As Seen on TV

To Do

Illustration by Bigshot Robot

Milwaukee has made a variety of appearances on both the big and small screens, from "Happy Days" to the iconic Alice Cooper scene in "Wayne's World." Check out these local restaurants and attractions that have been featured on television or in movies!

Travel Channel “Food Wars”

AJ Bombers and Sobelman’s

These two iconic Milwaukee burger restaurants went head-to-head to determine the “best burger in Milwaukee.” The judges chose AJ Bombers’ “Milwaukee Burger,” but Sobelman’s dubbed its burger “The Loser,” and it remains one of the restaurants best sellers. Try them both!

Food Network “Man vs. Food Nation”

Red Rock Saloon

Are you up for the challenge? The Food Network show came to challenge Red Rock Saloon’s "The Unforgiven": a deep-fried chicken breast sandwiched between two 2-pound bacon cheeseburgers, atop a pound of beer-battered fries, with a side of six ghost-pepper chicken wings. But this meal was no match for its challenger, who finished the meal in the allotted 23 minutes.

“American Idol: Season 10” and “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”

Milwaukee Art Museum

The Santiago Calatrava-designed Quadracci Pavilion is iconic in Milwaukee, making it the ideal spot for filming. "Transformers" fans may recognize it as Dylan Gould’s (Patrick Dempsey) office, while "American Idol" enthusiasts know that auditions for the 10th season took place in the museum, with Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and Randy Jackson judging local hopefuls.

“Public Enemies”

Milwaukee County Historical Society

The beautiful Milwaukee County Historical Society Museum on Old World Third Street was originally a bank in the early 1900s, making it the perfect set for a bank robbery scene in the John Dillinger film starring Johnny Depp. Step inside the historic vault on your visit to the museum.

“Laverne & Shirley”

Milwaukee City Hall (200 E. Wells St.)

Shlemiel! Schlemazel! Fans of this iconic 1970s show can not only sing along to the theme song but will recognize Milwaukee City Hall from the opening credits. While the show was based in Milwaukee, much of it wasn’t filmed here – apart from our iconic city hall. For a little more Laverne & Shirley, head to Lakefront Brewery, which now owns the bottling line from the fictional Shotz Brewery.

Happy Days are here again...

The Bronze Fonz

Don't forget to say "ayyy" to one of Milwaukee's most famous fictional residents! Known by locals as the Bronze Fonz, this life-size statue of Arthur Fonzarelli from "Happy Days" is a popular photo opp for downtown visitors.

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