800
Hours: Sunday: 11AM-7PM
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 11AM-7PM
Friday-Saturday: 11AM-9PM
In the words of Stack’d themselves, this is Milwaukee’s burger place for foodies. They combine quality grass-fed beef with premium local ingredients.
Why is grass-fed better? Grass-fed beef is lower in calories, contains about twice as many omega-3 fatty acids, ten times more vitamins A, three times more vitamin E, higher levels of antioxidants and up to 7x the beta-carotene than typical grain-fed beef.
Patty Option
100% Grass-Fed Beef (GF) $13 – Bison (GF) $15 – Impossible Burger (V, VG, GF) $15 – Natural Free-Range Chicken (GF) $12 – Turkey Burger $12.5 – Breaded Chicken $13 – –Portabella Mushroom (V, VG, GF) $10 – Housemade Black Bean Veggie Burger (V, VG, GF) $11
If you rather choose from a premade burger option they have some killer flavor combos!
GERMAN STACKHouse-made beer brat patty topped with raw onions, sauerkraut & stone-ground mustard. 13
DON’T MESS WITH TEXASLean bison topped with chipotle cheddar, jalapenos, onion ring & smothered in house-made BBQ sauce. 16
THE HANGOVER STACKOur most popular burger! Grass-fed beef smothered with fried onions, bacon, Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce, tomato and a fried egg. 15
CAMPFIRE STACKOur grass-fed burger covered with jalapeno bacon, blue cheese, haystack onions and chipotle mayo. 16
PULLED PORK STACKSlow-roasted pulled pork made with house-made BBQ sauce topped with jalapenos, bacon and mixed greens. 13
KICK IN THE PANTSGrass-fed beef topped with chipotle jack, avocado mayo and jalapeño bacon. 14
SPICY CHICKENHand-breaded natural free-range chicken breast with spicy mayo, lettuce, tomato and red onions. 13
PORTABELLA STACKBalsamic-glazed portabella cap topped with goat cheese, tomato and red onion. 11BLACK STACKThe best veggie burger! House-made black bean veggie burger topped with cheddar cheese, avocado, pico de gallo and lettuce. 13
WILLBURGERGrass-fed beef on a classic roll topped with bacon, cheddar, and your choice of caramelized or haystack onions. Part of profits from the sale of this burger are donated yearly to the Humane Society of Wisconsin in loving memory of William Kalmer. 16
For those looking to pair a killer beer with some burgers will want to come here! They have over 100 beers on tap and in bottles. Yes, you read that right, over 100.
Honorable Mentions
While these places didn’t make the top 7 list, they are still pretty stellar and are worth a shoutout!
AJ Bombers
Restaurant Info
1247 N Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-221-9999
Hours:
11:00am – 8:00pm Daily
If you remember this was the place that competed against Soblemans for the iconic burger challenge. While this was the winner, I personally like Sobleman’s better.
The vibe in here is super cool, and they allow you to eat peanuts and throw the shells on the floor.
They have about eight different burgers to choose from and I highly recommend The Barrie -¼lb patty, American cheese, applewood bacon, and natural chunky p-nut butter.
Culvers
I don’t care what anyone says; Culver’s chain is the top fast-food burger chain in the nation. Yes, it is better than in-and-out and Whataburger.
You will be able to find a Culver’s in just about every city in Wisconsin or in a city close by!
While yes, it is a butter burger, I feel like it is on the lighter side, and I don’t feel like total garbage after eating one. They do the butter every, so light and the ingredients are ALWAYS super fresh. Even on a bad day Culvers is better than in-and-out’s best burger day.
They do offer a few different burger options (such as a swish mushroom burger) but take it from me, the classic butter burger deluxe is where it’s at.
Burger Places To Avoid
Let me just be clear, this places to avoid list doesn’t mean I don’t like these places. Nor, am I saying these places have lousy food by any means. I have been to each said place and would suggest them if you are in a rush.
So why avoid them then?
They just happen to be chain places that are available in other states. If you are visiting Milwaukee and want a true Milwaukee only burger, then you should pick a suggestion from above. Any of the places below will be available in other big cities around the states and aren’t something special made from the Milwaukee heart!
- Shake Shack (if you are going to pick a chain burger joint then I suggest this one)
- Wahlburgers
- Hamburger Mary’s