6 Wisconsin Burger Chains That Locals Say Make Any Road Trip Worth It
Wisconsin isn’t just about cheese curds and drink—this state takes its burgers seriously too.
I’ve spent countless road trips crisscrossing the Badger State, and I can tell you that the burger chains here are worth planning your entire route around.
Whether you’re craving a classic butter-soaked patty or a jumbo burger with all the fixings, Wisconsin’s got you covered with local spots that’ll make you forget about those boring national chains.
1. Culver’s
Born and raised in Sauk City back in 1984, Culver’s has become the pride of Wisconsin with hundreds of locations spreading across the Midwest like butter on a hot bun. The secret? Their ButterBurgers are literally what the name promises—lightly buttered, toasted buns hugging fresh, never-frozen beef patties that sizzle with flavor.
Last summer, I dragged my skeptical cousin to one after she claimed “it’s just another fast-food joint.” One bite of that ButterBurger and she was planning our next Culver’s stop before we even left the parking lot. The frozen custard is the cherry on top—or should I say, the custard on the cone?
Locals know to check the Flavor of the Day board because missing out on those rotating custard flavors is basically a Wisconsin crime.
2. Kopp’s Frozen Custard
Milwaukee’s worst-kept secret since 1950, Kopp’s serves jumbo burgers that make your jaw drop before it even opens wide enough to take a bite. With just a few locations scattered around the Milwaukee area, this place proves that bigger is definitely better when it comes to burger construction.
The patties are massive, the toppings are generous, and the frozen custard is so creamy it should probably be illegal. I once watched a guy try to finish a double jumbo burger in one sitting—spoiler alert: the burger won that battle.
What makes Kopp’s special isn’t just the size; it’s the quality that matches the quantity. The lines can get long, especially on summer evenings, but trust me when I say it’s worth every minute of waiting.
3. Solly’s Grille
Glendale’s legendary Solly’s Grille has been slinging butter burgers since 1936, and locals will fight you if you claim anyone else invented them first. This isn’t technically a big chain, but its reputation spreads faster than melted butter on a griddle.
Walking into Solly’s feels like stepping into your grandpa’s favorite diner—if your grandpa had impeccable taste in burgers, that is. They don’t mess around with fancy toppings or complicated recipes; just pure, buttery beef perfection that’s been perfected over nearly 90 years. My first Solly’s experience ruined me for regular burgers forever.
The butter literally pools on top of the patty, soaking into every nook and cranny of that soft bun. It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely glorious.
4. Badger Burger Company
Southeastern Wisconsin’s hidden gem, Badger Burger Company brings a fresh twist to the local burger scene with creative combinations that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. They’ve carved out a loyal following despite not having locations on every corner.
What sets them apart is their commitment to local ingredients and inventive flavor profiles that go beyond the typical ketchup-and-mustard routine. I tried their specialty burger with caramelized onions and Wisconsin cheese (obviously), and it was like a flavor explosion in my mouth—in the best possible way.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, perfect for families or friends grabbing a quick bite between adventures. Their burgers strike that sweet spot between gourmet and comfort food, making them a must-stop on any southeastern Wisconsin road trip.
5. Milwaukee Burger Company
Milwaukee’s own burger champion, this local favorite has built a rock-solid reputation by doing one thing exceptionally well—crafting seriously good burgers that keep people coming back for more. The city-specific vibe makes it feel like Milwaukee’s best-kept culinary secret.
Their menu reads like a love letter to burger enthusiasts, with options ranging from classic simplicity to bold flavor adventures. I appreciate how they source quality ingredients without being pretentious about it—just honest, delicious food served with Milwaukee pride.
The portions are generous without being ridiculous, and the atmosphere captures that perfect Milwaukee blend of friendly and unpretentious. Next time you’re cruising through Brew City, skip the tourist traps and head straight here for a burger experience that locals actually recommend.
6. Pete’s Hamburgers
Operating seasonally in Prairie du Chien for over 115 years, Pete’s Hamburgers is basically Wisconsin burger royalty wrapped in humble, old-school charm. This isn’t your year-round convenience stop—it’s a summer tradition that generations of families have built memories around.
The fact that Pete’s only operates part of the year makes every burger taste even more special, like catching fireflies in a jar—you know it won’t last forever, so you savor every moment. Their simple approach proves that sometimes the oldest recipes are still the best ones.
I make it a point to stop by every summer, and the nostalgic atmosphere alone is worth the trip. When a place survives for more than a century, you know they’re doing something incredibly right with those patties.