6 Wisconsin Cheese Shops That Double As Restaurants Worth The Trip
Wisconsin’s cheese culture runs deeper than the Great Lakes, shaping the state’s identity and fueling its well-earned title as America’s Dairyland.
As a lifelong cheese enthusiast and frequent traveler through the region, I’ve discovered that the true magic lies in places where shopping and dining blend into one delicious experience.
These unique cheese shop–restaurant combos invite you to sample wheels, wedges, and curds crafted by local artisans, then sit down for a meal that transforms those very flavors into creative, mouthwatering dishes. From gooey comfort food to inventive pairings, they deliver unforgettable bites of Wisconsin’s proudest and most beloved tradition.
1. Baumgartner’s Cheese Store & Tavern: A Limburger Legacy
My first visit to Baumgartner’s nearly knocked me off my feet – literally! The legendary aroma of their famous Limburger sandwich announced itself before I even opened the door. Since 1931, this Monroe landmark has been Wisconsin’s oldest cheese store, with a tavern side that feels like stepping into a time capsule.
The ceiling plastered with dollar bills tells stories of generations who’ve gathered here. I watched locals cheerfully debate the merits of brick versus cheddar while munching on simple, perfect sandwiches.
Their signature Limburger comes with raw onion and brown mustard on rye – a combination so authentic they suggest eating it outside if you’re a first-timer! Trust me, conquering this sandwich earns you honorary Wisconsinite status.
2. LaClare Creamery Cheese Shoppe & Café: Farm-Fresh Flavors
The moment I stepped onto LaClare Creamery’s property, I knew this wasn’t just another cheese stop. Friendly goats greeted me from their pasture – the very animals producing milk for the award-winning cheeses I’d soon be enjoying!
Located in Malone, this family-run operation combines a spectacular cheese shop with a sunny café where farm-to-table isn’t just a catchphrase. Their goat cheese salad changed my understanding of what fresh really means.
After touring the production facility (you can watch cheese being made through viewing windows!), I settled into their café for a grilled cheese that featured their Chandoka – a cow-goat milk blend that melts like a dream. Don’t leave without trying their goat milk gelato for dessert!
3. West Allis Cheese & Sausage Shoppe: Urban Cheese Paradise
“You haven’t really had breakfast until you’ve had it at West Allis,” my Milwaukee friend insisted one foggy morning. Boy, was she right! This beloved institution operates two locations – the original in West Allis and a bustling spot in Milwaukee Public Market.
While cheese cases tempt with over 300 varieties, the café portion serves what might be Wisconsin’s most cheese-centric breakfast. Their cheese skirt breakfast sandwich features a crispy-edged cheese blanket wrapped around eggs and meat that still visits my dreams.
Families pack the place weekends, with kids pressing noses against glass cases while parents debate between cheese curds and spreads. Pro tip: their grilled three-cheese sandwich uses the day’s freshest picks, making each visit a new adventure!
4. Mars Cheese Castle: Roadside Royalty
The medieval turrets rising beside Interstate 94 near Kenosha have beckoned cheese-hungry travelers since 1947. Mars Cheese Castle isn’t subtle – and that’s exactly why I love it! This cheese wonderland combines kitsch and quality in equal measure.
Beyond the drawbridge-style entrance, I discovered a sprawling cheese kingdom where sampling is encouraged and Wisconsin pride runs deep. The deli counter transforms their impressive cheese selection into hot, melty creations worth pulling off the highway for.
Their bratwurst topped with aged cheddar sauce pairs perfectly with local craft beers in the taproom. While tourists snap photos of the castle exterior, savvy visitors know the real treasure lies in grabbing a window seat, watching travelers come and go while biting into a grilled specialty that could only exist in Wisconsin.
5. New Auburn Cheese Company: Small-Town Cheese Charm
Stumbling upon New Auburn Cheese Company during a backroads adventure through Chippewa County felt like discovering a secret Wisconsin treasure. This unassuming spot in a town of barely 500 people packs big flavor into every corner!
Morning sunlight streams through windows as farmers and locals catch up over coffee and massive breakfast skillets topped with cheese made just miles away. The owners greet regulars by name while slicing samples from wheels they’ve personally selected from nearby dairies.
I couldn’t resist their signature Northwoods Breakfast – eggs scrambled with their maple-smoked cheddar and local sausage. The cafe’s walls feature black-and-white photos of dairy farms that have supplied them for generations, reminding you that in Wisconsin, cheese isn’t just food – it’s heritage.
6. Mousehouse Cheesehaus: Quirky Cheese Adventure
“Look for the giant mouse!” were my friend’s directions to Mousehouse Cheesehaus, and sure enough, a massive rodent statue welcomed me to this whimsical spot just off the highway in Windsor. Inside, cheese-themed everything – from mouse-shaped cutting boards to cheesy pun t-shirts – surrounds serious wheels of award-winning Wisconsin cheese.
The café portion feels like your favorite aunt’s kitchen, with mismatched chairs and handwritten specials. Their grilled cheese flight lets you sample three different combinations, each showcasing a different Wisconsin cheesemaker’s pride and joy.
Families love the mouse-themed kids’ menu, while cheese connoisseurs appreciate the knowledgeable staff who can explain the difference between 2-year and 10-year cheddar. Don’t miss their cheese soup – a velvety bowl of comfort topped with freshly popped popcorn, a quirky Wisconsin tradition!