There are always certain foods that trigger a location when you hear them. Think: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza, Philly Cheesesteak, Maine Lobster. But consider this…you find yourself in Milwaukee and are now at a loss for what to eat. Don’t worry, I have exactly what you need! Check out this list of my 7 must-eat foods in Milwaukee.
Warning for Milwaukee natives: the following list may cause your mouth to water uncontrollably and give you chills of euphoria. If you’re wondering what foods to eat in Milwaukee, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Introduction: Dairy All Day
Wisconsin is known as the Dairy State and I think Milwaukee is determined to make sure it never loses that title. Throughout the city, you will find many specialty items with the main focus of…you guessed it…some type of dairy. You’ll see that dairy comes in more forms than you ever expected and that Wisconsinites will eat cheese in every way possible (fresh, fried, etc).
Custard > Ice Cream
There are tons of famous frozen custard spots in Milwaukee, making it land first on our must eat foods in Milwaukee! Locals will be ready to fight anyone who thinks ice cream and custard are the same thing. They are VERY different! Let me break it down.
Custard actually includes pasteurized egg yolk, which allows it to have a much creamier consistency than ice cream. In fact, Milwaukee has the largest concentration of frozen custard shops in the world! These shops typically have a standard set of flavors along with a rotational “Flavor of the Day.”
I recommend:
- Leon’s – This popular drive-in hasn’t changed much since it opened in 1942.
- Gille’s – Gille’s is Milwaukee’s oldest custard shop, operating since 1938. They offer a large variety of menu items in addition to custard.
- Kopp’s – With several locations in the Milwaukee area, Kopp’s is popular for both custard and its jumbo-burgers.
JK, We Still Love Ice Cream
If custard doesn’t hit the spot for you or you don’t like the creamier texture (gasp!), don’t worry. There are still plenty of delicious ice cream spots. A very popular location is Purple Door Ice Cream right downtown. This ice cream spot has over 200 unique flavors. Some interesting flavors include: Beer and Pretzel, Hot Toddy, and State Fair Cream Puff. On a summer day be prepared to wait in a line along the block.
Cheese Curds Galore
Another one of my must-eat foods in Milwaukee are the glorious cheese curds. They are bits of curdled milk that formed in the process of making cheese. That description makes them sound gross, but I promise they are DELISH. In their original form, they have a bit of a rubbery texture; locals joke “the squeakier, the better.” However, whoever thought of taking that form of it and then deep frying it deserves a culinary award.
While fried cheese curds may not be the healthiest, they are absolutely savory and satisfying. Many breweries and restaurants serve them as appetizers since they are the perfect comfort meal. However, for your quickest and easiest option be sure to order from Culver’s, a Wisconsin-originated fast food joint.
The Famous Wisconsin Cream Puff
Ah, the cream puff. A cream puff is two fluffy pastries with an enormous dollop of sweet, whipped cream stuffed between them with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Cream puffs are the star of the Wisconsin State Fair, an annual fair hosted in Milwaukee each summer.
Each year, over 400,000 cream puffs are consumed at the fair. Due to their popularity, many Milwaukee restaurants have added them as a dessert on their menus and are often found at local bakeries. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, they are much more rich and filling than they appear!
A Castle Dedicated to Cheese? Yes.
If you’ve driven on I-94 between Milwaukee and Chicago, you’ve definitely laid eyes upon the famous Mars Cheese Castle. Is it cheesy? Both literally and figuratively, yes. Since 1947, Mars Cheese Castle has been a one-stop-shop for cheese, beer, and sausage.
In 2009, the Castle underwent a major expansion and there is now an entire restaurant and deli inside. Come on in and try not to be overwhelmed by the enormous offering of cheese, beer, and everything “Wisconsin.” You’ll find anything from shot glasses to cheeseheads to kringle.
Beer + Cheese = Soup
Of course Wisconsinites found a way to combine their two favorite things: beer and cheese. Beer cheese soup is a bar favorite, especially in the fall and winter months. This hearty soup includes sharp cheddar cheese melted down, bacon bits, and (of course) beer. It’s thick and filling. The Milwaukee Brat House is a popular spot to grab a cup of soup and a brat.
Bratwurst
Speaking of bratwurst (aka brats)…what are they? A brat is a type of thick, German sausage typically made from pork. Given Milwaukee’s longstanding German history, they are a popular summer food to grill out and enjoy. One of the best places to grab a brat is American Family Stadium for a Brewers game. Try the corn brat (a bratwurst with a cornbread coating) or the bratzilla (a 6oz brat served with deep fried sauerkraut and a secret sauce).
Hopefully your visit to Milwaukee leaves you full and happy! While it may not be the healthiest list, these are definitely the must-eat foods in Milwaukee. Hope to see you back in MKE soon!
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