Milwaukee’s food scene is a rich cultural melting pot, blending diverse cuisines with locally inspired flavors. This unique culinary crossroads has hungry visitors coming back time and again to explore even more.
Bloody Mary
No longer just a brunchtime drink, in Milwaukee, bloody marys have become a full meal in a glass. Well, on top of a glass, to be exact. These spicy concoctions are now more famous for what’s on top of them than what’s in them. You’ll find everything from crab claws and hamburger sliders to whole rotisserie chickens stacked over this rich, red, tangy drink.
MVPs : Buckley's, Café Benelux, Explorium Brewpub, St. Paul Fish Company, Sobelman’s Pub and Grill, Steny's Tavern, Who's on Third
Bratwurst
Commonly referred to as “brats,” this juicy tailgate staple is rocking grills in the parking lots of American Family Field and backyard barbecues across the country. Brats also grace the menus of several restaurants across the city, best served with hearty mustard, diced onions and sauerkraut for the traditionalists.
MVPs : Bavarian Bierhaus, Usingers, Vanguard, Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee Brat House, Estabrook Park Beer Garden, American Family Field
Custard
There are more custard shops per mile in the Greater Milwaukee area than in any other place in the world. The richer, creamier cousin of ice cream, custard is a Cream City staple on a sunny summer day and even a chilly winter's eve. The secret of this sweet treat is the addition of egg yolks, giving custard a smooth texture. You can get it in just about any flavor you can imagine.
MVPs : Fred's Frozen Custard & Grill, Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Dairyland Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard & Hamburgers
Cheese Curds
These little nuggets of dairy goodness appear all over the city. Cheese curds can be served fresh and squeaky or fried and gooey. No matter how you like ‘em, they don’t last long.
MVPs : Buckatabon, Black Sheep, Lakefront Brewery, Wisconsin Cheese Mart, Pepperpot, Vagabond
Fish Fry
It’s not Friday night in Milwaukee without a classic supper club tradition: the fish fry. A meal usually includes thick fillets of cod or perch deep fried to a golden brown, accompanied by sides like fries and coleslaw. The debate on whether to add lemon or tartar sauce still rages on.
MVPs : Packing House, Kegel’s Inn, Bavarian Bierhaus, Hubbard Park Lodge, Lakefront Brewery
