12 Wisconsin Burger Spots That Serve Juicy Tradition On Every Bun
Wisconsin knows its way around a burger. You’ll find thick, juicy patties cooked perfectly, toppings that actually taste fresh, and buns that stay together no matter how big the bite.
These are the places locals keep going back to, the ones that feel like a reliable spot for a satisfying meal. They’re not the restaurants you hear about on every list, which makes stumbling across one feel like hitting a jackpot.
If you’re in Wisconsin and craving a burger that actually delivers, it’s worth checking out some of these longtime favorites.
1. Solly’s Grille, Glendale
Walking into this place feels like stepping back in time. The counter seats fill up fast during lunch, and the smell of butter hitting the griddle makes your mouth water.
They created the butter burger here back in the 1930s, and the recipe hasn’t changed much since then. A thick pat of butter melts right into the meat while it cooks, making every bite rich and satisfying.
The buns get toasted on the same griddle, soaking up all that flavor. People drive from all over the state just to taste this original version.
2. Kopp’s Frozen Custard, Milwaukee
Most folks know this spot for the custard, but their burgers deserve just as much attention. Fresh beef gets ground daily, and you can taste the difference right away.
The menu keeps things simple with classic toppings that let the meat shine through. Cheese melts perfectly over the patty, and the vegetables stay crisp and cold.
After you finish your burger, that frozen custard makes the perfect ending to your meal. Three locations around Milwaukee mean you’re never too far from a good lunch.
3. Kroll’s East, Green Bay
Green Bay runs on football and burgers, and this place delivers both. The walls are covered with Packers memorabilia, and the crowd gets loud on game days.
Their burgers come thick and juicy, cooked to order on a flat top grill. You can hear the sizzle from across the room. The cheese options include Wisconsin favorites, and they pile on the toppings without charging extra.
Locals have been coming here since 1936, making it a true community gathering spot. Service stays friendly even when the place gets packed.
4. Sobelman’s Pub & Grill, Milwaukee
This place takes burgers to another level with crazy combinations that somehow work perfectly together. The portions are massive, so come hungry or plan to share.
Fresh ingredients get piled high on quality beef patties that never taste dry or overcooked. Creative toppings include things you wouldn’t normally think of, but the flavors balance out nicely. The atmosphere stays casual and fun, with plenty of space for groups.
Weekend brunch burgers draw big crowds, so expect a wait during peak hours. Every visit feels like a celebration.
5. Oscar’s Pub & Grill, Milwaukee
Neighborhood spots like this one keep Milwaukee’s food traditions alive. The regulars know everyone by name, and newcomers get welcomed like old friends.
Their burgers stick to the basics but do everything right. The meat gets seasoned well, cooked evenly, and served hot. Fresh buns hold up to the juices without getting soggy. You won’t find fancy ingredients here, just honest cooking that hits the spot every time.
The prices stay reasonable, making it easy to bring the whole family for dinner. Simple done well beats complicated any day.
6. Nite Owl Drive-In, Milwaukee
Some places never go out of style, and this drive-in proves it. Cars still pull up to order, and the food comes out on trays that hook onto your window.
The burgers taste like summer nights from decades past, with thin patties that get crispy edges and plenty of melted cheese. Everything gets made to order, so you might wait a few minutes, but it’s worth it.
The onion rings make a perfect side, and the shakes are thick enough to need a spoon. Open late into the night, this spot feeds hungry people long after other restaurants close.
7. Al’s Hamburger Shop, Green Bay
You could walk right past this tiny place if you weren’t looking for it. Inside, just a handful of stools line the counter where burgers get cooked right in front of you.
The menu stays short because they focus on doing one thing perfectly. Small patties get smashed on the griddle with a pile of grilled onions that caramelize into sweet, savory goodness.
The smell alone makes you want to order three or four at once. No frills, no fuss, just a burger that tastes exactly like it should. Cash only, so stop at the ATM first.
8. Mihm’s Charcoal Grill, Menasha
Charcoal grilling gives burgers a smoky flavor that gas grills just can’t match. This family-run spot has been cooking over real charcoal for generations, and you taste it in every bite.
The meat gets that perfect char on the outside while staying juicy inside. Cheese melts from the heat of the patty, not a microwave. Fresh vegetables and homemade sauces complete each burger without overwhelming the main attraction.
The dining room feels comfortable and relaxed, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. Real charcoal makes real flavor happen.
9. The Old Fashioned, Madison
Madison’s Capitol Square has plenty of restaurants, but this one celebrates Wisconsin ingredients better than most. Local beef and cheese make their burgers taste distinctly regional.
The patties come thick and cooked to your preference, topped with cheese from nearby farms. Everything from the pickles to the buns gets sourced as locally as possible. The atmosphere captures old Wisconsin charm with wooden booths and vintage decorations covering the walls.
Tourists and locals both pack the place, especially during weekends. Getting a table might take some patience, but the burger makes the wait worthwhile.
10. Kewpee Sandwich Shop, Racine
This little shop has been flipping burgers since 1927, making it one of Wisconsin’s oldest continuously operating burger joints. The building itself looks like a postcard from another era.
Their burgers come smaller than modern monsters, but the flavor packs a punch. Thin patties get cooked fast and hot, creating crispy edges that crunch with every bite. Simple toppings include pickles, onions, and a special sauce that keeps people guessing about the recipe.
Counter seating puts you right next to the action where you can watch your meal being prepared. History tastes delicious here.
11. Wedl’s Hamburger Stand & Ice Cream Parlor, Jefferson
Small towns often hide the best food, and Jefferson’s burger stand proves that rule. This family business has served the community for decades, one burger at a time.
The burgers taste homemade because they are, with recipes passed down through generations. Fresh ground beef gets formed into patties each morning, and the cooking stays consistent meal after meal.
After your burger, the ice cream parlor side offers dozens of flavors to cool you down. Picnic tables outside provide a perfect spot to enjoy your food on warm days. Simple pleasures matter most sometimes.
12. Pete’s Hamburger Stand, Prairie du Chien
Down by the Mississippi River, this burger stand has fed travelers and locals since 1909. The building barely changed over the decades, keeping that authentic roadside charm alive.
Their burgers stay true to the original recipe, with thin patties that cook quickly and taste just right. Cheese, pickles, and onions make up the classic combination that never gets old. The prices remind you of simpler times when good food didn’t cost a fortune.
Stop here on your way through town, and you’ll understand why some places become legends. Over a century of burgers speaks for itself.