Wisconsinites Can’t Stop Talking About The Legendary Butter Burgers At This Local Spot
I still remember the first time someone told me about a burger with butter on it. My face probably said it all: confusion mixed with curiosity. But then I tried one at Solly’s Grille in Glendale, Wisconsin, and everything made sense.
This little counter spot has been slinging butter burgers since 1936, and Wisconsinites treat it like a state secret they can’t help but share.
Once you taste that melted creamery butter soaking into a toasted bun, you understand why people drive across town just to grab a stool.
A butter-kissed legend locals guard like family
Meet Solly’s Grille in Glendale, just north of Milwaukee. The counter dates back to 1936, when Kenneth Solly Salmon opened Solly’s Coffee Shop and started serving burgers crowned with real Wisconsin butter.
Today, the family stewardship and the ritual of butter on a hot bun still define the experience.
Locals talk about this place with the kind of pride usually reserved for heirloom recipes. The space has barely changed, and neither has the devotion of the regulars who fill those stools.
You can feel the history in every bite, and that sense of continuity is what keeps people coming back year after year.
Where to find the counter
Pull up to 4629 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale, WI. It is a small, unpretentious room with a short counter and stools, the kind of spot you aim for on purpose and keep to yourself after. Phone: 414-332-8808.
The building does not scream for attention, and that is exactly the point. You have to know where you are going, and once you find it, you feel like you are in on something special.
The modest exterior hides one of the best burger experiences in the state, and the locals would not have it any other way.
What makes a Solly’s butter burger
Patties are 100% sirloin, never frozen, seared on a hot griddle, topped with stewed onions, then finished with a generous pat of Wisconsin creamery butter that melts into the bun.
Order the Original Solly Butter Burger or go Double if you are feeling bold.
The butter is not a gimmick. It seeps into every corner of the bun, adding richness without overwhelming the beef.
That combination of savory sirloin, sweet onions, and creamy butter creates a flavor profile you will not find anywhere else. Simple ingredients, executed perfectly.
Born in 1936, still true to itself
Solly’s began as a humble coffee shop and evolved into the city’s butter-burger standard. The through-line is simple: local ingredients, a tight menu, and a counter crew that has repeated the same moves for generations.
I love places that resist the urge to expand or reinvent themselves. Solly’s has stuck to what works, and that consistency is rare.
The menu has not ballooned, the decor has not been overhauled, and the focus remains on doing one thing exceptionally well. That kind of discipline is what builds a legacy.
Recognized as an American classic
In 2022, the James Beard Foundation named Solly’s Grille an America’s Classics winner, a nod to places that anchor their communities with timeless food. Locals took it as confirmation of what they already knew.
The award brought national attention, but it did not change the vibe inside. Regulars still claim their favorite stools, and the crew still works with the same rhythm.
Recognition like this matters because it shines a light on the kind of authentic, community-driven spots that deserve to be celebrated. Solly’s earned it.
How to order like a regular
Scan the board, say Original with onions, and let the crew work. Fries or rings on the side keep things classic. If the counter is full, hang tight; the room is compact and the butter is worth the wait.
There is no need to overthink your order here. The menu is straightforward, and the staff knows what they are doing. I always go for the onions because they add a touch of sweetness that balances the richness of the butter.
Patience pays off when you are waiting for a stool, trust me on that.
What to expect inside
Solly’s is tiny and lively. That intimacy is part of the charm, and yes, it means peak times can feel like a reunion at the stools. The scale has not changed much, even after national attention.
You will hear conversations overlap, smell the butter sizzling on the griddle, and probably bump elbows with your neighbor. Some people might find it cramped, but I think it adds to the experience.
The small space forces you to slow down and be present, which is a nice change of pace in a world that moves too fast.
Quick facts for your visit
Name: Solly’s Grille. Address: 4629 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale, WI. Phone: 414-332-8808. Pro tip: Check the restaurant’s site or feed for current hours before you go.
Planning ahead saves you a wasted trip, especially since Solly’s keeps a tight schedule. I learned that the hard way once when I showed up on a day they were closed.
Now I always double-check before I head out. A little prep work ensures you get your butter burger fix without any surprises.